Encounter +mentorship

Victory’s Vision x 19

Victory’s Vision x 19

While I often hear about kingdom efforts magnified through CDN, I typically serve as a third-party anecdotal conduit, sharing stories of His goodness within our network once I receive alerts that new works are ready to be shared. However, as someone who was present for the Atlanta Encounter last month, I can first-hand attest to just how palpable God’s presence was during those 36 hours.

As is characteristic of most Encounters, Atlanta showcased the power of collective worship, prayer, and training, exceeding expectations. Hosted by our newfound partners at Victory Church and facilitated by CDN, 57 individuals gathered for an intensive 2-day experience. What set this apart from many inaugural Encounters was Victory Church’s pre-existing culture of establishing house churches throughout their region. On our way to the airport, Victory House Church’s Campus Pastor, Aaron Born, shared that CDN provided their missing piece. Prior to their discussions with CDN, they lacked the framework to solidify their visions and progress toward sustainable realities. Nevertheless, the ground was fertile and brimming with potential long before any of us arrived. God undoubtedly preceded us, paving the way in Georgia and beyond!

In total, 19 individuals were inspired to plant new churches or outreaches following the weekend. Lyndon Carr of Victory Church shared his reflections: “Victory Vida [Victory’s Spanish-speaking church] decided to host a Spanish training site in August. At least two couples from the Victory Vida group also aspire to plant churches. One couple within our group plans to relocate their RV to an RV park and initiate a house church in that community! Furthermore, one of our leaders in Quebec has devised a plan to establish a house church with his family in Canada! The house church planters in Jamaica have resolved to establish a house church in Guava Walk, an area teeming with potential for spreading the gospel!”

If you think there’s a lot going on there, that’s precisely what characterized the entire weekend! Each session led to revelatory moments yearning for someone to respond in obedience. God could not have made the pathways clearer if He tried! The vision of an individual from one country on one side of the room resonated with the aspirations of another from an entirely different country on the opposite side. This realization sparked further affirmation, resulting in 36 hours of interconnected chain reactions that only our remarkable Father could orchestrate so seamlessly.

When ordinary people encounter Jesus, extraordinary visions are born for spreading the gospel! If one weekend could catalyze 19 new church plants & gospel-spreading ministries, where might God be leading you to step out further?!

Will you join us in prayer for the laborers, resources, and open doors necessary to witness this vision come to fruition? Victory Vida also seeks support as they prepare to host the first Spanish-language Encounter weekend.

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A Whirlwind Weekend: Twin Encounters in PA, USA

During the last weekend of January 2024, God orchestrated divine appointments as two Encounter retreats convened simultaneously in Pennsylvania —one at Open Arms Church in Bradford, led by Zoe Hatche, Rich Dennison and Dan Robinson; and one at Wallenpaupack Church in Lakeville, led by Pastor Ken Platt along with Helen Kelly and Joe Krajacic. Though separated geographically, these communities found themselves spiritually united.

In Bradford, hungry for a breakthrough, 15 eager participants joined Zoe and her team. As the standout moment, during a defining moment of surrender, the fallow ground of participant Phil’s heart broke open as two local ministerial candidates prayed over him. With Spirit-led words affirming his identity as a “weeping prophet,” he was exceedingly encouraged and knows that although he doesn’t have all the answers yet, he is indeed being called and he is responding with a resounding, “Yes!”  Moreover, while only one church plant sprouted that weekend, many gained confidence for the works already emerging through them.

Simultaneously in Lakeville, the Holy Spirit fueled similar yearnings for greater Gospel impact through Wallenpaupack Church. Another fifteen participants, equally yearning to exchange plateau for acceleration, attended this second Encounter of the weekend.

During a previous Wallenpaupack Church Encounter, Greentown Family Church was conceived in heaven. This time, lead planters, John and Jess LaBelle, returned – six months into their new work – joined by several friends and family members eager to reach the families of Greentown, PA with them for Christ.

God deposited fresh vision into others from Wallenpaupack Church as well: Johnna felt a nudge for “Summit Trails Church” – an outdoor, hiking congregation doing mobile Discovery Bible Studies along park trails! Emily sensed the need to identify a strategically located building near her gated community where she could begin to gather His people, and another felt led to launch a smaller, more intimate house church. Lastly, Gary began unpacking a deep-seated call to build reentry ramps through prison ministry. FOUR ministries and churches from ONE Encounter!

Additionally, Momentum Church, launched in 2022 from Wallenpaupack Church, brought new guests. Several there see needs among homeschool families that God may be prompting them to reach. Stay tuned on that one!

Despite separate locales, these twin Encounter havens became springboards for Kingdom increase, relentlessly building disciples and planting new churches. Amen?! Amen.

So, what’s next?

For Open Arms, please pray for an exciting opportunity that the ministry is considering for their future. At Wallenpaupack, Pastor Ken faces mentoring an influx of new planters and churches on top of their own building expansion goals.

Both desire prayer and support to steward these new works faithfully and break through barriers to see the Great Commission advanced. Their next Encounter weekends are slated for July 2024.

Will you join in praying for these churches during this critical season of birthing new ministries? May we all say “yes” as God stirs new callings in each of us for Kingdom growth!

Fun fact!

During this last weekend in January there were also Encounters elsewhere in PA and on the other side of the pond in the United Kingdom!

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Kingdom Multiplication through Kenyan Encounter!

The inaugural gathering in Nairobi was nothing short of electrifying. An enthusiastic group of planters, ignited by a dynamic Encounter Weekend, converged with a shared determination to amplify the impact of the gospel. From December 14-16, CDN trainers Ebenezer, Zoe, Ruth, and Adiel spearheaded this transformative mission, leaving an indelible mark on attendees hailing from various denominations and roles.

God worked through the contagious passion of these trainers, inspiring participants ranging from bishops to evangelists to teachers. The ripple effect extended across borders, touching lives in Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, and Tanzania. Ruth recalled the hunger for Swahili multiplication resources. The Kimotho’s, a local pastoral couple, and fellow teacher, Evalyn Kimani, all offered their translation skills. Encounter Guidebook are now available as a result! Esther Kufuru now leads CDN’s Launchpad in Swahili.

The vision didn’t stop there. Equipped with DBS cards, FMC Superintendent Yesse carried the torch back to Tanzania, ready to empower future evangelists. Despite lingering language differences, 53 leaders emerged from the experience united under one mission: catalyzing 15 training centers in 2024, serving as launching pads for grassroots church movements.

The Holy Spirit’s momentum was unmistakable as relationships blossomed across regions. This newfound synergy and expansive vision emerged as a testament to divine intervention. As Ebenezer reflected, “The Lord was with me through all challenges. CDN talks about ‘let it rain’—which is precisely what God did!”

In the midst of diverse languages and backgrounds, a harmonious mission emerged. Only God could orchestrate such sudden unity, turning a gathering in Nairobi into the epicenter of a movement. The seeds planted during those days are destined to yield a bountiful harvest in the coming years. As we celebrate the unity and momentum generated in Nairobi, let’s take this spirit of collaboration and extend it beyond borders. Join us in prayer for the continued success of the 15 training centers slated for 2024.

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