“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

Hello family. We hope that everything is going well for you during these turbulent times. We are thankful that in the midst our trials as individuals, as families and as a nation our God is “an ever present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Paul encouraged us “that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). There is an unchanging nature of God’s purpose that stands firm in the heavens, and we are now more than ever reminded that “our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (II Corinthians 4:16-18) Christ alone is and will always be our great hope, for all other things are passing and fading. Therefore we rejoice in this holiday season, being thankful and reminded of the fact that there is eternal life and reward waiting for us in heaven. It is given by our great God who invaded history purchasing our lives on the cross through the death and resurrection of his Son. This is the gospel we stand on, this is our focus, and this is what we’ll continue to preach forevermore. Times and circumstances change, God and his eternal purposes never do.

In light of this, we are all the more thankful for you, our partners in this great ministry, through which we are able to preach this hope of Christ. Please let us know how we can support and pray for you in any way, as you have been so dear to and supportive of us these many years. If I may, let me continue to share with you some good tidings as a reminder of what this season is all about. This past month we were able to take a team back to Krakow, Poland to do a series of outreaches for university students there. Over the course of a five day period, another fourteen people gave their lives to Christ and are now being followed up by our church there. One of the young men’s names was Piotr, who had been exposed to the church growing up, but had gone astray during “the wonder years”. However, this past month, in the middle of a crowd of about 15 of his friends, he boldly made a commitment to follow Christ, asking for any way that he could connect with our church to grow in relationship with this Jesus who came to save. This is what it’s all about because times change, but Christ’s gospel and mission do not. Thank you so much for your support in our ministry! We love you!

Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?”
- Isaiah 58:6

Two months ago, I had the privilege of participating in the PureLife Conference organized by Ron and Lynette Lewis. After I told the story of Rosa, a 13 year old who had been trafficked to the United States from Mexico, Ron asked people who wanted to help bring freedom and a new life to those trapped in sex slavery to raise their hands: over 600 did. For me, this was a blessing because no one individual can stop human trafficking, but all of us together can do it. Just as two hundred years ago, churches and faith-based groups were leaders in the fight against African chattel slavery, today a new Christian anti-slavery movement is forming. God is working with us and through us to make our world His – to see His will be done on earth.

Eight years ago, after several terrible child sex trafficking cases were uncovered in the United States, a coalition of faith-based groups, women’s organizations, and others helped to draft and pass the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, a law designed to address contemporary forms of slavery such as sex trafficking. After the law passed, many groups, such as The Salvation Army, Concerned Women for America, Project Rescue, Shared Hope, International Justice Mission, and other Christian groups, continued to work on all aspects of the issue. In fact, Christian groups have been in the forefront of every aspect of the three Ps – prevention (of trafficking), prosecution (of traffickers), and protection (of victims of trafficking).

This year, in October, The White House Office for Faith Based and Community Initiatives hosted an event, “Success Against Slavery: Strategies for the Future,” to showcase some of the most successful faith-based assistance programs for trafficking victims. We invited about two hundred individuals representing fifty organizations to share information and resources, to celebrate the work completed, and to plan and strategize for the future. So much has been accomplished: a comprehensive law drafted and passed; education, awareness-raising and advocacy efforts; rescue missions around the globe; shelters and services springing up, a new faith-based curriculum (Hands that Heal)… And yet… reports show that millions of women and children are still in bondage around the world and here in our own country. We have come so far, but we have so much farther to go. I hope that as we move into 2009, we can continue to work together to bring stop these new forms of slavery.

Laura Lederer
Senior Director for Global Projects on Trafficking in Persons
US Department of State

Scripture is so clear on what God requires: “to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8, NIV).

For most of my 25 years of ministry I have focused primarily on justification — that is, helping others get right with God through knowing His provision of Jesus’ work on the cross. God also tells us to “do justice” (Micah 6:8, NASB). True justice in action should actually point people to the God of Justification, that He is merciful and we can walk humbly with him. I find no conflict between justification and justice, but actually the two are like twin children of the purposes of God. As I serve the God of Justification, I am eventually led to His justice. Likewise, when I serve the God of Justice, I realize that without justification, I will fall short of His twin purpose. This past month my focus on justice has been taken to a new level as I have made some profound discoveries.

A three-year-old sold into a brothel by her cousin, a teenager stripped of her dignity and forced to have sex with a dozen men each day, an ABC journalist who discovered he could buy a child in less than 10 hours…

Most people are shocked that at this very moment in America and abroad well over one million defenseless children are modern-day slaves in the sex trade. When adding in all of the teens, adults and those in different varieties of slave labor, it is well known that this horrendous evil is far more numerous than 400 years of the North Atlantic Slave Trade. This is an unspeakable atrocity and something must be done to help those who cannot help themselves. As a result of hearing the cries of these children and embracing the justice side of Scripture, my wife Lynette and I have launched a nation-wide campaign, Stop Child Trafficking Now, to help put an end to child sex slavery. This grassroots organization will focus on the demand side of child trafficking by stopping the problem at the source: going after the sexual predators who abuse, buy and sell children.

Stop Child Trafficking Now’s goal is a one year campaign to bring public awareness and to raise finances for this cause. This campaign will culminate on September 27, 2009 in New York City with a “Walk to Stop Child Trafficking.” In addition there will be a 50-city campaign and the involvement of 300 campuses across America. For more information about how you or your organization can make a difference please visit the Stop Child Trafficking Now website at www.SCTNow.org or contact sundygoodnight@SCTNow.org.

Justice and pulling down evil systems is not beyond our reach. With God working for us and the authority of the church behind us, miracles will happen, lives will be rescued and Jesus’ mission of setting the captives free will be fulfilled. Thank you for any assistance you can invest to work with us, walk with us, or pray with us. There is no greater joy than to work and walk beside our friends and those of a likeminded faith. Thanks, saints!

ABC News Reference: How to Buy a Child in 10 Hours

Sermon Question: “Why did this message seem so politically geared? I talked with several others and they felt the same way. Should politics be off limits from the church pulpit?”

Response from Pastor Jim Laffoon: The question of the church’s relationship to politics has long been controversial in history. At one point in early Church history, the leaders of that day felt no Christian should ever be involved in the politcal process because of its corrupt influences. When it comes to American history, however, the pulpit long has been a place for the free expression of political views.  Although this is more obvious in the African American community, there is also clear historical precedent for it within other segments in the American Church. Personally, I see no place for political partisanship of any kind in
the pulpit. However, as a pastor I have a clear Biblical mandate to bring the full weight of Scripture to bear on the ethical issues of our day (Ezekiel 33:1-6).  Whether it is ecological, social, or moral, the Bible stands as the authority on these issues.  Although issues like abortion may be controversial, the Bible does not allow us to remain silent.  As much as I would never tell someone who to vote for, or even recommend a political party, the Bible must be brought to bear on the political process.

Let me close my thoughts with a quote from Martin Luther King Jr., in which he captures the essence of the issues we are discussing.  He eloquently stated, “The church must be reminded that it is not the
master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state. It must be the guide and the critic of the state, and never its tool. If the church does not recapture its prophetic zeal, it will become an irrelevant social club without moral or spiritual authority.”  May the Church take its rightful place as an important part of all facets of American society.  God Bless.

Below is a response from a KPIC member to Pastor Taylor’s recent sermon:

Pastor Taylor Stewart really stirred up a passion in me to get alone with the Lord. He had a great message yesterday entitled, “Get in His Face — God has a word for you!” It wasn’t meant with disrespect, but with the love a Father has for His child. He wants us in His face, seeking Him with all our heart.

Right now in this season of uncertainty with the economy and the election of a new president, we could consider this a day of trouble! In Psalm 27:5 David proclaims, “For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tent and set me high upon a rock.” In verse 8 David says, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.” Sometimes we may feel unworthy to approach God, or feel that our problems are too small compared to bigger issues in the world. However, I am convinced that He delights in our conversations with Him. We should walk in confidence and approach our Father. Hebrews 4:16 declares, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Pastor Taylor brought our attention to 1 Chronicles 16:11 that states, “Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always.” We belong in His face (as Pastor T put it). We are to seek Him. I was so glad for Pastor Taylor’s confirmation that WE NEED REVELATION TO LIVE BY! The logos (means “word” — referring to the Bible) is wonderful, but we also need a fresh revelation. In Matthew 4:4, Jesus speaks the truth when He says, “Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

We should expect to hear from our Father because John 10:27 declares, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Pastor Taylor brought up a good point when he said, “WE NEED TO STOP LIVING AS IF WE AREN’T HIS OFFSPRING.” He gave a cute example of how his youngest daughter would turn her Mom’s face to get her attention. My daughter does the same thing. If she is in my lap and I’m ignoring her, she will put both hands on my face and turn my face towards her. That is a great example of how we should feel about our Abba Father. We should believe that we ARE His offspring and that He delights in speaking with us!

Once upon a time, I was a Prayer Coordinator. When my dad heard that we met two hours or more for prayer each week, he would make comments like, “What could you possibly have to say for two hours? I’m sure God gets tired of hearing …” Well, if you read the story of the persistent widow in Luke 18, you will understand WHY we need to continue to storm heaven with our prayers and concerns.

Here is the story from verses 1-8: Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said, “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually wear me out with her coming!’ ”

And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” Emphasis mine …

Persistence and commitment is what Pastor Taylor pointed out! Amen to that. What a great reminder! We need to hear from our Lord! We need that fresh revelation about our situation.

Revelation BREAKS confusion, oppression, and captivity! Revelation has a way of parting the clouds in our life. WHAT A GREAT REMINDER THAT THERE IS A “WORD” FROM GOD FOR ME, FOR YOU, FOR ALL OF HIS CHILDREN!

Pastor Taylor reminded us that sometimes you just HAVE to get alone with God. In Mark 5:35-42 we see how Jesus had to get away from the scoffers: While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why BOTHER the teacher any more?”

Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him.

After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!” ). Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished.

Isn’t it interesting that the people told Jairus, “Why bother the teacher …” when that was EXACTLY when he needed to bother Jesus!

So … BOTHER Him … seek His face.

God Loves This City (August 31 - September 28)
To-Do List:

• Honor everyday heroes for making an impact in our communities
• Encourage students to make their life count for God
• Esteem educators for their work and service within our schools
• Thank government workers for their service in our cities

God Loves This City! In four weeks time our congregation was able to accomplish all of the items on our God Loves This City campaign to-do list. Consider this: Over 200 students and over 200 community leaders in other three sectors were blessed during this time. Testimonies are coming in about men and women from all four areas that were impacted by this campaign. Thank you for your prayers, giving and service in the many and varied areas. We believe that this could be just the beginning of how God wants to use King’s Park to continue to bless our Triangle Region.

Coming up with the title for this column was the only challenging part of writing this. It also could have been titled, “You’ll Never Need a Passport Again to Do the Great Commission,” or “An Idiot’s Guide to World Missions: Step Outside.” Is it the creative strategy of God that has brought the nations of the world to us, or is it the mercy of God because so many of us would rather barbecue in the backyard than suffer through a degrading coach class ticket to Swaziland? Whatever it is, God has brought the world to us and “expanding our tent pegs” has never been easier.

The demographics shaping our cities today are ever changing. Census data released in the middle of 2008 shows that within one generation from now, America’s traditional white majority will comprise less than 50% of the total US population. This shift may make some uncomfortable, but for those of us who carry the nations in our hearts, it is our golden opportunity. We can fire up the grill in our backyard and do world missions at the same time. I have one word for this, “Hallelujah!”

Consider the Hispanic influx. US Census data predict that this population is going to more than double in the next 30 years. I believe that every evangelical church in America should have a plan to reach this demographic for Jesus. At KPIC in Durham, NC, we responded by partnering with one of my good friends who is a great Hispanic pastor from another State. Now every Sunday night, Hispanic and Hispanic-American people are being changed. It’s now a full-blown church plant called Celebracion Hispana. It doesn’t even resemble our church name, but honestly, who cares? People are joining us and most importantly names are being written in the Book of Life. Names like Jose, Carlos, Juanita and other beautiful names that come from the South (yes, further SOUTH than Alabama).

The US college and university systems are a huge attraction to the nations. Increasingly, the world’s parents are making major sacrifices to send their young men and women to America to get a better start. I happened to cross paths with one such student from Taiwan. At first he liked our people a lot more than our God. Eventually he came to a real faith in Jesus. While taking a scouting trip to China together in the late 90s, we “accidentally” led several Chinese to Christ. Right in our hotel room we held meetings and then did baptisms in the bathtub. Disciples were being made and a need for leadership arose. Eventually this man and his wife left behind their prestigious professorships in Taiwan to start churches in many cities of China. With the thousands of Chinese who have since been reached, it stuns me to think how effective this couple has become in Asia. Yet all I did was show him love and answer his questions about the Bible when he was a student in the US.

Finally, more and more the Western Church is being called to engage in global social justice issues. I sometimes feel embarrassed that Bono, and even Madonna, are more up on these issues that we seem to be. AIDS, orphans, and child trafficking are major global crises that can be addressed by even the smallest church with limited resources.

For me it began a few years ago as I received an impression to help the well-known African Children’s Choir find a base home in North Carolina. After a year of rallying our church and city, we now have six acres and two large homes where 25 orphans and multiple chaperones live and take refuge from a busy touring schedule. These children have touched our city and continue to remind us of the plight of millions who have lost their parents to HIV and disease.

The days of associating world missions as a two-month voyage on a ship crossing the Atlantic are long gone. Today’s church is able to impact the world right from where we are. So fire up the grill… the world is waiting.

After over a year of discussion and labor by our team and our website provider, the new KPIC website is now looking at you!  Hopefully you have already begun to discover the wealth of information which we’re working to put at your fingertips.

If not, here are a few highlights that we’ve added to the website which will be useful to you as a KPIC member or leader and to guests who are interested in finding out more about our church family:

1. Dynamic graphic content on the main page to highlight 10 different ministries and activities going on in our active community

2. This blog which will include writings from time to time from members of our team about current events in our world or happenings at KPIC.

3. Missions highlights embedded within internal site pages which showcase KPIC’s international scope and ministry

Please send us feedback from time to time by posting comments (below) or sending email to our communications team at communications@kpic.org.

P.S.  If you bring your camera to a KPIC event and get a great quality shot, please send it along to add to our photo archives for website or other use.

By Eric Syfrett