“Only one life, ’twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” — C.T. Studd
This has long been a favorite quote of mine. Life passes so quickly, and we want to make sure each day is spent for Christ. Yes, we are looking forward to how God will use us in Papua New Guinea, but until we are there, we want to ask Him how He wants to use us now.
Waiting is a big theme in the Bible. There are numerous times when God has his people wait until a promise is fulfilled or until they have the opportunity to fulfill their calling. Our pastor has been preaching about Abraham, and how he had to wait 25 years for his promised child. Karissa is doing a Bible study on Paul, and Paul knew God had called him to preach in Rome, but he had no idea when or how he would get there. God called us both into missions a long time ago, and we have been pursuing heading overseas for the past ten years. During this time, God has been growing us, using us, and preparing us. We do not want to waste this time of preparation, but want to seek out what God has for us to do each day. So, right now, we are seeking to invest in others through a Bible study, minister to other believers through friendship, and witness to those God brings in our path.
One ministry opportunity God presented us with is that Matt was invited to speak at a camp in Iowa. Please pray for him as he shares God’s heart for the nations, and challenges students to be involved in missions. Please pray that God speaks through Matt to help these high school students grow closer to Him, or maybe even accept Him as their Lord and Savior if they have not already. Please pray that he also gets opportunities to share with staff about God’s heart for reaching unreached people groups.
Not only does the above quote apply to how we want to live right now; it answers the question of why we are going to Papua New Guinea. We believe this life is to be lived for the sake of eternity. Only what is done for Christ will last, so we want to spend our lives obeying HIs final commandment to us, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 18:19-20).
Thank you for your part in fulfilling Christ’s command to reach all nations through praying for us and supporting us. Our prayer for you this month is that God would continue to open your eyes to all the opportunities He has for you to live your life for Him each day.
Till all know,
Matt, Karissa, and Ty Long
Matt_Long@ntm.org
Karissa_Long@ntm.org
Please Pray:
– For Matt as he speaks at a camp, that God would speak through him and draw some teenagers into a relationship with Jesus
– For continued health of our baby
– That God would continue to bring people for us to meet with and share about reaching the unreached
Praise God:
– We are now 45% funded! Only 5% away from our goal last month!
– God continues to provide ways for us to minister to others while we are here.
– Karissa found a new doctor that is in network for our insurance.
Thanks for praying for us to meet our goal of 50% support raised by the end of June. We got very close- 45%! So we are still on track for moving to Papua New Guinea next July. Praise God for how much he increased our support last month! Keep praying that God continues to provide more of His people to partner with us prayerfully and financially in this ministry.