Guest Speakers: Susi Taylor and Barbara Arbo

“The spirit of God gives us direction in our life,” Barbara Arbo declared confidently.

“Seeking and waiting on God is wonderful, but nothing in life will come about unless you act on it; action is key,” stated Susi Taylor.

Reading these two statements next to each other might not seem consistent, but hearing their messages one after the other proved otherwise. This past Thursday we were fortunate to have these two women of God speak back to back. Each of them brought unique insights into the meaning of what it is to live for God. Even though they are from different parts of the country with two different messages in mind, they somehow wove together beautifully.

To start us off Mrs. Arbo expressed the importance of relying on God and his direction for our lives, which is made known through His spirit and His word. She often exclaimed that even with all of our knowledge and insight we still often don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Lets be honest, following God’s purpose for our lives isn’t the most obvious route to take. I believe that is the very reason God’s word repeatedly tells us to trust in Him. That is the beauty of a relationship with God… we don’t have all the answers, He does. We rely on Him solely and continually.

Waiting and relying on God is wonderful, but there is much more depth than that when it comes to God. A key part of trust is action. How can you truly trust in God if you don’t DO what He asks of you? Just as it says in James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” The direction of God is essential and the faith to act on it is indispensable as well.

I want to take one last turn and finish with a statement made by Susi Taylor, “What you look at the longest, becomes the strongest… keep looking at those dreams and most of all keep chasing them.”

Written by Go Apprentice: David Solomon

For more information on these speakers visit:
www.arboministries.org/
www.susitaylor.com/

Barbara with husband Stephen

Susi after speaking at Go

Photo of the Week – by Katie O’Toole

By Go Apprentice: Katie O’Toole

The Open House. March 29, 2010

If you’ve ever considered joining the Go Internship or interested in finding out what we’re all about, join us at our next Open House Event. During Open House you can have a look around our Offices, meet the founders, Greg and Christa Baca, the Staff, and this year’s current Interns. This is the perfect time to have your questions about the program answered.

Open house begins at 4:00PM from 4:00-4:15pm tour the offices and take a look around. From 4:15-5:00PM Greg & Christa will be sharing about the program. Hear from current interns about the direct impact the program has made on their lives. Feel free to bring a friend or two, grab a starbucks on the way over, and come chill and hang out.

The offices are located:
12814 S. Memorial
Suite 121 & 122
Bixby, OK 74008

Guest Speakers: Ceitci Demirkova and Duke Duvall

When opposition comes against you it can be easy to forget what’s important.  It’s in this moment when you ask yourself, “is it worth it”?

These thoughts and more came to mind as Ceitci Demorkiva and Duke Duvall came to share with us about their lives. Throughout this time Ceitci often made many bold statements such as, “If someone can talk you out of your dreams then you have no business pursuing them” and “circumstances are really just mentors.” I quickly realized that there was a decision I needed to make in my life, one that I would have to make each day of my life. As simple as it is I knew it would make a drastic difference in my future. It was the answer to a yes or no question I’ve heard all my life. Are you willing?

Mr. Duvall pointed out that God is not looking for ability; He is just looking for willingness. The truth is God has all the ability needed for any dream. He’s in search for those who are willing, the ones that welcome obstacles because it’s obstacles that prove how wonderful He is. Challenges are as big as we make them. Continuing with the discussion, Mr. Duvall told another story that grabbed my attention. I’ve heard it a thousand times before and I’ll probably hear it many more times in the upcoming years. The story was about David and Goliath. The whole Israel army was terrified of Goliath and stood defeated without a battle to speak of, that is, until David arrived. David didn’t bring much to the battle, just a different perspective. While the Israelite army cried out that Goliath was to big to hit, David looked at him and proclaimed he was too big to miss. David knew God and because of that he was confident that with God’s help, he could conquer the giant. We shouldn’t be afraid to conquer the giants in our lives.

Now it’s the moment when you have to ask yourself… “Are you willing?”

Written by Go Apprentice: David Solomon
For more information on these speakers visit: 
http://www.ceitci.org/
http://www.dukeduvall.com/

Guest Speaker: Tom Newman

Last week we were fortunate to have Tom Newman, the director of Impact Productions, speak with us. His insights into life and the impact our lives make in others were priceless.

If you were to imagine your life as a book what would it look like and what chapter would you be in today? Maybe each chapter would have certain significant events that took place in your life. When you take a look at those chapters do you begin to notice God’s presence in it, however subtle? The fact is we are all born with a mission or a sense of purpose, but we determine how or if we are going to live it out. Still think that it’s a little strange to look at our lives as a story?

Let’s take a look at Jesus’ ministry in Mark 4:1-13. In this passage Jesus told the people a parable about the kingdom of God. Now if you have looked at Jesus’ ministry much in the Bible you notice this reoccurring theme of telling stories. Why did Jesus do this? He knew people would relate to stories and in turn learn from them. I believe that is true with our lives. Our lives and our stories are valuable to others. The fact is we don’t know how many are reading the “story” of our lives whether it is through everyday interaction or through a passing greeting. Nevertheless they are there. Please take a moment to ask yourself what story God is telling through your life?

Let me leave you with a statement made by Tom Newman…

“God has given us a front row seat to the story He is unwinding and that story is our lives.”

Written by Go Apprentice: David Solomon

Pure: Charity Art Exhibit

Go International is hosting its first Charity Art exhibit; entitled: Pure. This exhibit is benefiting Go Internationals summer humanitarian project for the Kuna Yala Tribe in the San Blas Islands.

Right now, 1.1 billion people on the planet don’t have access to clean drinking water.  That’s one in six of us.  Can you imagine living your whole life without ever drinking a glass of clean water?  For the Kunas, unclean water isn’t just a statistic, but a daily reality.  The San Blas community has a plentiful supply of water, but no way to get it clean.  As a result, early infant death and widespread disease among the Kunas is rampant. Last summer, Go International installed a fresh water purification system which provided clean water for three islands, home to about 3,000 of the Kuna people. This summer, Go International will return to the islands and install additional fresh water systems in the islands with the greatest need.

You have an opportunity to help make a lasting change in the lives of the Kuna Tribe. All proceeds from the “Pure” exhibit will go directly towards the cause. Come out and show your support and join us for a night devoted to art and justice.

Cover charge: Donation.
Loose Leaf Co.
328 East 1st St
Tulsa, Ok 74120

Read more about Project Panama 2010 on www.gomissions.tv!

Worship Night- Hosted by Go International

Come and join us this Monday night!

Call Lindsey for directions
918.407.7309

Guest Speaker: Keith Wheeler

What is ministry to you? That was the first question that was presented to us by Keith Wheeler today. As we’ve grown up we all have shaped our own idea of what ministry is, and for that matter, what life is. All to often it is easy to get caught up in what you are doing in your life and what you are doing in “your ministry”. The work, the numbers, and the “mask” we display when others are around us. With this thought in mind Keith then directed us to this scripture: Hebrews 12:2 – “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…”

If we claim that the ministry we do is our own, are we not taking attention away from Jesus? Keith made a bold statement and, in my opinion, an honest one. No man leads people to Jesus; it is in fact, Jesus who draws all men unto the Father.

In my life I have often complicated some of the simplest things. One of those things is the idea of ministry. Ministry is not a profession or even an overseas trip you take once a year. Ministry is the overflow of a life lived in love with Jesus. In other words, ministry is a lifestyle, and one we are privileged to live.

I would like to leave you with some of the questions that he asked us. As you read these please take time to ask yourself what they mean to you.

- What is ministry?

- Is ministry something you do or is it something you are?

- When does ministry become entertainment or vice versa?

- Is Jesus your goal and your pursuit?

Written by Apprentice David Solomon