Farewell To The Webbs

The great missionary Andrew Murray once said, “faith expects from God what is beyond all expectation.” I’m not sure I can say it any better when I consider this journey of church planting and the ministry and impact of Jim & Tami Webb. It seems like yesterday that a Pastor looked at Cissy and said these words. “You don’t really think people will leave and go with you to New Jersey?” These were powerful words that left my wife speechless. Here we were preparing to do something that for a number of reasons made no sense yet we knew God was asking us to follow Him in FAITH.

We had prayed and truly believed that not only was God calling us to trust Him and be willing to step out of the boat into the deep waters but that He would not let us take those steps alone.

We believed that God was going to send us others to take this journey with us. We truly believed that. Who it would be or how many was still a mystery but we did believe we would have others go with us. It was that faith that Murray spoke of that we had and were holding onto.

A faith that expected more from God and was willing to completely trust in Him no matter what anyone said.

A Faith that believed God was faithful to always do what He said and we believed that He said we would have help go with us.

Who would it be? Why would they go? What would be their expectations? These were just a few of the questions that ran through my mind as I prayed asking God to send us help.

Then I jokingly asked Tami Webb one day to go with us and she said confidently to talk to Jim. So, I did. I asked Jim to meet me and to be honest it was only the second time I had ever met him. We talked for a while and I tried to answer his questions as best I knew how and left it in God’s hands.

I must admit that I didn’t think it was going to become a reality. Tami was the longest tenured employee at Idlewild and her role and responsibilities were very significant. Why would she leave that and come with me. It wasn’t like we could offer anything that would entice her or provide for her anything like what she had there.

As for Jim, I couldn’t say things that are important for a husband to know so that he can say to his wife in order to give her peace and security. Things like, “I have a couple jobs lined up for you to choose from for income.” Or, “I have a place for you to stay.” I couldn’t even tell him where we would put his stuff when he got there.

Yet, as Andrew Murray said – Faith is expecting from God what is beyond all expectation. I’m not sure that was the faith that Cissy and I had at the beginning of this journey but I can confidently say that Jim & Tami had it! It is that same faith that they demonstrate before us all everyday.

A faith that is marked by behaviors like service, dedication, selflessness, kindness, compassion, integrity, steadfastness, reliability, servant leadership, and steadiness.

Please read this next line slowly and even re-read it because I don’t want you to miss it. Jim and Tami didn’t leave Tampa to follow Buff & Cissy. They left Tampa in obedience to follow Jesus.

They sold their house, left their family, and jobs in FAITH to follow Jesus. We tend to read passages about following Jesus; the costs involved and think that doesn’t apply to me. Jim & Tami didn’t.

In fact they left to follow Jesus wanting and believing God had more for them. More for them to see, to do, but more importantly to be. I can confidently say they found it.

They, like us, have been stretched, challenged, broken, attacked; yet all of it was not only a blessing but the blessing. I think they could say that the blessing isn’t found in what they lost but is found in what they have gained. You see in God’s economy, profits and gains are always different than man’s economy.

I think of the apostle Paul’s word when he was describing his ministry…

”But as God’s ministers, we commend ourselves in everything…as grieving yet always rejoicing; as poor yet making many rich; as having nothing yet possessing everything.”

They have lost a lot by being here. They have stayed longer than anyone who has come to serve alongside us. The bond we have can never be broken as a result of this journey. We always knew it wouldn’t be forever here yet we never wanted to think about that.

We pledged to stay in the moments and see where and how God was working and stay faithful in joining Him in that work. I am not sure if I can or will ever be able to capture what Jim & Tami have and do mean to us.

How do I even attempt to share with you the impact or influence they have had on the ministry of Grace Falls Church? Not sure I can! But I do remember a quote I heard at the first SEND Conference I went to in preparation coming here to New Jersey.

David Platt said it and it is one that I have held onto as I have prayed and believed God has been at work here in New Jersey. David Platt said that a church should be known more by its SENDING capacity than its SEATING capacity. That resonated with me that day. I am looking at my notes today when I wrote that. I said right then and there on that day that I would not measure our success as church planters by how big our church got in numbers on a Sunday but by the people we disciple and send.

That is the work and command. We have done that…people like…

• Jim & Donna – Baptized here & moved to Fla • Eva – Saved & Baptized here & reconciled w/her family • Shelby – faithfully served & left to help church plant in Tampa • Ashley – Baptized here & now on Mission in St Pete • Joseph – Saved, Baptized & now on mission in St Pete • Chris & Gen – On Mission as IMB Missionaries in Niger • Rafaat & Hoda – On Mission in Fl

These are just a few of over 20 people that we have had the unique opportunity to invest and influence over the past couple years.

You see if all we do is truly about the Kingdom of God, and it is for His good and glory, we will not only be sending people constantly from our churches but we will be sending our best.

Today I believe we just did that. We are sending our best. May God bless Jim & Tami Webb as they go now on mission to plant the gospel and make disciples all for the glory of God. Thank you both for your example and your ministry! Galatians 6:9!

Nothing To Offer?

Pastor Buff has encouraged the Grace Falls family to participate in the small-group study of the book, “Life On Mission,” by Dustin Willis and Aaron Coe. One of the two home groups at Grace Falls is led by my husband Jim and myself. Our group is comprised of believers who have been saved for decades but have never been intentional about sharing the Gospel and that includes myself.

It was evident that we were each struggling to learn how to become more intentional and we soon realized that the root of our struggle was that we were not “looking” to see where and how God is moving in our midst.

One of the ladies from this group also joins Cissy McNickle and myself as we visit the girls at the local clubs once a month in Atlantic City. On November 18, as we got into the car and prepared to head to the clubs, this woman confessed that she did not like participating in this ministry, but God would not give her peace not to. She began to describe how she felt that she was too old and did not have any way to relate to any of these girls, therefore felt that she was of no use to this ministry team. Cissy encouraged her and reminded her that God calls us to be faithful not perfect.

I was very excited about the gift we were sharing that night. It featured holiday recipes and notes of encouragement that had been submitted by nearly 20 different women who pray for this ministry. I tried to encourage our friend that the gift would serve as an easy source to start a conversation with these girls.

It was after we returned to the car after visiting our second club that our friend said, “Did you happen to notice what happened to me in there?" With concern, Cissy and I turned to make eye contact with her as she began to describe her experience. She told us that while we were busy speaking with others in the dressing room, Irene, the make-up artist asked her to step into the bathroom with her. There in a quiet corner our friend had the privilege to pray with her!

Our discouraged friend that had enough courage to admit to us that she didn't have anything to offer was proved to be wrong. God revealed Himself to her as a reminder that she is useful and that she just needed to open her eyes to see Him!

That may not seem like much to you, but in that moment we felt like Peter must have felt when Jesus called him to walk on the water. We need to be like Peter and get out of the boat when we are told but when we get out we must continue to keep our eyes on Jesus if we are going to live life on mission.

Keep us in your prayers as we go back to the clubs at 7:30 p.m. on December 17th.

Life On Mission Opportunities

We talk a lot at Grace Falls about living out the gospel and living life on mission. Here are some opportunities to put what we believe into action.

THURSDAY October 20th Dad & Me Night 6–7:30pm, Ziegler School, Frankford, PA

The Grace Falls family and friends are invited to join with Northeast Community Outreach and the Ziegler Fatherhood Initiative to host the first Dad’s Club event of the new school year. Volunteers are needed to welcome kids and the significant man in their life, serve refreshments, and make sure everyone has a great time at the Dad & Me Night. To learn more, contact Alonzo Johnson at Alonzo@neoutreach.com or 215-385-2128.

SATURDAY October 22nd Community Fall Party 11am–3pm, Wissinoming Park | 5801 Frankford Av | Philadelphia

The Grace Falls family and friends are invited to join with Northeast Community Outreach as they host a Community Fall Party. Volunteers are needed to help to cook, manage the games, and make sure that those who attend will experience a positive connection to others within their community. To learn volunteer, contact Alonzo Johnson at Alonzo@neoutreach.com or 215-385-2128.

SUNDAY October 23rd Community Fall Party 2–5pm, Snyder Avenue | Philadelphia

The Grace Falls family and friends are invited to join with Neighbor-HOOD CHURCH as this new church plant to host a Community Fall Party. Volunteers are needed to help to cook, manage the games, and make sure that those who attend will experience a positive connection to others within their community. The Grace Falls family will caravan to this event immediately following our Sunday Gathering.

Introducing Summer Intern Jennifer

My name is Jennifer Kingsley, but most people know me as “Jenn.” I am 21 years old. Born and raised in Tampa, Florida. I am going on my fourth year in college, and recently accepted into nursing school! I am a very adventurous person. I love being outdoors and seeking new places. I grew up running track, specializing in hurdles. Fun fact, I was a state finalist in my event during my high school years. Since college, I have found a new love for beach volleyball.

On a more personal note, my faith was made real in May of 2015. Although that may not be a long time, the amount of things that the Lord has taught me in this short time, has stretched me immensely (My story is extensive, but I would love to share it with you sometime). Since that day I have experienced the constant unconditional love, mercy, and grace that my Savior has given me. Now I feel the all consuming urge and desire to share that kind of love with others.

I have been an active member of Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, Florida, where I hold a position in leadership in the college-age ministry and have been active in their outreach ministries. I really have a heart for serving by coming alongside individuals and encouraging them through life-on-life discipleship.

A few months ago, I learned of the opportunity to be apart of Grace Falls as a summer intern and to serve in New Jersey. I was immediately intrigued to learn of just some of the ministry work that is being done in this community. I was given a chance to take a weekend trip to visit and experience what I was going to be involved in over the summer. Let me tell ya, I was blown away! I got a taste of ministry like I never have before. Immediately, I was plugged in with a fantastic group of women who share a mutual passion for women who work in the adult entertainment industry. The stories and fellowship I shared with this group sparked a desire to be apart of this ministry.

I am really looking forward to all of the opportunities that come my way to further the Gospel in the South Jersey and Philadelphia areas this summer. I come expectant, seeds will be planted, and lives will be changed in the name of Jesus.

Growing And Going

Post By Shelby Moreland

As I was driving my typical route this morning, the Lord brought to my attention the beautiful trees. If you have ever had the opportunity to see the seasons change then you have seen how the colors of the trees change from a beautiful soft pink and white to vibrant red, orange, and yellow. The change of the colors signifies just that - a change in the season. Summer fades and fall erupts with colors.

Oh, the joy that I have because my Heavenly Father has allowed me to change colors over this past year, to turn over a new leaf, if you will. The Lord placed me in South Jersey with five people who have been instrumental to my growth and allowed me to find myself here.

When I think about all that the Lord has allowed me to experience, I am humbled that he gave me this opportunity to be uprooted and shaken up by the gospel. The Gospel, that word carries such weight for me now.

Gospel is a word that I grew up hearing but I didn’t get the reality of what it fully meant. The DNA (Disciple, nurture, accountability) book that we are currently going through as a church describes the gospel as, “shallow enough for a toddler to wade in, but yet so deep an elephant can swim.” At the beginning of this journey I was in the wading pool but now God has moved me over to the other end of the pool and now I am enjoying the freedom of swimming a little closer to the deep end.

God had to move me from my comfortable complacency and set me in New Jersey to not only speak the Good News to everyone who has not heard, but live out the gospel - even in the darkest of places.

God has shown me what the gospel looks like in the most real and radical of ways. I got the opportunity to share His Agape love to the girl who works in the strip club in order to feed her babies at home; to become friends with my 62 year old neighbor Bob, and his partner, and share with them how God has transformed my life, showing the love of Christ to children in our after school tutoring program who are in need of attention; even being able to show the love of Christ to a random girl at the gym.

What I am trying to say is that I did not take Matthew 4:19 seriously until this year. I thought, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men” was only for the super-spiritual and the church leaders. However, praise God that now I can take comfort in the fact that the purpose for my existence is to glorify my Lord, and show people around me the gospel. I have learned how to reorient my life around the gospel, which can be quite difficult at times, but is so very gratifying and humbling.

I have loved this journey, and as I go home to Tampa in late-November I will be returning as a transformed woman who desires to make my God known to my neighbors, friends, future co-workers, and anyone God puts in my path. I wish I could share all that I have learned over this past year

I used to be what I call a “squatting duck,” someone who sits (or squats- whatever you prefer) and does not take action. In church, I was never the first one to raise my hand, and I surely was not one to volunteer for things outside of my comfort zone. I avoided eye contact with the teacher at all costs. I did not feel as though I possessed leadership qualities, so I faded into the person that got comfortable in the same pew every Sunday and Wednesday, and tucked the call to leadership safely away.

However, let me assure you God did not allow me to get away with this for long. Our loving, merciful, all-knowing God wedged me out of my comfortable squatting duck position, and led me out of my complacency to the uncomfortable unknown of Atlantic City, where I came with nothing but the raw gospel and a willingness to be used to make a change in this part of the world for His name.

I have learned that the gospel doesn’t get packed up on Sunday and put on a shelf until Wednesday. The gospel gets up, goes to work with you, goes to the gym with you, goes to the grocery store with you. It’s the times when I don’t have patience with the kids at tutoring, or the times I am too prideful that I realize I am in need of the gospel every second, not just Sunday and Wednesday.

Praise Jesus, I have walked out from behind the shadows and have learned leadership skills over the past year, proving His word true: “Through Him we received both the generous gift of His life and the urgent task of passing it on to others who receive it by entering into obedient trust in Jesus. You are who you are through this gift and call of Jesus Christ!” (Romans 1:6)

For those who know me, have supported me, encouraged me and prayed for me, I cannot say thank you enough. Your prayers gave me the courage to go into Browns Park, the clubs, schools, homes of neighbors, and to plant seeds. Your encouragement has put the wind back in my sails many times. I am so grateful to all my friends and family for being my cheerleaders and rallying around me. Thank you!

I cannot help but to get emotional when thinking about all the love I have experienced while in New Jersey. This has been one of the craziest, most adventure-filled seasons of my life, and it will always be one that I cherish.

I would love to share all that I have learned over the past year, but there’s not enough room to fit everything on these pages. I started this journey to become a part of a missionary team, to plant a church in Atlantic City, but I am returning home with the knowledge that I am a missionary wherever I go.

Shelby - One Of The Sent

A missionary is a term we usually give to people who are going to a particular area to serve. We think of the couple who have left their job, family and home and goes to Africa. We think of the single adult who abandons the career for a calling to reach a particular people group.

We think of the person who went on a mission trip and now wants to go on the mission field. We see them usually every couple years or at our annual missions conference. We get their updates and have their magnets on our refrigerator so we don’t forget to pray for them. Yet, the reality is this isn't what a Missionary is all about.

The simple definition and description of a missionary is this… ONE SENT. Here is my question…Isn't that all of us who have been transformed by the Gospel? Isn't that what Jesus was calling us to when He gave us the EVERYDAY COMMISSION…”Therefore GO and MAKE disciples… Do we sometime think that calling was for “those people”?

Let me confess something. I hate to admit it but I have to. I DID. I used to think all of those things that I wrote above when it came to missionaries. I am not sure why I thought that but I did. It hasn't been till I have taken this journey to be a church planter that I have really realized this false belief and how ingrained it was in me.

This shift in thinking and really understanding my identity in Christ has been powerful not only in me but our church. This simple idea of sharing with our church family that you are a missionary is one of the essentials we continually teach and talk about. We want our folks to know that because of the gospel and what it means for us that we are MISSIONARIES who get to serve everyday. Not out of a duty but a simple desire to see His kingdom advance by making Him known. We do this when we serve.

This leads me to this point. Should I serve Jesus today? This isn’t the question we need to be asking. The truth is we will serve a king today…the only question for us is WHAT KING WILL YOU SERVE? This is what I love about Shelby Moreland.

She has embraced this mindset and it has been amazing to see her life transform over the past 15 months. She went from a young girl who was leaving her home, her family, her comfortable position to come and DO MISSIONS. Yet, she like all of us have come to the awakening that missions isn't something we do – its who we are.

We serve like Jesus. He said it best when He said that He came not to be served but to serve. He told those disciples that would one day “turn the world upside down” that he was ready to show them the “FULL EXTENT OF HIS LOVE”. How did He do this? He took the role of a servant and washed their feet. King Jesus washed those disciples feet and then told them to do as He had done to them.

I am excited that Shelby Moreland isn't leaving Grace Falls today. I am excited that we are SENDING Shelby out today. She is a missionary servant sent by God to make disciples. She is only the beginning. Our prayer isn't that we grow to be a big church. Our prayer is that we would be a MATURE group.

A group that raises men and women who are mature enough not to need another message or a meeting put on by us but a group of men and women who know how to feed themselves and are on mission to feed others. This is what I pray we have done with Shelby. Prepared her to BE what God has created her to be. A daughter loved by God and ready to show that love to others.

Will you join me in praying a prayer of thanksgiving and celebration of the Gospel today? A celebration of seeing the Gospel – the good news – at work today; a work that is not confined by a building, city or even a person. A work that is working and continues to work regardless of what you and I think or even do.

God is always at work. All we have to do is take the time to look around and there we will see the activity of God. I see it today as clear as I ever have. The brokenness of a young lady who weeps not because she leaves but because she knows the work isn't done yet.

Shelby, I comfort you with these words today…”Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will RETURN with songs of JOY, carrying the sheaves.” Psalms 126:6.