Monday, January 23, 2012

Being ALL IN with the Thompsons (Part One)

Greetings from Tennessee!

I am at a boot camp for church planters this week, leaving my lovely ladies back in Ohio. I wanted to take a minute to post some updates.

We have begun shifting our gaze from Hospitals and Doctors to Columbus and Church Planting.

Let me make something clear. We do not think it was a coincidence that the very week we began scoping out Columbus and taking initial steps to follow God's calling was the very week that Chaia began to show symptoms and ended up in the ER.

We also do not think it is a coincidence that through Chaia's story, so many new and old acquaintances have joined with her journey, rooting for her, praying for her, rejoicing with us, weeping with us.

So we want you to continue to journey with us as we transition to Columbus.

There are Three Ways that You can be IN with the Thompsons. I will unpack them on here over the next three days in hopes that you will consider what part God is calling you to play.

The first way you can be IN is to INtercede for us in prayer to God every day in 2012. Every Monday Morning (starting with this post), I will have five things to pray for us. This is the most important way you can join us. It is not coincidence that where God is birthing a new movement of His people, the battle is raging fiercest. We need prayer warriors. We don't need well wishers, finger crossers, positive vibe senders...we need people who will take a couple minutes everyday and pray. Many of you are already doing this for Chaia, and the evidence of those prayers is obvious and tangible.

So, if you would reply to this post if you feel like you can be IN with us in this capacity, we are hoping to get 100 people praying daily for this Columbus Plant.

Five Ways to Pray This Week:
1. Pray for my time at Bootcamp. It has the potential to be a real energizing, affirming time. Pray that God would confirm His calling and that I would leave bootcamp with fervor and passion for the Gospel...and toned arm muscles from the push-ups?...oh not that kind of boot camp.

2. Pray for the Thompson ladies. Shaina has some special helpers coming throughout the week to aid in Chaia's care. Pray that Shaina would remain sane, find rest and even be encouraged in her heart this week.

3. Pray for Chaia. She is growing great...But her heart needs to be healed. Her ejection fraction (how much blood is pumped out of the left ventricle) is 17 percent. Normal human heart is around 60%. It's been this way for a few months, but pray that the calcifications would reverse and her heart function would reverse right along with it.

4. Pray for Columbus. Pray for hearts to be readied even now with the Gospel. Pray for those we will meet in the coming months to have a hunger for Christ and a longing to be caught up in something bigger than themselves.

5. Pray for the Management Team. Over the next few weeks, the management team for the church plant will be formed and solidified. They will serve as the initial elders of the church plant and will have a key role in laying out the vision and the DNA of the Church Plant. Pray that the Holy Spirit would give them vision and clarity.

Thanks! Stay tuned for two other ways you can be ALL IN with the Thompsons!

26 comments:

Steph said...

We are IN with you praying every single day!

Amanda Gray said...

we are IN all the way everyday not just Mondays!!!!

Anonymous said...

I'm IN! Praying everyday for you and now I'll just have a bit more to pray about.

Tammy Y.

Amanda said...

IN IN IN!!! Have a great week in TN, will be praying for the ladies back home :) As always, praying in KY.

Joanne Sadlon said...

I am IN! I can attest to the power of the Holy Spirit, who really got my attention and worked around me and through me this weekend to do an amazing thing.

I have adopted the Thompson's and I will continue to pray for your every need to be met.

Love you's!

Anonymous said...

I'm in!!
Becky Gross

Anonymous said...

rophyI am IN..... everyday. Love you guys!
Aunt Judy

Anonymous said...

that is too funny, it posted my word verification.....

Aunt Judy

Jackie Thompson said...

I'm IN and praying continuously

Anonymous said...

I'm IN and praying not only on Mondays but everyday--the specifics are great. Paryaing for Boot Camp for you Ben and your "ladies" at home." Gods Blessings to all!
Denise S

Jennet Gore said...

Consider me in :) Although I am not sure how much more passionate or fervent you can be Ben :) I always come away from your posts in awe that you, through your trials, daily minister to us. Praying for you, that's the easy part. ~ Jennet

Anonymous said...

Entering the presence of God every day to intercede for Chaia's healing and for her faithful parents.

dtieds_2010 said...

IN with you all!!

Anonymous said...

Absolutely in!!! Not just Monday but EVERY day! Still kneeling in Springfield!

Anonymous said...

We are IN. Praying for the Thompson ladies and the young man at "boot camp." Praise be to God.

The Taylors

Anonymous said...

Count me IN!!!!

Terri :)

Roberta said...

I'm in

Becky said...

I'm IN and like so many others praying for you all not just on Mondays but each and every day! Love you guys!

MamaMarty said...

I'm IN. May the Holy Spirit continue to work the power of the Father and the Son in your lives.

Anonymous said...

Definitely IN! - It's amazing what God does in your own life when you intercede for others.

Aunt Jill

aussienic said...

IN IN THE UK!

Shane Hardman said...

Count me In!

Cindy Penrod said...

Mom & Dad Penrod are IN! "The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it." I Thessalonians 5:24

Mama Karen said...

I am IN! Columbus is only 30-40 minutes from our home in Lancaster so praying for this region is one we have done for quite some time. We will just be extending our borders a little more. :) We are excited for fellow laborers to turn this region upside down for Jesus! The privilege to continue praying for you and your family and calling is an honor. We have grown to love your family and of course precious Chaia!

Leigh said...

I'm IN with praying every day in 2012!

Anonymous said...

I am IN with praying every single day!

Maryann