“I was thinking about being Christian. What does it mean? I mean, what makes me different? Is it going to church every Sunday? Is it because I read the Bible every day? The reason I am different is that I choose to live for Jesus and I know Jesus as my Savior. I choose to repent and allow the Holy Spirit to guide my life. Lord, lead me along the path that will draw me closer to You.”
٢ مَعَ الْمَسِيحِ صُلِبْتُ، فَأَحْيَا لاَ أَنَا، بَلِ الْمَسِيحُ يَحْيَا فِيَّ. فَمَا أَحْيَاهُ الآنَ فِي الْجَسَدِ، فَإِنَّمَا أَحْيَاهُ فِي الإِيمَانِ، إِيمَانِ ابْنِ اللهِ، الَّذِي أَحَبَّنِي وَأَسْلَمَ نَفْسَهُ لأَجْلِي. Galatians 2:20
The above statement is from a Syrian man who we got the privilege to baptize this last Sunday. The Arabic is a verse from Galatians. I am continually amazed and honored to be a part of God building His church in the Middle East.
This last month I had the opportunity to travel in country and also take a trip to England for the purpose of establishing relationships with local pastors in the area. We talked about how we can network together to better serve this country. Our goal is to serve Jesus and His Church together so that the Gospel spreads, disciples are multiplied, and churches planted. This unity among churches is a huge step. Far too often we as churches are so focused on what we are doing personally that it causes neglect of serving Christ’s larger body and mission. I am excited to see us pray, plan, serve, and work together for God’s great fame. We have already begun several projects together and are starting to see the blessing of working together.
The Church locally is doing well. My wife and I often joke that our gatherings are either feast or famine. One week the room is filled full and energetic and the next there are few and faithful, but through it all we see God at work in our lives and hearts. There is no lack of challenges or oppositions but plenty of unending reasons to worship God through them all. He is faithfully leading and conforming us to be more like Him. The café that we recently opened is providing an excellent place to build relationships, share the Gospel, and serve the community. Please pray with us that God will open doors for the Gospel, primarily, the hearts of those who come.
We as a family are good and tired from the season of an infant, but so thankful for what a blessing he is. He is beginning to laugh and bring new joys into the home. For the last several months there is always more to be done than we have time to accomplish. We are thankful for all the opportunities, but need God’s continual grace and empowerment to do all that He desires. Please pray that God would give us wisdom on what to do and grace to do it. Please also continue to pray that God would establish local deacons and elders.
Finally, thank you again for your support! We could not be here without your sacrifice.