Why Wait?

The apostle Paul wrote "I have learned in whatever state I am in, therewith to be content." (Phil. 4:11) Now Paul was not talking about the state of New Jersey or Texas but rather where he was in his life's work/journey… could be anywhere physically. On this thought, Paul was not telling us to be docile or lazy. Quite the contrary.

All of us can bring to mind various situations that slow our work for God down. Most are valid reasons yet not insurmountable. For instance: many of us are up there in age. Louise Champlin (Surinam) has been on the mission field for around 80 years and still working for our Lord. She started memorizing Bible verses at age 4 which she still uses.

 

Which brings me to (and a lot closer to home) one of our own, Kaylee Millen. Kaylee is the daughter of Pete and Jessica Millen here at GBC. She had a desire to help our missionaries so she made crafts, small items and beautiful ornaments to sell. All the money raised has gone to Tabernacle Children's home in Greenville, SC. This is a GBC supported children's home of 24 young people and staff. This is a fantastic example of one of our young church members having a desire to help… and then doing something.

Opportunities are everywhere.

Going overseas now. [names redacted] are from Pakistan. They have reported that as of this writing, about 60% of the country is under water due to epic monsoon rains. This has displaced around 55 million people. GBC will soon be having a donation period for Pakistan relief as a $25 donation will provide various food stuffs and hygiene essentials. More to come on this effort.

As you can see opportunities are literally everywhere. Need more proof? From a TransWorld Radio mailing: "How can I meet Jesus?" That was written by an Arabic listener. Seeing that our mission world/field/calling really is everywhere, what are we waiting for? To use the trendy catch phrase of a popular shoe brand… "Just do it."

And finally, please contact me if you wish to be a mission mediator. This is one who contacts, on your timetable, one or more missionaries. Why? To encourage, pray for and generally uplift those here and abroad… so...

Wherever we are, whoever we meet today may they see Jesus Christ in us! To God be the glory!

Mission Fact: GBC supports not only foreign field missionaries but ministries here in the USA. From Kentucky to Winston Salem/Greensboro to High School ministries all are part of our family. Plan on attending the Bible Conference in 2 weeks as on October 16 and hear the Cowboy Preacher, Jeff Smith. He too is one of our mission family.

- Bob Idacavage, Missions Director

La Vie Dansante

There is a plaque in my kitchen that states "Dance like noone is watching." Now exchange dance with the word "live" and you have a mantra to go by. As you probably know, we are in a tech filled society so deep that we often lose the personal contact with others. Facts, figures and pictures zoom around the globe in seconds yet we can't seem to witness, to the next door neighbor.

Tech is not intrinsically bad but the tech can lend itself to the habit of laziness. That is, being lazy talking to people one on one, face to face and heart to heart. It has become easier to Facebook something than to knock on a door and hand them a tract. Please understand that I am not against social media platforms. I am saying that we need to use all methods necessary to deliver the Gospel to a dying world! What other methods? Like praying without ceasing. Ask any of our missionaries what they covet most and they will say prayer; not a new smartphone, though they may use one.

Now some of our missionaries more recent updates and success stories: Dr. John Sircar in Islam-heavy Bangladesh reports their Bible College thrives as well as the 20 orphans they shelter and feed. Speaking of Bible Colleges… I hope you had the chance and pleasure to have heard Josh Florence in Papua New Guinea speak recently. They are in the process of building a Bible College and it is progressing well. He and family are presently on furlough in the USA.

Ed and Anita Hoagland in Mexico gave a glowing report of their recently concluded summer camp program. They report 958 campers claiming salvation and over 375 baptisms through 5 camp events! So you see, people are coming to our Lord and we have a hand in it as we pray and give. Remember why we keep going on. "...who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." 

1 Timothy 2:4

Quick final note: Chestley Howell in Colombia, South America is to be married soon. Pray for them as they plan and continue to minister and work on a church plant in Bello, Colombia.

Warren Wiersbe wrote: “Unbelief says, ‘let's go back to where it's safe,’ but faith says ‘Let's go forward to where God is working.’1 That's the best way for us to be for our Lord. So let us continue to move forward in whatever manner God has for you; whatever tech device/platform you choose. Time is short… "And behold I come quickly." Rev 22:12. To God be the glory!

Mission Fact: This brief article mentions 4 countries where we support missionaries. The total population of those 4 countries are 355 million souls2. Yes, the work is great and the reward greater.

1Jordan River Rules.   Robert J Morgan.  pg 52

2Wikipedia World Demographics   2022