by Eldon Weishelt
I gave my blood.
Christ gave His.
I gave a pint.
He gave all.
The needle is small, sharp.
The nails were large, dull.
The table soft, relaxful.
The cross rough, painful.
The nurses kind, gentle.
The soldiers cruel, mean.
The crowd applauds my sacrifice.
“They that passed by reviled Him.”
Mine is for 0 positive.
His for positively all.
Mine, at best, will prolong a life for awhile,
His, without doubt, can save all, forever.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
What About the Hidden People?
The number of those to be won to Christ in Africa and Asia has more than tripled since 1900. Almost three billion people today have little or no knowledge of Christ and His salvation. Never has the challenge been greater for total, global advance with the Gospel.
Most of those to be reached are often called the “Hidden People”. Why? - Because major cultural, racial, linguistic, social and other barriers “hide” them from the eyes and the concerned efforts of most evangelizing Christians. For example, if every Christian were to win his or her culturally near neighbor to Christ, 2.5 to 3 billion non-Christians would still remain totally untouched because they live outside the cultural home-base of every active Christian in the world.
Where can some of these Hidden People be found? – Consider just a few illustrations:
•The Philippines is a country of over 100 million people, with as few as three million true followers of Christ. There are over 24,000 small towns without a local evangelical church. These small towns are hidden! There are also 1.5 million street children.
•In Japan the total Christian population is only 1%, most of who live in cities. But in thousands of towns and fishing villages there is absolutely no Christian witness, and no missionaries to reach them. They are hidden!
•There are 500,000 towns and villages with no gospel witness in Europe.
•For every Christian in Thailand there are 999 Buddhists, most of who have never once heard of Christ.
•There are 160 million street children worldwide and 143 million orphans. Most are “hidden” from the priorities of many church planting ministries and missions.
•For every 10,000 villages in India 9,950 have no Christian community whatsoever. Furthermore, less than 100 of its 3,000 castes and tribes have any Christians in them.
•Despite the strong Christian movement in Latin America there are still many Hidden People. In the jungle lowlands there are at least 600 small primitive tribes with over 5 million. Many have yet to hear of Christ.
•*The almost one billion Muslims are concentrated in 44 countries and dispersed throughout 40 others. In the face of such diversity and with such numbers to reach there are less than 2000 evangelical missionaries working with them. Hidden!
Thousands of new missionaries should be specially trained and sent out for evangelism and discipleship among each of the 16,700 culture groupings where no churches exist!
The needs around us should always be seen in this perspective. Although we need missionaries on all six continents, not all six are equal either in resources, population or in present opportunities to know Christ.
To say that everyone is important and equal before God leads to an inescapable conclusion: those with no Christian witness culturally near to them, as well as geographically near, must have more of our concentrated efforts to reach them. For many Christians around the world these “Hidden People” must become our highest priority, or they will never be reached!
Friday, March 9, 2012
Pray for Missionaries: Seven Prayer Tools from the Apostle Paul
1. Pray for Open Doors
“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned… Colossians 4:2-3, nasb).
Open doors can’t be taken for granted. Many missionaries work in difficult-access countries or in areas that are resistant to the Gospel. But “open doors” include more than access to nations and people groups. Individuals’ hearts also need to be opened and receptive to God’s truth.
•Pray that God will open doors of ministry, blessing partnerships’ and friendships.
•Pray that those who serve will be lead by the Holy Spirit and recognize open-door opportunities.
•Pray that God will lead His people past the barriers to hearts prepared to receive His Word.
2. Pray for Boldness in Witness
“…and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel…” (Ephesians 6:19, nasb).
Missionaries are regular people who fear pain and rejection as much as anyone else. When faced with opposition, they need God’s strength to help them stand firm.
•Pray that missionaries will have boldness to overcome the fear of embarrassment or failure.
•Pray that the Spirit will provide them with words that communicate effectively in other cultures and languages.
•Pray that God will thwart the opposition of evil forces so the mystery of the Gospel can be known.
3.Pray that God’s Word Will Spread
“Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you…” (2 Thes. 3:1, nasb)
Obstacles must be removed to allow God’s Word to spread rapidly and freely. Removing obstacles implies resolute resistance in spiritual warfare. Just as Aaron and Hur supported Moses’ arms in the battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:12), you can support the weary arms of missionaries through your prayers.
•Pray for strength and stamina as missionaries encounter antagonistic spiritual forces. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
•Pray that Satan, who is determined to obstruct the spread of the Gospel, will be resisted. (James 4:7)
•Pray that God’s Word will be indeed spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes.
4. Pray for protection
“…and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith” (2 Thessalonians 3:2, nasb).
Open doors in difficult-access countries may also open the possibility of danger and personal harm for missionaries who enter those areas. People resistant to the Gospel sometimes express their resistance to direct and harmful ways.
•Pray that God will keep the Christian workers safe from those who might seek to harm them.
•Pray that God will change the hearts of those who are resistant to His word and to people who share the Gospel.
5. Pray for Their Ministry
“…that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints…” (Romans 15:31, nasb).
Cooperation and partnership are essential to ministry and vital to the progress of the work.
•Pray that the missionary’s ministry and attitude will be worthy of acceptance.
•Pray that colleagues and fellow believers will be supportive.
6. Pray for God’s Guidance
“…so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God”. Romans 15:32, nasb)
Many missionaries travel frequently both nationally and internationally. Their mode of transportation varies from country to country and often involves stressful situations.
•Pray for clear guidance from God regarding travel decisions.
•Pray for protection during their travels.
•Pray for adequate provisions and permission to travel where it’s necessary.
7. Pray for Refreshment
“…and find refreshing rest in your company Romans” (15:32, nasb).
Missionaries deal with many of the same stresses you face in life, like overwhelming workloads, conflicts in relationships and financial uncertainties. Often, however, missionaries struggle with these issues alone, without the fellowship and support of other Christians. Living and working cross-culturally adds an additional element that can deplete their emotional, spiritual and physical vitality.
•Pray that God will provide opportunities for missionaries in remote or difficult areas to spend time with other believers.
•Pray that God will provide time of peace and relaxation to refresh His workers.
•Pray that God will encourage missionaries with the knowledge that people back home care about their emotional well-being.
Partners in prayer
The apostle Paul was a missionary and s man of prayer. He prayed for those without Christ, for the believers and for the new churches established under his ministry.
He also asked the believers to pray for him: “Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me…” (Romans 15:30, nasb).
Paul knew prayer would bring results: “…you also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many…” (2 Corinthians 1:11, nasb).
In his letter, Paul gave specific prayer requests for which believers should pray. As a prayer partner with those who are called to go, you, too, will have an impact that can reach around the world. Paul’s prayer requests can serve as a tool for praying with effectiveness and understanding. (adapted by Doug Nichols from article by SIL)
“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned… Colossians 4:2-3, nasb).
Open doors can’t be taken for granted. Many missionaries work in difficult-access countries or in areas that are resistant to the Gospel. But “open doors” include more than access to nations and people groups. Individuals’ hearts also need to be opened and receptive to God’s truth.
•Pray that God will open doors of ministry, blessing partnerships’ and friendships.
•Pray that those who serve will be lead by the Holy Spirit and recognize open-door opportunities.
•Pray that God will lead His people past the barriers to hearts prepared to receive His Word.
2. Pray for Boldness in Witness
“…and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel…” (Ephesians 6:19, nasb).
Missionaries are regular people who fear pain and rejection as much as anyone else. When faced with opposition, they need God’s strength to help them stand firm.
•Pray that missionaries will have boldness to overcome the fear of embarrassment or failure.
•Pray that the Spirit will provide them with words that communicate effectively in other cultures and languages.
•Pray that God will thwart the opposition of evil forces so the mystery of the Gospel can be known.
3.Pray that God’s Word Will Spread
“Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you…” (2 Thes. 3:1, nasb)
Obstacles must be removed to allow God’s Word to spread rapidly and freely. Removing obstacles implies resolute resistance in spiritual warfare. Just as Aaron and Hur supported Moses’ arms in the battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:12), you can support the weary arms of missionaries through your prayers.
•Pray for strength and stamina as missionaries encounter antagonistic spiritual forces. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
•Pray that Satan, who is determined to obstruct the spread of the Gospel, will be resisted. (James 4:7)
•Pray that God’s Word will be indeed spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes.
4. Pray for protection
“…and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith” (2 Thessalonians 3:2, nasb).
Open doors in difficult-access countries may also open the possibility of danger and personal harm for missionaries who enter those areas. People resistant to the Gospel sometimes express their resistance to direct and harmful ways.
•Pray that God will keep the Christian workers safe from those who might seek to harm them.
•Pray that God will change the hearts of those who are resistant to His word and to people who share the Gospel.
5. Pray for Their Ministry
“…that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints…” (Romans 15:31, nasb).
Cooperation and partnership are essential to ministry and vital to the progress of the work.
•Pray that the missionary’s ministry and attitude will be worthy of acceptance.
•Pray that colleagues and fellow believers will be supportive.
6. Pray for God’s Guidance
“…so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God”. Romans 15:32, nasb)
Many missionaries travel frequently both nationally and internationally. Their mode of transportation varies from country to country and often involves stressful situations.
•Pray for clear guidance from God regarding travel decisions.
•Pray for protection during their travels.
•Pray for adequate provisions and permission to travel where it’s necessary.
7. Pray for Refreshment
“…and find refreshing rest in your company Romans” (15:32, nasb).
Missionaries deal with many of the same stresses you face in life, like overwhelming workloads, conflicts in relationships and financial uncertainties. Often, however, missionaries struggle with these issues alone, without the fellowship and support of other Christians. Living and working cross-culturally adds an additional element that can deplete their emotional, spiritual and physical vitality.
•Pray that God will provide opportunities for missionaries in remote or difficult areas to spend time with other believers.
•Pray that God will provide time of peace and relaxation to refresh His workers.
•Pray that God will encourage missionaries with the knowledge that people back home care about their emotional well-being.
Partners in prayer
The apostle Paul was a missionary and s man of prayer. He prayed for those without Christ, for the believers and for the new churches established under his ministry.
He also asked the believers to pray for him: “Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me…” (Romans 15:30, nasb).
Paul knew prayer would bring results: “…you also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many…” (2 Corinthians 1:11, nasb).
In his letter, Paul gave specific prayer requests for which believers should pray. As a prayer partner with those who are called to go, you, too, will have an impact that can reach around the world. Paul’s prayer requests can serve as a tool for praying with effectiveness and understanding. (adapted by Doug Nichols from article by SIL)
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Seven Billion People: Will Everyone Please Relax?
Population is still technically growing, but according to the United Nation Population Division’s numbers, that growth is slowing dramatically.
The United Nations Population Division (UNPD) is the most reliable source of population statistics in the world, which is why we use their numbers for our videos. And, according to the UNPD, population growth will continue to slow down over the next few decades. In fact, if current trends persist, our growth will halt right around 8 billion by 2045. After that, our numbers will start to fall off, slowly at first, and then faster.
If you find this whole idea counterintuitive, don't worry! You're not alone. At first glance, it really does seem like population is skyrocketing. That’s because we're still adding a billion people every few decades . . . and a billion people is a lot of people. But the way we can tell that population is not ballooning out of control is precisely the fact that we’re only adding a billion people each time. And soon, we won’t even be adding that many.
The United Nations Population Division (UNPD) is the most reliable source of population statistics in the world, which is why we use their numbers for our videos. And, according to the UNPD, population growth will continue to slow down over the next few decades. In fact, if current trends persist, our growth will halt right around 8 billion by 2045. After that, our numbers will start to fall off, slowly at first, and then faster.
If you find this whole idea counterintuitive, don't worry! You're not alone. At first glance, it really does seem like population is skyrocketing. That’s because we're still adding a billion people every few decades . . . and a billion people is a lot of people. But the way we can tell that population is not ballooning out of control is precisely the fact that we’re only adding a billion people each time. And soon, we won’t even be adding that many.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Missionaries to Serve with ACTION Among 8-9 million Filipinos Who Are Overseas
Singapore (130,000) – to open a counseling center to help, counsel, evangelize, and disciple Filipinos
Hong Kong – at least 53 churches with 21,000 believers among the total 173,000 Filipinos. Missionaries are needed to help train leaders and encourage churches, to help prepare evangelism and discipleship materials, and help advise and counsel needy Filipinos. An airport evangelism meeting for 70-100 Filipinos daily.
Malaysia – 226, 000 Filipinos
Spain – 43,000 Filipinos
United Kingdom – 70,000 Filipinos
Austria – 6000 Filipinos
Saudi Arabia – over one million Filipinos! Some say as high as 50,000 evangelicals!
Kuwait -- 400,000 Filipinos
Hong Kong -- 400,000 Filipinos
Australia --100,000 Filipinos
Over 7.4 million Filipino Diaspora worldwide
There is the wonderful opportunity to help train and encourage Filipino Christians to reach out to other Filipinos in these countries and also to those with whom they work.
Funds earned have helped the economy in the Philippines, but at what cost?
700,000 Filipino workers leave Philippines yearly!
The Filipino Seafarers – send English and Tagalog tracts and literature to ACTION Seafarer missionaries:
John & Jean Van Hemert www.actioninternational.org
Hans & Trudy Uittenbosch www.actioninternational.org
Hong Kong – at least 53 churches with 21,000 believers among the total 173,000 Filipinos. Missionaries are needed to help train leaders and encourage churches, to help prepare evangelism and discipleship materials, and help advise and counsel needy Filipinos. An airport evangelism meeting for 70-100 Filipinos daily.
Malaysia – 226, 000 Filipinos
Spain – 43,000 Filipinos
United Kingdom – 70,000 Filipinos
Austria – 6000 Filipinos
Saudi Arabia – over one million Filipinos! Some say as high as 50,000 evangelicals!
Kuwait -- 400,000 Filipinos
Hong Kong -- 400,000 Filipinos
Australia --100,000 Filipinos
Over 7.4 million Filipino Diaspora worldwide
There is the wonderful opportunity to help train and encourage Filipino Christians to reach out to other Filipinos in these countries and also to those with whom they work.
Funds earned have helped the economy in the Philippines, but at what cost?
700,000 Filipino workers leave Philippines yearly!
The Filipino Seafarers – send English and Tagalog tracts and literature to ACTION Seafarer missionaries:
John & Jean Van Hemert www.actioninternational.org
Hans & Trudy Uittenbosch www.actioninternational.org
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Pray and Stay Away
There are some people who may not like you. These may even be relatives, people whom you seem to irritate simply by being in the same room.
As you pray for and reach out to them in kindness and love, sometimes it might be advisable to limit your time with them and to simply “pray and stay away.”
This is the same principle as confronting some difficult situations with family, friends, or coworkers. As you graciously confront anger, laziness, give advice, or even a gently rebuke that is not accepted, then it might be best to simply step back, trust God, but continuing to pray for God to handle the matter for His glory. We simply “pray and stay away.”
As you pray for and reach out to them in kindness and love, sometimes it might be advisable to limit your time with them and to simply “pray and stay away.”
This is the same principle as confronting some difficult situations with family, friends, or coworkers. As you graciously confront anger, laziness, give advice, or even a gently rebuke that is not accepted, then it might be best to simply step back, trust God, but continuing to pray for God to handle the matter for His glory. We simply “pray and stay away.”
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Pray for Young People to Obey the Great Commission
Pray for young people who will have a zeal to obey the Great Commission and take the gospel and compassionate care to the needy of the world, not just to look for opportunities in what they feel are their gifts and desires are best used, but to go to the 160 million street children of the world whether they like children and children's ministries or not; to minister to the rich or the poor whether they feel comfortable with these classes of people or not; to develop ministries of evangelism, discipleship, and development with the millions of prostitutes, prisoners, and others whether they feel comfortable with them or not; or to take the gospel to the Catholics, the Buddhists, and the Muslims whether they have a special love for them or not.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:16).
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:16).
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