Through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, we seek to empower a welcoming community of believers to glorify God by passionately proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and caring for the poor and needy at home and overseas. We are eager to see the Body of Christ united together, desiring to see Him working on earth, just as it is in Heaven. –Athens Link Vision Statement.
Reason and Reality of a Vision
“Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint…” Proverbs 29:18
God is a Planner. He has had a vision for man since the beginning of time. We can read and see the importance of a vision as God reveals His plan to Moses, Joshua, David, Paul, Peter, and through Jesus.
His vision extends into now. Just as in times of old, God is continually on the move. God is not going to stop moving until His Vision is fulfilled. As His people, we at Athens Link Fellowship are a part of His Vision.
The Reason for a Vision (Plan)
“Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint…” Proverbs 29:18
Without a vision, the people perish. As our Father in Heaven is intentional to have a vision and plan, we at Athens Link also need to operate under His vision and plan for us as a body of believers. The vision statement for Athens Link continues to guide us as we are seeing the Lord move through the ALF School of Supernatural Ministry, The Bethany Project, and through missions in Athens and throughout the nations: Bali, Mozambique, Scotland.
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. “ Proverbs 15:22
At intervals in the Athens Link journey, it has been necessary to assess our position in order to make adjustments and preparations for opportunities that will come as God leads. John and Cindy have consistently sought the Lord for wisdom and confirmation through several advisors in the ALF body and through the Allans in Scotland.
It is important to retain a dynamic God given vision because:
- ALF needs a vision to maintain momentum toward fulfilling God’s call.
- A vision is also important because it reveals to all of us the goodness and presence of the Father.
- Lastly, a Vision gives all of us a focus on where we – as a body of Christ – are headed together in unity.
Reality of Our Vision in 2014
As the leadership of Athens Link Fellowship has reviewed the church’s vision, the common areas we concentrate on are:
- To equip Saints (each individual in Athens Link)
- To pursue unity in the Body of Christ in the city of Athens
- To go to the Nations
Over the past four years, Athens Link has moved towards growth in those areas through the School of Supernatural Ministry, through our relationship with The Link in Dunfermline, Scotland, with mission teams across the world, and in serving with city-wide ministries (such as The Bethany Project).
As we are moving forward we are excited about continued areas of growth to see the Athens Link Fellowship vision, as led by the Lord, continue to be released:
Athens Link Fellowship School of Supernatural Ministry (ALFSSM)
ALFSSM plays an important role in this city, by equipping its students to know who they are and empowering them to live Kingdom lives in our city. As individuals walk and grow in their destiny, it impacts the city and community around us. Year one students are truly empowered to transform our city.
As we are continuing to grow, Athens Link is announcing the implementation of the Second Year program. Anne Evans from Bethel Church in Redding, California will lead year two of the school!
Tribe Issachar
Tribe Issachar has been an incredible prayer ministry in Athens for a number of years.Athens Link was approached by the Tribe Board to bring Tribe Issachar under the stewardship of Athens Link, and we have agreed to do so.
This fits well into our Vision for the city and to the uniting of the Body in Athens. Tribe will continue to be a city wide ministry. The Athens Intercessor Prayer Group, led by Cindy, Mary Redman, Deborah Kirkland, and Laura Newton will shepherd Tribe. But Tribe Issachar will need a leader and an active small group of prayer warriors to activate the vision for this ministry.
Athens Link on the Move
The addition of the Second Year of ALFSSM and Tribe Issachar, paired with the growth of Athens Link, bring us to the third point of the 2014 Vision.
After much prayer, thought, and discussion with the leaders in Athens Link, John and Cindy believe that Athens Link should look for a larger space that can centrally accommodate these ministries which are growing! Our hope and plan is to use this central location in which our ministries—Athens Link, The Bethany Project, 24/7 prayer with Tribe Issachar, and the School of Supernatural Ministry–may flourish. Furthermore, it is our hope that missional communities and small house/church group will spawn from Athens Link. This centralized space however, will be one where we may frequently gather together as a body to worship the Lord together.
In Conclusion
It will be necessary to endure changes and to need more financial commitment in order to meet these ministry opportunities. John and Cindy do not know all the details, but they do know that God is calling Athens Link into a new place spiritually and geographically.
We have a good God who is leading us in this venture. Athens Link has been called to step into the river and watch what God will do.
We must trust that God will bring us through the change, and that each of us will do our part to participate in His Vision for Athens Link.
Our Response
As we call Athens Link our church home, we have a role and part in the fulfillment of our vision.
- As Athens Link is looking for a new space, we request your prayers. Please pray that just the right space within parameters set by leadership will be found.
- Share any thoughts, encouragement, and words with John and Cindy.
- Participate in the monthly Athens Intercessors’ Prayer meetings.
- Is there something on your heart that you want to see come out of Athens Link? Dream with the Lord, and share your passion with ALF Leadership.
- Consider enrolling in the Athens Link Fellowship School of Supernatural Ministry Year One.
athens link fellowship (the blog) 
This is really well written. I will be praying into these areas.
Blessings,
Mary