Anita Gibson's Page

Thank you so much for the note! I am so encouraged to see what you and Glen have been doing with those you meet with. Wow! You have such great hearts in desiring to work with so many. I'll be praying that God continues to guide you.
Regarding this question of having the young adults get their spiritual needs met at the same time as the children.. Here are some of my thoughts.....
1) Are your adult children able to help "tell stories" to the younger ones? Can they take turns preparing something to share to the group, either on the level of the children, & to the adults as well?
2). Often children learn as we share at the adult level, and they sit quietly as they see the adults relate. We found that it encourages them to enter into our conversations also, as we are all attuned to each others' levels. I don't think we always have to gear our times together around them only.
3). Perhaps the young adults DO need something different, or at least at another time. Like the young men getting together for games... and relationship, At their age, they need the comraderie to grow in trust and in friendship. With some guidance and commitment, they can encourage each other spiritually, either at that time or a different time.
4) I like what you wrote about the group of women reading The Shack together. Good idea to meet alone when you can and share from you hearts, hurts, and burdens shared.
5.)Sometimes we get stuck, thinking we have to have a specific "Sunday Gathering" to meet everyone's needs at one time. Perhaps just allow the individual smaller groups to get together during the week (or whenever), and once a month everyone get together to share what they have learned from each of their groups. This takes the emphasis off the main "Sunday Meeting" into more personable times, but yet fulfills the need for community and sharing from different age groups.
In thinking about the young married couple you've been discipling, I've found that the way someone grows the most is to lead them in discipling others. After 2 years, perhaps you can mentor them by helping them mentor others. That way they can get more of a feel for what they really know, and can be reaching others at the same time. Have them start praying Luke 10:2 regularly, and be open to whom God would lead to them. You can guide them in that process, be there to advise and encourage, but also allow them to listen to the Spirit on their own, and as they pray with you also. I've been meeting with a few women for 2-3 years, and this year 2 of them are going to be starting their own groups. They feel confident that they can lead 2-3 others, so they don't have to feel overwhelmed leading a 'church' of 10-12. It's important to remember how much can be accomplished in the 'simple' groups.
These are just some of my thoughts as I read over your note to me. If you'd like, we can share email addresses if we have more thoughts. That way we don't have to go through this website.
Let me know what you think of some of my ideas, and how they work for you. I'm processing things myself here in Albuquerque, & plan on a lot of changes this next year. Let me know how things go for you.
Blessings to you as you continue on your journey!
Peg

Hi Anita,
I'm Edgar from the Philippines. I'd like to invite you to read my article at www.bibleone.net/TheMillennium.htm. The millennium doctrine is vital for Christians to understand. It has to do with the word of the kingdom and the salvation of the soul, not spirit (Matt. 13:19; 1 Pet. 1:9; James 1:21; Heb. 10:39; Matt. 16:24-28). I'd appreciate a comment, but you are not obligated.
Thanks,
Edgar Meneses