I have been thinking about the miracle that happens when someone comes to Jesus from a hugely different world view. Someone who is raised and inculcated with values that innoculate them in many ways to the truth of the Good News about Jesus. I am amazed that people who have lived their entire lives in a particular world view come to Christ at all; it really is a miracle of God’s Grace. In one case I know of in Asia, missionaries worked with people for eight years before anyone came to Jesus. It was slow going. In our face paced, instant everything western culture this surprises us. But the more I learn about peoples around the globe and the changes they must accept in order to come to Jesus, the more it makes perfect sense; for some they will endure abandonment from their families – the community that provides hope of survival and the pressure is just too great for them as the prospect of deeper poverty looms. They look over the edge of that cliff and some decide it is too costly. In most their entire identity is tied up in their worldview. Yet, it seems there are always those, who after hearing and really understanding the gospel in their own heart language, being enabled by the clarity of the teaching and God’s Spirit do grasp it. Contrasted with their current beliefs they flee to Jesus for refuge and forgiveness with great joy! What a joy it is for us to be a part of the team (this includes you) that offers the gift of the gospel message of Jesus freely, without charge or cost to the recipient! It is just like our generous God to offer the world eternal life, freedom from our sin, forever life in community, a purpose to live, an intimate relationship with Himself – all freely and simply. Please pray for us and those we have had the privilege of helping who are now candidates training as future church planters among the world’s unreached. They have finished orientation and classes have begun. Pray they will get the most out the training and that God’s Spirit would move strongly in their hearts and lives. Many have financial needs as well. These ones are committing to do a hard thing for the glory of Jesus.
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