Emissary International

Stewarding the Earth

Something to ponder...

We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors,
We borrow it from our Children.

Old Indian Proverb

Ideal Living--by Jonathan Benz

The first few years of the 21st Century have been so tumultuous that it is almost too difficult to take in.

Leadership scandals are no longer shocking, they are expected. Truth is used however one sees fit, making the 'new' truth indistinguishable from a lie. Wars are called just by some, while still others question how something can be called just when innocent blood is shed in the name of the 'righteous' cause.

Chilling Out, Wrath Free--by Joan Gallo

It was a dramatic few weeks, but then God likes using good drama to teach us life lessons. Just read the story of Jonah.

During lunch I decided to drive to the Italian Market, only three minutes away. The service help is normally grumpy, but the food is so good. I thought I was making pleasant conversation with the cashier, yet I must have said the wrong thing. Suddenly a flash of anger lit up her face and her eyes turned small and beady.
Puzzled, driving away, I was startled by a blaring horn and looked to see a man in a car shaking his fist at me. I thought I had the right-of-way. I guess he wanted to go first. Shutting off the car engine I said to myself, “Our civilization is so angry.” Then just as I was getting out of my car, a young man walked by me screaming foul language into his cell phone. Boy, was he mad! What a bizarre five minutes!

People of Great Valor and Heart

From Meridith Burkus in NYC:

I read this and thought of everyone I've meet in connection with Emissary.

"In a world where there is a common lament that there are no more heroes, too often cynicism and despair are perceived as evidence of the death of moral courage. That perception is wrong. People of great valor and heart, committed to noble purpose, with long records of personal sacrifice, walk among us in every country of the world."

{Kerry Kennedy in her introduction to the book Speak Truth to Power.}

Right Relationship--by Jonathan D. Benz

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Known as The Golden Rule or Ethic of Reciprocity.

For me, living life to the fullest is more than an overly inspirational goal. It's a part of my everyday thought process. How can I maximize the limited time I have on the planet?

Voice mail. Instant messaging. Email. Video conferencing. Download what you need, when you need it, and even if you don't! More opportunities and tools are available to us in the 21st Century than at any other point in human history.

Many Emissaries

The ministry of Jesus was larger than one man. As emissary on divine mission, He carried the presence and authority of the Almighty. With every step and every word He generated a solid case for the love of God on assignment to deliver men from evil.

Jesus and the Immigrant Nation--by Lee Grady--posted with permission

While politicians debate immigration policy, the church must extend Christ's love to foreigners like never before.

One of my favorite places on earth can be found in a nondescript office building in Amsterdam’s Bijlmer business district. That is where my friend Samuel Lee planted a lively charismatic church that has grown to 500 people in recent years. I love this church so much because it reflects the ethnic and racial diversity of heaven.

When Prayer Turns to Protest--by Jonathan D. Benz

I believe in prayer. I suppose that should go without saying. I've been praying since I learned to speak and still frequent prayer meetings in whatever nation I find myself.

In the past twelve months I have attended quite a few international and national prayer gatherings. There was one in particular that stood out. I was quite keen on this meeting as there were many intercessors and leaders attending. Some of these people were old friends. The meeting began with energetic, even ecstatic worship as the participants moved to the beat.

The Strategy of Jesus

The following article is used with permission from friends in Washington D.C.

There is no person in history who has impacted all of mankind more than Jesus of Nazareth.

Jesus was deeply concerned for the continuation of his redemptive, reconciling work after the close of his earthly existence, and his chosen method was the formation of a small band of committed friends. He did not form an army, establish a headquarters, or even write a book. What he did was to collect a few very common men and women, inspire them with the sense of his spirit and vision, and build their lives into an intensive fellowship of affection, worship and work.

Feedback from Manchester

We had a stellar time in Manchester with around 25 people joining from England, Wales, Ireland (north & south), the US, the Netherlands, and South Africa.
Some new relationships were formed as well as a reconnecting of old ones.

You can click here to view photos from Manchester.

Thanks to Paul & Penny and Andy & Nicole for their hard work and effort in setting up hotel and dinner reservations each night. We really appreciate you!

Thanks as well to Lisa for keeping us flowing administratively and for some great new mixers to get to know each other. We certainly learned who was 'hot' and who was not!