December 2014

As 2013 came to an end, I had taken some time to seek God's direction for the future of the Diakonos Community we were planting. I sensed God was telling us to build a faith community where: those who serve people on the margins and those being served could worship and learn together. people in need were embraced as friends people can wrestle fully with the implications of following Jesus without fear of being judged people could learn to live in an environment of God's grace and love as we spur one another on toward love and good deeds As we near the end of 2014, so much has happened that I am confident God is directing our steps in seeing this type of community established in Indianapolis.  Here are a few highlights of recent events.  Pray that God continues to do His work through us and those He is bringing into relationship with us.  The last week of October we co-sponsored a forum on homelessness for people living on the south side of Indianapolis.  Maurice Young, an advocate for friends without homes in Indianapolis, lead a discussion on the culture of homelessness.  Special thanks to Franklin Park Church for allowing us to use their building for this event. Katiana has taken on leading a children's gathering during our biweekly house church meetings.  It started out with children of families already attending Diakonos.  Then she took the initiative to begin including friends from the neighborhood.  Now half the group is usually kids from families not involved in church.  Our next door neighbors may start to get involved in Diakonos through their children's involvement. Financial Support Information   With 2015 approaching we have been evaluating our current ministry budget and making plans to do more intentional ministry support development in the months ahead.  Our current half-time budget for our work with Christian Associates is $2300/mon ($1700 salary + ministry expenses).  Our average monthly giving over the last two years has been $1680/mon.  In order to continue to fulfill the call God has given us while maintaining family health and balance, we need to raise the remaining $620 / month to reach our half-time budget of $2,300. Pray that God will give us favor in this time of ministry support development and connect us with people who have a heart for missional church planting and want to invest in the work of God's kingdom through us.  If you would like to personally invest in this ministry, you can either mail donations to the address below or click the "Give Now"  button below to give online. Mail all tax-deductible donations to: Christian Associates International 18940 Base Camp Rd Monument, CO 80132   Make checks payable to Christian Associates International and write Longard - 41273 in the memo. Additional Prayer Requests: <![if !supportLists]>1.     <![endif]>Pray for Cheryl's brother, Al.  He has just finished his first 30 days at the Salvation Army Adult Recovery Center and continues in his resolve to break free from the cycle of addiction in his life.  Pray that God will keep him strong in this fight.   <![if !supportLists]>2.     <![endif]>Pray for a family we recently connected with.  They are former missionaries and are trying to find their place of service in Christ's kingdom here in Indianapolis.  Their heart resonates with the missional vision of Christian Associates.  Pray for God's direction for them as they consider how to live out His mission in the community.   <![if !supportLists]>3.     <![endif]>Pray for our neighbors.  As their children get involved in the children's ministry Katiana is doing, pray that they will connect with the broader ministry that Diakonos is doing. Home Address & Contact Info: Leon & Tina Longard<![if !vml]><![endif]> 4441 Lucky Cir Indianapolis, IN 46203 Home: (317) 791-7116 Cell: (317) 970-7799 E-Mail:      llongard@christianassociates.org                  tklongard@gmail.com Website: diakonosindy.weebly.com   Share Tweet Forward +1 Share Copyright © 2014 Diakonos Community, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you had requested to stay updated on the ministry of Leon and Tina Longard. Our mailing address is: Diakonos Community 4441 Lucky Circle, Indianapolis, IN Indianapolis, IN 46203 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences