So thank you to those who gave suggestions about the blog. I will be tweaking some things here and there, so stay tuned... Oh yeah, and no more double posts- sorry, not so used to moble-blogging yet!
In February, we had a team from one of our prayer partner churches come and visit, a second visit actually, this time with almost all who had not been out of the country even. They stepped out of their comfort zone and came half-way around the world to know how better to partner with what God is doing in this place. We visited a few of the nationals we are working with, and were able to pray for and
encourage them together. We also went to some village areas to share the gospel. In this place, when there are white faces, especially from America, quite the crowd gathers around as we walk. It can be likened to Jesus having a large crowd follow Him when He was on earth. We then are able to easily share some cultural things with them, and in turn share Christ openly. We have found that relational time always opens the door to sharing spiritual things. The team was also able to share stories of Jesus with school children, and lead them in singing worship songs. One lady, who leads worship time for young children in their church, had the kids doing "air guitar" during one of the songs, and even the translator
was doing it. It was really a lot of fun, and this team brought more joy to these kids over an hour than they probably have ever felt in their lives. The smiles on their faces could probably be seen from space! The team was moved emotionally and spiritually, and went back home with a changed world view. One of the couples had felt called by God to just come on this trip. They couldn't explain it, but they have been feeling that things in their life have not been right, and that God was calling them to greater things. My wife and I were thrilled to be able to encourage them during the trip, and answer many questions about our call and life on the mission field. They are in the process of surrendering to God's will and have started an application with the IMB. I would tell them to maybe slow down a little bit, but the look in both of their eyes confirmed to me that they are willing to do what God is calling them to do. The process had been ongoing for some time, and the trip here confirmed it for them.
This week, I was out in the east part of our state, a trip that takes a 10 hour overnight train, to visit some of our 14 Church Planters. These guys are doing such great work, and I am so proud to be part of what God is doing in this place. One of the guys, Nathan*, is a former Buddhist who now follows Christ in spite of being cut off completely from his family because of his faith. His mother and father have wanted no contact with their oldest son. Nathan has gone to visit them, but he has heard his own mother say "I have no son." That is heart breaking to hear. Recently, however, his mother had an accident in which she broke her leg. He went home to help and support during that time, to which his mother welcomed him, finally after about 4 years. We had been praying that God would soften his family's heart to at least let him back into contact with them. Also, recently, an uncle of his family died, and his father asked Nathan to come and participate in the worship during the 39 days of mourning. During this time, Buddhists shave their body hair, and do many other things to offer sacrifice and offerings on behalf of the deceased relative. Nathan responded to his father "I cannot do this. Jesus is my Lord, and I cannot participate in this worship." Yesterday, I read Psalm 15, and the last part of verse 4 speaks of Nathan's faith- "(He who) keeps his oath even when it hurts," This is one of God's answer to David's question of who may dwell in the Lord's sanctuary and live on God's holy hill. Many followers of Christ right here are making decisions every day that go against their parents, friends, colleagues, neighbors and even society. Can we as Americans even compare with this type of faith? We shy away from sharing our faith because we might be laughed at or mocked or cast out of the "in" crowd. I'm definitely not pointing fingers- that plank is in my eye as well. I'm so encouraged by the strength and faith of the people here- those that have counted the cost of being a disciple- and it's a huge cost, Much bigger than I could ever have imagined and they still choose to follow. It is inspiring, and it keeps me going in the committment to further God's work in this place. God is getting glory here, but that glory will be shown much bigger one day. This is only the beginning.
In February, we had a team from one of our prayer partner churches come and visit, a second visit actually, this time with almost all who had not been out of the country even. They stepped out of their comfort zone and came half-way around the world to know how better to partner with what God is doing in this place. We visited a few of the nationals we are working with, and were able to pray for and
encourage them together. We also went to some village areas to share the gospel. In this place, when there are white faces, especially from America, quite the crowd gathers around as we walk. It can be likened to Jesus having a large crowd follow Him when He was on earth. We then are able to easily share some cultural things with them, and in turn share Christ openly. We have found that relational time always opens the door to sharing spiritual things. The team was also able to share stories of Jesus with school children, and lead them in singing worship songs. One lady, who leads worship time for young children in their church, had the kids doing "air guitar" during one of the songs, and even the translator
was doing it. It was really a lot of fun, and this team brought more joy to these kids over an hour than they probably have ever felt in their lives. The smiles on their faces could probably be seen from space! The team was moved emotionally and spiritually, and went back home with a changed world view. One of the couples had felt called by God to just come on this trip. They couldn't explain it, but they have been feeling that things in their life have not been right, and that God was calling them to greater things. My wife and I were thrilled to be able to encourage them during the trip, and answer many questions about our call and life on the mission field. They are in the process of surrendering to God's will and have started an application with the IMB. I would tell them to maybe slow down a little bit, but the look in both of their eyes confirmed to me that they are willing to do what God is calling them to do. The process had been ongoing for some time, and the trip here confirmed it for them.This week, I was out in the east part of our state, a trip that takes a 10 hour overnight train, to visit some of our 14 Church Planters. These guys are doing such great work, and I am so proud to be part of what God is doing in this place. One of the guys, Nathan*, is a former Buddhist who now follows Christ in spite of being cut off completely from his family because of his faith. His mother and father have wanted no contact with their oldest son. Nathan has gone to visit them, but he has heard his own mother say "I have no son." That is heart breaking to hear. Recently, however, his mother had an accident in which she broke her leg. He went home to help and support during that time, to which his mother welcomed him, finally after about 4 years. We had been praying that God would soften his family's heart to at least let him back into contact with them. Also, recently, an uncle of his family died, and his father asked Nathan to come and participate in the worship during the 39 days of mourning. During this time, Buddhists shave their body hair, and do many other things to offer sacrifice and offerings on behalf of the deceased relative. Nathan responded to his father "I cannot do this. Jesus is my Lord, and I cannot participate in this worship." Yesterday, I read Psalm 15, and the last part of verse 4 speaks of Nathan's faith- "(He who) keeps his oath even when it hurts," This is one of God's answer to David's question of who may dwell in the Lord's sanctuary and live on God's holy hill. Many followers of Christ right here are making decisions every day that go against their parents, friends, colleagues, neighbors and even society. Can we as Americans even compare with this type of faith? We shy away from sharing our faith because we might be laughed at or mocked or cast out of the "in" crowd. I'm definitely not pointing fingers- that plank is in my eye as well. I'm so encouraged by the strength and faith of the people here- those that have counted the cost of being a disciple- and it's a huge cost, Much bigger than I could ever have imagined and they still choose to follow. It is inspiring, and it keeps me going in the committment to further God's work in this place. God is getting glory here, but that glory will be shown much bigger one day. This is only the beginning.
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