Got one, Thanks!

A good friend connected us with a board room. Thanks to all who offered help. We deeply appreciate it.

In Need of a Board Room

I'm aware this is unusual, but I've not set up a blog yet for The Brook Ministries (rest assured, it is coming soon along with the launch of our new website!).

Anyway, The Brook Ministries will have its first quarterly meeting of the Board of Directors on Friday, October 3, at 11:00 am. I have need of a nice board room located between Plano and McKinney. I'm looking for something with full media capabilities (including wifi), as well as a speakerphone to conference in those who cannot attend. There will be no more than 7 in attendance.

As a reminder, we are a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization.

Please email steve.lucas@thebrookministries.org with any suggestions.

Thanks!

How Big Can a Vision Get?

Yesterday I arrived in Costa Rica for a quick visit and inspection of a potential property for The Brook. I was nervous that it might be a wasted trip if the property was nothing like it was described. That has not been the case. In fact, the property was nicer than I imagined.

The issue that I'm struggling with this morning is the magnitude of the vision. Granted, God has been taking me on baby steps through this process. As I would get use to one part of what He was calling me to do, he would gradually introduce another aspect. That's been going on for years. However, in a single day the potential for a monumental leap in vision is before me.

As I write this, I'm sitting in a beautiful open-air restaurant perched on a 500 foot cliff overlooking a lush valley with a raging river below. In the distance I can hear the 300 foot waterfall. Closer, I hear birds--lots of birds! On the hill, 2 or 3 miles away, I see cattle grazing on the slope. The air is fresh and cool, and just 100 feet below me is a layer of mist dancing in the canyon.

In my mind, I can imagine bringing pastors here from all over Latin America. I can visualize couples coming to be trained, renewed, refreshed. But there's more. The owners have used this sizable property to create an entire community. Up the hill from where I sit is a beautiful neighborhood in the making. Will I live there someday? Will I invite my friends and family to live there? Down a ways is the equestrian center, and below that an area set aside for agricultural development--a training ground for Ticos and Nicas to learn sustainable, organic techniques to pull themselves up economically in a way that doesn't destroy the environment. On another part of the property construction has already begun on a shop to be used for training, to make furniture and signs, and employ more people from the community. And still another lot has been designated for the future spa and reception area. And yet, with all this development, nothing has been lost. The serenity and peace is still here.

I have found in the owners a kindred spirit. Having lived here for 40 years, their love for the country is obvious. Yet being Americans, they also have a passion for growing and developing others. Originally hippies from the Jesus Movement, they have an unconventional and refreshing passion for Jesus Christ. Nothing weird, mind you. In their presence I sense the joy of the Lord. They are aging, and ready to hand their dream off to another, younger servant--someone to take the dream a little further.

So, the question I've been posing to God is this: Are you growing my vision, or is this for someone else?

Waiting for an answer. While I wait, I thing I'll get another cup of coffee and watch the macaws.

Back In Action

Yesterday I took David and Stephanie back to meet with their old martial arts instructor. As many of you may know, my kids practiced martial arts for years. Both have black belts, with David only a few tests away from 2nd degree, and Stephanie a 1st degree. A few years ago they decided to take a break from training. They were becoming stale, and their instructor had left.

Well, their instructor has returned, and so will they.

If you measure a person's importance in your life by their level of impact, then 3rd Degree Black Best and Chief Instructor, Bruce Pitts, at USA Martial Arts and Fitness in Frisco is one of the most important people in my kids life. Bruce had a tremendous impact on David and Stephanie, and helped us as parents reinforce Godly values in a way that has made a real difference.

Bruce is a Christian who sings in the choir at Grace, and more than that he is a friend. I would encourage anyone looking for a meaningful activity for their child to consider USA Martial Arts in Frisco. I cannot overstate the impact it had on my kids. I am really looking forward to them resuming their training. The confidence, discipline, and leadership development are awesome.

If you decide to give it a try, tell Bruce that Pastor Steve sent you!

New Opportunity

Yesterday I purchased a plane ticket to Costa Rica. I'm travelling soon to visit with a property owner to talk about how we can maximize ministry for God's Kingdom. Please pray for wisdom and God's clear leading. The potential for this meeting is great.

In the meantime, donations have begun to come in, as well as pledges from several monthly supporters. It is very exciting to finally have the ball rolling, but the target is still a ways off. Please pray for God's continued provision!

No Fear

Yesterday I had the opportunity to share a bit of the fear that has come after me and my family this year. Of course, it began almost a year ago when we found out out oldest daughter was pregnant. Fear of the unknown. Fear of opportunity gone. Then, as the months progressed we came to terms with much of it as we let go little-by-little.

Other fears would surface as we began to wrestle with the fact that we felt God was leading us to move ahead sooner rather than later on building a new ministry in Costa Rica. The vision was white hot, the call was clear--but the fear of leaving security and stability was there.

Now with only a few exceptions, we hardly ever let the fear keep us up at night. Instead, we relied on the truth of God's word that He would never leave us or forsake us. We relied on the truth that He is sovereign, and all things work together for good.

Nevertheless, the time is approaching and change is on the horizon. Will I fear? Will God let me down? Has he led me this far only to pull the rug out from under me? Has He set me up for failure? I think not. 108 days and counting. No fear.

Introducing The Brook

Yesterday I was privileged to formally launch the fund raising campaign for The Brook Ministries, Inc. Normally I'd feel a little weird asking people for money, but not this time. The ministry of The Brook is vitally important--it needs to happen!

So, for those who were not on my distribution list, I'm posting the full text of my letter that went out yesterday. If you want to receive future correspondence from me, please email me here and let me know.

As you watched the Summer Olympics in Beijing, China, were you aware that the underground church there is growing at a rate of 20 to 30,000 new believers a day? Did you know that in Brazil, the church is seeing about 20,000 new converts and 40 new churches every week? Around the world, the church is experiencing growth unseen in its 2,000 year history.

There are some exceptions, however. Much of the Middle East--where Christianity began--is still closed to the Gospel. Europe is also experiencing a spiritual drought. And it might surprise you to know there is also stagnation in Latin America (with the obvious exception of Brazil).

Of the 21 countries in Central and South America, 12 have populations where fewer than 1 in 9 people identify themselves as evangelical believers. The bright spot is Guatemala where 26% of their nearly 14 million people are evangelical. In 5 South American countries, fewer than 1 in 20 people trust in Jesus Christ.

Many mission agencies consider Latin America "reached" because the numbers there are not as bad as in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The work is not as intense as it once was, and the church growth rates throughout most of Latin America have hit a plateau or even dropped. Why?

The answer is simple: leadership. As John Maxwell says, "Everything rises and falls on leadership." Unfortunately, the pastors of Latin America (with a few notable exceptions), lack the training in theology, administration and leadership needed to guide the church in the proper direction.

What can be done?

To address this problem we have formed The Brook Ministries, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry. The mission of The Brook is--quite simply--to make pastors throughout Latin America better at what they do. To do that, we will be building a pastoral training center in the Central Valley of Costa Rica.

For half the year, we will receive Latin American pastors to our facility to participate in week-long training modules. While a few weeks will be devoted to restoration, most weeks will be given to training in theology, leadership and church administration. Our goal is to provide a level of education they could never afford at a cost they can-free.

To finance this endeavor in a way that is sustainable, we've decided to make double use of our facility while still focusing on pastors. For the remainder of the year, we will receive ministry professionals and their spouses from the United States (and eventually from around the world) for week-long retreats focused on themes of particular relevance to church workers.

In an effort to combat the dropout rate of 50 U.S. pastors a day, we will provide a program of pastoral renewal, working to remind our guests of God's call on their lives, and helping them focus on areas of weakness and fatigue. Wouldn't it be a joy to send your pastor down for a week? For every pastoral couple who visits from the United States, one Latin American pastor is sponsored in his training.

Why Costa Rica?

Costa Rica provides an idyllic setting. It has no military, great food and water, a stable economy and a near perfect climate. In addition, it is centrally located, providing easy access to all Americans (South, Central and North).

It is also an important place to begin our work. Since 1992, there has been virtually no numerical growth in evangelical congregations in Costa Rica. And with only 12.4% of the residents in a personal, saving relationship with God, that means millions are still lost in religion and empty works.

The statistic is unusual because when evangelical work first began in Costa Rica a hundred years earlier, the church grew at an impressive rate, with thousands of individual churches being started, and hundreds of thousands of new believers. Yet for 16 years now there has been no growth. The leadership gap is obvious.

One Costa Rican theologian noted recently that pastors there seem to follow the fads, some of which are weird, while others are downright heretical. And while there are some seminaries, most are beyond reach for bi-vocational pastors.

The development of The Brook will take place in three phases:

Phase 1 - Monthly Support Raising
An exciting opportunity exists now for those who feel led to give to The Brook in this early stage. We are seeking donors who would commit to give a monthly gift for the next three years. After three years, we expect The Brook to be fully self-sustaining, requiring no more monthly donations. While no gift is too small, we would encourage you to pray about giving $100, $200, or even $500 per month. If you prefer, you may give quarterly or annual gifts. These funds will be used to cover start-up costs and pay our staff. We are seeking a total of $15,000 per month.

Phase 2 - Capital Campaign for Land
Starting in October, we will kick off our Capital Campaign in hopes of raising funds to purchase our land in Costa Rica. The cost is expected to be about $650,000. The good news is we already have an awesome team of volunteer experts in Costa Rica helping us find and secure the land.
For this Phase, we are looking for one time gifts. Again, no gift is insignificant. But as the Lord leads, consider giving a Friend of The Brook Gift of $5,000, a Partner Gift of $25,000, or a Founder's Gift of $50,000.

Phase 3 - Capital Campaign for Building
As additional funds are raised from our Capital Campaign we will be working with an architect to plan our campus. The build out is expected to cost between $2.5 and $3 million. In addition to individual contributions, we will be seeking funding through other sources, including foundations, denominations and churches. Lord willing, we will open the doors for the "high season" in 2011.

By faith, we will get there together. I expect many of you will share in the joy because you prayed for us, or gave of your finances. Perhaps some will even relocate with us to work at The Brook.
The Lord has much in store for us in the coming years. I trust that you will offer your prayers for our success. You received this letter because I know you also have a heart for pastors. Please join me in ministering back to those who have done so much for all of us.
Any help you can give is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions at all, I hope you will call or e-mail me. If you would like to meet to discuss the vision further, I will gladly make myself available to you. If you know of others who may be interested in being part of this opportunity, do not hesitate to reach out to them and share the vision and this letter. A vision this important will take the entire body of Christ working together.

Pastor Steve Lucas
President, The Brook Ministries, Inc.
steve.lucas@thebrookministries.org

Donations may be mailed to The Brook, 3305 S. Echo Trail, Plano, TX 75023
Or, click here to donate securely online.

Not Just Another Sunday

Yesterday was Not Just Another Sunday. What a day! Truly an all-out blitz of fun and celebration for the entire family. And given that my entire family was involved in the event, it was totally exhausting. We were blessed that today was a holiday. Had it not been, I think we would have all been calling in. My wife and kids were total slugs (sometimes that's good)! I didn't do much, other than try to repair my broken grill. All in all, a good day off.