Kirkland MC Alumni News (Oct/Nov: Issue#4) Beginning of our 16th year!

To Know Christ & the power of His Resurrection

As we are being our 16th year of Master's Commission here at Christ Church Kirkland, I am reminded of Paul's words in Philippians chapter three. "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection. I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." Our goal every year is for the students to get to know their Heavenly Father and Lord in a way they never have before. The year in MC gives them an accurate view of who Father is, and it changes them forever. Then, out of that knowledge, we want them to realize that Father God has a plan for their lives that will only be accomplished, as they completely trust in Him and surrender their lives fully to Him. This is how we become those world-changers and history-makers we love to talk about.

This new class has a real hunger to know their God intimately, represent Him accurately by being transformed more into His image, and to grow in covenant relationships with each other. There is an excitement and expectation in the air for what God wants to do in them, and through them, in the months ahead. We've only begun, but the anticipation and receptivity is very encouraging. Our new staff members, Jeff Kline and Christy Lawson, are fitting in extremely well and have been a tremendous blessing to us all. The new interns this year; Kaleb Willis, Tyson Gilbert, Evan Crealock, Rosemary Puccio, Anthea Talamaivao, and Charlli Read are doing an excellent job and really carry Father's heart for the students and the MC. And of course Kelsey Greeson and Melissa Baker are doing their normal fantastic jobs as the foundation of our MC staff. We are very grateful!

As a Master's Commission graduates, DeeAnn and I pray for your regularly, and hope that you are remembering all that God did in your life while you were in MC. You got to know Father God more personally and intimately than ever before, and it changed you. We trust you are representing Him well to the world that is in desperate need of His love, wherever you find yourself in these challenging days. As we hear various stores and testimonies of your lives, we are so proud of each of you! God is being glorified through your life! Like the Apostle Paul, keep up your pursuit of "knowing Christ Jesus" and you will walk in "that for which He took hold of you" and you will change your world.

We love and miss each one of you, Pastor Kevin & DeeAnn

*current MC class of 2009-2010 updates visit: http://www.facebook.com/ (Kirkland Master's Commission)
*view MC video visit: http://www.cckirkland.org/ministries/masters_commission/

Graduate Update!

Justice! Loving God+Loving Others
For many, the craziness of the world today is reason to grow anxious, discouraged and fearful. Some people would rather close the door on bad news. Really, who needs more reports of war, political turmoil, economic instability, sexual exploitation and sadness? It is sometimes easier for me to react and retreat into our Christian subculture where things are comparatively comfortable. As for my Christian friends and church functions we will engage in an occasional "outreach" to the local soup kitchen or hosted-cause in our area and I have become convicted that we often try to wiggle out of the call to respond.

We all have to find out what adventure Jesus wants us as individuals focused on and choose our battles wisely but we are each called to engage in justice (love in action)- this is not a suggestion or something for a select few radicals to take care of, it's for you and I! It is a command for every Jesus-follower (Isa 1:17; James 1:27). I am convinced that our love for God is expressed in our love for others through tangible service and healthy Christian activism - especially on behalf of the poor and voiceless.

After graduating from the Master's Commission in 2001, I was pretty sure I was going to "save the world". I wasn't sure exactly what that would look like- all I know is that I had a great deal of zeal! After a few years of tempered expectations, ups-and-downs, and necessary training this desire to serve God boldly turned into a quiet resolve to see God's justice touch the world through His people. Now as a college-graduate, I have recently spent over a year working for Dennis Peacocke's organization, Strategic Christian Services (SCS) - it has been an honor to work with SCS, recognizing the determined devotion for training others to fully live for God, serve others wholeheartedly and accurately. In all these years of training SCS has impacted my passions and solidified specific desire to join the modern abolitionists - specifically those who are working tirelessly to see slavery stopped again. This is my cause, my soupbox and my mission. I personally feel that this is the greatest issue of our day. Many people do not realize that "force service" (mostly among women and children) is the fastest growing illegal industry in the world - specifically that domestic trafficking is on the rise in addition, to the number of slaves today in greater than during all the years of transatlantic African slave-trade combined!

Recently I was given an opportunity to contribute abolitionist cause in my city. The organization International Justice Mission (IJM) sent out an email requesting volunteers who would be willing to take one hour and sit down with a member of congress, requesting their signature to a bill called the Child Protection Compact Act. The Act would enable relief organizations and the US government to partner with countries that have problems with the transportation and active trafficking of children; prosecuting perpetrators and providing aftercare for victims. IJM arranged conference calls and organized groups of volunteers all over the country with members of Congress within a few short months.

This is just one example of something small that I was able to be a part of- what could you do? Some have hosted information parties in their cities and some students have held rally groups. There are still others that are pursuing college degrees to become certified as "aftercase" counselors for this type of victim recovery program. After getting involved, I have become aware of that churches all over the country are mobilizing members to prayer, host personal fundraising events, rallies and awareness meetings. Some people are finding other ways to serve. Perhaps your willingness to volunteer at a women's shelter or with a similar organization in your area as increased after reading this article. I encourage you to ask the Lord how you can more fully express His love and justice to those around you. You will be amazed at the adventure He will take on! Please feel free to contact me if you would like more information or resources about human trafficking and modern slavery!

By Kristen Holt (kksfire@yahoo.com ) Some great resources: http://www.ijm.org/; http://www.love146.org/; www.state.gov/g/tip/

Politcal Column!

Get Wisdom!

Worldview affects decisions. This is a basic principle of life. The set of assumptions about the world and values we hold to be true are the single most important key to understanding why we do all that we do. So what is the Christian worldview on politics? What does God have to say about the responsibilities and functions of the state we belong to? And more pressing how does he want us to deal with current issues? What is His perspective on the global financial crisis, the environment, terrorism, health care and Iran?

Before everyone gets all excited or suspicious, I'm not going to answer questions. That's not the point of this article. What I am going to say is that as Christians we have a responsibility to be seeking out answers to these questions-and finding them. Proverbs 4:5 is a commission to "get wisdom, get understanding." That's a command, not a suggestion or a directive for those specifically "called" to politics, or law or pasturing. It is the fundamental responsibility of the people of God to be those who, like the sons of Issachar, "Understand the times and know what to do." Until this happens, out nations and states will keep making poor decisions and remain clueless in the international area.

Now of course, not many are called to be policy advisors or presidents, ambassadors or representatives. What we are called to, however, is to have answers for those around us. We wonder why our cities and states are in constant decline and deficit, yet we continue to be absent from city councils, homeowners' associations, and action committees-places we need to be! My challenge to us all is two-fold: First, we must be more than informed citizens. We have to have influence. Populate your local government and societies, because this is where models and patterns are established. What would happen if you could help your city in practical and not just spiritual ways? Do we believe God has answers for today's problems? Does everything on earth not belong to Him? Aren't we His stewards in creation? Let's seek the Lord for how he wants us to get wisdom and understanding, and apply it.

By Braden Under (http://bradenu.wordpress.com/)