| | Do you remember standing on top of a high dive the first time? You’d been watching other kids do it. They all survived. In fact, they kept getting back in line. Someone invited you. You got in line, thinking you can always turn back. But half-way up you realized there’s no turning back. You made it to the top. Your heart was thumping. You felt all eyes on you. You were struck by how high you were. What if you fell off? What if your swimsuit fell off? What if the kid behind jumped on you?
This is the present moment for us Catholics.
If we're honest, too many of us feel like we're on the sidelines. In the desert. But made for heights. Made for living water. Made for more. But week after week we watch others. Unfazed by whatever else is happening in the world. They exude joy. Delight. Power. Purpose. Exhilaration. Then the invitation. Perhaps this. Perhaps now. Speaking directly and personally to us. Stirring within us. Greater than fear. A lucid vision. We see there's no other way. One direction. All or nothing. And with reckless abandon, holding nothing back... we jump in.
If you desire some, more or all of that, keep reading. It begins with awareness of our suffering. More, God's purpose and presence in our suffering. In our desert. When we are completely helpless. When our senses are subdued. When we stand before God in the shadow of our mortality. All comes into eternal focus. What really matters. I was given such gift just months ago. (CORONA & THE KINGDOM: Reflections While Under Siege) I cannot help but proclaim: God allows us desert that we might come out “in the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Luke 4:14) That we might live fully in our supernatural nature.
This is the yearning of every soul. Without which we languish.
Here’s our testimony. Over the past months, with so much craziness going on in our world, Stephanie and I have been engaged in the Encounter School of Ministry (ESM). We have witnessed innumerable, miraculous healings of body and soul. A woman delivered from life-long oppression and epilepsy. A man who was mostly deaf restored to complete hearing. A young man freed from clutches of a cult. A marriage restored. All punctuating: “God is with us. He wants His world back. He wants to heal. He gave us His Son, Jesus Christ. Lord of heaven and earth. He’s pouring forth His Spirit. THIS IS ALL REAL! THIS IS ALL TRUE! Now is the appointed time: DIVE IN!”
The distinctive quality of the over 1,000 ESM students in over 23 diocese throughout the world: Joy and purpose-filled life in Jesus Christ, in the fulness of our Catholic faith. Eagerness to live and build the Kingdom. Kindred with others who share this identity and mission. Conviction in the Sacraments as powerful streams of Living Water, pressing into every area of death, darkness and desert on this planet… and restoring to life.
We don't have time to waste on another "new and exciting” program, we are about living it. Building strong, life-long, missioned friendships. We have been developing a community context for marriages and families across generations eager for tractionable growth in holiness. Together. Offering vision, tools, mentoring and support. Integrating the best of Renewal Ministries, Encounter Ministries, the John Paul II Healing Center, Damascus, Fathers of St. Joseph, and other dynamic, Catholic organizations with whom we’ve been partnering.
Our goal is nothing short of living the Gospel. Discovering “core community.” Families fully engaged in their own parishes, schools, work and world -- but united in more fully discovering, proclaiming, living and building the Kingdom.
As we look at the world around us, we believe this is the answer. To follow Jesus. Into the desert. To ascend heights. That we might come out in the power of the Holy Spirit. Be His streams of living water. We’re so blessed to be united with all of you others. Please continue to pray with us. Partner with us financially. And if you’re interested in learning more, getting in on the ground floor... and perhaps even diving in... please let us know: Greg@MassImpact.us.
Holy Spirit, come!
"I have come to bring fire to the earth! And how I wish it were already ablaze!" ~ Jesus (Luke 12:49) |
| THE PARENT BLESSING PROJECT
We want to send you 100 awesome parent prayer blessing cards for your parish or organization. GO: PRAYER CARD
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April 26- May 1, 2022
Lenten Blessings in Jesus Christ,
Here are opportunities to build the Kingdom. Receive life-giving, renewing, transforming grace being outpoured and overflow!
Our world is pining for good news. God's supply is you. Last year we shared 54 moving stories that touched thousands! We are hoping to publish of these by the end of this year. It's your turn: In 750 words or less, share your "God With Us" story. Contact below.
NEW! Kingdom Business Builder personal profile. Kingdom Builders are dynamic Catholic leaders committed to professional excellence and building the Kingdom. Find out more at MassImpact.us/KINGDOM. See poster below.
NEW! Belief & Beverage Nights are the third Thursday every month at GMC of Perrysburg (Cronin Auto Family). We're very excited to be featuring dynamic clergy this season, with the theme: "Know the King, Build the Kingdom." Register at MassImpact.us/BNB. See poster below.
NEW! Parish Parent Prayer Project. We want to send you 100 awesome prayer blessing cards for your parish. GO
NEW! Live IT Gathering Guide and LIT TV episode featuring the Erickson Family! Check it out at ILoveMyFamily.us.
FINALLY, we are families united in discovering, proclaiming, living and building the Kingdom. This movement is fueled by your prayers, engagement and financial partnership. Find out more at MassImpact.us/PARTNER.
So blessed to be united in building the Kingdom, |
| Greg and Stephanie Schlueter
Image Trinity | Mass Impact
Email: Greg@MassImpact.us
Call: (814) 449-8808
WEB: ILoveMyFamily.us |
| | | | | | | | | | | Family Live IT (LIT) Gatherings are strengthening marriages and families throughout the country. The road awaits. Join us. |
| THIS WEEK'S LIVE IT TV EPISODE
"MORNING OFFERING"
The Erickson Family
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"The future of humanity passes by way of the family."
~ Pope St. John Paul II
We are families seeking to make our homes places of ever-deepening encounter with Jesus Christ.
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