“Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord”
Throughout the ME tensions are growing and fear increasing, but through it all we have been praying that the Lord would do whatever it takes to cause the Gospel to spread and His church to grow in number and maturity. The tensions and conflicts throughout the region are terrible and evil and I would ask you to join with us in praying for the mercy of God. However, it is also causing many people to ask hard questions about their faith and worldview and we are getting rare opportunities to share about Jesus.
Yesterday I got to experience one of the greatest joys. I was meeting with a local friend who we have been close to and known for multiple years. I have shared the Gospel with him several times and been praying for him since the day we met. However, yesterday as we were meeting, another local friend from church showed up and began to talk with him. My friend from church asked, “Have you ever heard the Gospel?” and a quick response came, “Of course I’ve heard it I’m David’s friend,” but then the next question came, “But what have you taken from it, and do you not yet believe?” I then sat back in awe as one of our church members boldly shared one of the best Gospel presentations I have ever heard. It ended with my old friend saying, “I have never heard that in this way and I want to know more, maybe I even want to become a Christian, but give me time and tell me more.” It was such a joy, one, because I saw God working in my old friend, and two, because I saw fruit of God working in and through His church. Please pray the Lord continues to give boldness, grace, and mercy to us all.
Last week I met with several church leaders throughout the country and was both encouraged and devastated. I heard that the largest protestant churches are less than one hundred people, that few of them want to work together, and that sin is rampant. For this I was devastated, but I also saw a longing to see change, a willingness to take steps, and God’s faithful mercy to keep for Himself thousands who won’t bow their knee to another. We as a Global Church are in great need of God’s mercy and the working of His Holy Spirit to sanctify us, lead us, empower us, and conform us into the image of Jesus. Please pray that God would have mercy on His church…
Lastly we, as a family, are continuing to do really well and are so thankful for the opportunity to labor in God’s harvest field. Thank you for enabling us to do this great work.