Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. -Ephesians 4:15-16
We have been here over a year now and just when we thought we were getting a handle on things the training wheels were taken off and we were thrown into open traffic with babies attached to the back. It has been a whirlwind of a month but thankfully, by the grace of God, we feel ourselves growing and the work of God spreading. We are beginning to see first fruits of a church plant. We are continuing to meet with many local believers and non-believers each week and are holding a meeting every Saturday evening for worship, prayer, preaching, communion, and fellowship all in the local language. We began with only a few people and are now quickly growing out of our current meetinghouse. The group recently spent time in fasting and prayer and out of that came a desire to establish Biblical leadership for this new church. They were praying that God would highlight a team of elders and especially a pastor. After praying they asked me if I would consider being their pastor. I felt like this decision was premature because of my language insufficiency but after much prayer, we humbly accepted the position.
Our hope for this city is still a local run church with local leaders, however, we pray that God would use us foreigners to help disciple and raise up many believers for this task. We have spent these last several weeks meeting with men and women throughout this city, praying with believers, pleading with nonbelievers, asking people to repent from known sin, encouraging others to continue in the faith, answering questions, counseling individuals, planning for the future, and falling on our knees a lot for prayer asking for the growth that only He can bring (1 Cor. 3:5-7).
This little church is so beautiful! They have such a sincere faith that has been tested with fire and yet continues to grow. I asked one of the members how she came to faith, and then to our city, and now our community. She said, “I read the Bible when I was young but kept it private for years, however when I turned seventeen I began to share my faith with others.” She told me that her dad found out and gave her two choices. He said, “You have two days to decide whether you want your God or your family. If you choose your God we will beat you and reject you, but if you choose your family we will protect you and love you.” She answered, “I don’t need two days, I don’t need two minutes, I choose my God!” She is now here with us ready to serve the Lord and has counted the cost for following Him. We are amazed at the faithfulness of the Lord seen in the lives of the saints we are surrounded by. Oh that we all would respond this way in the face of known persecution! Above all else, just give me Jesus!
If you are reading this blog update and also support us financially may you feel in the depths of your heart the gratitude and thankfulness that we have in ours. We are daily amazed at the provision God gives to us thru your sacrifice and giving and we could not be doing what we do without you. We are one Body, one Church, and one Bride. May we all link arms together for the worthiness of Christ. Lastly, we wanted again to say thank you for all the prayers that come before the Lord on our behalf. We are greatly in need of spiritual wisdom and understanding as we continue to disciple and evangelize here. We are in a fierce war yet we know who holds the victory in His hands. May we join together to see His Kingdom established, His Glory proclaimed to the nations, His name to be hallowed, and His will to be done. Amen.