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Eugene Church Planting -
January 18, 2004
11/16/03
The Word of the Lord spread
through the whole region.... And the disciples were filled with joy and with the
Holy Spirit. Acts 13:49-52
The city of Eugene is located at the center of the state of Oregon and is just
110 miles south of Portland. The present metropolitan population is 250,000 and
is rapidly growing. The city is home to the "Pac-10" University of
Oregon "Ducks" as well as nine other colleges with a combined
enrollment of 30,000 students. Prayerfully, in the early days of this new
ministry an outreach will be initiated to the Oregon State University just 35
miles northwest in Corvallis. Benton County and Corvallis have a population of
almost 100,000 people. As we believe, disciples make disciples that make
disciples, so we in Oregon believe by faith that we will see churches planting
churches that plant churches. Pray that the Corvallis church will be planted in
the near future.
The Eugene Church planting is a model of the "Titus Project" concept,
where disciples are encouraged to return to their mid-sized hometowns, from our
large sister congregations located in the largest metropolitan centers of this
country. Therefore, "the Word of the Lord will spread through the whole
region [Oregon]." The team will be inspirationally led by Jeremy and Amy
Ciaramella. Elena and I have the utmost confidence in their love for God because
of their faithfulness in winning souls, their openness about their personal
walk, and their proven ability to build family among their fellow disciples here
in Portland. Of special note, Rich and Stephanie Hackett have moved to their
hometown of Eugene from the San Diego Church. His parents, who are presently
members of a mainline congregation in the Eugene area, are considering becoming
members of the team. Kelly Null of the Portland Church is moving back with the
team to Eugene, her hometown. Kevin Dyal of our congregation is also returning
to Eugene. Other great-hearted disciples are feeling called by God to plant the
church in Eugene: Tom and Roxanne Reitmann of the San Diego Church; Natalie
Toogood of the Portland Church; Phil and Marsha Simmons of the Portland Church;
Chuck Hess and Elizabeth Cain of the San Francisco Church; Lois Smith of the
Boston Church; and Eileen Mengis converted here in Portland began her freshman
year at the University of Oregon in September. Others are still praying about
their decision to be members of this exciting, precedent-setting mission team.
Please pray that our God will bless this effort to reach the 250,000 lost souls
of Eugene and the almost 100, 000 of Corvallis "with the true gospel of
Christ." If the Spirit so inclines you, please send monetary donations to
the Portland Church of Christ as our congregation now numbers only about 140
disciples. However, whether you can financially aid in this effort or not,
please be praying that our congregation can be a catalyst to spread His Word
throughout Oregon. For more information about team membership or financial
donations, please call me at (503) 525-1254.
In His cause,
Kip McKean
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