The NFL sport's world is preparing for a new season with trades,
rumors and draft days. It's the "off season" where there is no action
on the field; so let's compare the season of the year our missionaries are in.
For you see, there is no "off season" for any one of
them. Sure they go on furlough; brief respites from their chosen field of work.
For they are never out of work or totally unavailable to their fields of
ministry. Actually, the same goes for all of us.
The Bible refers to nations (Matthew 24:14); this means people
groups as there are around 1700.1 Missionaries sent from the
West took the gospel around the world. Men such as Ad Judson, Hudson Taylor and
the late Daryl Champlin, took up the challenge and went. We are not all called
to Burma, China or the Amazon rainforest. But we are all called to minister
right here... right now. Whether that be Greensboro, NC or Jamaica, we have a
mission. That is to support, encourage our missionaries; and to introduce
others to the love of the Almighty God who saw it fit to die for us.
Some quick family updates:
1- Bret Anderson
(Tanzania, Africa): The newest member of our GBC mission family is now at the
70% level of support. April 2020 is their estimated time to start in
Tanzania.
2- Chris M'wala (Kenya-
Word of Life): He reports progress being made with his children's schooling. As
well, he request prayers for them as they seek career guidance
3- GBC Jamaica
Mission team: Remember our mission team heading to the island in July/ August.
Consider supporting them and definitely pray for them and the people they will
be ministering to.
4- Danny Ingram
(Alaska): The church planted by Danny and Jan in Alaska reaped a double harvest
this year. The congregation built a greenhouse to raise vegetables. The project
produced plenty to give away to unchurched neighbors resulting in hearts being
softened and visits to their church.2
There is a lot coming up for GBC. There will be many opportunities
to put on your mission shoes and follow God's order to evangelize. Our motive
for ministry must be the people. Ministries are just a tool God uses to reach
people. Our field missionaries have a willingness to love others and so should
we. Anything short of that is unacceptable.
My beloved Eagles will soon be starting practice and their games.
They are relaxing now... we can't relax, as time is running out. Soon Jesus
will return as the days grow ever the more evil. Let us work while we can and
forever give God all the Glory!
Mission Fact: The year 2000 saw
the mission board of "Advancing Native Missions"(ANM) join up with a
man from Tanzania, Africa. This man had single handedly started 14 churches in
his native country. Today there are 250 churches planted and the number is
growing.3 Our church supports ANM and a missionary to a closed
country.
1Advancing Native
Missions newsletter. Spring, 2019. Pg. 2
2Advance - 2018 In
Review. Baptist Mid-Missions. Pg. 10
3Advancing Native
Missions. "A Native Missions Story" Spring, 2019
Bob Idacavage, Missions Director
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