Remember Ambassadors

If you have been following international news, you have probably read the story of the 23 South Korean Christians who, on a mission trip to Afghanistan, were kidnapped by the Taliban.  The Taliban has made good on its threats to kill two of them, and the remaining 21 are still being held hostage.

This may seem like a strange story to use when talking about "overcoming," but I think that is exactly what we should take from the story of these 21 hostages and 2 martyrs.  So often, in history and in the present, Christians have taken the darkest times to prove God's faithfulness.  By overcoming the most insidious evil, Christians show out God's goodness.

Today we finished a three week discussion of overcoming, from Revelation 12:11, in The Weekly Reminder.  I would encourage you to use these meditations to pray for our persecuted brothers and sister (and especially the 21 in Afghanistan).

The Blood of the Lamb

The Word of Their Testimony

They Loved Not Their Lives

In keeping with the blessings of God that have rained down on us this trip, our drive from Bangkok to Mae Sot was much shorter than expected.  God has truly been gracious to our team, and there is no doubt but that this blessing is due to the prayer warriors diligently lifting us up.

Today, I am again reminded that there is nothing more exciting than having the opportunity to do God’s work.  In our group devotional this afternoon, I shared with our team something that never fails to amaze me: Our chance, the God-given opportunity, to be a part of His promise.

God’s Word is full of promises to His people.  From David in the Psalms, noting that he had never seen the children of Godly men begging bread, to Jesus Christ Himself, saying, “Lo, I am with you alway,” God has staked His character on His faithfulness to His people.

There were times in the Bible that God fulfilled that promise by pouring out blessing from Heaven–the manna in the wilderness comes to mind.  But far more often than that, God uses other people to do that work.  Those people are a part of God’s promise, a piece in meeting His covenant with His people.

I believe I can speak for the team when I say that we are overwhelmed to be a part of the promise, a small piece in proving God’s faithfulness.

And your prayers make you a part of this work.  We can feel them, and they are working–not only on our behalf, but on behalf of the brothers and sisters in Christ that we are here to serve.

If you have been following the news in the "Up to the Minute" sidebar, you have seen that three Indonesian teachers were recently released from their imprisonment for the sake of the gospel.  Dr. Rebekka Zakaria, Eti Pangesti and Ratna Bangun have been falsely accused, viciously threatened, and imprisoned because of their Sunday School ministry.  One of them even lost her father while in prison.

As a testimony to the power of the Gospel, these women are not backing down, even in the face of these atrocities.  Today, as reported by the Christian Post, these women are sticking to their convictions–and their hope in Jesus Christ.

“This is nothing compared with the suffering and persecution faced by others,” Dr. Rebekka Zakaria said to Open Doors U.K. “Compared with the Lord’s love and what He has given me, it is worth it.”

 And as Mission Network News has reported, these women are far from backing down: " The women already have plans for the future and will continue doing the work of the Gospel."  Let us continue to pray for them!

“We still need your prayers,” Zakaria said, according to Open Doors USA. “First, please pray for the congregation. We are still looking for a place to conduct worship services. We might hold them in Haurgeulis, just like before – and I’m sure God will allow this to happen – but Muslim radicals are still scrutinizing us. We must be very cautious about this.

“Second, please pray for us and our family; pray that we would stand firm and strong in the Lord, in whatever we do.”

Brother Adam Jacobs was one member of the survey team that recently returned from Thailand and Burma.  I was blessed by his testimony from the trip, and wanted to share that with you.

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Brother Gabe,

Thank you for the opportunity to share the blessings of this mission. Let us give thanks and praise to our LORD and Saviour JESUS CHRIST for supplying our needs and safety during the mission, and for HIS ministry that is being fulfilled according to scripture.  “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”  (Matthew 28:19-20)

I have had many brothers and sisters ask about the mission since our return, and at first I was lost for words to explain the impact and the ministry that had and is still taking place. I was convicted by the LORD to awe and silence before HIM.

Since then HE has allowed the HOLY SPIRIT to move within my soul to testify of the mighty works that are taking place as the LORD is calling HIS soldiers of faith to step forward and proclaim the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST and how this ministry can change the world, ministering to these precious children and providing for them. JESUS has a special love for these children and it is ever present in their midst, and HIS grace was overwhelming as we stood as listened to the voices of these tiny people singing praise and glory to our Father in Heaven!!! Praise God!!! "God is Good - All the Time "!!!

JESUS touched many hearts that day and covered us with a blanket of humility as each of the 37 children came to us one by one and gave us a hug and thanked us all for coming and bringing the supplies and gifts. Many that could speak our language ask the LORD to bless us!! This was God's love being poured out upon us. Here we have come to minister to these children and they are ministering to us!!! This is the awesome grace of our LORD JESUS as we connect with the members of the Body of Christ!!! Praise God!!!

Brothers and Sisters, there is much fertile ground to till and sow in this part of the world. As we venture to the remote villages in the jungle there are many souls searching and hungry for the Word of our Savior and it is our mission as disciples of CHRIST to confess the life of JESUS that lives within us through the HOLY SPIRIT and to bring the unsaved to the eternal life that our Father in Heaven has given us through the Blood of the Lamb.  “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Here is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.” (John 15:7-9)

As we met with the leaders of the village, the main spokesman was not saved. But the prayers are now placed on his heart for salvation, as we prayed for him and his people, and for their safety and protection.  The seed is planted and the LORD'S Word is now being heard as the Bibles written in their language have now been handed out to the men, women and children throughout the villages.

Brothers and Sisters, we covet your prayers for the Karen people and that the name of JESUS will spread as the fire of Pentecost across this nation!!! “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind,and it filled all the house where they were sitting.” (Acts 2:2)  

Praise God in all things!!!! Give HIM all the praise and glory!!!!

By HIS Grace, Adam Jacobs <><

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The testimony of Korean Pastor Paul Song sounds very similar to that of the Apostle Paul, in many respects.  He has been bloodied, beaten, and left for dead numerous times, all because of his desire to preach the gospel.  Even his family rejected him for his faith.

You can read Pastor Song's story here, courtesy of Assist News Service.