Praying for Xpression 2019

Where does the time go? It is hard to believe that we are nearly into August. By now some of us have: had our few weeks in the sun, been away on a short-term mission, helped in our churches holiday bible clubs, been to Summer Camp, headed to a conference, and so much more. Even though we are off during the summer, it can be busier than term-time. Whatever you have been doing, we at Xpression pray that it has been fruitful and beneficial for you! What a privilege it is to have so much opportunity to serve and grow in our faith.

We at Xpression are so thankful for all the support that we have had over the years, we never take it for granted and count it a privilege to share in mission with so many local churches. The encouragement and support we receive genuinely is a blessing, and it encourages us to keep on going and to keep on trusting that God is working through what we try to do, and what others do. As we come into August, there is still so much going on, and we will continue to support all the local endeavours through prayer: to pray for our Local Churches in their mission and outreach as we together seek to grow God’s Kingdom, and we hope that you will pray for us.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. - Romans 12:12

Here are a few points that we would appreciate as we approach Xpression 2019 week:

Planning: Xpression does not just happen, it takes lot’s of plans, and they are all coming together well. Please pray that during the next few weeks all the smaller details will come tougher and we will be able to have everything in place so that the outreach week can be successful as we seek to share the love of Jesus in Portadown.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3

Gospel Opportunity: Pray for the week coming up. That God would continue to prepare the soil for the Gospel seeds. As the teams go out and about serving, that people would be receptive, and that the teams would have the confidence and wisdom as they engage. Whether it is at a planned outreach event or though random encounters, pray that God will be at work. Pray for all the different areas of outreach, as we work in the Town Centre, across the different regions, our kid's work and the various engagements we have with some of the local care homes.

I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7

Xpressioners: We are so thankful for all who have signed up this year, please pray for the xpressioners in the coming weeks, and during the week of Xpression that they would grow more in their love of Jesus, and that God would use Xpression to further their journey of faith. Then, as they go back to their local churches that what they have done and learned at Xpression would be beneficial for their local churches.

Teams: The “team” is a big part of Xpression. Pray that all the teams will work well together and develop a real sense of community throughout the week. Pray that lasting friendships will be forged and that God will work within the teams. Pray for the teams as they serve as well, that together, God will use them to build his Kingdom. Pray for those who will lead the teams as well, that they will have confidence in the giving that God has given them, and how he wants to use them during Xpression.

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Romans 12:4-5

Teaching: Xpression is about reaching out with God’s love, but it is also about loving God more. This is why we place such an emphasis on teaching and worship. We want to know God more by studying his Word and seeking more of his heart. Pray that those who speak will be dedicated to Gods word and faithful too preparation. Pray for those who hear, that their hearts will be open and their minds transformed. Mostly, pray that during the week, God will be glorified in the teaching as the Spirit works in the heart of every Xpressioner, as we seek to put into practice what God has been teaching us.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16

Thank you for your continued support as we look towards Xpression 2019. To all who have Volunteered - see you soon! To the rest, thank you for your contained prayers and support.

The Xpression Committee

All Glory to God.

The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you of you: to dowhat is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8