"The land we walked through and scouted out is a very good land - very good indeed. If God is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land that flows with milk and honey. And he'll give it to us, just don't rebel against God! And don't be afraid of those people." (Numbers 14:6-8, The Message)

Caleb was chosen as a spy to scout out the land of Canaan for Israel. God called him from the tribe of Judah to join spies from each of the 11 other tribes. These 12 spent 40 days seeing what God had promised them.

When they returned the majority said that although the land was good, Israel wasn't strong enough to defeat the enemies that lived there.

Caleb (and Joshua) said, "Let's go up and take the land - now. We can do it!" (Numbers 13:30, The Message)

Caleb was a visionary, but not his own vision, not a vision that was in his mind or was specifically given to him. He was given a very real vision, saw a real land, saw real people, produce, cities. God didn't tell them to go and see if they could manage to over take it, God told them to check out what they were given, THEY WERE GIVEN!

The Caleb Team of COFS presented its scouting report last night at the Ad Council. It was about the vision of God and the "land" we have to simply go out and take because it has been given into our hands.

The Caleb Report includes a new vision statement (we have been working without a formal vision statement for many years.), a renewed purpose statement, a specific target audience and a fresh focus.

Our vision is:
Meeting people where they are; walking together on the journey with Christ.

Our purpose is to:
Extend the love and message of Jesus Christ to the community
Experience God's presence in worship
Embrace each other as God's family
Equip our faith in Jesus Christ
Employ our gifts for service.

The report was given with great passion by Dan Kernagis, received with excitment by the Council and approved without dissent after a time of discernment prayer.

Your church has simply said, "let's go and take what God has given us!" (A complete report will be given on Sunday.)

Today is a day to celebrate. God is about to do a new thing among us (read Isaiah 43).

Thanks be to God!
Peace ><>
pc