Steve Alessi: Author of Alessi’s Angle, Pastor of Metro Life Church in Miami, Husband of World Renown Worship Leader Mary Alessi and Father of Four.
We use the word scope
quite often in today’s vernacular in referring to the intention or objective
of what we are doing (i.e. “include this
in your scope of work”) It coincides with the Italian form of the word scopo which means purpose or goal.
However, it also refers to the extent or reach of something or
someone’s influence or activity; and this where the word scope and today’s blog intersect. See, we recently added
“Everywhere” to the mission statement of @MetroLifeChurch. It used to read “Impacting
Everyday Life” and although that mission has not changed in any way, the scope of that mission has... it is now, "Impacting Everyday Life, Everywhere"
It was towards the end of 2010 that Pastor
Steve felt led to sow and go into this island nation that’s so close
to our city and is now so much closer to our hearts. Through relationships that were
already in place with Churches in Covenant, we connected with a wonderful man
of God in Cuba, Pastor Faustino;
whose mission is to raise up, encourage and support other Godly men and women
so that the Gospel can be shared throughout the island that he loves.
And today, as you read this blog, Pastor
Steve and Mary and a team of Metro Life missionaries, that include Dave &
Paola Roman, David & Mory Martinez,
Dez, Faith Fredrick (Pastor Mary’s
mom) and several others, are in Cuba
ministering to that group of pastors. They are showing Pastor
Faustino that there is a family of believers 90 miles away that love them, pray
for them and support them. If that’s not Impacting Everyday Life EVERYWHERE, I
don’t know what is.
Yesterday, Pastor
Steve spoke to the congregation of pastors and their families about courage. Some had come to Pastor Faustino’s church after traveling six hours
just to be at this conference with their “friends from Miami”. Could you imagine the need for
courage in a nation like Cuba…
a nation where preaching the Gospel (the good news of Christ) and the freedom
that is inherent to all believers can actually be dangerous? Faith Fredrick (Pastor Mary’s mom) spoke about grace, the
unmerited favor of the Lord while David Roman
spoke about faith; being able to see what you can’t see; being able to
trust God for what you know but is not currently evident. They also prayed for
marriages, as Cuba
experiences a horrific 90% divorce rate and Pastor
Mary worshiped her heart out and led the congregation to their knees before
the presence of God. And that was just yesterday…
Today they are continuing to sow and share and love and
support. David and Mory Martinez will be sharing their personal testimonies and
Pastor Steve and Mary (along with the
team) will continue to equip the saints in Cuba; being the very hands and
feet of Jesus to these wonderful people of God and relying on the Holy Spirit
to do His work in their lives. It is so awesome to do the work of the Lord!!
Here's a statement that was shared in an email
from the team that was sent yesterday during a very short time with a WiFi connection, “Bottom line, we all felt that we came here
to impart but they are imparting so much in us.
There is desperation, desolation, and destruction but these people have
a hope that is truly amazing.” Who is able? GOD IS ABLE !!!
Our mission continues to be the same; but our scope has changed; this is true in YOUR life as well. You’ve
been given more territory, more purpose; your objective is greater. Will you
reach for it? Will you support it? Will you accomplish the mission? Impacting Everyday Life, Everywhere.
Thank you for your support and prayers
#CubaTripMLC
Great blog Armando, as a first generation Cuban-American I have very close emotional ties with the Island. It has been my dream to return some day with a purpose. I am so proud and grateful that the MLC team is there spreading the Gospel and encouraging those who work in the difficult trenches of persecution and fear. 53 years of godless socialism has created a lost people who, while yearning for freedom, don't really understand it or its consequences. Only through the Gospel and the teachings of Christ will they be able to learn what true freedom is even under despotic rule. Though my dream has yet to happen,I am confident it will in the near future through this outreach. Praying for the team.
Amazing blog! I'm so glad I'm part of a church that is spreading Gods love to the world. It takes great courage to step outside your comfort zone and follow God's leading. But its only then that we step into the next level God has prepared for us.
Praying for the missionaries & Cuba!
Amen!!! The anointing and presence of God pulsated from even just the photos of the trip. Speechless.