New Jersey singer Bruce Springsteen wrote a song in the 80's telling his story of rising up and continuing on. Now I am not here to promote any secular singer/songwriter but Mr. Springsteen's message does help lay a foundation for our lives. For we are to continue on despite circumstances. I realize that it's easier said than done but lean on this... "He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deut. 31:8. There is reassurance if there ever was any.
That said, let's get going. There is a lot going on at GBC and elsewhere with our missionaries. First of all, I hope you got to hear Jeff Smith, the Cowboy Preacher, speak at the Bible Conference. He is an excellent example of God using a unique skill set to reach the lost. What unique ability do you have that can be used for the Lord? Keep in mind that our mission field is right in front of us as well as in Africa, Argentina, and England.
Still close to home: events such as the Fall Festival and the various outreach ministries to the high school students and the Burmese children are mission events focusing on our neighbors and the city of Greensboro. We will be accountable for opportunities to help people and how we did or did not join in. That's a somber, sobering thought, huh?
Ok then… the Samaritan's Purse Shoebox collection will be over November 13. That is only a couple weeks away. As well, the people of Kentucky are still picking up the pieces from the epic flooding that hit them recently. There is a planned collection time for them of gently used clothing, household articles and other items. More on this soon.
As we ease into winter here in North Carolina, missionaries Daniel Elmer family and our own Bryant Crane family in South Africa prepare for summer. Both ministries saw them on furlough this past summer but the work continued. They report baptisms as well as professed salvations! Bryant asks for prayers and wisdom as they search for a car to replace the one now in use.
Chris and Faith Anderson returned to Romania in early September and hit the ground running. Their home upkeep, coffee shop ministry and schooling of the children seems overwhelming but they continue on moving forward… no retreat.
There is so much more to report. Please see a Mission Mediator or myself for more info or to point you in the right direction on how to get it.
I opened by telling you about the Bruce Springsteen song. The actual full title is "No Retreat No Surrender".1 We need to apply that song title to our lives work for Christ. Remember, we do not need to be perfect to be useful. Just be available! Know your foundation, then trust, then continue on for He will never falter who has called us! Humbly, all honor and glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus!!!
Mission Fact: Though GBC does not directly support any mission work in Afghanistan, it still is a country in desperate need of the Gospel. The total number of Christians in Afganistan is currently estimated at between 15-20,000 according to the International Christian Census. Almost all Afgan Christians are converts from Islam.2 Let us not in our daily lives forget these brothers & sisters for Christ died for all of us.
1"No Retreat No Surrender". 1986. Born in the USA, Bruce Springsteen
2Christianity in Afghanistan Wikipedia, August 2021
Bob Idacavage, Missions Director
No comments:
Post a Comment