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

Greetings Everyone!

I know it has been a while, but I just wanted to take a moment to write out a quick ministry and family update as we near the end of 2019. Jenny and I have been very grateful for these past few years as the Lord has steadily demonstrated his faithfulness amidst the changing seasons. Here are a few highlights:

• Our family head count grew to 5
• We moved
• Our oldest started first grade
• I turned 30 years old (wow)
• We helped launch Venture Church in a new location

As Jenny transitioned out of full-time employment in the marketplace in order to spend more time raising our little kingdom of God warriors, it was definitely a step of faith for us as our ministry assigments shifted. I have spent much of my effort in the marketplace in order to support our family, working full-time as a general manager for our HVAC company. I believe the Lord has used all the responsibilities and pressures that we’ve been challenged with these past few years to grow us as leaders, and to prepare us for the tasks ahead.

Over the past year or so, the Lord has really been stirring my heart about the “plow” He wants us to push, and I truly believe He is inviting us to step out in faith like never before. For over ten years, I have relied on a separate full-time job to support my family and fund my other ministry assignments, but now I feel led to invite others into this journey with us. We have recently joined up with a missions organization called Modern Day to help make it even easier for someone to join our team and support us financially in our missions work. From our home base at Venture Church, we hope to be able to devote more energy to the gospel mission and the field ahead of us as the Lord provides.

P – prayer and proclamation

L – leadership training and discipleship

O – outreach and missions

W – worship

Here are some of the things we’ve been doing:

• Venture Church
  • worship & prayer ministry – leading meetings, training singers and musicians
  • teaching ministry – teaching weekly bible studies and discipleship classes
  • kid’s ministry – teaching weekly classes, VBS and more

• Heart of Texas House of Prayer
  • regional prayer room
  • leading worship and intercession for our region and the nations of the earth

• Community Prayer Room

• Cleaning For Christ
  • outreach and fundraiser
  • cleaning homes, businesses and churches

Here is a look at some other things we’ve been working on:

• Revival Forge [coming soon]
  • a training school and resource ministry dedicated to equipping young leaders and missionaries
  • creating content – books, articles, music, videos, podcasts, and online courses
  • mobilizing projects – prayer, worship, training, missions and outreach
  • creating merch – art, crafts, gifts, t-shirts and more

• Wage Good Warfare [revised edition coming soon]
  • paperback + ebook
  • eventually with audio
  • teaching course + study notes

 

• Pass The Rock [coming soon]
  • revival forge – project
  • basketball clinics
  • tournaments
  • partnering with FCA

 

There are many opportunities in the works, but they are going to require that we trust the Lord to connect us with people who are led by Him to:

1. join us on the field
2. help financially support our ministry efforts
3. pray for us

Whether through prayers, finances or service, every ounce of support, no matter how small, makes a difference. We are truly grateful.

In His Service,

Nick and Jennifer Russo

“Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me.” (Rom. 15:30)

*Note: You are more than welcome to give directly to us via the PayPal button on this website (contact us about other direct methods such as venmo, cash app or mailed check), but these donations would not be tax-deductible. If you would like your donation to our ministry to be tax-deductible, please click the link below to give through Modern Day. We truly appreciate your support!

Click Here to Give Online Through Modern Day

If you need any assistance, please call Modern Day at (469) 994-7008.

P.S. If you would like to keep up with us, please enter you email address below!

 

 

 

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