 Compassionate Eyes
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When Jesus saw the multitudes,
He was moved with compassion for them,
because they were weary and scattered,
like sheep having no shepherd (Matthew 9:36).
"Are you kidding me!?"
"What!?"
"Oh my God, I can't believe it!"
These are some fairly common remarks expressed to a person who has shared a profoundly hurtful situation. However, the hurting person is crying out for compassion, not pity. He is seeking comfort, not consultation. He needs affirmation as a friend, not commentary as a victim. He needs hope, not despair.
Following is a description of a special teaching moment I experienced through a friend at Grace Life International in Charlotte, a discipleship counseling and training ministry associated with Journey in Christ.
COMPASSION IN COUNSELING
Some training students asked my friend if it was appropriate to react with surprised expressions when someone they are counseling reveals a dramatic situation in their life.
My friend calmly and confidently testified (as close to a quote as I can recall): Before I meet with a counselee, I get down on my knees and pray for the ability to see my counselee through the eyes of Christ. And Christ is never surprised. I also pray for the counselee to see Christ Himself, and His confident hope, in my eyes. Nothing overwhelms Him. Christ has overcome sin and death.
What a great lesson!
The students then noted that they only have surprised expressions in informal gatherings, i.e., not in formal discipleship counseling sessions. My friend continued the teaching moment: This prayer principle applies to any encounter, whether it be a formal or informal discipling encounter. Jesus said in Matthew 28:19, "As you go about your day, make disciples."
This is not to say that we don't have any surprised feelings when a friend shares with us a dramatic situation. This is to say, however, that we can be "prayed up" and prepared to respond with the Spirit of Christ from our hearts and not from the surprised reaction of our feelings.
CLOSING
When a friend entrusts a dramatic situation to us, we can be prayerfully prepared to simply say something like, "Oh (our friend's name), come sit down with me and tell me whatever you need, or just sit with me for a while."
I hope this Rest Stop and the song below encourages you in whatever situation you are in. God bless you!
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PS
PEOPLE NEED THE LORD
Words and music by
Greg Nelson and Phill McHugh
Shepherd's Fold Music/River Oaks Music 1989
Everyday they pass me by,
I can see it in their eyes.
Empty people filled with care,
Headed who knows where?
On they go through private pain,
Living fear to fear.
Laughter hides their silent cries,
Only Jesus hears.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
When will we realize, people need the Lord?
We are called to take His light
To a world where wrong seems right.
What could be too great a cost
For sharing Life with one who's lost?
Through His love our hearts can feel
All the grief they bear.
They must hear the Words of Life
Only we can share.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
When will we realize that we must give our lives,
For people need the Lord.
People need the Lord. |
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About 
Discipleship through
Counseling
Teaching
Training
Gregg Gibbons
Pastoral Director
Michael Chalmers
Training Director
Kellie Boggs
Fellowship Director
Joy Gibbons
Ministry Assistant and women's ministry coordinator
Carole Blyth
Board member and women's ministry coordinator
Randy Garrick
Board member and Elder Holly Ridge Baptist Church
Paul Crews
Board member and Pastor Mountain Creek Baptist Church
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Partnership
I believe with all my heart that ministry is through relationships.
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you for your partnership in the gospel (Philippians 1:3, 5).
 
YouTube link below of my ministry commissioning service that included testimonies from several partners, including Bobby Richardson, former 2nd baseman for the NY Yankees.
Please contact me to learn more about partnering with me. I'd love to hear from you!
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Ministry News
Next 8-month Advanced Discipleship Training to start January 2013.
Gregg teaches freedom from anger through Christ at the Haven of Rest mission in Anderson, SC Mondays 6:00-6:45 pm. You are welcome to attend with Gregg anytime!
Gregg is mentoring men and couples in an office at Holly Ridge Baptist Church in Simpsonville SC and at an industrial plant in Duncan SC.
Michael is mentoring men and couples in an office provided by Mountain Creek Baptist Church, Pendleton Street Baptist Church,and Earle Street Baptist Church
all in Greenville SC.
Carole and Joy, along with 8 ladies trained through Journey in Christ, to provide more discipleship training to female employees at an industrial plant in Aug 15 through Oct 3.
Michael and I taught the third set of sessions for our 8-month Advanced Discipleship Training August 8-11.
Michael teaching a couples retreat for Mountain Creek Baptist Church this Fall.
Michael taught our Grace Life Conference at Earle Street Baptist Church in Greenville SC August 3-4. 17 attendees represented our largest group ever, and lives were transformed by God's Word!!
Journey in Christ will be coordinating two teaching events by Dr. John Best on August 21 and 28 at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Moore, SC. John is an advisor for Journey in Christ. John is former professor of Greek at Dallas Theological Seminary.
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Archives
Link for Rest Stops
since August 2010:
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Contact Info
New mailing address!
JOURNEY IN CHRIST, INC.
655 Fairview Road
Suite H-188
Simpsonville SC 29680
(864) 483-3201 (Gregg cell)
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