Mike Thibodeaux's
First Facebook LIVE Event
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2020 will be a year of strange “firsts.” Because of the uniqueness of the events that have been happening, we are all constantly being pushed outside of our comfort zones into new experiences.
Every Wednesday night in May, Mike had the opportunity to preach at Fairview Baptist Church in Austin, Texas—but he never left his office. This event was done completely online through Facebook LIVE broadcasts. This is not something he had done before and it presented many challenges. Not only did Mike have to prepare his messages, but he also had to learn how to work with the technology that would enable him to preach online.
Another unique factor in preaching online is the lack of a live audience. Mike said, “It has been challenging to preach without seeing an audience, but the Lord has been faithful to enable me to preach His Word.”
After the event, Mike was able to post the Facebook LIVE messages to the Simplicity Ministries® Facebook page (click the link to watch) so that more people would be able to watch them and be encouraged. Not only that, but others who watched the messages also shared them on their personal Facebook pages. One lady who did said, “Everyone needs to watch this message... I hope many will take the time to listen.” It has been amazing to see how God is still reaching people in the midst of the difficulties we’re facing this year.
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More Than 100 Men for MOS This Fall |
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Men of Simplicity (MOS) is coming up fast—and so is the number of men planning to join this fall. Last year, three churches and one multi-church group were participating with about 65 men in attendance. This year, 5 new churches and one more multi-church group will be joining! That means that MOS will have 10 different churches/groups attending this fall, more than doubling what we’ve had in the past. Mike is kicking off the new year of MOS with a vision meeting that will allow men who are interested in MOS to discover the goals, purpose, and meeting format of the program. He is expecting to have more than 100 guys come to the vision meeting and is hopeful that these men will commit to participating in the MOS journey this year.
MOS challenges men to live simply and purely devoted to Christ. One of Mike’s goals for MOS is to help men grow in relationship with God and in friendship with other Christian men. Men will learn what it means to lead as a godly man, husband, and/or father.
The 2020 MOS vision meeting will be held online, via Zoom, on August 31 at 6:45pm. Please pray that many will come and that they will commit to being a part of the Men of Simplicity discipleship journey. Pray that the participating churches will see great growth in their men over the next nine months.
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Heal Our Land
Prayer Gatherings
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"...a wonderful time of fellowship, connection, and simply doing the work of the church in these critical times." |
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On March 26th and June 11th, Simplicity Ministries® held nation-wide prayer gatherings over Zoom. The purpose was simple: to gather ministry partners in prayer for our nation during this difficult season.
Aaron and Tiffany Zavala from Equip Worship (equipworship.org) joined us for the June 11th event and led us in worship. It was a very special time. Even though those in attendance did not all know each other, the shared connection of faith in Christ and partnership with Simplicity Ministries® made it feel like a close-knit group.
Debbie said, “Our ministry is supported by so many wonderful partners in a huge variety of locations. To be able to meet together face to face for prayer was a wonderful time of fellowship, connection, and simply doing the work of the church in these critical times.”
Watch for upcoming announcements as we plan our next prayer gathering!
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Intern Perspective
(by Jordan Thibodeaux)
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I’ve certainly hit the ground running during my first week as the new Simplicity Ministries® Intern. With Men of Simplicity starting next month, I have already been doing and learning so much. I think I’ve seen more spreadsheets this week than I have in the last year! I didn’t realize the level of organization that has to go into a multi-church project like MOS. I am so grateful to have the chance to learn how my dad does it and to see all the ins and outs of how to do something like this. I am seeing firsthand the time, effort, and whole-hearted dedication it takes to lead well. I am also experiencing the planning, attention to detail, and knowledge that it takes. A true leader has to have both sides—the desire to do the task and the skill to do it well. My dad has that perfect combination, and I feel so blessed to be able to come alongside him and help.
I want to thank everyone who is supporting my internship. This is such a special opportunity for me, and I couldn’t do it without your generosity. Through your one-time gifts and commitments to monthly giving, I was just able to make my fundraising goal! God bless you as you continue to give toward His Kingdom.
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People love to click and watch videos. Here's a captivating way to share the Gospel story on social media, email, or a text message: a six minute film that simply and effectively explains God's story of rescue. There is a window of time right now in the midst of this Covid-19 pandemic during which people are looking for hope. You can share the Good News with them by sharing this video.
You are invited to join Simplicity Ministries' share The Story evangelistic outreach group: http://JoinGroup.org/Simplicity-Ministries. Click the link, click "join group," create a free account, and then click "share." Pick one of the ready made posts for social media. Then pray and ask God to use your post of the Gospel message to bring someone to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
As you share The Story on social media, emails or texts, you'll be able to see the metrics of our group's Gospel Reach. Together, we could share the message of Hope in Christ with thousands across the country and around the world! [Click here to view the short six minute film, The Story, created by spreadtruth.com.]
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Upcoming Ministry Events
Our Prayer List
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Schedule
Men of Simplicity Discipleship Journey Resumes
- MOS Vision & Intro Meeting - Sunday, August 30th at 5:45pm - Open Door Baptist Church, Troutdale, OR
- MOS Vision & Intro Meeting - Monday, August 31th at 6:45pm - 10 Churches and groups from Oregon & Washington
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Sundays, beginning on Sept. 13th (5:45PM) - MOS Open Door Baptist Church, Troutdale, OR (21 Men Participating)
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Mondays, beginning on Sept. 14th (6:45PM) - MOS & MOS Connect, Gresham, OR (110 Men Participating)
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Thank you to all our prayer partners and financial partners for investing in the kingdom of Christ through Simplicity Ministries®.
Your brother in Christ,
Mike Thibodeaux
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Calling generations of all nations to the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ!
Click here for a printable version of this newsletter.
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