Red Letters - Blessed are the Persecuted

Here is the link to my latest sermon at New City Church...

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/community-church-oshkosh/id574526563?mt=2

It is the one labeled Red Letters - Matthew 5:10-12 with my name under it. 

Red Letters Sermons

Here is the link to my last two messages one from Community Church New City, Matt. 5:4 from Nov. 2 and one from Community Church Ryf Rd, Matthew 5:7 nov 23. Both messages have my name on them https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/community-church-oshkosh/id574526563?mt=2

Summer Update

   Hey Everyone, I know for some we have not been in touch for awhile and I apologize. I decided to take the summer off from updating prayer request and our lives in general. I want to thank each of you who continue to lift our family up in prayer, it means more than you could imagine. God has done so much it is hard to know where to start. 

   On the home front Aurora turned 10 and I turned 33; Stacy is about to have a birthday, but her age is not for me to tell...LOL. We continue to work slowly on our house and yard dreaming of what it can become and how God might use it for Kingdom purposes. However, since I am pretty new to gardening and construction the progress is slow. I have no doubt that Jesus gave us this house though and believe he wants to turn it into a tool for the Kingdom, one step at a time, in His time. Please continue to pray for this dream that God has given us. Besides a the house, a prayer request on the family front is we continue to struggle with Aurora in many areas and ask for your prayers as we try to parent and love her well. 

   On the job frontier things at Arby's were deteriorating seemingly day to day. I did not much care for my job, it's location, or my boss. I continued to work faithfully, but the truth was I was miserable where I worked. I longed for the season to end, but determined in my heart that I would not throw in the towel before God provided a way out. Through a friend, I found out that Starbucks was looking for store managers and was hired on officially August 18. Starbucks is a company that I have history with and I really enjoyed working for from 06-09 and I am so grateful for this opportunity. It has been an answer to prayer and a huge burden lifted. It is truly a miracle for our family.

   We have also seen God do some other miracles this summer. Through both preaching and counseling ministry we have seen four people give their lives to Christ. To God be the glory. We are also seeing chains of addiction broken, marriages strengthened, restoration of relationships, and so much more. It never ceases to amaze me how Jesus works and I believe this is just the beginning of what Jesus is going to do here in Oshkosh and beyond. This summer we also saw a relationship healed that I did not think had any hope of reconciliation. I do not want to go into details, but a relationship with a man who was very key in our family coming to WI was broken and it was very hard for me. This man, who has a significant position of authority amongst churches in our state, came to me and asked for restored relationship as a brother in Christ and we rejoice in the healing that Jesus brought to my heart and his. Jesus loves the unity of his Church so much that he spent his final prayers praying for it. I know it made Him very glad to see peace made.

   

   As most of you know all of our ministry has been done under the umbrella of New City Church as we continue to be very involved in the planting of New City. We our so grateful for all that God has allowed for us to be a part of there as they have ministered to us as much as we have to them. I continue to preach there on a regular basis and God is bringing me men to mentor and invest in through the church. He has also been bringing me people to love through counseling, which is both rewarding, yet a heavy load to carry, but I know He will sustain me. Recently, I was asked if I would become the director of connections at New City and Stacy and I have prayfully decided to take over this vital ministry. Most people will decide whether or not they will visit a church again before the sermon even starts, within their first interactions and minutes of a service they are making their decision. Please pray that we can recruit people to help us transform this ministry and take ownership of this part of the Church. There is some great stuff on this truth here... http://joshuareich.org/2013/06/19/the-most-important-minutes-to-a-guest-on-a-sunday-morning/?utm_content=bufferd5dab&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

The truth is, "saved people serve people" and this is the vision that we are casting. I dream so much for New City I could go on and on, but the Spirit is moving in a special way and I ask your continued prayers for New City and the transformation of Oshkosh.

   There is more that could be said but I want to end this letter by saying thank you to those who have given to us both financially and through prayer. The truth is that without you we would have never made it to WI. Without you we would not have had a roof over our heads those first few weeks and months we lived here. Without you four people mostly likely would still be heading towards an eternity separated from Christ. Without you those who are finding freedom from addiction might still be suffering. Jesus has honored and multiplied your prayers and gifts. Although we deeply appreciate everyone for all you have invested into us, we want to especially thank Hopewell Presbyterian Church. Your prayers, love, and support have been such Godsends to us. All that you have invested is seeing return in the Kingdom and we love you so very much. From the very bottom of our hearts we give you our deepest love and gratitude. We pray God would bless you for being a blessing. Know that we love and miss you all.

   

   As I come to a close, I am reminded of how this church planting journey has not been what any of us thought it would be, but Jesus is at work and I have learned His ways our so much better than mine. Although I dream of what could be next in this Church planting journey, I am also so humbled to be where I am now, Still amazed of all that Jesus has redeemed in me. I know Jesus has placed us right where we are, in these very times. Even though some circumstances don't seem to make sense, like our assessment with Acts 29 has been delayed yet again, I know that Jesus is at work in even this and I take so much comfort in knowing that he is in control. Thank you again for all of your prayers and I look forward to updating you again soon, Jeremiah McDuffie

   

   

   

My Sermon on 1 Peter 3:8-4:6 "Jesus is King, Live in that Reality"

Hey All, Here is the link to my most recent sermon at New City Church on 7-27-14...

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/community-church-oshkosh/id574526563?mt=2#episodeGuid=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buzzsprout.com%2F7821%2F192562-citizens-1-peter-3-8-4-6.mp3

Newest Message - Why We Are Generous

Hey all, Here is my most recent message from New City Church, three people made the decision to follow Jesus, that's reason to celebrate! I hope the Spirit speaks to you through it...it is called "Why We are Generous"

https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=574526563#episodeGuid=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buzzsprout.com%2F7821%2F182032-we-we-are-generous.mp3

My Most Recent Message at New City Church

Here is the link to my latest message at New City Church...if you see two passages for Colossians 3:12-17, mine is the second one...

http://www.buzzsprout.com/7821.rss

April Update

Dear Prayer Team, Thank you so much for continuing to lift us up in your prayers. This journey has been nothing like we had pictured, but we would not change anything as Jesus is powerfully at work within us and around us.  This past month God gave us many things so I will get right to it. 

First, as many of you know, we had a terrible scare with our daughter Elora. She has been sick, but it has been very manigible. Then just over two weeks ago she seemed to be getting better as she woke up chipper and without a fever. Stacy called me in the mid day concerned about her color and thinking she looked a little blue, she called me five minutes later even more concerned and while on the phone she yelled "she is turning blue and she is having a seizure, I'm calling 911." As you can imagine these words sent many thoughts racing through my brain. As I rushed home I made a few calls and it was in this time I thought my little baby girl might be dying. By the time I got home the ambulance had left and said she was stable, but that we needed to get her to a doctor. Of course we left immediately and on our way she had another seizure and then basically went catatonic. It was a few of the scariest hours of my life. In this time Jesus showed us so much love through the Church we are helping to launch, New City Church, as so many were praying as soon as they heard of our need. Many also wrote to ask if they could do anything, to let us know that they were there...the love was so wonderfully overwhelming. By the time the doctor got to Elora she was back to her normal self and we were told that this is all fairly normal when a fever spikes very suddenly to a high degree in a child, but after all the emotions we felt in this short time it was anything but normal for us. We felt we had been given a gift, a realization of how much we love our girls and what a precious gift they are from God. When I went out into the lobby two of my good friends who are also our pastors were there waiting for me, they tracked us down even though no one new what hospital we were at, and suddenly I realized we were not alone. Jesus has provided a family that has stood with us from the second we arrived and we are so greatful for them. They could have seen us as a threat, but instead Jesus has called us to love each other and join together in seeking to transformthe city of Oshkosh. It has shown me so clearly what the church can be when we put ourselves out of the way and put Jesus first.

God has also been stirring us in our priorities and what we need to make margin for in our lives. There are things that Jesus has called us too, and because our time is very full we have to be very intentional to be part of the work that Jesus is having us take part in. Within this vein Jesus has been teaching us more about who he has created us to be and how we are to function best that we might live in his joy. This is stretching us both in different ways, but mainly it is stretching us to both take action and to be patient and wait on God's timing. 

One of the things that God has given me a passion for, and that he has affirmed through many people I greatly respect that he has gifted me in, is counseling people in their brokenness and helping them to find healing in Jesus. Recently God has placed several people in my life who I have been able to counsel in different areas and it is so exciting to see Jesus setting people free from the lies that satan would bind them with. It's crazy because before moving to WI. I was seeking out people to counsel and offering my services freely and could find almost no one. Now I am just seeking Jesus and loving people and he is sending me the broken. We are praying that Jesus would grow this ministry and that many would find freedom in Christ. 

There are other areas where Jesus is at work, but for now, know that your prayers and support are so appreciated. Jesus is doing things in and through us so much greater than we can accomplish on our own. We find ourselves clinging tight to him because we know we can't do it on our own. 

As you pray for us please continue to pray over our home and that we can make it into a Gospel centered home where It can be used for many kingdom purposes. It needs work, and slow but sure we are seeing improvement. Please also pray as we are seeking Jesus will in my work and being more present in the city of Oshkosh and in the work he has called us too. Please pray for Elora's full healing has she is still sick on and off seemingly every few days. Pray for those God has me counseling and mentoring that the truth of the Gospel would take deep root in their lives and that they would live in  the freedom Christ has provided. Please also pray for wisdom in parenting our daughter, pray the Gospel would make deeper inroads into her heart and that she would be set free from a judgemental religious heart she can have at times. We also still have the heart to foster and adopt, but we are not there yet in our house, but we know in Jesus' timing he will grow our family more. We love you all and thank you for your prayers, Jeremiah McDuffie

My Message from New City Church - Colosians 1:21-23

If you would like to listen to the message that I preached at New City Church this past Sunday, March 9 this is where you can find the link...

http://www.buzzsprout.com/15768/156863-heartbeat-colossians-1-21-23.mp3

Prayer Letter February 2014

Dear Prayer Team, 

I am sorry for the delay in communication. I am consistently amazed at how God is moving and stirring in our midst and so much has happened that it is hard to know where to begin and what all to share. 

Last November I shared that we were looking for a second car because of the rough winters and my work being about 20-30 minutes from home depending on the weather. We did not want to take out an interest loan for this car, but needed to make payments. Days after asking you all to pray we had the car. It has been such a huge blessing to us and we are making payments to a private owner. The same week we got the car it became to cold for Stacy to be walking Aurora to school with the baby. All I can say is God can...

In the course of moving to Oshkosh God spoke clearly that we were to come to this city. God has confirmed this even more so in our hearts with each passing day, we know we belong here and that Jesus has placed us here to minister to this city. As we have been in the city God has bonded us ever closer to the church plant we have connected to, New City Church, and we are truly of one heart and mind. We consider it an honor to plant with them here in Oshkosh and to be a part of all that Jesus is doing in and through them. As the Lord has connected us to New City he has also allowed another relationship to fade away. When we moved to Oshkosh we were developing a relationship with the Christian and Missionary Alliance to plant a church in the city. For whatever reason this relationship has not flourished and the possibility of further partnership was ended this past week. I wish I could give you an explanation for this news, but truthfully, I do not have an answer. In the past, this news might have shaken our faith. However, we are so sure of our calling to this city and in the God who called us here that we can truly say we have peace about the sittuation. 

Of course this leaves the question of planting a church. My answer would be that we are. We are planting New City Church. We are involved involved in many different aspects within the Church including: Missional communities, prayer, greeting, set up and tear down, preaching, children's ministry, etc. Jesus is moving mightily through this plant and we are humbled to be a part of what he is doing. We are seeing those who are far from God begin to join us in both Missional communities and Sunday morning services, addictions are being broken, the broken are finding healing, and the lost are being found, praise be to Jesus our King.

As I come to a close I want to address what this means for us and for those of you who have committed to us. With the parterniship not working out with the CMA we do not have nearly enough funds to plant on our own, but since Jesus has made it clear to us that we are to be part of planting New City Church this is not a problem. For those who have given financially I want to personally assure you that your money is being well stewarded. It is because of so many of you that we have been able to get to Oshkosh and walk this faith journey and for that we are so very grateful. Additionally, any support that is currently raised or that will continue to be given is being set aside for the time when God calls me out of the market place into full-time vocational ministry as we believe God is not nearly done with our church planting journey in Oshkosh. If you do feel led to continue to give at this time, please do not send the gifts to the CMA, but to the address below.

I thank you all for your continued prayers for our family and the city of Oshkosh. 

Prayer Request

As most of you know to support our family I am currently managing an Arby's, it is my tent making if you will. Although it has provided opportunity to be on mission in the work place, Stacy and I both know that it is not Jesus' ultimate call on my life. With that said, Jesus has used it to provide for us and for that we are very grateful. However, we are seeking that I would work within the city of Oshkosh and ask that you join us in that prayer. 

Additionally, please be in prayer as we continue to foster relationship with New City Church for its welfare and that Jesus will continue to unite us.

Pray for us as we have had some situations with our daughter Aurora that have taken their toll on us.

Please be in prayer about supporting us as The Lord prepares the time when we take next steps in moving out of the market place.

When moving we borrowed several trucks. One of these trucks had a custom paint job and someone accidentally swung the trailer it was pulling into its side. Because of the custom paint it is $3,000 in damage, please pray for supernatural provision in this area.

Lastly, pray that we would get the next stage of our house finished, we have dreams of using our homes for the Gospel and it needs some work to make this dreams become a reality.

Our Address: 

Jeremiah McDuffie

1625 Georgia St. 

Oshkosh, WI. 54902

Christmas Letter 2013

Dear Friends, What an incredible year. We have seen King Jesus do so many amazing things in our lives this year it is hard to know what to share and what to leave out. With that said, we will cut out the witty intro and dive right in.

After graduating from college in December, 2012 many transitions happened all at once. After much prayer, and a nine and half year wait we welcomed our second child into the world, Elora Grace. She is completely amazing and beautiful. Recovery was hard for Stacy as she had to have another c-section, but she was up and running around in no time. We had decided she would stay home with the baby so this was a big transition for her. 

January was also when I started working part-time for Home Depot. This job was very short lived as it was a 30 min drive at 3 AM and I almost died, literally, like every day. After this, I took a part-time job with Subway and McDonalds. It was a frustrating time, but we were grateful for Gods gracious provision. I also began serving Hopewell Presybterian Church in January as an interim pastor. Serving Hopewell was one of the highlights of the year and we were so blessed to be part of this church, even if for a short time.

2013 was also the year of the move. We lived at 5 addresses this year, no thats not a typo, I meant to write 5. In fact, if I ever decide to call it quits as a pastor I know I could be a professional mover, maybe even run my own business...LOL. I'm still not sure if God was trying to teach us something through all of those addresses, but we defiantly hit that point where we felt we couldn't go on. We had to move from the college in Toccoa, and then we moved to WI, but that's getting ahead of the story. 

In July of 2012 I started putting out resumes out to churches that were looking for pastors. Although we received some offers the right fit just did not present itself. Rather then jump into the wrong sittuation we decided to wait and see where Jesus would lead us. It was also during this season that we began to read The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson. The book rocked our prayer life and we began to pray in new and radical ways. It was during this time when the Spirit led us to forsake everything and embrace him and pack up and move to Oshkosh, WI to start a church. This is an amazing story about Jesus moving in miraculous ways and if you would like to read it let me know and I will send it to you as I already have it in letter form. Jesus spoke so clearly though that we knew we had to go. Seeing people give to help us get to Oshkosh was so humbling as their gifts said, we believe your supposed to go too. 

When we moved to Oshkosh we did not have a job, a house, or anything lined up. We had one connection in WI and a small budding connection in Oshkosh. We just knew we had to go, and that we were supposed to go now. After living in a hotel for two days we were invited to a Missional community, a group of people living intentionally on mission for Jesus, for a local church plant called New City Church. Before the night was over we had a place to live for a few weeks and a place to store all of our stuff for as long as needed, and we did not ask anyone. This church has been an amazing blessing to us and we are so grateful to God for them. We now had a place to live temporarily, but no way to pay rent. Within eight days of moving I was hired as an assistant manager with Arby's and the training went so well that they promoted me to store manager before I was even finished with training. We then found a month to month renting sittuation, which everyone said did not exist in Oshkosh, until we bought a home in November of this year. Even this was a miracle as we were given a grant to make the down payment on our house and pay all of the closing costs that were left to us. 

Stacy and I also celebrated 10 years of marriage this year. It was awesome as we got to go to Laguna Hills, CA for free for training in starting churches for our anniversary. Of course we made sure we had free time to celebrate! We had a wonderful time remenicing about all Jesus has done in our marriage and how he pulled us from the depths of despair just a few short years ago.

On the church planting front we are in bit of a holding pattern until the new year. We have some logistical things to work out, but in the mean time we have been settling into and getting to know Oshkosh. God has truly settled our hearts here in a supernatural way as we all love the city and have a deep sense of belonging here. 

I cannot leave the letter without mentioning our daughter Aurora. She is amazing, but we have struggled with her some this year. She is strong willed and a natural leader and we pray that God uses this to do great things for the Kingdom. 

As I come to a close we do not know what 2014 has in store for us, but we are on this journey with Jesus. So whatever this year brings we know that as my friend Jon says, "God's got this."

Merry Christmas, The McDuffie's

November Prayer Letter

Dear Prayer Team, I am completely blown away that it has been a month since I last wrote. The graciousness of our Heavenly Father that is upon us is overwhelming as we seek to plant a King and kingdom oriented Churches in Oshkosh, WI. Much has happened this month so let's dive right in.

As most of you know, I have been training as an assistant manager at Arby's. The training program involved long hrs coupled with a long drive and it was very wearing. As the program came to a close I was assigned to the Oshkosh store which we were so grateful for. Four days into being at the Oshkosh store I was offered a store manager position within the company at the edge of town. I was blown away. After praying and talking with Stacy we decided that I would take the position if they would come up in pay. Although my district manager said she did not think they could do the number I asked for, I asked her to pursue it anyway, and it was approved. Not only has the ability to provide for our family improved, but I also no longer have to close the store and it does not require any more hrs than the assistant position. Thsi will of course open up evenings for family and laying the ground work for planting a church in Oshkosh. The position has also given me a platform where I have been able to share the faith with the employees. We are very excited to see what Jesus will do in this next season with this position. I do not know how long God will have me at Arby's, but it is clear he is moving while I am there.

When we moved to Oshkosh we both knew God was burdening our hearts to buy a home even though we had no idea how we would go about this in this stage of our lives. We just knew God wanted us to plant ourselves firmly within the city. Although God closed the door on the house we have been praying over, he has given us a home. We our scheduled to close Nov. 22 and it has been a miracle. We knew that God wanted us to open our home for the sake of the Gospel and we were looking for a home with the space to accomplish this. To be honest everything was out of our budget that was of any size. Not only did God give us a home right within our budget, but it has a ton of Gospel opportunity. The last thing we needed was a down payment. In the process of looking for a home we found a charity grant program that we applied for and we are being given our down payment. I am continuously blown away by what Jesus can do when we walk faithfully and get out of the way.

On a different front, God is doing something uniquely wonderful and beautiful in our relationship with New City Church, the church plant we have been asking prayer for. They have shown us so much kindness and favor. In the book of John, just before Jesus goes to the cross, Jesus prays for his people to be one so that the world may know that we are his. This is what God is stirring with New City. We have gone out inviting people to attend New City, have prayed and continue to pray for God's favor on their ministry, and have sweet fellowship with them. In a similar manner they have sought our good and Gods favor on us, even to the point of bringing us up on stage and publicly praying for us and the ministry God would have us take part in here in Oshkosh. I don't know what God is ultimately going to be doing through this relationship he is building, but I do know that the King and his kingdom are shining brighter than any one man or church. No turf wars are going on, but instead we are just trying to love each other well and be gracious to one another as Jesus has done for us.

The last thing I would share is where we are at in the journey. With October over, we still have not had a date set for the final stage of our church planting assessment. It is very possible with the holidays coming that it is delayed until the New Year. There is a time where I would have found this very frustrating, but I know Jesus is sovereign in our situation and we can honestly say that we are not worried at all. In the mean time, God has been stirring our hearts for the city of Oshkosh in some specific areas. One of the ways Jesus is stirring us is to have Missional communities within the local pubs here in Oshkosh. This is not to be cool, hip, or trendy, but simply to engage people where they are at. In WI the pub is the community center, it is where people connect, meet their friends, and go for fun. Jesus engaged people where they were at and we believe this is what he would have us do also. 

On a different front, God has burned in me the need for sound Biblical counsel in the lives of his people and in the world in general. Beggining in college with several professors The Lord has affirmed through many people that he has gifted me in this way and we know he would have me use this gift for his glory. We are not sure how God is going to be using this within Oshkosh, but he has recently placed a couple people in our lives who have a similar passion for counseling and it is clear God is stirring in this way. We are praying over how God would use this ministry within Oshkosh. 

The third thing God has been stirring in our hearts for sometime is to be part of foster care and adoption, and the with almost any city, the need is clear. God is not just stirring us for the children, but for the parents, that we might lead them to The Lord so that they can learn what it is to be Godly parents and be able to bring their children home. However, we are aware that many children are not able to go home and because God has been gracious enough to adopt us into his family we believe he would have us open up our lives and unconditionally love the orphans of the world. All of this is so much bigger than us, but we know Jesus is leading in this manner and where God guides he also provides. So we are continuing to walk by faith day by day.

As I come to a close I ask for you to pray over a few things...

First pray, over Missional communities in the pubs. Pray we would know where to start and for Gods favor with pub owners, and that many would come to the faith, and that we would grow leaders from this ministry.

Please also be in prayer for us as we seek to close on the house, paint all the rooms on the inside, getting settled, and all the things that go into an endeavor like this. 

Also please be in prayer over how God would have us use counseling within Oshkosh and what this would look like.

Pray over us beginning the journey into foster care and adoption and that this would become an extension on what the church is doing, not just what the pastor is doing.

Please continue to pray for New City and Gods favor on them. Pray we would be clear on how to partner and engage with each other and that we would continue to recklessly love each other. We have been dreaming kingdom dreams together and God has more here than I think we can currently imagine.

Pray that we would not lack in funding to minister to the city. Pray that we can establish full funding for the church plant. We have a key partner in this process lined up that is waiting for our assessment to be completed, but we need an additional church and individual partners.

Pray that we can get 100 people to commit to giving $10 a month for a one or two year commitment. This would be a huge step in getting us to the point of fully funding the work that Jesus has set before us. If you feel led to give to support please send your gift to:

WGLD 

W6107 Aerotech Drive

Appleton, WI 54914

Please make checks out to WGLD and be sure to memo line the gift to McDuffie Church Plant. (These gifts are tax deductible).

Pray that God would direct us to the right people to establish a core group and for men to train up to be leaders.

Pray that we would have families and churches lined up to come and serve on missions trips in the summer and fall of 2014.

Pray for an intern or two to commit for at least a summer, but preferably at least a year.

Pray that some would sacrifice and move to Oshkosh for the sake of the gospel and the kingdom to be part of planting a church in this city.

Lastly, please continue to pray for our family. It is easy to get so busy serving God that you lose sight of Jesus. Pray that Jesus would be the center, the very essence of everything we do.

We love you all and thanks for praying...it means so much.

May the grace of King Jesus be upon each of you, The McDuffie's

October Prayer Letter

Dear Prayer Team,

First sorry this letter is late. In September we have took the foot off the gas a little bit and aloud ourselves the chance to settle and get to know the city of Oshkosh. Some key people in our church planting process have encouraged us to not push the process of planting. They have encouraged us to allow ourselves the chance to settle in the city and get to know the people and it's culture. We have found this to be very sound Godly advice. Although, we have spent time settling in the city it has still been a very busy, eventful, month as we move forward in planting a church in Oshkosh. In the past month I started as a manager at Arby's until we work out raising the funding we need for the Church plant and lay the ground work needed to get off the ground. I have been training in a near by city so this has been a time consuming process. We have also been seeking to buy a home in the city so that we can firmly establish ourselves. As you might know we have been been praying over a specific home since before we moved to Oshkosh, but as The Lord began to close that door he also began to open our hearts to the city as a whole, not just a specific part. God has directed us to some amazing doors in this search and we feel so blessed to see Jesus provide in this way. (We will have more house news in next months letter). We also went to training in CA this month as part of our church planter assessment process. This was an incredibly blessed time as we made some great connections with fellow church planters and were able to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. As we have moved into October we are looking forward to completing the church planting assessment process sometime this month or in early Novmber. We are also moving full speed ahead on our housing situation and establing ourselves in the city. The Lord has been placing strategic people into our lives and we know with each passing day that The Lord has guided us here and that he is in this work. The love that has been growing in our hearts for Oshkosh has truly been supernatural as we know that we are not just here to plant a church, but we are home. This is a huge part of the planting process for both ourselves and those we would try to reach. There is more to tell, but for now, know that your prayers mean so much to us and that Jesus is moving in this work. 

Please be praying over a few things for us...

Pray we are able to establish ourselves in a home as we do not just want a home for ourselves, but we are praying that we could minister from our home and use it as a hub for being on mission for Jesus. 

Pray that we can establish full funding for the church plant. We have a key partner in this process lined up that is waiting for our assessment to be completed, but we need an additional church and individual partners.

Pray that we can get 100 people to commit to giving $10 a month for a one or two year commitment. This would be a huge step in getting us to the point of fully funding the work that Jesus has set before us. If you feel led to give to support please send your gift to 

WGLD 

W6107 Aerotech Drive

Appleton, WI 54914

Please make checks out to WGLD and be sure to memo line the gift to McDuffie Church Plant.

(These gifts are tax deductible).

Pray that God would direct us to the right people to establish a core group and for men to train up to be leaders.

Pray that we would have families and churches lined up to come and serve on missions trips in the summer and fall of 2014.

Pray for an intern or two to commit for at least a summer, but preferably at least a year.

Pray for our family to stay Jesus centered as we move forward and to not lose focus on our priorities. 

Lastly, pray that some would sacrifice as we have and move to Oshkosh for the sake of the gospel and the kingdom to be part of planting a church in this city.

September Prayer Letter

Dear Prayer Team, 

My heart is full as I write our second update to you. We arrived in Oshkosh in August 11 moving on faith. God clearly spoke to Stacy and I that we were to move at this time, yet we did not have a house to stay in or an income source to rely on. When we arrived in Oshkosh we stayed at the Super 8 hotel with holy anticipation of what God was going to do. Our first Monday here, August 12, I spent time looking for a job and a place to rent month to month as we are looking to buy a home in Oshkosh. After a very disappointing day, we checked back into the Super 8. Tuesday, we started again, and by Tuesday night we still had nothing; nothing but an invitation to go join a Missional community group, that is part of a church plant in Oshkosh called New City Church, for dinner and a time of sharing. During this time the pastor, who was the only person we knew in Oshkosh before we moved, and we barely knew him, asked this group how they could help us. That night we had a place to stay until September virtually free, a beautiful furnished 3 bedroom home, and a place to store our stuff for free as long as we needed. A miracle from God! I wish I could say that I had walked every step by faith those two days, but my flesh tried to take things into my own hands and I had to humbly go before The Lord in repentance. The Lord is surely gracious and forgiving in the midst of our sinfulness and stupidity. After moving in, we continued to look for month to month housing in Oshkosh and everyone was telling us that they didn't exists here. Then God decided to provide another miracle; we had two people contact us about renting from them month to month through a phone call and Internet post I had made. We are now living at 631 Franklin St. Oshkosh, WI. 54901, a fully furnished beautiful duplex. While all of this was happening I was still looking for a job to help provide for my family in the initial stages of Church planting, eight days after moving to Oshkosh I interviewed with Arby's and they hired me as a manager. Although it has taken some time to get all of the paperwork through I have finally started work. We stepped out in faith and in eight days I had a good job and within two days we had a home to live in which transferred into another home to live in. Additionally, our relationship with New City Church has truly been supernatural and I am excited to see how the Spirit will use this partnership in years to come. As I come to a close I want to share how you can be praying as I believe God wants to do miracles in this time and place and you can be part of that. 

Prayer Request:

• Pray for New City Church as they launch their Church plant this week, pray that the Soirit would move in a party way and that they would see a great harvest.
• Pray for individuals and families to catch a Kingdom vision and move to Oshkosh with us for the sake of the Glory of God and to join our church plants core team.
• Pray for monthly giving partners to support this work (If you feel led to give or want to make contact with us you can mail a check to Jeremiah McDuffie 631 Franklin St. Oshkosh, WI. 54901. However, you can also mail a check to WGLD W6107 Aerotech Dr. Appleton, WI. 54914. (This is the best option for monthly giving and tax deductible gifts). Be sure to designate the funds to Jeremiah and Stacy McDuffie church plant. 
• Pray that we raise the last $2,000 needed to make our initial $5,000 of initial support needed.
• Pray for us as we go to CA to take a huge step in our assessment in Church planting with the CMA and Acts 29 September 18-22, and that we could finish this process by October.
• Pray that we would have another church or two come along side us to support the church plant financially for two-three years.
• Pray that God would give us a home to do much ministry out of (God has given us a huge vision for our home and we are praying way beyond our creature comforts to Kingdom living).
• Pray that individuals, families, and churches would commit to coming to Oshkosh for a missions trip in the next two years for the purposes of evangelism and working on the ministry home.
• Pray that we would make connections with community leaders that would lead to God honoring partnerships with the city.
• Pray that we would connect with lost people within the city.
• Pray that we would have continued clarity of vision for the city and this church plant.
• Pray for our family that we would stay Christ focused and centered.
• Pray for a core group of 50 people to launch this church.
• Pray that our prayer team would grow to 200, it is at 100 now.
• Pray that the churches of Oshkosh would be one and would network together for the good of our city and the sake of the kingdom.

I am sure there is more, but that is good for now, we love you all and are so grateful to our God for your faithful prayers, Jeremiah

August Prayer Letter

Dear Prayer Team, 

Well the time is officially here, the McDuffie's are leaving for Oshkosh, WI this Saturday, August 10th and will be arriving August 11th. God has been doing some truly amazing things and we want praise The Lord as He has already given us a prayer team of almost 100 people. Please pray that we reach 200 people by the end of August. Additionally, we have raised $2,300 and are almost half way to raising the initial $5,000 in missionary support that we need. We also have a small church and three families committed to giving anywhere from 6 months to two years. Please continue to pray that we are able to raise the remaining $2,700 and for 12 more families and a church to come along side of us and give monthly to the mission of God in Oshkosh. We also want to praise God as two churches are seriously considering missions trips to Oshkosh along with a couple of families. Pray that in these first two year that we will have teams come and help get the church plant off the ground through short term missions trips. We would also ask for prayer for our family as we seek wisdom about housing and working outside of the Church plant. We are praying over a specific home that we see so much Gospel opportunity in, pray that The Lord would give us 309 New York Ave and for temporary housing until this deal can be made. Also please pray that we develop a full partnership with the Western Great Lakes District and another Church planting network that would go a long way in this Church plant getting off the ground. Pray over our family, that Gods favor would be upon us. Pray for New City Church, a church plant in Oshkosh, that we have begun to network with that Gods favor would be upon them and that they would see thousands come to The Lord. God is shaping and refining our vision for this city and we ask that you pray for continued clarity and vision as we seek out what The Lord would have for us. We love you all and thank you for praying. In the Love of Christ, The McDuffie's

Gods call on our lives...

Dear Friends,

We are writing to share with you what God is doing in our lives and to ask you to pray about partnering with us. As many of you know, we have been searching for God’s place for us since last August. In His good and perfect time the Lord has revealed to us that place, Oshkosh, WI. Our call to Oshkosh has been so clear that neither Stacy nor I have any doubt that God has directed us to this city.

In early May of this year, I had a conversation with a man in Wisconsin, Jeff Brown, and it was clear that our hearts were drawn together. However, Jeff was only looking for church planters at the time and I had not allowed the Spirit to present this possibility to me before this conversation. After praying for several weeks Jeff and I talked again. As we closed our conversation I asked Jeff if we could pray and I prayed over three cities in Wisconsin that the Spirit had laid on my heart; the cities of Eau Claire, Kenosha, and Oshkosh. After I was done praying Jeff could not believe that I had prayed over those three cities as I had never been to Wisconsin, yet we were praying over the same three cities that Jeff and his office were praying over that God would bring church planters to plant churches. We both instantly knew God was doing something bigger than us and we began to pray more fervently. Soon after talking with Jeff, Stacy asked me if the Spirit was placing a specific city on my heart and I told her “Oshkosh.” Without telling Jeff what I had told Stacy, I contacted him to see where he felt was most ready for a church plant and Oshkosh was his clear answer. We were directed toward Oshkosh again the same day as I had posted on facebook for friends to pray for us as we were considering planting a church in Wisconsin. I was almost immediately contacted by a woman who I had not shared even the slightest comment with in years, and she shared with me how she and her husband almost planted a church in WI, but moved in another direction, the city was Oshkosh. After a trip to Oshkosh the Lord has affirmed that Oshkosh is where he is sending us.

Stacy and I find the prospect of church planting again both exciting and terrifying. However, we both know the Lord has spoken to us and the Spirit has confirmed that we are to move in this direction. As we move forward we are asking you for four things. First, and most importantly, we are seeking to raise up a prayer team of 200 people. We both consider this to be the most vital piece to what God has called us to. If you will be praying for us please let us know so we can add you to our prayer request newsletter. The second thing we would ask is that you would pray and ask the Spirit if he would have you relocate to the city of Oshkosh to be a part of this move of God. We know this is a huge ask, but we believe God has others who would join us in this endeavor. Perhaps it would be you and your family. The third thing we would challenge you to do is to begin to see if you or a group from your church could come to Oshkosh to do mission work for a week or two at a time to help us reach out to the community in the next year or two. Lastly, although we are already developing some strong partnerships we also need to raise financial support and challenge you to sacrificially give to the mission of God in Oshkosh where only 6 % of the 160,000 people in the metropolitan area have a relationship with the Lord. To help us get off the ground we need to raise $5,000. If just 50 people give $100 we will meet our goal. We are also looking for monthly partners who would be willing to help the church plant financially for its first two years. We ask that you please pray and ask the Spirit what the Lord would have you give.

If you feel led to give or want to make contact with us the easiest way right now would be to mail a check to Jeremiah McDuffie 116 Stoney Farm Dr. Eastanollee, GA.30538. However, you can also mail a check to WGLD W6107 Aerotech Dr. Appleton, WI. 54914. (This is the best option for monthly giving and tax deductible gifts). Be sure to designate the funds to Jeremiah and Stacy McDuffie church plant.

We will be praying for you as you seek the Spirit’s direction in these matters.

In the Love and Grace of Christ Jesus, Jeremiah and Stacy McDuffie

Soulprint

Mark Batterson has become a staple diet of reading for my beginning of the year. I was glad to receive Soulprint as a review copy and immediately devoured it. Batterson uses the life of David to spotlight our own lives in Christ.

While the book doesn't point anything new out about the life of David, Batterson's easy to read prose is encouraging, convicting, and inspiring.

I connect with his personal stories, and took time to reflect on his questions.

The biggest point I took from the book is discovering who God created me to be. How am I unique and how do I understand my life in view of my eternal significance. How comfortable am I with me?

Soulprint helped me discover the answers to some of these questions during my reading. Other questions were launched from the book but will take time to flesh answers from.

It's not a self help book, its a self discovery book using scripture. It's a book that points us to the truth of God and then using it to illuminate the truth about our life.

I didn't realize how shallow I was until the book asked the hard questions. Batterson talks about prophets in our lives that speak difficult truths into our lives, and Batterson was a prophet for me through this reading.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review".

Book Review - Chazown

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review...
Chazown is a good book for anyone seeking direction in life. I would recommend this book to all new believers middle school age and above, and also to any Christian who is lacking purpose and or direction in life. Craig ask some hard questions about our dreams in life, what they are made of, and how we plan to see the come to reality. Overall i enjoyed the book and it did challenge me in some areas even as a pastor. Again i would definitely recommend this book, it is an easy read an a great way to start the new year!

Recent Paper about running and God

Hey all, I decided to post a recent paper I wrote about God, running, and Psalm 119...enjoy!

            Psalm 119 is a Psalm that is loved or feared, well studied or completely ignored; it is the Psalm that is usually not read unlike so many of its counterparts. Those who have studied this Psalm though have often come to a new depth of loving and trusting God’s Word, yet, in contrast, there are still those who fear and ignore it because of its length. Within this paper, we will examine the Word of God, specifically Psalm 119. We will also examine my own personal experiences with running and how those experiences relate to the study of God’s Word, who God is, and one’s personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

            Being a distance runner, I regularly run for long periods of time which allows me plenty of time to listen to podcasts, think, pray, and also, for the purposes of this paper, meditate on God and His nature. I recently went on several runs where I focused on the words of Psalm 119, specifically verses 30-32, and how one’s relationship with God is like running. I also focused on how the implications of applying the mind of the runner to one’s spiritual life would not only enhance the individual’s personal relationship with Christ but would also deepen their understanding of who God is.

James Montgomery Boice wrote in Living by the Book that as we study God’s Word we must acknowledge the fact that, “God must be our teacher, yet there are nevertheless things that we must do” (40). In Psalm 119:30-32, one finds three key verbs that help the believer to know what to do with God’s Word and how to live. These three verbs are: choose, hold fast, and run (KJV). Three simple verbs can be the means to living out the words of Psalm 119 and relating to God. In a similar manner a runner must also choose, hold fast, and run as they train for the race that is set before them.

If one is to run in the way of God’s Word, they must first make a conscious choice to follow the training plan that He has laid out for us. One must choose to follow the commands of God to truly be able to, “Draw nigh to God” (KJV, James 4:8). Matthew Henry said in his commentary on the book of Psalms, “That those who will make anything to purpose of their religion must first make it their serious choice…We must choose to walk in this way, not because we know no other way, but because we know no better way” (692). In much the same way a good runner does not casually run, but chooses to follow a plan laid out before him so that he can improve in his running abilities. As I was recently running ten miles, I was thinking about the relationship between running and God, and I realized how one must daily make a conscious choice to follow the plan laid out before him, or there will be no improvement. If this is true for running how then can a man expect to see any improvement in his spiritual life without daily choosing to follow God’s plan, His commands that He has placed before us?

As we discuss the ability to choose, it is also seems evident that God’s will is also apparent in one’s ability to exercise his will to go on a ten mile run. When I made the choice to run ten miles, my will, or my resolve to see it to completion is what kept me going. Wayne Grudem in his book, Systematic Theology, similarly writes about God, “God’s will is that attribute of God whereby he determines to bring about every action…” (221). In a similar manner to what Grudem describes I chose to exercise my will and study Psalm 119, to run the spiritual race set before me as the Apostle Paul alluded to in his epistles. I also chose to exercise my God given will to run ten miles. When one chooses to exercise his will in these ways he will begin to get a glimpse of the nature and character of God.

As one chooses to walk in the commands of the Lord, and he begin to make this decision daily, “holding fast” to those very same commands becomes a natural byproduct of the consistent choice that has been made. In his Psalms commentary, Henry says, “I have stuck to thy testimonies…I have chosen them, and therefore I have stuck to them” (692). It is during my long runs that my premeditated decision to go for a long run helps me to stick to the training plan so that I do not falter. Even in the course of researching this paper, the temptation to quit a long run was strong, but the decision to run long had been made, and that helped me to hold fast to the training plan. James Boice additionally comments, in Living by the Book, that the same Hebrew word for hold fast in verse 31 of Psalms 119 is also found in verse 25 and that it literally means “to cleave.” He goes on to talk about how just as the Psalmist cleaved to the dust in his humiliation in verse 25, so now after making the choice to follow the commands of the Lord he is able to cleave to promises of scripture that will help him to run well because he stands humbly before the Lord (40-41). Whether running physically or spiritually, one must cleave to the plan set before him. It is only by choosing and cleaving that the runner is able to live out the last verb of our set of three: run.

As I have run recently, there are things such as soreness, scheduling issues, and life’s pressures that would keep me from continuing to run well, but I cast those things off so that I do not veer from my training plan and that I might see my goals accomplished. Verse 32 of Psalm 119 says, “I will run the way of thy commandments.” He who has chosen to walk in the ways of the Word, and then holds fast to the Word, is empowered to run in the command of the Lord. Hebrews 12:1 speaks to this very topic, “…Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (KJV) As we fix our gaze on the run set before us, we become able to say as the Apostle Paul did in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my race, I have kept the faith.” (KJV)  In running, as in faith, when the choice is made to run according to the training plan and then one hold fast to that plan even in the hardest of runs, the natural progression of events leads to running well the race that has been set before us to completion.

All of this talk of running begs one to ask, why run? Ultimately I am inspired to run because when I run, and I am focused on God, I sense the glory, honor, or pleasure of God. The great missionary to China and Olympic athlete Eric Liddell is quoted in the movie “Chariots of Fire” as saying, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.” Like Eric, I also know God made me for a purpose, but when I run, and I have dedicated it all to Him, I get a taste of the glory of God. It had been some time since I had connected with the Lord in this way on my runs, but in the course of my meditating on God in a recent run I again came to a place where I knew the glory of God. Grudem says in his book Systematic Theology, “The greatness of God’s being, the perfection of all of his attributes, is something that we can never fully comprehend, but before we can only stand in awe and worship” (221). As I ran for this project, I once again gained a sense of the greatness of God, and as I ran, I worshiped. In nearly the same way, as we run the spiritual race set before us the glory of God is revealed to us and we come to a place in our spiritual race where we too stand in awe and worship.

Psalm 119 brings before the reader the value of the Word of God and how, through choosing to follow its commands and holding fast to them, we are able to run in those commands. The man who would live out the three verbs found in verses 30-32 will begin to experience the Glory of God. He will find the power to run the race to its end. In reference to running the race Eric Liddle also had this to say, “Where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within. Jesus said, ‘Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. If with all your hearts, you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me.’ If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race,” “Chariots of Fire.” When one purposes in his heart to choose, hold fast, and run he will surely run a straight race to its completion.

In running, one trains for numerous hours, runs hundreds of miles, usually all for the goal of peaking, running their very best, at one big race. The training is not the point, but a means to reaching a goal. During the training, something happens to the runners mind set though where they begin to get a glimpse of what the big race will look like, and then they begin to delight in the workouts tasting the prize that is set before them. In a similar fashion following the commands of God is not necessarily the point of Psalm 119, but the means to the end of running a race that is pleasing to God. We run the race that brings us into fellowship with Him where we might gain a glimpse of His good nature and glory. The commands of His Word are important as they reveal the nature and character of God, but as we train ourselves in them we begin to delight in them, and as we delight in them we also delight in Him. It is then we are able to glimpse the Glory of God and the end of the race. It is when we begin to delight in the Lord in this way that we are able to live out the words of the Apostle Paul found in 1 Corinthians 9:25-27, “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things...I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means…I myself should be a castaway” (KJV). The glimpse that we gain pushes us to finish well the race set before us. This glimpse of the glory of God is, of course, but a foretaste of the prize that awaits those who run well and finish the race as we will stand before the King and behold him in all of His Glory. It is on that day we will be assured that all of the training that went into running the straight race was worth the pain and suffering that is endured to see the race to its completion. 

Through the course of this paper we have examined Psalm 119, running, and how they both relate to God and our relationship with him. We have also examined my personal experience with running and how it has taught me about the nature and character of God, and how to grow in a deeper relationship with Him. In conclusion, we have seen how one can relate to God in something as simple as running and even gain a glimpse into the nature and character of God pushing us onward to the prize we have in Christ Jesus our Lord (KJV, Philippians 4:13).

"God Moments" while running

I love to run. It is a passion of mine. A while back I was listening to one of my favorite preachers, Mark Driscoll, and he said something that has drastically affected my life. Mark said, “Redeem you time”. Simple yes, but profound. So on most of my runs instead of listening to music, I listen to some of the best preachers from around the nation. Once again a simple change, but I have been amazed at how God has used this simple change to grow me spiritually. Now as I am running I have what I call, “God moments”. In these moments God clearly speaks to me as the rest of the world is tuned out. There are times on my runs that these messages stir me so much that I begin to run faster, I go farther, I become so broken that I have to stop and pray, or I become so stirred to action that I come home and share with Stacy what God is doing. Today I had a different kind of God moment though.

Today I was listening to a great man of God, Tim Keller of Redeemer Church in New York, and he was speaking out of the book of Proverbs. Tim spoke about the absolute sovereignty of God, the choices he gives man, how God uses those choices, and how continually brings us closer to a place where we trust God with everything.

As I have touched on in the past while I was in Tucson, AZ I lost almost everything; my wife and daughter, my ministry, everything that means anything to me. I put it all on the line with my selfishness, my neglect of my relationship with God, and sinful behavior. As Tim was speaking it hit me; if I truly believe God to be the completely sovereign, omniscient, which means all knowing, God that he is then he knew everything that would happen in Tucson before I was born. God knew when he led Stacy and I to serve him there in Tucson that we would forsake him, yet he still led us there. He led me there knowing the evil I would do and cause, yet he also knew the miracle of a healed marriage and life. He also knew that by taking me there that I would be more humbled before him and that I would be considerably more useable. He knew that coming out of the other side of Tucson that I would love my wife and be more dedicated to her than ever before.

The Bible recounts the life of a man named Joseph in the book of Genesis. All kinds of evil befalls Joseph, and God is seemingly quite through all of it. It is only in the end, when Joseph is reunited with his family, and God has used him to save his people and many others that Joseph sees that God used all the evil of man to bring about His divine purposes.

Going through our life in Tucson I did not understand why God had taken us into the desert. I still have little understanding of the complete sovereignty of God, yet he still somehow allows for mans free will. I do know however that God took us to the desert, and he rescued, grew, and is healing us. I cannot say for sure that He we will not lead us into some kind of desert again, but I know today I grew in my trust a little bit more.

Today I came to the revelation that God has worked in my life in a similar way to that of Joseph’s. Today I know a little bit better that I serve a completely sovereign God and that he uses all things, good and evil, as he works his divine plan within humanity. Today as I was running I stopped and thanked the sovereign God for who he is and that nothing catches him by surprise. I then prayed and asked him to help me trust him a little bit more and to come to a place where I trust him with everything. Amen.

Nehemiah's Prayer

I spoke at Zebulon tonight, here is a summary of what I said...
Lessons on how to pray from Nehemiah
“I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Martin Luther
“If you are too busy to pray, you are too busy. Cut something out.” D.A. Carson
1. When crisis hit, Nehemiah responded by praying.
How do you respond in crisis?
2. Nehemiah prayed with persistence.
How quick do you give up on your prayers?
3. Nehemiah prayed humbly.
There is no room for pride when going to God
4. Nehemiah prayed with personal sacrifice.
Do you pray or fast? If not, why?
5. Nehemiah praised God in his prayer.
Meditate on the fact that we get to go to God in prayer & who He is.
6. Nehemiah repented in his prayer.
Nehemiah brought the sin of his people, family, and himself before God. What sin are you keeping tucked away?
7. Nehemiah prepared and planned as he prayed.
Are you asking God to move yet acting like he never will?
8. Nehemiah asked for something only God could do.
Do you prayer man sized or God sized prayers?