A Call to Fast and Pray
A call to fast and pray: The 4/14 Window Global Summit facilitators and steering committee members call on the body of Christ to set assign the 4th and 14th day of each month to fast and pray for the raising up of a new generation from the 4/14 Window to transform the world. Will you join us as we focus on the person of Christ?
This month, pray specifically:
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That all in key roles with the Transform World 4/14 Window Initiative would personally experience the Lord Jesus Christ
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That we grow in fellowship with one another as we experience fellowship with God - a genuine communion and fellowship with the eternal God.
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4/14 Window: Mission for Today -- Luis Bush
The vision Raise up a New Generation from the 4/14 Window is not only a mission for tomorrow. It's a mission for today. It is time to reprioritize and redirect our energies at the youth of nations. A great opportunity exists to mobilize and develop a new generation of Christ-followers, especially those from ages 4 to 14. This is the 4/14 Window -- mission for today
On the continent of Africa, in the country of Burundi, President Nkurunziza has realized this need. When we met on February 8, 2008, I asked him: "What is your vision for Burundi?" He answered: "To transform the nation." In sharing his road map for the transformation of Burundi, he emphasized building schools where a biblical worldview would be taught, beginning at the primary level. This coming week from July 2-5, a national 4/14 Window Summit is being held with the theme Raise up a New Generation from the 4/14 Window to Transform Burundi. This is a vision for today -- not only in Africa but also in Asia and the other regions of the world.
In the past 18 months, at the initiative of CarNetNepal, four 4/14 conferences were organized in different parts of the country, including Kathmandu, with the themes "It is better to build children than to repair adults" and "Proclaiming the Priority of Ministry to children ages 4 to14."
Dhan Raj Ghimire, Nepal National Coordinator, reports: "Many people who participated in the conferences said that these kinds of conferences are needed in different villages to make people aware of the children ages 4 to14 and work according to it. They realized the importance of the children and made action plans in their churches to reach these children and to disciple them."
Raising up a New Generation from the 4/14 Window to Transform -- it's a mission for today.
Luis Bush
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The Opportunity: The Intersection of the 10/40 and 4/14 Windows
The 10/40 Window represents the primary geographic challenge to the church of the 21st
Century in that it is the geographical location in which each of five key challenges are indisputably and significantly more prominent.
Sixteen years into a worldwide mission emphasis on the 10/40 Window, there are encouraging indicators that this has been a highly responsive region to the gospel. The annual growth rate of Christ followers inside the 10/40 Window was almost twice that of those outside the Window.
Christ followers in the nations of the 10/40 Window increased from 2.5% of the population in 1990 to 4.7% in 2005. The general population grew at only 1.5% annually, while the population of Christ followers grew at an amazing 5.4% per year!
Correlate these statistics with the fact that almost 70% of the world's 4-to-14 year olds live in the 10/40 Window and we can see the intersection of the 10/40 and 4/14 Windows. The 10/40 Window is the geographical area with the greatest need and opportunity. The 4/14 Window is the demographic group that is the most open and receptive to every form of spiritual and developmental input.
The compelling conclusion is that our missional efforts should be refocused on the 4/14 within the 10/40. We should be targeting the most receptive persons in the most responsive areas. In so doing we are also recognizing the importance of children and youth in God's work of transforming the world.
Jesus warned His disciples, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea" (Matthew 18:1-6 NIV).
Have we really listened to this teaching about the place of children in the kingdom of God? It contains three truths: First, children model the essence of saving faith and discipleship in how they humbly repent and trust in the God of salvation. Second, to "welcome' a child"-that is, to accept, love, value and respect a child-is to welcome Christ Himself! Finally, as Jesus made very clear, whoever neglects, abuses, hinders or turns away a child from faith will face God's severe judgment.
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The Challenge: Reaching 4/14ers with the Gospel for Spiritual Transformation
Most people who make a decision to follow Christ will do so before their 15th birthday. In the U.S. nearly 85% of those who make this decision do so between the ages of 4 and 14. During the 20th Century, this age group was the single largest source of new believers for the American church.
In his book Transforming Your Children into Spiritual Champions, George Barna presents the results of three years of research that confirm the timeless principle from the wisdom literature: "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6 ESV).
Barna's research verifies that a person's life-long behaviors and beliefs are generally developed during childhood and early adolescence. In the case of the overwhelming majority of us, most of our moral and spiritual foundations are in place by age nine. Fundamental perspectives on truth, integrity, meaning, justice, morality and ethics are formed at this early stage.
In the 4/14 age group we also see the natural confluence of evangelism and discipleship. Barna observes, "By the age of 13, one's spiritual identity is largely set in place." If we can reach children and youth and disciple them when their life perspectives and worldviews are being shaped, we will set them firmly on a rock that cannot be easily moved.
These statistics reveal a vast spiritual harvest waiting to be reaped. For too long the ministries of most churches, Christian organizations and mission agencies have focused primarily on adults, with fewer personnel, minimal funds and limited creativity devoted to children and adolescents. In no way should we abandon the outreach to any age group, but the call of the 4/14 initiative is clear: We must prioritize our efforts to reach the world's largest, most receptive and most moldable group-the 4/14ers.
However, just because children tend to be receptive to the gospel does not mean that we can be carefree in how we approach them or their parents. Indeed, that heightened receptivity should cause us to be even more cautious and discerning, for the possibility of exploitation or abuse is also heightened.
Admittedly, focusing on the 4/14ers is a challenge more easily met in some nations than in others. Cross-cultural missionaries must study the cultures and the contexts of the adult peoples to whom they minister. The same applies to those who would do "mission work" among children. When ministering to them, the servant of Christ must be wise, sensitive, cautious, discerning and holistic in reaching out to those in non-Christian settings.
In 2008, the Global Children's Forum (GCF) was formed. The GCF is a partnership of children's ministry agencies operating on a regional or global basis. Its focus is on the strategic need for evangelism and discipleship among the world's two billion children. Its goal is to ensure that every child in is given the opportunity to know who Jesus is, what He offers and how to know Him personally.
Spiritual Transformation Brings Community Transformation: God at Work through His People
The heart of transformation is the transformation of the heart. The central need is spiritual in nature. This is clear from God's Word where He reveals His perfect plan to reverse the effects of the fall on His creation. Spiritual transformation does not only mean the forgiveness of sins; it encompasses all of life, recreated by God. The spiritual transformation of the individual through the power of the gospel therefore provides the platform upon which every sphere of society can be transformed.
Transformation does not mean behavior modification or a striving to "make the world a better place." Transformation entails a passionate seeking after God, submitting to His power and allowing Him to realign every facet of our lives according to His design and plan.
Although God desires to radically change each individual, there is also a communal component to transformation-the Body of Christ. This is a community of individuals who have been transformed by the gospel. The Body of Christ is the place where societal transformation begins and from which individuals emerge as agents of transformation in their various spheres of influence.
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Models of a Holistic Approach: The Bihar Floods and an Opportunity for the Gospel
Northern India represents one of the world's greatest spiritual challenges. It has been said that if India is at the core of the 10/40 Window, northern India is at the core of the core, and the state of Bihar is at the core of that core.
In August 2008 Bihar suffered one of the worst floods in its history. A breeched dam on the River Kosi in Nepal unleashed a devastating flood that inundated fifteen districts and swept away all in its path. The gushing waters from the dam were a 15 kilometers in width. Initial estimates were that 3.1 million people were affected. Tens of thousands died within hours.
NIEA (New India Evangelistic Association) linked with other regional ministries in a two-month project to meet the acute needs of over 20,000 people who were left homeless, without shelter, and paralyzed with fear. In addition to relief packets and medical treatment given to tens of thousands, the Agape Relief camp was established to minister to hundreds of displaced children. Over 500 victims stayed in the Agape Relief camp for about two months.
Every evening a team of boys and girls from children's' homes run by the ministry went to the camp to sing, pray and minister to the hurting community. Their songs and testimonies brought comfort, hope and joy as they sang of the love of Jesus the Savior and prayed for Him to heal the hurting community.
Later on in December 2008, a team of 20 pastors and children visited Bihar's flood-affected Madhepura district and discovered houses, shops and businesses that were devastated by the September deluge. One resident, Mr. Kumar, said, "We have lost all that we earned; when we returned our house was still in about three feet of water. We have to start from scratch...." The team arrived with the Jesus video, set up a portable screen and shared that "The Man of Nazareth" had come to Madhepura this cold Christmas season and that He offered them His love and hope.
A crowd of about 3,500 turned up to see the film and meet the members of the team. Hearts were touched, many wept when they saw Jesus heal the sick. Heads nodded as Jesus taught the crowds. They were amazed. Most poignantly, they looked in awe as Jesus calmed the raging waters. This Jesus was one who brought hope and who could even calm the churning seas!
At the close of the meeting about 90% of the crowd indicated that they wanted to give their lives to Jesus, and over 800 remained for prayer. The children and missionaries prayed for this new community of Christ followers who had welcomed Jesus into their hearts! In the following weeks, five churches were established in the community. Children have helped to address the spiritual needs of the area by ministering at church services and open air meetings. In the future, the ministry will focus on the rehabilitation of flood-affected children through the establishment of child-development programs and orphan homes for displaced children.
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Spotlight on Child Transformation: Via Education
Raising up a new generation is a multi-pronged approach. Leaders from multiple tracks are collaborating to find best practices and successful case studies and to pray and plan to develop a vision and 7-year strategy for reaching the next generation. In this issue, Education Track facilitator Don Fanning shares the vision and mission of the educational track.
The Education Track vision in a 7-year timeframe is: To begin a Transform World Process through research in the current status of global Christian Day-School Education along with the development of a core curriculum in English that focuses on the biblical and creationist worldview for adapting into various key language groups (Spanish, Portuguese, Hindi, and others), then develop a Teacher Training program to train 100,000 teachers in biblical worldview concepts and teaching techniques, while seeing one million 4/14 year olds accepting Christ and beginning to follow His teachings. There will be 2,000 new Christian Schools started that will utilize the adapted curriculum suggested, which will facilitate the establishing of 500 new churches and 100,000 families will begin to apply God's Word to their family relations and priorities, which will begin the global transformation process.
Mission Statement: The central purpose and role of the Educational Track is defined as: seeking to fulfill the Great Commission by making followers of Christ ("disciples") through effectively teaching the 4/14 Window population the skills of contemporary life from the perspective of the biblical worldview and the gospel truths in order to build a transformed life that reflects the character and honor of our Savior to raise up a new generation from the 4/14 Window to transform the world.
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Praise and Prayer Report
Praise Items
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We give thanks to the LORD for the fruitful and encouraging meetings held in the New York City area in June, as over 30 facilitators gathered to prepare for the 4/14 Window Initiative launch in September
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For the tremendous hospitality of our Korean brothers and sisters in New York as they hosted the Transform World 4/14 facilitation team and as they continue to share the 4/14 vision
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For the wonderful work God is already doing for and through the 4-14 age group and for the amazing opportunities we have to be part of such a move of God worldwide
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For the kids, their families, their churches, and those people and groups/organizations through which God is raising up a new generation to carry forward His glory and Great Commission purposes
Praise Items
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For journey of 4/14 Window Global Initiative Steering Committee chairman, Bambang Budijanto on ministry journey to SE Asia from June 28 to July 27
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For the significant event taking place in early July in Burundi, Africa and how God is using the President of that nation for transformation; for Frank Carmical during his trip to Burundi and as he continues his passionate work to share the 4/14 vision worldwide
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For the visas and travel finances for prospective and spiritual and ministry preparation for participants to the 4/14 Window Global Summit September 6 to 8, 2009
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For divine intervention for visa processes as people respond to attend the 4/14 New York meetings in early September
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That the LORD would give wisdom and connection as we gather information and contacts for the 4/14 Initiative; for His help in determining the best way for us to effectively and securely communicate among ourselves; that the Lord would help us in acquiring, storing, and sharing all the information and contacts needed for His 4/14 Window purposes
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That all of the leaders, facilitators, and participants serving with each of the tracks, task forces, or in other key roles with the Transform World 4/14 Window Initiative would personally experience the Lord Jesus Christ
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That we grow in fellowship with one another as we experience fellowship with God - a genuine communion and fellowship with the eternal God!
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For continued wisdom and clarity of mind as each 4/14 track leader fine tunes their 7-year strategic plan; and for grace and courage to put these plans into action
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That each leader and facilitator spends time praying for the "laborers" they are approaching as regional and national leaders for 4/14 activities
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For protection, good health, and blessing for each of us and for one another's marriages and extended families
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For wisdom from and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit for each facilitator as they recruit leaders from "Generation X" (ages 26-44) and "Generation Y" (ages 7-25)
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Announcements & News
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4/14 Global Initiative Booklet
The articles in the 4/14 newsletters are taken from the new booklet 4/14 Global Initiative: Raising Up a New Generation to Transform the World. To download a copy or to download a 2-page brochure visit http://4to14window.com
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4/14 Window Global Summit, New York, 6-8 September
Global leaders will be convening at this conference to consider the strategic importance and potential of youth in the 4/14 Window. For more information please go to http://4to14window.com
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Global Cities Initiative, NYC, 9-11 September
Leaders from 84 of the world's largest interconnected cities representing 4 groups of leaders: servant catalysts, marketplace leaders, emerging leaders / church planters, and intercessory prayer leaders, are invited to a global cities initiative in New York City 9-11 September. Between 300-500 leaders will sit down with one another and reflect on what God has done in the large cities of the world, what He is doing, and -- most importantly -- how we can work together towards accomplishing what He is planning to do. To learn more about the conference go to http://www.redeemer.com
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