Over the past several years of serving in the trenches of small town ministry here in the United States of America, I have gained both an overwhelming appreciation and a deepening burden for the Church. As I have walked through the highs and the lows, felt the pressing and the shaking, been at the center and then faded into hidden obscurity, there has been a still small, yet growing intercessory groan in me to seek God for a soul-drenching outpouring of His Spirit. One that could never be manufactured or manipulated by programs and politics, but rather one that would spring up from the wells of old dug by faith-filled prayers and rent hearts. One that would bring forth a new day of unprecedented glory upon His people–that the nations of the earth would see the worthy Lamb of God and declare, “The Lord, He is God! (1 Kings 18:39).

In my seeking I have become painfully aware of my own barrenness, inadequacy and need for revival–as a pastor, teacher, worship leader [or whatever label I have been given], sure, but most importantly as a husband, father and humbled man before an awesome and holy God. My heart is full, yet it also aches because I’m not okay with an irrelevant Church that has lost its flame. I’m not okay with an immature Church that has no appetite for meat. One that is regrettably over-informed, yet unproven, untrained and unequipped for the days ahead. I’m not okay with an inbred Church that only multiples by dividing inward instead of going outward. I’m not okay with a Church that still dances around with immorality, idolatry and injustice. Are you? Even still, I am gripped with an unrelenting hope that the Lord is not done yet, and that we still have a commission to complete. His news is still good. He is still good! Lord, I need Your mercy. We need Your mercy!

Now there was no blacksmith to be found throughout all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, “Lest the Hebrews make swords or spears.”

1 SAMUEL 13:19

This passage of Scripture has become personal to me over these years of working in various ministry capacities. It has served as a helpful plumb-line and reminder to stay in the fire of His Word and in His presence, to keep pounding in prayer, even in the hot (difficult), low-light (unseen) conditions, in order to forge the Spirit-made tools and weaponry needed to effectively equip His people for the work of ministry until we come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God. I’m convinced that without blacksmiths, the enemy has little to fear. Blacksmiths who will stand in the counsel of the Lord, perceive His Word and speak it out with uncompromising love and tender compassion. The Lord is calling His people back to the flame, back to His Word, back to the revelation of His glory, back to the raw materials of fervent prayer and fasting, and back to a pure and precious faith that perseveres through the refining fires of life. This is how He builds His prevailing Church.

“For who has stood in the counsel of the Lord, And has perceived and heard His word? Who has marked His word and heard it?”

JEREMIAH 23:18

“Is not My word like a fire?” says the Lord, “And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?”

JEREMIAH 23:29

7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ…

1 PETER 1:7

In light of all this, my aim is to continue doing my part, according to the grace that has been given to me, to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and make disciples of all nations beginning with my own household. Looking ahead to 2024, we have much that is on our heart to do, but we are seeking the Lord for His wise leadership. We are hoping for even more opportunities to help equip and train a new wave of missionaries in America who will genuinely strengthen the local church by revitalizing a culture of worship and prayer in our midst and be sent out by the Holy Spirit to reach the harvest fields across our generation–within our communities, online and abroad. We especially sense that the Lord has called us to disciple and resource kingdom messengers, minstrels and missionaries through books, bible studies, music, training courses, mentorship and more.

If you are interested in partnering with us monthly you can click the blue button below or if you have any questions, please contact us here. We would love to personally connect with you if possible and keep you posted on our latest updates, testimonies and ministry opportunities! Please do not feel pressure or put our ministry ahead of giving to your local church or family. We know that as the Lord is leads us, He will continue to provide. If you would like to follow our journey, find our resources, apply for training, serve or sponsor one of our projects, you can click here for all the links. We pray that you have a Merry Christmas and that this next year would be filled with His glory!

Staying in the Fire,

Nick Russo