Friendship Evangelism Archives

Greeting from freezing cold northern Michigan! Our ministry with FORGE continues to be a blast as God uses this speaking ministry to set hearts on fire. A recent ministry highlight didn’t involve John preaching at all however. Instead, he was invited to be a coach for FORGE Firebrands at their Denver Intensive in November. Firebrands are speakers-in-training, and the intensive involved 2 days of listening to sermons from 10 speakers and offering constructive feedback (American Idol style). The Firebrands were amazingly receptive and John was encouraged to be a part of helping train the future of FORGE.

On the home front, 2018 is a big year for Vermilya-Nation. Our daughter Isabel will be married to Jakob Crawford in August, and Lilian will leave for college soon after. In a span of 2 weeks our home will go from 5 kids to 3! We will probably need therapy, so please pray for us. We also need to figure out which of our younger kids to sell to pay for it all. (Joking, calm down).

We are grateful to everyone of you as you continue to bless us with your giving.

Much love and thanks for your support,

John & Darcey Vermilya

Forge Firebrand

Hello Everyone!

We hope that you are doing great and that the start of the new year has been fantastic! Talia and I are in the middle of the busiest part of our year between ministry and basketball season! We both wanted to thank you all so much for your continued support and prayer for our ministry not only here in Hays but also as I am traveling over the country speaking to students and churches! We couldn’t continue to do the ministry that we are doing without all of your support! I wanted to tell you a testimony from one of the trips I was on last fall. I was speaking at a youth group who had been dealing with an extremely hard situation as one of the girls who most of them had known had committed suicide. As I traveled there I felt like I was supposed to pray for students who were having similar thoughts and pray that they would walk in freedom from those thoughts. As I began to speak almost half of the students in the room raised their hands when I asked who was struggling with these thoughts. We prayed for them and there was a tangible difference in many of their lives! At the end of the message there were even three students who gave their life to Christ! This was only possible because of your support of our ministry! Thank you so much for all of your support!

In Christ,

Garrett & Talia

Forge Firebrand

“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common; and great grace was upon them all.” Acts 4:32-33b

As I reflect on the past year, one word keeps coming to mind: TOGETHER. I think of all the lives that have been invested in, the people that were brought into the family of God, the commitments made to partner and work with Jesus in everyday places, and the timely encouragement people received. Ministry is multiplying, and generations are being impacted with the gospel one life at a time. The Lord is doing all of this TOGETHER with us.

We are excited for 2018, and what is on the horizon. TOGETHER, we venture into a youth development center in MS. TOGETHER, we once again begin our college/career Bible study. TOGETHER, we continue discipling and equipping believers to be God’s mobile plan in action. TOGETHER, we continue to preach the Gospel in a wide range of places, to a variety of audiences. Your friendship and partnership in the Gospel from the first day till now is a beautiful picture of unity and togetherness. It is such a joy and honor to be on this journey TOGETHER with you!

Upcoming events:

College/Career Bible Study: Every Monday night

May 2nd: Central Hinds Academy Chapel

Chief Operating & Financial Officer

Financial Operations

So much has been happening! From ministry trips in Europe and Southeast Asia to new discipleship training programs here in Denver, this fall has brought many fresh and exciting opportunities here at Forge. A few weeks ago, I, and some of the other Forge staff ladies, had the opportunity to spend an afternoon with a group of college-aged girls from South Carolina, while they were at the ministry for a three-day training program. I so enjoyed spending that time with them, hearing their hearts about what God is teaching them in this season of life, and sharing parts of what God has done in similar situations my own life.

As far as my role here at Forge goes, I am absolutely loving it! I’ve had the opportunity to become even more involved in the financial and IT operations at the ministry over the past year and truly feel like this is the niche God has called me to. I’m on track to graduate with my accounting degree next year and plan to sit for the CPA exam shortly thereafter. I am excited for the ways this will equip me to help others with the financial and operational aspects of what God has called them to. This is something I have been burdened for and passionate about for years now, so it’s almost surreal to see God bringing it to pass.

As always, thank you so much for your faithful prayers and partnership – you are an integral piece in the work God is doing here at Forge and I can’t begin to tell you how thankful I am to be serving alongside you in this work!

Ps – you can read more about what God has been teaching me recently in this post on the Forge blog: https://forgeforward.org/blog/2017/10/23/seasons/

Vice President of Ministry Expansion

Dear Friends, Supporters and Prayer Warriors,

Of all the time periods of the year, winter is perhaps our most unhurried. Having come off a very busy fall and holiday season we are welcoming the time to plan and prepare for what 2018 might bring. Lorene is starting to give some serious thought to developing a much-requested cookbook. This has been a long-time dream of hers and many have encouraged her to do it. She will have some cooking events here at Forge this spring as well.

Ron will be doing some traveling continuing his work of making new connections for Forge and brainstorming with other ministry leaders about “what could be”. He is also enrolled in the Leadership Coaching program at the Professional Christian Coaches Institute where he is gaining new skills that will help him more effectively coach others as they enter life transitions, seek a clearer picture of what lies ahead for them or want to intentionally finish well.

The spring will bring some get away time as a couple which we are realizing is just as critical at this stage of our relationship as it has ever been.

Please pray with us that we serve well and honor our calling. Our desire is to hear God’s voice and be obedient to him as he speaks. Our prayer is the same for all of you. It is an honor to be partnered with you. Together, we are helping the Kingdom advance and lives be transformed through the power of God. Thank you all.

Ron and Lorene

Chief Content Officer

Cupp Family Update

February 2018

It has been a great winter for our family. We have rarely stayed in Colorado for Christmas, but this year Bridget’s family came to celebrate Christmas with us. It was amazing to have them and we were thankful that we didn’t have to do a road trip.

High School is in full swing for Sophia (14). Between her basketball schedule, school carpooling, and other activities for Chase (12) and Foster (7) we realize we are in a whole new season as a family. We are fighting harder for family time and having to be more thoughtful about what we commit to. We discussed this increased busyness as a family recently. The kids actually said things like, “can we all spend less time on electronics,” “let’s go to the park together again,” and “let’s play more games together as a family.” We are praising God that our kids have this desire for family togetherness. Pray for us as we continue to navigate this transition.

For six years, Bridget has been leading a Mom’s in Prayer Group. Monthly a group of six to eight mom’s gather in our home and pray for 10 different public schools in the area. It has been a great ministry outlet for Bridget and puts her into contact with what God is doing in local public schools as well as in other families.

I (Rob) continue to lead and build various aspects of ministry at Forge. My main focus is developing and growing our Firebrand Program where we are training itinerant preachers. God is really moving as we invest in this group of preachers from all over the nation. Please pray for more and more Kingdom fruit as well as continued endurance and wisdom as we expand the number of participants in the program.

Discipleship Training | International Ministries

Pure Joy! – So, what was it for you?! …a Transformers Action Figure, Care Bear, new puppy, BMX Bike, Cabbage Patch Doll …or maybe a Rubik’s Cube? Remember that feeling of excitement when you opened that package you’d been waiting for …hoping for! This Christmas we captured a photo of EJ’s face when he opened a green Playmobile Garbage Truck he’d been hoping for! The moment was priceless.

Reflecting on this moment has brought several thoughts to mind. Take a look at his face… Remember the last moment your heart felt that excited? I’d love to say I feel that way every day, but there are day’s I don’t. Why not? I’m not proud to admit, but there have even been days when I asked “Why should I?” Sometimes life gets hard. Circumstances or people don’t line up with our hopes and dreams. In fact, sometimes they obliterate our dreams entirely. During these moments, I’ve felt God graciously shed a tear with me, comfort me and gently remind me that He has never changed …His love …His plan …His care. He delights in me—even more than EJ unreservedly delighting in his new Playmobile Garbage Truck! He doesn’t hold back! YOU are the apple of His eye. Let these truths remind you…

“[The Father] shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye…” (Deut 32:10b) | “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness.” (Zeph 3:17) | “…we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Rom 5:3-5)

~ Nate & Joy, Kelsey (13), Olivia (8), EJ (5)

Speaker Ministries

Hayes’ Happenings

1 Peter 1:6-7a says, “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine.”

This fall season has come with many trials for our family. We have endured loss and hardship. I found myself struggling with hard questions, doubt, disappointment, and rebellion. However, as this verse states we are to be “truly glad.” It’s been a reminder to me to keep my gaze higher. Especially much higher than myself. Life can be complicated and difficult. Marriage is not without conflict and raising a teenager requires a lot of patience and fortitude. When I lift my eyes UP, however, I’m reminded of WHO is really in control and the “wonderful joy ahead.”

I’m pleased and thankful to report that we have just completed our first adult training at Forge, called “Forge Core.” In a format similar to the training that introduced Cheryl and I to Forge – Kingdom Building Ministries, this four-week training for adults has been powerful for attendees in reminding them of the plan and purpose we’ve been given in Jesus. Amen!

As always, we are so very thankful for YOU. Without you we could not endure the difficulties and without which we would not want to celebrate the victories. May God be glorified in you today.

Hospitality | Ministry Relations

Dear Friends, Supporters and Prayer Warriors,

Of all the time periods of the year, winter is perhaps our most unhurried. Having come off a very busy fall and holiday season we are welcoming the time to plan and prepare for what 2018 might bring. Lorene is starting to give some serious thought to developing a much-requested cookbook. This has been a long-time dream of hers and many have encouraged her to do it. She will have some cooking events here at Forge this spring as well.

Ron will be doing some traveling continuing his work of making new connections for Forge and brainstorming with other ministry leaders about “what could be”. He is also enrolled in the Leadership Coaching program at the Professional Christian Coaches Institute where he is gaining new skills that will help him more effectively coach others as they enter life transitions, seek a clearer picture of what lies ahead for them or want to intentionally finish well.

The spring will bring some get away time as a couple which we are realizing is just as critical at this stage of our relationship as it has ever been.

Please pray with us that we serve well and honor our calling. Our desire is to hear God’s voice and be obedient to him as he speaks. Our prayer is the same for all of you. It is an honor to be partnered with you. Together, we are helping the Kingdom advance and lives be transformed through the power of God. Thank you all.

Ron and Lorene

Content Team & Prayer Team Coordinator

Hello from the Zimmerman’s!

New things continue to unfold for us since we last sent an update! And to be honest, we’re still catching up! As 2017 came to a close, Josh got a new job! The experience he gained from being a Training Director at ChikfilA led to a position with a new organization in the heart of Denver, helping connect jobs and economic freedom for those coming out of poverty. In this role as a “Talent Coach”, he assesses, mentors, and coaches those looking for steady work. Please pray for him as, every week, he has the opportunity to instill hope and encouragement in individuals who are making courageous steps toward a new way of living.

I would also appreciate your prayers! While I continue to work at Forge, mentoring young ladies and overseeing communications and our prayer team, I started a new semester in my training to become a counselor. Every week I am seeing clients through Denver Seminary’s community clinic, called Shepherd’s Gate, in my first practicum of the program. I am humbled and honored to begin this work, and also to be stretched and shaped along the way.

I’ve been drawn to a quote referred to in the musical “Newsies” that Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.” Something I’ve been thinking about, and maybe you want to join—How can we muster our faith to have more vision for the ways God’s Kingdom is coming to life in the, often raw and broken, ground our feet touch every day?

“As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them,
so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they
were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness” (Ezekiel 34:12).

Discipleship Training

Welcome, welcome, 2018.

This year started out strong for me with a trip back to Kauai to visit my old church and community on the island. It was so sweet to revisit a place that feels like home and people who feel like family – and while there, I was reminded of God’s faithfulness and provision throughout my life. I revisited old prayer spaces around the island, and remembered some of the work the Lord had been doing in my own heart and in the people around me during the time I lived there, and it was amazing to see the ways He has continued that work in each of us to this day.

After an intense season of traveling, it was a gift to be still in one location for a couple of weeks, and I found it incredibly tempting to remain in that space. I recognized the ways that I have felt weary on the road, and how it has worn on me to continually say “goodbye” to people and places that I love.

But in that stillness, the Lord met me and began to call my heart back to a place of deeper rest in Him and His love – and as I packed my bags once again, I left feeling renewed in hope by the ways that God has provided home spaces and family people to me all around the world, and feeling reassured that, for now, my call and charge remains on the road.

Onward and upward,

Laura

Speaker Coordinator | Administrative Assistant

The beginning of a new year typically brings about expectation for me. Expectation of new things to come or continue. Things I should begin or quit, and much anticipation about seeing God move and work in mighty ways for the upcoming year. That is how I am beginning 2018–with expectation of God to continue His work in and through me, at Forge, and in my community and church.

I have officially been at Forge over a year and have seen God’s provision when I wasn’t sure it was possible. I cannot thank you enough for the big prayers you have prayed for me and for those of you who have been supporting me financially. I have seen God’s goodness through each of you! I am especially thankful to those of you who have come out to Colorado to spend time with me over this past year! (Carlie–in picture–has been out here twice to adventure with me!)

At the beginning of this year, I began an online class specializing in abuse and how to counsel those who have endured trauma. The Lord has already directed several conversations with women since beginning this class. In March, I had the opportunity to invest in, challenge, and speak truth to college students in South Carolina. There are other opportunities on the horizon, and I feel so humbled that God has called me to this ministry and to have you walking this journey with me! I love you all deeply!

Writer | Content Team

I once saw a money jar beside the cash register of a diner with a taped-on sign that read, “If you’re tired of change, leave it here!” Few people I know love change. Most people prefer things constant and knowable over fluctuating and unpredictable. The cost of change, for most, isn’t worth the energy expended. Still change is inevitable. It’s how people and things move forward, develop, and grow. A half-century plus of life and twenty-eight years of ministry are helping me understand that reality. I continue to realize that I can either embrace and adapt to change or I can kick, scream, and fight it. And when I choose the latter, I often get disappointed with people, circumstances, and even God for seemingly not keeping things comfortable, safe, and steady.

Shannon and I believe God made us for more than a comfortable, safe, and steady existence. Although risky and, at times, costly, we want to live as those who expect change and depend on God. We want to allow His life to be the one constant in our ever-changing life and world. We’re learning. Life and ministry, along with our ever-growing, ever-changing children are helping us to lean on God in new ways. Maggie and Audrey continue to work and live in Nashville, each discerning options and decisions that will alter the next steps of their journey. Aidan turns 16 in March. He keeps us on our toes in a very honest and lovely way. Life continues to change. We are choosing to depend on God through it all.

Content Team

A while back I saw a quote that really struck me. It read “Stop the glorification of busy.” Many, myself included, find comfort and even pride in being busy, filling time with worthwhile things that give a sense of accomplishment and forward motion. God has been convicting me recently, however, to check the heart behind my filled schedule and to slow my ever-quickening pace of life. As the new year continues to unfold and resolutions wane and evolve, God’s put it on my heart to slow down and rest with Him.

I had the opportunity to create content for Forge’s Love on Purpose month in February (@forginglives), which focused on our intimacy with God. We shared how drawing near to our Creator reminds us that we are fully loved, and can love others with purpose because of this love we’ve been shown. It’s funny how God sometimes has us share things with others that we ourselves most need to hear, and I’m going to take the advice of the words I’ve personally typed onto my computer screen. To take time, draw near to the fire of God, and become a heart on fire for Him that’s ignited to love others with purpose.

Thank you for all of your continued prayers and support. God is doing amazing things at Forge, and we’re all getting excited for the fast-approaching summer months when students will again fill our halls! I will be sure to keep you updated!

This is a picture of my brother Pat, his fiancé Jaden and I after she asked me to be a bridesmaid in their upcoming wedding!

Forge Speaker

It’s been a great beginning to 2018! Each year in January we get the privilege to serve as part of the leadership for an event called Resurrection. Resurrection is a youth event that gathers nearly 10,000 teenagers in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This year, the Lord did not hold back as he called hundreds of teenagers into a saving relationship with Him and hundreds more to answer their call to ministry. God is so faithful!! Following Resurrection, Holly and I direct a spin off event for children and their parents called Rezkidz. Rezkidz is designed to be an event where children bring their parents to worship. Our prayer is to strengthen the family and therefore strengthen the Church.

Also in January, Holly had the opportunity to be a part of the leadership for the National Children Pastors Conference in Orlando, Florida. She continues to be sought after for consulting and speaking in the area of children’s ministry in churches. Jason was honored to speak at the Renewal retreat for Valley Community Church out of Hartford, Connecticut. God moved greatly as we witnessed many hearts and lives turned toward Christ.

We are gearing up for an exciting spring and a powerful summer….stayed tuned!!!

The kids are doing fantastic! With all of them having birthdays within 8 weeks of each other it has been an exciting couple of months. Madison is now 16, Grayson 13, and Lawson 8.

Forge Speaker

Hey Forge Family!

The Lynch Family has been in some great transitions this year and we want to thank you all for your prayerful support! D’Ann and I just reached a beautiful milestone in our lives: we celebrated our 25th year Anniversary! We are so thankful that God blessed us 25 years ago and would have never thought that we would have come so far as we were two little kids in love. We went to Washington D.C. to celebrate this great moment and it was really a pleasant get away!

Asia is doing great as she has entered her Jr. year in college and has really intensified her pursuit of her calling in ministry! Personally I have been blown away as I watch this once little girl who has grown into a beautiful young woman grow in her love for God and others. Asia has seemed to have ‘caught the ministry bug’ because she is totally fired up to go on The Experience this Summer with Forge!

We are also so proud of Jordan, and he is ready to take the next step in his life. Jordan is excited about graduating and looking forward to following his sister to Texas A&M to pursue a degree in Counseling and Social Work to follow in his great-uncle’s footsteps to open a practice to as a licensed counselor. We are so grateful for where our children are at in their lives.

We love you and look forward to seeing many of you this summer!

Forge Speaker

So much has been happening! God orchestrated things for Ann-Marie and Tyler to get out of their apartment lease early and move into a new house. Many details were taken care of by God’s gracious answers to prayer. Another great blessing is that Ann-Marie is expecting a baby in December!! We will be grandparents! A few days ago, Lolly and I talked on the phone about Exodus 4. Her pastor in Dallas is preaching through the book of Exodus and each message is available online. We are viewing the messages and discussing them. What a blessing for me to talk about “Jesus things” with my daughter!

I recently spent several days in LaFollette, TN., speaking at the Fields of Faith Event sponsored by FCA. Wednesday morning, I spoke at three school assemblies and later that afternoon I challenged the LaFollette High School Football team and coaching staff. That night at the event, 1,500-2,000 people were in attendance. The Spirit prompted my heart with these words, “You give the gospel and I will bring them home.” The Spirit moved in hearts and before the night was over 150-200 people had surrendered to Christ in salvation and other areas of their lives.

Know your prayers and financial investments make a difference! You have a part in all that God is doing. Thank you so much.

President/CEO & Founder

We entered 2018 with so much spiritual joy over all the places God (and you!) sent us in 2017 (beyond what we’ve done in 20 yrs). So MANY spiritual decisions that were made! We’ve heard countless CHANGED LIVES stories over the past 30 days! We CELEBRATE salvations, rededications, healings, marriages and families restored, deliverance, ministry calling, and SO MANY (praise God!) NEW KINGDOM LABORERS – everywhere! Glory to God!

In the midst of many speaking events, God enabled Dwight to finish a new book “Forged by Fire – Your intimacy with God can be your greatest gift to this world! People who’ve read the book already are ordering boxes for churches, friends, and others they want to go through the book. Yesterday one woman stated, “The book completely erased my ‘performance-driven’ joy-less, formulaic-Christian-life, bringing me into life-giving fresh new waves of loving God and letting Him love me. For me personally, this book is even more impactful than the book ‘Plan A’ – and I loved it!” Glory to God for the ways He is touching hearts and lives not merely at ministry speaking events, but also through content He’s called forth and blessed.

We’re ahead of schedule on a Forge 4^th Decade ministry growth plan we believe God inspired and is truly blessing! New Firebrand Speakers are being raised up, new Equipping programs have been established, new electronic and print content is being delivered, and spiritual decisions are on the rise! We are so thankful for your significant role – with us!!

~Dwight & Dawn

Discipleship Training

So much has happened in the last couple months! And we have so needed your prayers and been so blessed to hear from many of you, how you are participating in what God is doing through prayer.

November: I spoke on missions in a class at St. John’s Lutheran School in Denver, was officially ordained through my local church, Hope Community Church (HopeChurchDenver.com), and preached on being God’s Kingdom Laborers at Hope as well.

December: I was able to strategize with, network with, and learn from a gathering in California focused on finishing the task of preaching the gospel to and raising up laborers among every people group on earth (Matthew 24:14). Also during December, we celebrated as my brother Will graduated from School of Mines with an engineering degree, and also got to go watch one of Dara’s nanny kids perform in a school play. Dara and I enjoyed lots of time together, and some “breather time off” with family during Christmas!

January: We returned to the Hadza in East Africa. We have great news of maybe the first Hadza initiated and Hadza led Church gathering emerging and meeting regularly! And now, 21 NEW TESTAMENT books are recorded in Hadza language!! The only books we have remaining to translate in the future are Matthew, Luke, Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, and Revelation. We also saw several new lives enter the Kingdom as well as heard news of Hadza sharing God’s Word and leading others into the Kingdom.

More details to come soon on recent trips and ministry events!

Forge Speaker

I have been very busy traveling and preaching the Word. What a thrill it has been to watch the Lord work in the lives of so many people! About 1200 students were at an event in Valdosta, GA for a football rivalry rally with representatives from both teams speaking about the impact of Jesus on their lives. When it came time for the invitation, we were not prepared for the response. Several hundred came forward saying they wanted to get right with Jesus!

I spoke to 1000 football players in Huntsville, AL (several committed to Alabama and Auburn) at a media/FCA event. They asked me to preach the Four Chairs. There were several hundred players who gave their lives to Christ or decided they did not want to be lukewarm for Jesus any longer. I also spoke at my Alma Mater, Furman University, to the FCA ministry that discipled me after I was saved. They had so many coming that they changed the venue to accommodate their numbers. The response to Christ was overwhelming.

Recently, I spoke at a church in NC. It was one of those rare times when I was speaking to mostly senior adults. I could not believe how the numbers grew every night. There was an electricity in the air as many brought friends and family members to hear the crazy preacher. I am not sure there is anything more satisfying for me than to see an over 80 year old give their life to Christ – as I did there around 25 times. Praise the Lord! Thank you so much for your prayers and support that make this ministry possible!

Friendship Evangelism

Dwight Robertson

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