Abounding Love

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight... Philippines 1:9

Team of the Day: Spice Island

Country of the Day: Southeast Asia

Pray for abounding love in the lives of team members to the glory and praise of the Heavenly Father.

The Bridge

A few weeks ago we were in the city at the mall finding people to share with. We wandered over to an empty massage chair setup in front of a store where there were two workers. We sat down in the chair and they told us that it was for "members" who pay a certain amount of money. That opened up an opportunity to start a conversation with the workers while we were waiting for some of our team to come out of the store. 

I was able, with the help of my translator and team, to ask them if they had celebrated Ramadan - as it had recently ended. One said he was a Muslim and that he had celebrated while the other said he was a Christian and had not. On the topic of religion I decided to go ahead and share. I asked him the reason why he fasted and he explained to me that it was, in many ways, to find favor with Allah. I then told him that I too fast at times, but it's not to find favor with God so he can forgive my sins. 

I explained to him the gospel starting with Adam and Eve and how it was God who provided the first sacrifice and that in the same way he provided Jesus as a

sacrifice for his people to cover and wipe away our sin and to restore our relationship with him. 

He seemed to be receiving what I was saying but I was unsure if he understood what it all meant and if he understood the world changing importance of Jesus. To my surprise he asked me after I was finished sharing if Jesus was a sort of "bridge" between man and God. I was beyond excited that he had come to this conclusion because it showed not only was he listening and comprehending, but the Spirit was moving and revealing to him how Jesus' sacrifice restored our relationship with God. This is encouraging for all of us because it shows that it is the Spirit who moves and opens eyes and hearts to the Gospel. Praise God!

-Andrew

Encouraging Disciple Makers

While doing some EV work at a local mall, my small group came across a woman outside of a movie theatre sitting by herself. I asked if I could join her and she grinned and nodded yes. After talking for a bit with the help of a translator, I found out that the women had a few children, she was a follower of Jesus, and unfortunately, her husband passed away just 2 months ago. As she spoke about her husband, she didn't really show any signs of sadness. It wasn't that she didn't care, she just had a peace with her. Her peaceful spirit made me question why she wasn't upset. She said "I know my God had a plan through all of this." This stunning response made me jump to the conclusion that she must be an amazing spokesman for God's kingdom.

I asked if if she had been sharing her peace that she has found through knowing to gospel. To my surprise, she nervously laughed and said no. I began to share with her that she has an amazing gift that she is keeping from so many of her friends and family. She has the opportunity to spread the hope we have in Jesus with the people of this city! I explained that the fear she had from being rejected wasn't people rejecting her... they're rejecting God. 

Saying these things to her was a reminder to myself outside of this trip. WE as believers have to share with the people around us. We know our culture best, we know our language best, and most of all, we are called to share. We need to let the power of God put our fear to rest! I thank God for this woman and ask that you pray for boldness in her and continued boldness within our team!

-Katie

Three New Sisters in Christ

While walking around sharing with Muslims on a small island I noticed that a young girl was following close beside me. She kept saying my name and smiling. When we started walking back I asked her if she was Muslim or Christian and with the help of a translator asked her when she got saved. She said that she was a Christian because of her parents, but didn't remember when she decided for herself to follow Jesus. We sat down on the beach and I was able to share the gospel with her. Two other young girls joined in to listen. Once I finished I was able to share my testimony about how I thought I was a Christian because of my parents, but it wasn't until I was 9 that I chose for myself to become a follower of Christ. The conversation led into not only one, but all three girls trusting in Jesus as their Savior. Praise the Lord for placing those girls in our path and for showing them their need for Him in their lives!

-Elisabeth 

Disillusioned

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. John 16:13

Team of the Day: Spice Island

Country of the Day: Southeast Asia

Pray for the lost to be disillusioned with their gods. Pray for team members to clearly and boldly share the Truth of the Gospel with the lost. Pray for the lost to be set free by God's truth.