Chris can strongly identify certain events, people and church congregations in his past that God used to watch over him, protect him and plant seeds of the Truth of His Gospel. It wasn’t until November 5, 2000 that the Creator God began a six month process to open Chris’ eyes from a deep sleep. The result of that process led Chris to sell all of his possessions, resign from his job and relocate from the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina to Warsaw, Indiana to be near to his family. In Warsaw, Chris became involved with his family’s congregation where he spent one year soaking up the teachings of the Scriptures, growing in the knowledge of God and getting to know the other followers of Christ. Part of the teachings of this congregation was a strong focus on “missions” which included hosting and organizing mission conferences and other seminars such as the “Perspectives” course. God used one of the visiting speakers at a conference (David Sitton of To Every Tribe Ministries) to clarify how He was directing Chris to help carry out His plan of making His name famous among all nations and peoples (Malachi 1:11). Chris’ home congregation (Christ’s Covenant Church) sent him to To Every Tribe’s inaugurating session of the Center for Pioneer Church Planting (CPCP) in 2006. Upon completion of CPCP, his home church sent him out and Chris has been “on the mission field” ever since. He spent two years in the fishing village of Media Luna and one year in the city of Guadalajara for continued Spanish language study. Chris’ gifts are helps and evangelism. Chris’ favorite scripture passages are 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 and Mark 1:15.
Philosophy of Ministry
To Every Tribe’s energies are predominantly focused on unreached and hard-to-reach people groups and tribes (where the name of Christ has not been heard). The hope of Chris and the other missionaries and staff at To Every Tribe is to see God worshipped and respected as God the Creator among all people groups (Malachi 1:11). This includes evangelism as well as guiding and teaching any believers whom God brings to salvation to depend upon God’s Holy Spirit and His Word in all areas of life. Based upon what is seen in the New Testament letters, our efforts (our vision) will be focused on facilitating local congregations that are self-governing/teaching (with more than one elder/pastor, i.e. plurality), self-supporting/self-sustaining and self-planting/propagating. Since the salvation process is a super-natural work of God in every person, all is done according to His will and purpose.
Current Project/Assignment
Currently, Chris is part of an effort to form a team to be sent to the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca in early 2010. The team hopes to begin working to establish a base out of the coastal tourist town of Huatulco, which will be a strategic location between the two Mexican states of Chiapas and Guerrero. Lord willing, they will continue to work with some of the new believers in one nearby village as well as journey into the mountainous regions and villages to carry the message of God’s saving grace through His Son, Jesus Christ. Oaxaca is a state along the southern Pacific coast of Mexico between the states of Guerrero and Chiapas. These states are known to be difficult areas in which to penetrate with the gospel message and have numerous officially documented cases of persecution. Voice of the Martyrs (VOM), has Chiapas listed as a restricted nation, yet the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca are not. You can read more about what this means by clicking here to go to the Voice of the Martyrs website.
Prayer Requests
1) Chris is single and one of his prayer requests is finding a like-minded wife to share in the ministry.
2) Chris also has an ongoing desire to learn the Spanish language and culture well. Please pray for his persistency and determination as he purposes to do this.
3) Please pray for Chris, that he possess a loving boldness as God opens doors while he shares about who Jesus Christ is and what he had done for mankind with people in the streets, in the farm fields and at any other establishment/location.
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