News From CCC

By Micah Ray

Over the past month, we have begun the hard work of getting the word out about Center Cross Creative. That means designing and printing an information packet, mailing those to local churches, networking with pastors and ministry directors, networking with a Lifeway representative... You get the picture. We've been busy.

And while we haven't sold a ton of books or facilitated any workshops yet for churches (other than our own), we know it's coming. James and I both get the sense that if we just keep persevering and talking to everyone we know, good things will happen. And it won't be because of us but because of the One we serve.

Here are a few of the highlights of what is in development:

• We have met with several pastors to discuss our ideas about teacher training workshops. Every one of them have been receptive -- and several have even been excited! So far, we've gotten at least 2 commitments to have us facilitate our workshop in the spring of 2007.
• Early in November, we met with Phil Stone, the director of Sunday School and church administration for NC. He was very supportive of what we're doing and is looking for ways to use us to supplement his ministry efforts.
• A dear friend of ours at Life Community Church has really gone to bat for us. Donna is on the board of the NC SB convention and she knows a TON of pastors. She's making personal recommendations for us to several of them during a conference next week. Thanks, Donna!
• Our pastor agreed to write a letter of recommendation for our ministry to our local association. As a result, they have agreed to let us be the guest speakers at the end of this month for the pastors' meeting. Thanks, Pastor Jake!
• James is furiously working on a new Bible study series to be published by CCC in the Spring. (We don't have a title for it yet, but it will be a study of the life of Ezra.)
• I've been busy with designing our marketing materials, web site design and editing James' numerous writing projects.

At times, it seems like we're doing a lot of stuff with little to show for it. But then again, we have just enough things to come our way to encourage us to keep on doing what we're doing. We take comfort in the fact that we are "certain that God, who began the good work within [us], will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." (Phil. 1:6)

Thanks for your prayers. Keep praying!