Dear Friends, April 1, 2011
I knew what we were doing was pretty unique, but as I sat there doing the mental math it suddenly dawned on me that I’d become a part of something that was truly one in a million. Five men were commissioning Jared as he stepped over the threshold into full manhood.
When I met Jared he was one of those hyperactive 12 year old boys whose energy level was of mythical proportion. You know, the kind that can fluster the most unflappable and seasoned Sunday school teacher and about whom we tend to cynically shake our heads and prophesy an inevitable familiarity with the U.S. judicial system.
Yet here we were, 6 years later, and five men who in faith had seen the great potential hidden under all of Jared’s hyperactive lunacy were now an audience to God’s faithfulness.
This young man, who faithless eyes would have tossed into the trash heap of hopelessness, stood before us a stalwart disciple of Jesus Christ. Surrounded by this company of men there could be no doubt in Jared’s mind that he is not alone in the battles that will inevitably face him as he steps into the universally terrifying uncertainties of his adult life.
So few young men today have the blessing of a group of godly men believing in them and investing in their lives. But it doesn't have to be this way! More and more I am seeing God awaken Christian men from their slumber and calling them to take an active part in raising up the next generation of men to faithfulness and usefulness to Christ their King.
I can speak to this first hand, as I saw this same kind of war being waged for my own heart when I was a boy. In fact some of you reading this letter may have been flustered by ME when I was twelve! (And if that is the case please accept my belated yet sincere apology). But God was good, and it was largely through the discipleship of men I encountered through the ministry of Christian Service Brigade that God gave me the vision of Christ-like masculinity and a love for His Word that I have today.
My appreciation for this ministry and belief in its mission helps to explain why over the next year I will be making the transition from full time small business owner to full time Christian missionary as a Regional Director for Christian Service Brigade.
The Elders of my church, the leadership of CSB Ministries, and most importantly my family all agree that God has prepared and positioned us to take on this exciting ministry. Brigade is not so much a program as it is a ministry tool to help men do what they are called to do: pass the torch on to the next generation.
My new role will entail the following:
1. Raising awareness of the ministry of CSB and how it can help churches disciple the next generation of men
2. Supporting current churches that have a CSB program
3. Personal discipleship of men and boys
4. Assisting with the running of Sequoia Brigade Camp
For the past 2 years I’ve already been working alongside the current Regional Director, Bob Nass, with plans to gradually transition into that role as he steps back toward retirement. I am pleased to announce that I am now officially on CSB Staff and the transition can begin in earnest.
In addition to the work above, the next year will be focused in large part on raising financial support. Put simply, our family will be serving as domestic missionaries. This means in our case that 100% of the support for our family will need to be raised and as you all know living in California is no cheap feat.
There are so many exciting things happening right now but we depend on the financial support of friends like you to make this ministry possible. The sooner we can get fully funded the sooner we can dedicate our full attention to this vital ministry.
Would you partner with us by committing to support our ministry with a monthly or even one time financial gift as we strive to help churches effectively reach men and boys for Christ? We are looking for 5 partners at $250/month, 25 partners at $100/month, and 35 partners at $50/month but we are genuinely grateful for whatever you are able to do.
We’ve already seen the great effect of your prayers on our behalf and covet your partnership in prayer. If you would be willing to commit to being a regular prayer supporter, please let me know so I can keep you informed.
Thank you for your consideration as we help to equip the next generation of faithful Christian men with vision and tools for kingdom advancement
In the Service of Christ our King,
David Gregg
Associate Regional Director, CSB Ministries
P.S. To provide financial support please send to: CSB Ministries, P.O. Box 150, Wheaton, Il. 60187 or call the main office to pay by credit card (800) 815-5573. You can even get set up on automatic payments. (David Gregg account number - # 312070)
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