We who are associated with River of Joy believe that the Bible is God's inspired and authoritative word, revealing that Jesus Christ is God's son; that people
are created in God's image; that He created us to have eternal life through Jesus Christ; that although all people have sinned and come short of God's glory,
God has made salvation possible through the death on the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ; that repentance, faith, love and obedience are fitting
responses to God's initiative of grace towards us; that God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth; and that the Holy
Spirit's power is demonstrated in and through us to, "Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as
these." (Mark 10:14) and for the accomplishment of Christ's last commandment, "...Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark
16:15). We subscribe to the 1974 International Lausanne Covenant.
WE ARE COMMITTED...
1. TO SEEK GOD AND TO KNOW HIM
ROJ is committed to know God, His nature, His character and His ways. Ministry is, and should be the outworking of a close relationship with God, We want
to be able to say as did the apostle Paul, "Follow me even as I follow Christ."
2. TO MAKE GOD KNOWN IN OUR PLACE OF MINISTRY
ROJ is committed to making God known where He has called us, among children, in families, and in every arena of society, by practical means, through
evangelism, training and mercy ministries. We believe that salvation of souls should result in transformation of societies, thus obeying Jesus' command to
make disciples of all nations. We seek especially to be both a catalyst and a means of change, helping "the hearts of the fathers return to the children and
the children to the fathers before the great and wonderful day of the Lord."
3. TO HEAR GOD'S VOICE
ROJ is committed to creating with God through listening to Him, praying His prayers and obeying His commands in matters great and small. We are
dependent upon hearing His voice as individuals, together in team contexts and in larger corporate gatherings. This is an integral part of our process for
decision making.
4. TO PRACTICE WORSHIP AND INTERCESSORY PRAYER
ROJ is dedicated to worship Jesus and engage in intercessory prayer as integral aspects of daily life. We also recognize the intent of Satan to destroy the
work of God and we call upon God's power and the Holy Spirit to overcome his strategies in the lives of individuals and in the affairs of nations.
5. TO BE VISIONARY
ROJ is called to be visionary, continually receiving, nurturing and releasing fresh vision from God. We both pioneer and support the pioneering of new
ministries and methods, always willing to be radical in order to be relevant to every generation, people group, and sphere of society. We believe that the
apostolic call of ROJ requires the integration of spiritual eldership with the wisdom gained thereby, freedom in the Spirit and relationship, centered on
the Word of God.
6. TO CONCENTRATE ON HURTING CHILDREN
ROJ is called to heal hurting and abandoned children and find fine Christians families to nurture them. We believe our part of making that happen is to
enable called and gifted young people to spearhead vision and ministry. We are committed to value them, trust them, train them, support them, make space
for them and release them. They are not only the Church of the future; they are the Church of today. We believe children are enabled by the same Holy Spirit
as adults and should be allowed to minister.
7. TO CONCENTRATE ON THE CALLING RATHER THAN THE STRUCTURE
ROJ is structured for enabling child and family healing. We believe structures should serve the people and the purposes of God. However, the purpose,
vision, values and relationships that we are called into, supersede any man-made structure in importance. ROJ ministers at every level have both the
privilege and responsibility of accountability to a circle of elders, with overall international accountability to ROJ partners, ministers, and the body of Christ.
If the structure ever gets in the way of the calling and purposes of God, we must be ready to sacrifice the structure to enable the calling.
8. TO BE INTERNATIONAL AND INTERDENOMINATIONAL
ROJ is international and interdenominational. We believe that ethnic, linguistic and denominational diversity, along with redeemed aspects of culture, are
positive factors that contribute to the health and growth of our mission.
9. TO HAVE A BIBLICAL WORLD-VIEW
ROJ is called to a Biblical world-view. We believe that the Bible makes a clear division between good and evil; right and wrong. The practical dimensions of
life are no less spiritual than the ministry expressions. Everything done in obedience to God has a spiritual source, purpose and dimension. We seek to
honor God with all that we do, equipping and mobilizing men and women of God to take roles of service and influence in every arena of society.
10. TO FUNCTION IN TEAMS
ROJ is called to function in teams in all aspects of ministry and leadership. We believe that a combination of complementary gifts, callings, perspectives,
ministries and generations working together in unity at all levels of our mission provides wisdom and safety . Seeking God's will and making decisions in a
team context allows accountability and contributes to greater relationship, motivation, responsibility and vision ownership.
11. TO EXHIBIT SERVANT LEADERSHIP
ROJ is called to servant leadership as a lifestyle, rather than a leadership hierarchy. As Jesus taught us we will lead by example. A servant leader is one
who is not above washing the feet of his followers (or taking on other menial tasks) and who honors the gifts and callings of those under his/her care and
guards their rights and privileges. Those with leadership responsibilities lead best by serving those whom they lead.
12. TO DO FIRST, THEN TEACH
ROJ is committed to doing first, then teaching. We have committed to preaching the Gospel at all times by our deeds, then as necessary using words. We
believe that firsthand experience gives authority to our words. Godly character and a call from God are more important than an individual's gifts, abilities and
expertise.
13. TO UNITE AND ALWAYS BE RELATIONSHIP-ORIENTED
ROJ is dedicated to being relationship-oriented in our living and working together, with the emphasis on TOGETHER. We desire to be united through lives
of holiness, mutual support, transparency, humility, and open communication, rather than a dependence on structures or rules. John 17:20-23
14. TO VALUE THE INDIVIDUAL
ROJ is called to value each individual. We believe in equal opportunity and justice for all. Created in the image of God, people of all nationalities, ages and
functions have distinctive contributions and callings. We are committed to honoring God-given leadership and ministry gifts in both men and women.
15. TO VALUE FAMILIES
ROJ affirms the importance of families serving God together in missions, not just the father and/or mother. We encourage the development of strong and
healthy family units, with each member sharing the call to missions and contributing their gifts in unique and complementary ways.
16. TO RELY ON RELATIONSHIP-BASED SUPPORT
ROJ is called to a relationship-based support system, depending upon God and His people for financial provision, both corporately and individually. We
believe that relationship-based support promotes responsibility, accountability, communication, and mutual prayer. It involves the donor as a partner in
ministry. As God and others have been generous toward us, so we desire to be generous. ROJ ministers give themselves, their time and talents to God
through the mission with no expectation of remuneration or personal profit.
17. TO PRACTICE HOSPITALITY
ROJ affirms the ministry of hospitality as an expression of God's loving character and the value of the people of His creation. We believe it is important to
open our hearts, homes, ministry sites and offices to serve and honor one another, our guests and the poor and needy, not as acts of social protocol, but as
expressions of the same generosity that God has demonstrated to us.
are created in God's image; that He created us to have eternal life through Jesus Christ; that although all people have sinned and come short of God's glory,
God has made salvation possible through the death on the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ; that repentance, faith, love and obedience are fitting
responses to God's initiative of grace towards us; that God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth; and that the Holy
Spirit's power is demonstrated in and through us to, "Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as
these." (Mark 10:14) and for the accomplishment of Christ's last commandment, "...Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark
16:15). We subscribe to the 1974 International Lausanne Covenant.
WE ARE COMMITTED...
1. TO SEEK GOD AND TO KNOW HIM
ROJ is committed to know God, His nature, His character and His ways. Ministry is, and should be the outworking of a close relationship with God, We want
to be able to say as did the apostle Paul, "Follow me even as I follow Christ."
2. TO MAKE GOD KNOWN IN OUR PLACE OF MINISTRY
ROJ is committed to making God known where He has called us, among children, in families, and in every arena of society, by practical means, through
evangelism, training and mercy ministries. We believe that salvation of souls should result in transformation of societies, thus obeying Jesus' command to
make disciples of all nations. We seek especially to be both a catalyst and a means of change, helping "the hearts of the fathers return to the children and
the children to the fathers before the great and wonderful day of the Lord."
3. TO HEAR GOD'S VOICE
ROJ is committed to creating with God through listening to Him, praying His prayers and obeying His commands in matters great and small. We are
dependent upon hearing His voice as individuals, together in team contexts and in larger corporate gatherings. This is an integral part of our process for
decision making.
4. TO PRACTICE WORSHIP AND INTERCESSORY PRAYER
ROJ is dedicated to worship Jesus and engage in intercessory prayer as integral aspects of daily life. We also recognize the intent of Satan to destroy the
work of God and we call upon God's power and the Holy Spirit to overcome his strategies in the lives of individuals and in the affairs of nations.
5. TO BE VISIONARY
ROJ is called to be visionary, continually receiving, nurturing and releasing fresh vision from God. We both pioneer and support the pioneering of new
ministries and methods, always willing to be radical in order to be relevant to every generation, people group, and sphere of society. We believe that the
apostolic call of ROJ requires the integration of spiritual eldership with the wisdom gained thereby, freedom in the Spirit and relationship, centered on
the Word of God.
6. TO CONCENTRATE ON HURTING CHILDREN
ROJ is called to heal hurting and abandoned children and find fine Christians families to nurture them. We believe our part of making that happen is to
enable called and gifted young people to spearhead vision and ministry. We are committed to value them, trust them, train them, support them, make space
for them and release them. They are not only the Church of the future; they are the Church of today. We believe children are enabled by the same Holy Spirit
as adults and should be allowed to minister.
7. TO CONCENTRATE ON THE CALLING RATHER THAN THE STRUCTURE
ROJ is structured for enabling child and family healing. We believe structures should serve the people and the purposes of God. However, the purpose,
vision, values and relationships that we are called into, supersede any man-made structure in importance. ROJ ministers at every level have both the
privilege and responsibility of accountability to a circle of elders, with overall international accountability to ROJ partners, ministers, and the body of Christ.
If the structure ever gets in the way of the calling and purposes of God, we must be ready to sacrifice the structure to enable the calling.
8. TO BE INTERNATIONAL AND INTERDENOMINATIONAL
ROJ is international and interdenominational. We believe that ethnic, linguistic and denominational diversity, along with redeemed aspects of culture, are
positive factors that contribute to the health and growth of our mission.
9. TO HAVE A BIBLICAL WORLD-VIEW
ROJ is called to a Biblical world-view. We believe that the Bible makes a clear division between good and evil; right and wrong. The practical dimensions of
life are no less spiritual than the ministry expressions. Everything done in obedience to God has a spiritual source, purpose and dimension. We seek to
honor God with all that we do, equipping and mobilizing men and women of God to take roles of service and influence in every arena of society.
10. TO FUNCTION IN TEAMS
ROJ is called to function in teams in all aspects of ministry and leadership. We believe that a combination of complementary gifts, callings, perspectives,
ministries and generations working together in unity at all levels of our mission provides wisdom and safety . Seeking God's will and making decisions in a
team context allows accountability and contributes to greater relationship, motivation, responsibility and vision ownership.
11. TO EXHIBIT SERVANT LEADERSHIP
ROJ is called to servant leadership as a lifestyle, rather than a leadership hierarchy. As Jesus taught us we will lead by example. A servant leader is one
who is not above washing the feet of his followers (or taking on other menial tasks) and who honors the gifts and callings of those under his/her care and
guards their rights and privileges. Those with leadership responsibilities lead best by serving those whom they lead.
12. TO DO FIRST, THEN TEACH
ROJ is committed to doing first, then teaching. We have committed to preaching the Gospel at all times by our deeds, then as necessary using words. We
believe that firsthand experience gives authority to our words. Godly character and a call from God are more important than an individual's gifts, abilities and
expertise.
13. TO UNITE AND ALWAYS BE RELATIONSHIP-ORIENTED
ROJ is dedicated to being relationship-oriented in our living and working together, with the emphasis on TOGETHER. We desire to be united through lives
of holiness, mutual support, transparency, humility, and open communication, rather than a dependence on structures or rules. John 17:20-23
14. TO VALUE THE INDIVIDUAL
ROJ is called to value each individual. We believe in equal opportunity and justice for all. Created in the image of God, people of all nationalities, ages and
functions have distinctive contributions and callings. We are committed to honoring God-given leadership and ministry gifts in both men and women.
15. TO VALUE FAMILIES
ROJ affirms the importance of families serving God together in missions, not just the father and/or mother. We encourage the development of strong and
healthy family units, with each member sharing the call to missions and contributing their gifts in unique and complementary ways.
16. TO RELY ON RELATIONSHIP-BASED SUPPORT
ROJ is called to a relationship-based support system, depending upon God and His people for financial provision, both corporately and individually. We
believe that relationship-based support promotes responsibility, accountability, communication, and mutual prayer. It involves the donor as a partner in
ministry. As God and others have been generous toward us, so we desire to be generous. ROJ ministers give themselves, their time and talents to God
through the mission with no expectation of remuneration or personal profit.
17. TO PRACTICE HOSPITALITY
ROJ affirms the ministry of hospitality as an expression of God's loving character and the value of the people of His creation. We believe it is important to
open our hearts, homes, ministry sites and offices to serve and honor one another, our guests and the poor and needy, not as acts of social protocol, but as
expressions of the same generosity that God has demonstrated to us.
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| Our Beliefs and Practices |
| CLICK back to HOME PAGE |
~ We respect the individual, and believe that individuals who are
treated with respect and given responsibility respond by giving their best.
initiative on things that, given our mission, should be done. Individual
initiative is doing the right thing fearlessly, without having to ask. We
remember that the price of freedom is responsibility. Act responsibly.
~ Clarity in understanding our mission, our goals, and what we
expect from each other is critical to our success. Stay current.
~ We require complete honesty and integrity in everything we do.
~ We make commitments with care, and then live up to them. In all
things, we do what we say we are going to do. Consult if you are unsure.
~ Work and ministry is an important part of life, and it should be fun.
Being a good minister or business person does not mean you must be
stuffy and boring. But it does mean you pray about your work.
treated with respect and given responsibility respond by giving their best.
initiative on things that, given our mission, should be done. Individual
initiative is doing the right thing fearlessly, without having to ask. We
remember that the price of freedom is responsibility. Act responsibly.
~ Clarity in understanding our mission, our goals, and what we
expect from each other is critical to our success. Stay current.
~ We require complete honesty and integrity in everything we do.
~ We make commitments with care, and then live up to them. In all
things, we do what we say we are going to do. Consult if you are unsure.
~ Work and ministry is an important part of life, and it should be fun.
Being a good minister or business person does not mean you must be
stuffy and boring. But it does mean you pray about your work.
~ We insist on giving our best effort in everything we undertake.
Furthermore, we see a huge difference between "good mistakes" (best
effort, bad result) and "bad mistakes" (sloppiness or lack of effort).
~ We are believers in the Golden Rule. In all our dealings we will
strive to be radically honest, friendly and courteous, as well as fair and
compassionate. In Kingdom dynamics how we do it is as important as
what we do. God's will is only God's will when it is done God's way.
~ We feel a sense of urgency on any matters related to those
dependant on us. We own their problems and are always responsive.
We are client driven. BOTH those we help and those who help us help
others are our clients. When in doubt have mercy on the least able.
That generally means we must focus our attention and help on
abandoned or institutional children, the handicapped and the elderly.
~ Keep an attitude of gratitude about you.
Furthermore, we see a huge difference between "good mistakes" (best
effort, bad result) and "bad mistakes" (sloppiness or lack of effort).
~ We are believers in the Golden Rule. In all our dealings we will
strive to be radically honest, friendly and courteous, as well as fair and
compassionate. In Kingdom dynamics how we do it is as important as
what we do. God's will is only God's will when it is done God's way.
~ We feel a sense of urgency on any matters related to those
dependant on us. We own their problems and are always responsive.
We are client driven. BOTH those we help and those who help us help
others are our clients. When in doubt have mercy on the least able.
That generally means we must focus our attention and help on
abandoned or institutional children, the handicapped and the elderly.
~ Keep an attitude of gratitude about you.
| ~ ROJ OPERATING CORE VALUES AND BELIEFS INTERNAL CODE |
| not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Eph 5:15-17 |
We are Christians
for Israel. We pray
for the peace of
Jerusalem.
for Israel. We pray
for the peace of
Jerusalem.
