Episode 253
Jordan Unveils Master Plan, Pickleball Outreach Opportunity & Walking in the Spirit
Jordan has launched a $100 million master plan aimed at attracting 1 million Christian pilgrims to celebrations the second millennium of the baptism of Jesus in 2030. Pickleball has been the fastest growing sport in America for the past two years, and churches are using it as a way to build relationships among their members and reach out to their communities. And, many people deal with loneliness. We need connections; we need others to lean on for encouragement and advice. Thankfully, even when we’re by ourselves and apart from family and friends, we are not alone.
Transcript
Jordan has launched a $100 million master plan aimed at attracting 1 million Christian pilgrims to celebrations the second millennium of the baptism of Jesus in 2030.
The plan was unveiled by a not-for-profit foundation created by the Jordanian government to develop the “Bethany beyond the Jordan” area, on the east bank of the Jordan River, long venerated as the place of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist.
He said the theme will include “glamping”-style lodging – a version of camping typified by well-appointed tents with comfortable beds.
Electricity and Wi-Fi lines will be placed underground so as not to clutter the above-ground experience.
The initial phase of the project will cost about $15 million. He hopes it will be finished sometime in 2023. A second phase, which will include a three-star hotel, restaurants, shopping area and a museum, a wellness center and “opportunities for pilgrims to have special quiet spiritual time,” will cost as much as $85 million.
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Pickleball has been the fastest growing sport in America for the past two years, and churches are using it as a way to build relationships among their members and reach out to their communities.
Invented in 1965 near Seattle, pickleball resembles Ping-Pong, badminton or tennis.
For Lee Chinnis, support pastor at Charleston Baptist Church in S.C., the simplicity of the sport has made it popular with both church members and guests.
The church purchased four pickleball nets which they set up for people to play every Tuesday. Guests can sign up for a time slot via an app and reserve a court to play singles or doubles games.
Since starting the program earlier this fall, Chinnis said there are currently 80 registered users on the app, and the church usually has between 20-25 people playing each Tuesday.
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Good News for Today is sponsored by The Voice of the Martyrs
Good News for Today is made possible through our friends at The Voice of the Martyrs, a nonprofit organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM is dedicated to inspiring believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and to fulfill His Great Commission — no matter the cost. Find out more and sign up for their free monthly magazine at vom.org/goodnews.
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Many people deal with loneliness. We need connections; we need others to lean on for encouragement and advice. Thankfully, even when we’re by ourselves and apart from family and friends, we are not alone.
In Romans 8, the apostle Paul contrasted two ways of living: “in the flesh” and “in the Spirit” (v. 9). In the first eight verses of this chapter, Paul described those who live in the flesh as focused on their own pleasures, needs and concerns.
Life in the Spirit is different. People who live by the Spirit have repented of their sins and embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
God has graciously given us His Holy Spirit to guide us as we make daily decisions and long-term plans. We’re not left on our own to turn away from sinful temptations in our own strength; the Holy Spirit comes to our aid.
Read the full piece and sign up for our daily emails at Baptist Press.com.
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