Notes on the Storm

Today we watch the first snowfall of the season. How lightly it floats down, belying the violent hail storm that just passed. Thank God for the break in the drought and the shelter He gives in the storm.
In another sense, we really are in a scary storm. The screaming wind and violent waves threaten to kill us. On top of that we are called to walk right upon those crashing waters.
Lord, save us!
We pass this reminder along: God does not hold our fears and doubts against us. When Peter challenged Jesus walking on the water, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water," Jesus did not reprimand him for skepticism, or presumption. He simply said "Come!"
After Peter actually walked on the water, then was intimidated by the storm and sank, Jesus did not say,
"Go on and drown. I gave you a chance and you doubted. It's your own fault. You shouldn't have tried the impossible!"
No. Instead of the "every-man-for-himself" attitude, Jesus shot his hand forward and caught Peter. And he was not berating Peter with his statement "Oh you little faith . . ." Jesus used this as a teachable moment to comment on the kind of faith Peter had right then as he helped him into the boat and caused the storm to cease. (Matthew 14:22-33)
As the financial storm rages around us we panic and sink over and over. Jesus has to be there to catch us each time,or we will drown alone. Even among well-meaning friends we often feel alone in the storm because everyone seems powerless and no one knows what to do.
We must habitually react by crying out like Peter, "Lord, save me!"
In whatever form it comes we grab the hand extended, pull up and get our footing again, walking with Jesus on the water.
Will you consider being part of Jesus' extended hand to us as we fight the waves on the mission to which Christ calls us?

Yours on the water,

Mark and Donna Turner

3 Programs Now On-line In the "Say Let There Be" Series

Three new audio programs hosted by Mark Turner are now up and playing to the world 24/7. The "Say Let There Be" series addresses the challenge of each person discovering their vision and walking it out as their mission in the concrete world. All programs are available to listen to and read with illustrations on the "Say Let There Be" blog (click here).
They also appear on Blogtalkradio.com/Horizon-Gate, and in the podcast section of the iTunes store. Download the programs to your iPod.

Program one calls you to do what God, the Creator originally did, drawing attention to the image of God in human beings which creates what was not there before. Using the vision of Horizon Gate as an example Mark begins to help us get over what keeps us from accomplishing our dreams, and to even accelerate our progress.

Program two explores the steps of creation that happen both inside and as you bring your vision out to the world. You get to participate by drawing a cartoon of the process.

Program three helps you describe your vision as a tangible project including seven key components to make your project both successful and spark the next project.

Watch for programs coming soon which cover eye-opening concepts of cash flow management, smart economizing, debt elimination, wealth building, and aspects of growing your own business. All of this is aimed at increasing the capacity of our community to minister to the needs of the world.

Whether you think you need this content, or not, you do know someone who needs it. Send them to the blog. Listen, read and get others to subscribe (for free) to "Say Let There Be."

Church and Missions Leaders Affirm Our Vision, Seek Further Connection

Over the last few months we have been meeting and dialoguing with church and missions leaders who affirm our vision and invite us to collaborate with them.

With one large, historic San Diego church we are developing a proposal for a program to mentor filmmakers and produce several short art films. This would test some of the components of our three-part vision (see our homepage) which includes The Production Gathering and the Film-Gallery-Café.

Missionaries in Mali want to explore a project in which we would coach a successful Bombara theater troupe in adapting their plays to film.

A missionary to Mozambique is asking if we are available to help create videos to present the ministry they have in the business arena of that country.

We need more supporters to back us financially so that we can say confidently to these opportunities, "Yes, we are ready and able."

We invite you to help us nurture filmmakers, create new films in Mali, and produce videos for Mozambique. Click on the Donate button at our homepage and make your contribution through Pay Pal right now.

"Say 'Let There Be . . .'" Audio & Blog Premiere

Our new audio series entitled “Say 'Let There Be . . .'” is now being released program by program. The introductory program is titled “The Call to Action”. In 14 minutes it introduces the series by calling you to find and bring your vision into the material world as a concrete mission.
The series bears the name which is the essence of our discussion over the next 10 or more episodes. It is calling you to do what God, the Creator originally did, to bring into being what was not there. The words "Let there be" are some of the first words of the Bible and represent the expression which God made to begin all that we know as reality. In this series we are drawing attention to the image of God in human beings, the likeness of God in us which empowers us to create what was not there before.
The introductory program can be played on our new Say “Let There Be . . .” blog devoted to the series. Click here to listen and browse the blog. http://saylettherebe.blogspot.com
The episodes planned cover a range of topics from both the current lessons being learned and 40 years life experiences of Mark and Donna Turner. Episodes will include 1. Call to Action; 2.Finding Your Vision; 3.Describe Your Vision as a Project; 4.Money Management; 5.Simplifying, Outsourcing, Debt; 6.Types of Income; 7.Your Own Business; 8.Building Your Team; 9.Expanding Your Business Right; 10.Partnering with God to Execute the Plan.

Minds Dwell On These Things

We are reviving our disciplines of creating productive “mental environments” (attitudes). This consists of disciplining our minds to celebrate all the good that we have had and are experiencing, to remind ourselves of all the good God has done through all of history and our lives. We acknowledge all our wonderful accomplishments and gain confidence that we can do even more. Reaffirming the good liberates our thinking so we are able to create with God solutions to many problems.

Surrounding us is a world which insists on being what it calls “realistic” . What the systems of this world and those loyal to them mean by “realistic” is to keep your mind on your job, pay your bills, keep the money flowing to the creditors. They emphasize the bad things happening around the world and keep the majority of humanity focused on difficulties, mistakes and problems. Remembering the good, looking for the redemptive, and just being happy to have hope is all considered self-deluding and pitiful. Not hip.

Horizon Gate is about counteracting the forces that enslave people's minds like that. Our vision is to make beauty and show it in such a way that opens eyes and breaks bondage. We are not about just helping people get comfortable in their prison cells. Because of our perspective we find opposition and unbelief. We encounter hardships because of devoting our time and energies to this unconventional mission and some people feel sorry for us.

But, we call you to a higher vision. Rather than just feeling sorry for the troubles, please, by praying for the good to happen and being a participant in the solutions, help us keep looking up and being faithful to the heavenly vision.