'This is just the beginning'

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By Administrator admin

The spiritual impact that a healthy church makes in the lives of human beings is \"breathtaking.\"   Singapore evangelist John Louis reminded us of that simple but encouraging bit of truth today during the opening worship service of the \"For All Generations\" International Leadership Conference.   About 5,000 disciples from the Los Angeles Church joined the 1,200 or so conference attendees for the kick-off event, which also included lively singing, a video, communion and nine baptisms. At least two of the people baptized were relatives of Christians.    John urged the leaders from around the world to expect integrity, commitment and obedience to the Scriptures in their churches. He also challenged them to go beyond simply keeping their groups stable and move on toward reaching the lost world for Christ. He urged them to take the gift of leadership seriously, to create a visionary plan for success and to lead with zeal.   Bob and Pat Gempel from Hope Worldwide expressed gratitude to the Los Angeles Church for being a \"pillar of hope\" to the charitable group during the past four and a half years. The Gempels also announced that they would be stepping down from their full-time roles leading Hope and would begin serving the group as volunteers. Randy Jordan, who has been part of Hope\'s management staff for 10 years, will take the helm in May.    In the men\'s evening workshop, evangelist Bruce Williams announced that 360 churches have ratified the plan for cooperation and more are seriously considering it.   \"But this is not the end, brothers, this is just the beginning,\" Bruce said. \"There is a real danger that we will just have a fa?ade of discipling and challenging each other...The (cooperation) plan was just to get us organized. Now we have to do it.\"   He challenged the men to be visionary leaders who love doing the work of the Lord, continually grow in hope and expectation, confront sin regardless of the consequences, are willing to take risks, forgive any sins committed against them and are righteous no matter what. He preached with deep conviction.    Well, it\'s been an awesome conference so far. The sermons have stirred and revived my heart, and I can\'t wait to put them into practice. I am also thankful for the fellowship. It\'s been great to catch up with disciples that I haven\'t seen in years. It\'s a joy to know that old friends are not just faithful but are thriving spiritually.   I look forward to writing more about the ILC tomorrow.   -Brian Martinez