As Trinity approaches 98 years of ministry, we believe God is not done with us. In fact, He may be leading us into something new, not just in method, but in clarity of mission.

In Luke 15, Jesus describes a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine sheep in the “open country” to search for the one who is lost. The Greek word used, erēmos, means wilderness, a wide and uncultivated and sometimes desolate place. Why would Jesus be okay leaving His flock there? Because it’s in the wilderness where we often encounter God most deeply, giving us a place where distractions fade, and clarity grows.

We believe God is calling Trinity into that “Open Country” not as exile, but as opportunity. A place of trust, growth, and multiplication. A place where we’re willing to let go of comfort to help just one more person come home to Jesus.

Over four weeks, we’ll explore how followers of Jesus can live confidently in such a wilderness when we better understand:

```
Freedom in Christ
```
```
Living out the Great Commission
```
```
Trusting God’s Word
```
```
Accountability to Each Other
```

We hope you’ll join us on this journey and as God stirs something in your heart, we’d love to hear how He’s using this season and message series to help you and the whole Trinity family grow in what matters most.

OPEN COUNTRY CHALLENGE CARD

We believe that God is calling Trinity into a place of growth, surrender, and mission.  
We'd love to hear what God is stirring in your heart, your "Wilderness Testimony".

Open Country Stories and Reflections 2

Name

First Name

Last Name

Cell Phone

(###)

###

####

Message

We believe that God is calling Trinity into a place of growth, surrender, and mission. We'd love to hear what God is stirring in your heart.

Watch Message
Scripture: Luke 15:11-32
Practical Application: Please complete our Flourishing Survey
Watch Message
Scripture: Genesis 37:3-11, John 16:31-33
Reflection Questions:
1. What is one area where you struggle to trust God’s Word right now? Is it a promise you doubt, a command that’s difficult, or a truth that feels distant?
2. When life doesn’t make sense, what story are you tempted to believe instead of God’s? (ie. “I’m forgotten,” “God doesn’t care,” “I have to fix this myself.”)
3. Can you name a time when God felt silent, but later you saw He was at work? What helped you hold on or what made it harder to trust?
Practical Application:
1. Read Genesis 37–50 (the life of Joseph) slowly this week. Highlight moments of injustice, waiting, and trust. Where do you relate?
2. Write a “Wilderness Testimony” a short story of where you’ve seen God’s faithfulness during a hard season, even if the outcome wasn’t what you expected. Consider sharing it with someone else or submitting it by clicking on the button above as part of our church family reflections.
Watch Message
Scripture: James 4:13-17,Mark 2:1-12
Reflection Questions:
1. Are you letting your proximity to Jesus turn into passivity? Why or why not?
1. Who are your “crazy faith” friends? Are you a “crazy faith” friend for someone else?
1. What roof might God be asking you to break through in your life or in this church?
Practical Application:
1. Text or call a friend and “be present,” and ask them if there is anything you can pray with them.
1. Ask your child, grandchild, or any young person “How can I pray for you this week?”
1. Do one bold thing for someone else this week without expecting anything in return.
Watch Message

Scripture: Isaiah 42:5-7, Luke 15:1-7
Reflection Questions:
- What keeps me from being okay in the “open country”?
- Who might be the “one” God is asking me to notice or love this week?
- Which "one" in your life would be worth all the sacrifice to see them accept Jesus and come home? What if God had someone else in mind, would you still do it?
Practical Application:
- Look around this week: who in your circle might feel unseen or distant from God? What is one intentional step you could take towards them being there for them.
- Try spending time in a space that feels like “open country” to you, less control, less comfort and ask God if this is a place that He may be growing your heart for mission and serving others there.

We care deeply about your overall well-being and growth. Inspired by John 10:10, we seek to understand how you're experiencing "life to the fullest." Your honest responses will guide our planning, teaching, and discipleship plans for the future. Thank you for participating!

Please rate the following statements using this scale: Strongly Disagree | Disagree | Neutral | Agree | Strongly Agree

Open Country: Flourishing Survey

Name

First Name

Last Name

Spiritual Flourishing

- I consistently prioritize my relationship with Jesus in my daily life. - The Bible influences my daily decisions and actions. - I feel my spiritual needs are being met through our church community here at Trinity.

Relational Flourishing

- I feel satisfied and content with my close friendships and relationships. - My relationships provide me with meaningful support. - I feel genuinely connected to others in our church family.

Financial Flourishing

- I am generally free from worry about meeting my monthly living expenses. - My basic needs (food, housing, safety) are consistently met without stress. - I feel equipped by my church with helpful resources for financial stewardship.

Purpose Flourishing

- I find clear purpose and meaning in my daily activities (work, home, volunteering). - I understand my unique role and place in God's broader mission to grow His Kingdom. - My daily activities align well with what matters most to me.

Health Flourishing

- I feel good about my overall physical health. - I am currently experiencing positive mental and emotional health. - Trinity offers resources or support that contribute positively to my overall health.

Character Flourishing

- My faith influences how I respond to challenges and difficult situations. - I strive to positively influence the culture and community around me. - I feel that the Trinity family encourages and supports my character growth.

Contentment Flourishing

- Overall, I feel satisfied and happy with my life right now. - I regularly experience peace and contentment. - My involvement at Trinity Lutheran Church positively contributes to my overall life satisfaction.

Additional Comments:

Are there specific areas above where you feel Trinity could provide more support or resources? Do you have any additional suggestions for how we can better support your flourishing?

Thank you for helping Trinity become a healthier, thriving community where everyone experiences life to the full!