The Need of Proclaimed Truth!

It has been stated that there are three responsibilities of a pastor within the church. Those responsibilities are in feeding the sheep (from the pure word of God), to seek the conversion of the goats (in the preaching of the Gospel) and when necessary to kick the wolves in the teeth (protecting our fellowships from those who would seek to lead the sheep astray in false teaching). However, today those responsibilities seem to have morphed into something in stark contradiction. Today it seems the responsibilities of the pastor is to allow the sheep to starve and languish, seek to cater to the whims and likings of the goats and never attempt to offend the wolves. In going this route many have forsaken the very hand in whom they confess to serve.  I am continually amazed at the great ability of human beings, even more so those who call themselves Christ’s disciples who would find it repulsive to ever think of ever offending someone (man), who never seem to find it repulsion in the least how they continually offend God.

J.C Ryle on the subject of this shallow preaching/teaching has written;“Dislike of dogma (doctrine) produces, “especially among young people,”… what I must venture to call…a ‘jellyfish’ Christianity…that is, Christianity without bone, or muscle, or power. A jellyfish is a pretty and graceful object when it floats in the sea, contracting and expanding like a little, delicate, transparent umbrella. Yet the same jellyfish, when cast on the shore, is a mere helpless lump, without capacity for movement, self-defense, self-preservation. Alas! It is a vivid type of much of the religion of this day, of which the leading principle is, ‘No dogma, no distinct tenets, no positive doctrine.’ We have hundreds of jellyfish clergymen, who seem not to have a single bone in their body of divinity. They have no definite opinions; they belong to no school or party; they are so afraid of ‘extreme views’ that they have no views at all. We have thousands of jellyfish sermons preached every year, sermons without an edge, or a point, or a corner, smooth as billiard balls, awakening no sinner and edifying no saint. We have Legions of jellyfish young men annually turned out from our Universities, armed with a few scraps of second-hand philosophy, who think it a mark of cleverness and intellect to have no decided opinions about anything in religion, and to be utterly unable to make up their minds as to what is Christian truth…we have myriad of jellyfish worshipers — respectable Church-going people, who have no distinct and definite views about any point in theology. They cannot discern things that differ; any more than color-blind people can distinguish colors. They think everybody is right and nobody wrong, everything is true and nothing is false, all sermons are good and none are bad, every clergyman is sound and no clergyman is unsound. They are ‘tossed to and fro, like children, by every wind of doctrine’; often carried away by any new excitement and sensational movement; ever ready for new things, because they have no firm grasp on the old; and utterly unable to ‘render a reason of the hope that is in them.’…Never was it so important for laymen to hold systematic views of truth, and for ordained ministers to ‘enunciate dogma/doctrine’ very clearly and distinctly in their teaching.”

Simply put, we need pastors (both indigenous and foreign) who seek to honor Christ and glorify God foremost. We need Pastors and teachers who seek to feed those starving sheep (I know many of them) who are so very hungry and are desperate for the pure, Christ centered, Christ honoring, God glorifying and scripturally saturated word.

It has been a humbling experience these last several months especially to have been given the great honor of preaching in many of these churches, gatherings and house fellowship concerning many of these issues. I am especially thankful for our very own fellowship that meets within a home on Sundays. It has been amazing to see how many Indigenous young men and women are falling in love with a God that sadly they had never been introduced to in many of these other churches.

My prayer is that we would take Christ at His word and dare greatly for His glory. I pray that many in this land would repent of their man centered, man made and man fashioned messages and would take up the only true Gospel that saves and has any real power. I pray that many would overcome their fears and cowardliness.  And boldly, lovingly, compassionately and humbly point a lost word to its only true hope.  

 

"All I Have Is Christ"

Texas Team Trip

We had been in much prayer and excitement with the thoughts of having the Team from Texas come and visit our location for ministry, fellowship and mutual encouragement together. Ministry here for our family can be often described as very lonely work and having this team of friends come and visit could not have come at a better time for us all.

The team numbered six people: (Doctor) Jim Cawley and his daughter Anna, (Dentist) Mark Bullock and his wife Gretchen (whose family is heading out for two years on the Mercy Ship) and Chris and Rebekah Disch a young couple who are currently praying concerning their own involvement in cross-cultural mission work in the future. This team came to serve in four distinct areas. One: Was to come and help bring greater credibility to our newly functioning foundation. Two: Come and train locals in areas of medical and dental care who can continue this work long after the team has left. Three: Encourage many local believers who serve Christ in often times very difficult situations. Fourth: To come and simply hang-out and fellowship with my family and I as we were desperately in need of some good quality fellowship with other like-minded believers.

Foundation Credibility and Training of Locals:

As many of you already know we have been in the process of starting a foundation here for some time. Within the last two months this foundation has received proper government approval and has now become operational. Currently, one of the aspects of this foundation is social/community development (among other vitally important focuses).  Therefore, the medical and dental training that this team came to provide only helps prove that our foundation is in fact credible and viable here in South East Asia.

We first visited a village south of our current location. This village in the past has been known for its persecution of believers and at times even violent non-tolerant stance against such people. Currently, there is not even one single believer represented within this village. Therefore, having this open door invitation being granted from its leadership is in itself a great cause for celebration and rejoicing. 

We also visited a second village to the North. This village also has a history of persecution and resistance against believers as well. After a good hike in the high jungle we all had time to relax and visit with three believing families and prepare for a day of clinic work and training the next day. 

The clinics consisted of three areas. One such area was medical examinations and care of pregnant women. With Doctor Cawley being an OBGYN from the States and him bringing his portable ultrasound machine (the MAGIC Machine) with him, his entire time was spent on giving medical examinations. It was great seeing many of these young women getting to see photos of their little babies in the womb and learn early what in fact the gender of these babies were. This is something that none of these women have ever experienced before and therefore, was a big hit throughout the entire villages. Although, the plan had been for Doc to train locals in CPR, treating of burns and issues like stopping bleeding the popularity of his “Magic Machine” was just too much of a draw as many folks expressed having pains simply to have their turn on the machine. We as a team had great laughter and joy presented to us in the way of the “Magic Machine” as the locals called it. 

The second area was Dental: Mark and Gretchen came and did a wonderful job at teaching children and their mothers the importance of proper teeth care, cleaning of teeth and handing out many toothbrushes for these children. It was great seeing the crazy amount of children all laughing at each other as they took their turns with the fluoride trays within their mouths. Gretchen you did great! Also, Mark personally took it to himself to train two local men within our foundation in dental cleaning and tooth filling. It was great watching these men as they went from watching Mark at first to actually doing all the work themselves among their own people. Mark gave these men a great tool and even gave these men their own kits (graduation present) to further this work and technique long after he has left. I personally must thank you Mark for your commitment to strengthen the hands and ministries of locals and processing such thinking in your own ministry.

The Third area was Eye Glasses: As has been the practice in the past we once again took our eye glass kit (I-see kit provided by i-tec ministries) into the villages to match up locals with eye glasses that could give greater vision to many. Usually, we have a local man leading this endeavor however, since he was in the middle of cleaning teeth I was given the privilege of matching up these glasses to those who needed them most. Thank you all who have provided this equipment and the extra glasses that were needed to provide many here with proper eye glasses to wear.

Encouraging Local Believers and Fellowship With My Family:

On Monday the team and I went and played basketball with some local college age students that I have great relationships with here in the city.  Several (six) of these young people I am currently in a discipleship relationship with as we also meet weekly for study in the scriptures and the content of the Gospel. It was a great encouragement to these young people to have the team visit and even befriend some of them in our times in the villages as they also went to assist in the works there along with the team. It was also great having the men from the team come and be a part of our Friday study group and share in the fellowship that we have there as well. Please, continue to pray for these young people as they seek to be instruments of God’s glory and grace among their own people.

As, I have already written; It was great to have fellowship and worship alongside of the three believing families in the northern village. It is always encouraging for these believers to see outsiders who care so deeply for them. Many of these brothers and sisters have experienced great hardship for the name of Christ and having the team join in eating their food, hearing their stories, worship, singing, study of the scriptures and prayer only bolster their courage and resolve in their walks with Christ in very difficult locations. Whether in the village, on the basketball court, in a study group, in a car or at the house this team really took it to themselves to get to know local believers and love on and encourage them all while learning and being encouraged by those they came to serve.

Within this teams stay Misty and I along with the kids had such a great time in fellowship. Seeing faces from home and the conversations that ensued really gave us all a boost. We are so thankful for the friendships that we poses and the love of so many who continually support, pray and think about us and our work here. While the team was here we visited a volcano, hiked into some bat caves, played with monkeys, ate together at many cultural hot-spots, visited a Buddhist temple and had several times of fellowship at our house. Misty and I needed the laughter and relaxation with friends and are so grateful for the opportunity we had to spend with this team from Texas. We love you all and are thankful for your service and care for both our family and the many of local believers you all befriended and loved while you were here. Let us pray that your time here will have great implications here long after you have gone.

Continued Prayer:

• Continue to pray for Mark and Gretchen as they head out for Africa for two years with Mercy Ship

• Continue to pray for Chris and Rebekah in their time of seeking and searching for the Lords direction in possible future work cross-culturally for the glory of God.

• Pray for our local believers and students who serve Christ in difficult situations and places. Pray for their protection, boldness and resolve for the glory of God.

Gifts Without Measure

Tonight I have just received an e-mail from an American Father who had wanted to give me news of his daughters extraordinary work and service in raising money for the work of the Gospel on foreign soil. I must confess that the news of this service literally shook me to my core in regards to personal humility and understanding the great responsibility I have in our work here.

I was personally struck in hearing that these young ladies had went to their father with no coaching and or suggestion from anyone older. It was simply a desire that was present and awakened in their own hearts. To think that on a no particular summer day in America, these young ladies took it to themselves to remember me and my family literally brings tears to my eyes. Our family's service here can at times be defined as very lonely work and honestly the news of this could not have come at a better time for me to have heard it. The Lord is truly good to His children and I am humbled particularly in His continual faithfulness and care for my family.

These young ladies set at making their own stand for selling lemonade, made fliers about our family and our work and passed out ESV bibles to all those who so happened upon their little enterprise unto God's glory in missions. It has always been my desire to see whole families and whole churches come together in a more in-depth and even at times radical way for the cause of Christ's name in missions. Hearing of this family along with so many others I know and am hearing of, is truly a blessing to our souls.

After all their work had been accomplished, flyers distributed and bibles passed out, their total amount to send to the work here will be a total of $7.26. Did you get that? $7.26! Brothers and sisters this is holy money. Money that I will give an account for. The shear weight of this responsibility tonight causes me greatly to reflect on the smallness and non-importance of who I am in the presence of  who Christ is and the work that is before us here! These young ladies can not imagine how God is using their $7.26 to ignite an awareness within my own heart to "not despise the day of small things". Tonight before I go to bed these young ladies have been instruments in taking me to the scriptures as I am reminded of Mark 12:41-44:

"And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called His disciples to him said to them, "Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on."

Girls (as well as so many others of you young people who work so diligently), thank you all! Thank you for holding the rope and sharing in our struggle as our family goes down into the well. Thank you for allowing the Lord to use you as you are doing your part in sharing the loving, saving message of the gospel to the ends of the earth.

AND PARENTS! Thank you for allowing your children to literally catch your own excitement, joy and zeal in all such matters. We are so very thankful to have families like you all who are not merely telling with your mouths only, your kids the importance of Christ's Glory and that they should care about such matters. However, we thank you that you are actually living this out in front of your children and merely inviting them to come along with you on this journey together. Passion such as this is usually never taught as much as it is caught.. Keep it up!

Remember discipleship must first begin with our very own children if we hope to ever see it affect the rest of our world. Before we go looking for people to disciple (not that we should not seek others, we should!), we must first start with our own families. For only a little while, God has entrusted our children to our care.What are we doing with the time we have left? How are we inviting them to join us in our own love and desire for Christ and His glory? What do they see us most desirous for? What do they see in our own love and commitment to prayer and to scripture?

Dangerous Exports Part Two

As I have already stated: within the next series of posts I have decided to highlight some of the many issues that I am dealing with not only in my own particular part of the world in which I serve however, many issues that are faced by many who are involved in missions all over the world today. In my last post I dealt with the dangerous western export known as the Syncretistic Gospel which is most prevalent within many Muslim countries. However, in this post I want to shed light and my concern in what is also known as the “Prosperity” or “Word of Faith” Gospels.

The Word of Faith movement is heavily influenced by a number of popular pastors and teachers such as those coming out of the Hillsong church/movement in Australia and within many American teachers such as Kenneth Hagin, Benny Hinn, Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyers, Kenneth Copeland, Paul and Jan Crouch (TBN Broadcast Network), Paula White, T.D Jakes and Creflo Dollar (just to name a few).

The Word of Faith movement grew out of the Pentecostal movement in the late 20th century. Its founder was a man named E. W. Kenyon, who studied the metaphysical New Thought teachings of Phineas Quimby (considered cults then and still today). Mind science ("name it and claim it") was combined with Pentecostalism, resulting in a weird mixture of both orthodox Christianity and mysticism. A man named Kenneth Hagin studied under E. W. Kenyon and made the Word of Faith movement what it is today. Below are just a few of the many heretical theology in which most Word of Faith teachers espouse and teach.

Word of Faith theology teaches:  

• God created human beings in His literal, physical image as little gods. In a since we are all gods on this earth.

• Believers have the potential to call things into existence by using their spoken words. When this is done in faith and without wavering (doubt) the Lord certainly must and will act. If he does not, it is simply a matter of your lack of faith.

• Jesus Christ gave up His divinity and became a man, died spiritually, took Satan's nature upon Himself, went to hell, was born again, and rose from the dead with God's nature.

• God wants you rich in this world to declare his existence in what he blesses you with. There is usually a huge emphasis given to personal wealth within this movement.

• God wants everyone healthy and without sickness in this world that He may declare his existence in how healthy you are. If you are sick it is because of some sin in your life or once again a lack of faith on your part.

• God expects you to show your level of faith in how much money you give to His work. Usually of course, this means giving money to the works and so-called ministries of these teachers themselves.

• God continually gives prophetic messages and vision today. Often these teachers simply serve as Christ’s messengers for these new thoughts, teachings and visions.  Ironically these teachings and messages often contradict scripture and are of an extra-biblical nature.

The Rub (merely scratching the surface mind you):

As with anything that Satan uses to distract others from the truth of the Gospel, the Word of Faith message often possesses some truth (2 Corinthians 11:13-14). For some it is this mixture with truth that often makes it difficult for those to outright call this movement un-biblical or heretical. However is as Charles Spurgeon has stated;

“If God does not save men by the truth, He certainly will not save them by lies. And if the old Gospel is not competent to work a revival, then we will do without the revival. – Discernment is not a matter of simply telling the difference between right and wrong, rather, it is telling the difference between right and almost right.”

In the prosperity gospel, the believer is told to use God for their own personal well- being, whereas the truth of biblical Christianity is that God uses individuals in order to glorify Himself. Word of Faith or prosperity theology sees the Holy Spirit as a power to be wielded for whatever the believer wants and desires. However, The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is a Person who enables the believer to do God's will and seek His glory. In possessing such thinking prosperity teaching usually prohibits God from working on His own, meaning that God is not Lord of all however, He is bound until we release Him to do so. As the name “Word of Faith” implies, this movement teaches that faith is a matter of what we say more than whom we trust or what truths we embrace and affirm from “His” word.

Countering Word of Faith teaching is simply a matter of reading the Bible and possessing a heart more fixated on Christ rather than ourselves. Instead of stressing the importance of wealth, the Bible warns against pursuing it. Believers, especially leaders in the church (1 Timothy 3:3), are to be free from the love of money (Hebrews 13:5). The love of money leads to all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Jesus warned, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). In sharp contrast to the Word of Faith emphasis on gaining money and possessions in this life, Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19). Simply stated there are just too many flat out contradictions between prosperity teaching and that of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ found in His word.

Within scripture Paul and the other apostles were not men characterized as those accommodating or becoming fans with the false teachers who propagated such heresy. They identified them as dangerous false teachers and urged Christians to avoid them (2 Peter 2:1-3, 1 John 4:1, 1 Timothy 6:5, 9-11, 2 Timothy 4:1-5, Galatians 1:6-10, Matthew 24:24)

Many of you may not already know this about me but, I am no stranger to this movement and its teachings. Before, I was truly converted to Christ I spent two summers in Africa (Botswana and Zimbabwe) with a missions organization known as “TeenMania Ministries”. Ironically this organization boasts of such endorsements coming from Joyce Meyer, T.D Jakes and Myles Munroe (all Word of Faith-ers) It was during this season that I found myself being exposed to much of these thoughts and teachings within the Word of Faith movement. When in Africa I even served and sat under missionaries from Lakewood Church (Joel Osteen). Since then and after my conversion I have also served as a mission’s pastor in the States and was privileged to serve the name of Christ in places such as Kenya, Honduras, Mexico and Australia. Now I have had the blessed opportunity and call to serve in the land of South East Asia and have ministered in many locations/ countries located here.

Sadly, much of what is called Christianity/ Christian in many of these locations fall under the teaching and beliefs of much of what we have come to know as the Prosperity Gospel/ Word of Faith movements. I am continually astonished at how often I am hearing this teaching in the churches here and how continually blitzed these people are with books, speakers and teachings coming out of America and Australia here within this movement.

One such example of this teaching being present here was when I was preaching the gospel in a large city located here and a group of about 50 men and women came forward at the end of the service for prayer. It was at this time I expressed a desire to stop the service and breakup with these folks in smaller groups and have the church leadership share in praying for these folks. The leadership would not have it. They said, “These people have come here for YOU to anoint them”.  I should have stopped everything right there however I went on to pray for each person all while expressing that I was not anointed (as having any power). In doing so I learned really fast that every one of these people (and yes I mean every one of them) merely wanted me to pray that they would receive more money, that they would be healthy, that they would get that new promotion, that they would become more influential at work.

I must admit a huge sickness came over me and frustration soon ensued. Not one of these people asked that they may become better witnesses of Christ and his gospel. No one asked that they might receive boldness and courage to take the message of the gospel to a friend, co-worker or family member. No one asked for prayer that they might grow more and more in the likeness of Christ. No one wanted to grow in humility. No one wanted to profess a desire to serve Christ and seek prayer for such service. All these people simple wanted was what they perceived that they could receive and get from God. Kind of like rubbing the lamp and waiting for the Genie to appear and grant their three wishes. These people were simply products of the Prosperity Gospel in which was coming out of that church and its leadership.

Frankly the Word of Faith movement is deceiving countless millions, causing many to grasp after a way of life and faith that is not biblical in the least. This gospel as with the syncretism coming out from the insider movements are no Gospesl at all. At its (Word of Faith) core is the same lie Satan has been telling ever since the beginning in the Garden: “You shall be as God” (Genesis 3:5). Sadly, millions are still listening and believing in this lie. So, be wary of the Word of Faith movement and any church that aligns itself with Word of Faith teachings.
 

For more great teaching on these subjects check out the ministry of Justin Peters

Dangerous Exports Part One

In these next set of posts I want to speak concerning a few issue that I am continually facing here on the field. This First issue is over the "Insider Movements" and the syncretism of the Christian message here with say that of Islam. Although I will not go very deep into what these movements actually teach in an in depth way. I have however posted links for you to follow and do your own homework. 

"Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with Gods word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God."  - 2Corinthians 4:1-2

Contextualization is that process of taking the Gospel which has been received in one’s own culture to a different culture and effectively communicating its unchangeable biblical message in a form that is culturally understandable and acceptable to the receiving culture.

I am speaking of course in regards to “Cultural” contextualization and never will you ever hear from me a defense or approval of anything remotely aligned with a contextualization of the Gospel.  I am speaking here of a contextualization that leaves the message of the Gospel unchanged, but merely seeks to present it in a manner that is not culturally offensive (being offensive outside of what the bible has allowed.)

However, make no mistake the Gospel is offensive! It is as J.C Ryle has written;

“Heart religion is too humbling to be popular. It leaves natural man no room to boast. It tells him that he is guilty, lost, hell-deserving sinner and that he must flee to Christ for salvation. It tells him that he is dead, and must be made alive again, and born of the Spirit. The pride of man rebels against such tidings as these. He hates to be told his case is so bad.”

And although this cannot be avoided as Christ’s messengers in this world, we need not clothe the Gospel in our American, British, etc. culture and contexts which may, in itself, be offensive to the receiving culture. The problem is, biblically, we are to put aside all culture, and take on the Kingdom culture of Jesus. We are Christians/ Disciples of Jesus Christ before we are American, British, etc.

A Healthy example of contextualizing the Gospel is Hudson Taylor, the great pioneer missionary of inland China. Taylor shed the British clerical garments the other missionaries to China continued to wear, and put on the garments of the Chinese clergy; he cut his hair like the Chinese, and ate Chinese food.  He did all this while not compromising the Gospel. He merely clothed the message and the messenger so that the Chinese were not immediately repulsed by a message packaged in foreign attire and weighed down in 19th Century British culture.  In setting out in this manner Hudson had tremendous success. Remember Paul became all things to all men, in order that he might win the more, but he never altered the Gospel to do so… Never.

Contextualization (Cultural) can be an accepted and even a necessary process. Unfortunately there are those who have twisted this concept of healthy contextualization and in doing so even the Gospel itself. For these Christians, contextualization means the same thing as compromise. They believe it means giving people what they want and telling people what they want to hear. Even flirting close with the belief that there are many ways to serve God, even if it is in worshiping a different God all together (John 14:6, John 20:32, Acts 4:12). What they misunderstand, however, is that contextualization is still a process of giving people God’s answers and message, which they may not want to hear. A message that frankly transcends all cultures and all of history.

The Rub:

This form of contextualization is known as Syncretism. Syncretism is the combining of different (often contradictory) beliefs, often while melding practices of various schools of thought. Syncretism may involve the merger of several originally discrete traditions, especially in the theology and practices of religion, therefore asserting an underlying unity and allowing for an inclusive approach to other faiths.

One such example would be levels within much of the practices and teaching that is given to workers among/towards Muslims known as the C5 Scale of Contextualization or what is known as “The Insider Movement” (also click here). This is a movement that is very prevalent here and something I deal with on a continual basis among westerners.

One of the main problems within this approach is that these scales are vague, and much can fall under them. Some may consider C4 as possibly biblical, though it depends on what the actual “permissible” or even biblical forms of Christian expression are. The biggest controversy tends to fall within the C4 & C5 sections.  Ultimately, the C-scale is a culturally biased scale. Made by westerners to put down western culture, and lift up indigenous culture. The problem is, biblically, we are to put aside all culture, and take on the Kingdom culture of Christ. On this subject John Macarthur has written;

“The Apostles went out with an absolute disdain for contextualization [that which is outside of biblically accepted practices]. The modern drive for contextualization is a curse, because people are wasting their time trying to figure out clever ways to draw in the elect. Contextualization is “Zip Code” ministry. The message of Jesus Christ, on the other hand is transcendent. It goes beyond its immediate culture or sub-culture. It crosses the world and ignores the nuances of culture.” [Emphasis mine]

I am continually awed by the creativity of humans to mix and match various religious beliefs and rituals to suit their changing worldview inclinations.  I am completely appalled at what many westerners here on the field call gospel and how often times God dis-honoring it all really is. Often times you hear things in conversation like; “Many here (Muslim) in all actuality serve the same God as us, it’s just that we serve and worship Him more fully.” Or as I had one friend approached by another western worker here; “All you seem consumed with and care about is that these people bow a knee to Christ.” Can you believe that? God forbid that be my objective as a missionary of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is as John Piper has stated;

“Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church, worship is. Missions exists because worship does not. Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not man… Worship, therefore, is the fuel and goal in missions. It is the goal of missions because in missions we simply aim to bring the nations [any and all cultures] into the white-hot enjoyment of God’s glory. The goal of missions is the gladness of the peoples in the greatness of God.”

Simply put this is a movement in which sadly I find many westerners advocating and working in confines to here. This is a movement that in all actuality threatens the very biblical Gospel in which we are all to be promoting and heralding. I have often said that one of the greatest things that could happen for these people (indigenous) is for many of these western workers to simply pack up their bags on go home. And sadly I mean it. 

Please, continue to pray for us as we continually contend and proclaim the gospel here. Pray that I would have love and complete compassion towards those who advocate such practices here. Pray for the many here are involved in much of these views towards ministry. Please, pray that I would continually have boldness, courage, love and compassion as I continually speak against such work here.

Bringing Sight To The Blind

Within the last several weeks I have been training a dear brother here (Paul) with the eye vision and glasses kit (i-see) from i-tec ministries.

In the next few weeks both Paul and I will travel to several surrounding villages where he will then be administering eye exams and matching up villagers with glasses that suit their personal needs. It is great to see this brother excited to minister among his own people and even share with them the message of God's love in the face of Jesus Christ.

Please, pray that not only will the Lord bring physical sight to the blind but, that he would also open up the hearts and eyes of many who are blind to their current need of salvation in Christ. Also remember Paul as he will be visiting an area that at one time persecuted him for his faith. Our prayer is that many will see his example and that many conversations and encounters for deeper dialogue will make themselves available for the future.

          Here are some pictures from our time in Paul's Village:

"Faith Driven Family" Week

As many of you may already know, I have been hard at work for several months concerning a conference on the Gospel and the family within a particular city here in South East Asia. The conference was compiled and established around the book "Family Driven Faith" written by Dr.Voddie Baucham. Just recently two dear brothers came out to visit and minister with me during the course of this week. It is now and here I wish to give a little update as to our time together.

I am thrilled to report that we had over 800 tickets sold for this event and that a great many people joined us for a time of worship, teaching, fellowship and encouragement in the word and on the issues of the gospel and the family. It has been reported that over 800 books "Faith Driven Family" were put in the hands of many pastors, college students and families here. Also, Pastor Voddie's other two books "What He Must Be" and "Family Shepherd" also were sold at this event and now after the teaching of these issues and topics, over forty couples are now meeting in homes to discuss the issues presented within them. Please, join us as we pray that many will have been encouraged and challenged through both the reading of these book resources and the teaching presented at this conference.

The Lord was truly faithful to bless our efforts and work in this matter even though Dr. Voddie Baucham was unable to attend at the last moment (emergency). So many indigenous brothers and sisters rallied together to make this a reality in the eleventh hour. How blessed I was to see the Lord provide all the strength, energy and needed provision up until the very last moment. Although a huge piece to this whole event was not in place, I pray the Lord used this time to further glorify His name.

During the course of this week the two men able to attend (Matt- Elder from my sending church and Julian- Voddie's personal assistant) also visited with many of our brothers and sisters who serve Christ in very difficult situations and circumstances here. It was such a great honor and privilege to once again hear these dear brothers and sisters as they recounted many of their stories of persecution and unyielding devotion to our Lord to these two men. The fellowship and time spent together in prayer/teaching was a great delight and time of encouragement for us all.

On Sunday both Matt and myself were given the privilege of preaching in two fellowships that meet here and on Wednesday night we all listened to Julian as he spoke on the issue of prayer at a local gathering as well. This served as a busy week as we had much sweet fellowship with so many in such a short amount of time.

I want to thank you all who joined in prayer concerning this week and the great task of making this all a reality. In the course of this week the Lord was lifted high and set before His people. Please, pray that the Lord would accomplish all that pleases Him in using this particular week for the glorifying of His name here. I want to thank both Basswood Church and Grace Family Baptist for all your preparations in sending these men here and all your time spent in prayer leading up to this trip. Your prayers were very much felt from this side of the world.