Building People. Spreading Hope.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Reaching India Amongst Severe Persecution

I cannot thank you enough for your prayers during my recent trip to Germany. I caught up with my friend Walter Heidenreich, leader of Free Christian Youth Community (FCJG). Together we discussed reaching India's lost millions with a greater impact. Mission teams are already on their way to India and other parts of Asia. While I was in Germany, I was able to minister to hundreds of people. Many lives were touched and transformed with a passion for missions.

Lives are being changed; in the midst of brutal persecution, God is doing a great work in India.

Lamuel was born in a priestly Hindu family in India. He has been serving the Lord for the last twenty-four years. It has not been easy for him to plant churches in the state of Orissa, where persecution has been intense. In recent years, hundreds of churches has been burnt or destroyed and thousands of Christians killed. Samuel's co-worker, Pastor Mallik, was caught by religious fanatics. They threatened him, saying, "If you deny Christ, we will not harm you."  When Mallik refused to deny Jesus, they cut off one of his hands with a sword. He was screaming and covered with blood when they shouted again, "Reject Christ, and we will let you live." Pastor Mallik replied, “He has been faithful to me for thirty years; how can I deny Him now?" Instantly, the radicals decapitated his head and killed his family as well.

In spite of intense persecution, Lamuel's fearless courage has been rewarded. They have planted thirty churches, schools, and medical clinics.

We have been working with Lamuel and others like him who are serving God under heavy persecution. Your faithful gifts and donations are keeping Pastor Lamuel and his men on the battlefield. Your sacrifice is helping us to reach the world!

This summer, we will reach 30,000 people. God may not require us to make the ultimate sacrifice like Pastor Mallik, but will you ask the Lord how you and your friends can be involved? Everything you see and work for today will soon be gone. What we do for our Lord will last forever. Will you please partner with us in the Gospel? I guarantee it will be worth more than everything in this world to hear God say, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Come and share your Master's happiness." (Matthew 25:21)

Thank you for your relentless prayers, support, and encouragement. We appreciate you!

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Sunday, July 15, 2012

Your Small Action Has a Big Impact

Thomas Daigle has recently been in the news. Thirty-five years ago, Thomas and his wife, Sandra, were walking out of a bank after signing their mortgage papers when he spotted a penny in the parking lot. He picked up the coin and said to his wife, “Ah, a penny toward our mortgage.” He and his wife joked about collecting pennies to pay off the loan, and the rest is history.

Thomas says, “I’ve never saved anything other than pennies.” Over the next three decades, he rolled pennies, fifty cents at a time. His bank found out the hard way just how much work that was -- it took tellers at the bank two days to unroll the penny cases.

What started as a joke thirty-five years ago ended with Thomas paying off his last mortgage payment using 62,000 pennies.

Today, I want to talk to you about “the impact of small!”

It is human nature to rejoice over the big moments in our lives. We celebrate the birth of a child, graduation from high school, a first job, getting married, buying a new home, or the first week of retirement. While it is okay to celebrate the mountain top experiences; it is the small, everyday, mundane routine that affects the big things in life. How we handle the small things, small trials, small success, and small opportunities will determine the course of our lives in the long run.

The scripture says, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin…” (Zechariah 4:10, NLT). What does that mean?

It simply means to recognize the blessings God brings to our everyday life. It means to appreciate the small things that come along our path. It means to live with an attitude of gratitude every moment of our lives. When we recognize the small things God is doing in our life today, we will see how it adds up to become a big blessing in our lives.

Dame Anita Roddick was a British businesswoman who founded The Body Shop, a cosmetics company producing and retailing beauty products. She once said, “If you think you're too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito.”

You may be a stay-at-home mom and think to yourself, “All I do is change diapers, cook, clean, and then start again. When will it ever end? Is there life after chores?” Yes, it may be dull and monotonous right now, but do not forget the big impact you are making! You are raising children who will do great exploits. What you are doing as a stay-at-home mother is no less valuable than the work of a corporate executive – instead of a monthly paycheck, you get paid in life. Who knows? You may be raising the next Billy Graham, Bill Gates, or Amy Carmichael! Do not despise the small. It has a big impact! It is part of the big things to come.

Maybe you have a job and a difficult boss. You are tempted to think, “All I do is take orders from a grouchy, old boss. I am not appreciated for all the hard work I do. All I hear is what else there is for me to get done.” This may be true, but understand this, if you remain faithful at your job with a good attitude, God will pay you back. One day, you might replace your boss, run the department, or even manage the whole organization! Does that sound too good to be true? No, our God is a just God and He is a Rewarder! The key is to do your job – the small things in the best possible way you can – not unto your boss, but unto the Lord. He will promote you.

In the New Testament, there is a story of a little boy who brought five loaves and two fish to Jesus. In the eyes of man, it was too small and insignificant to notice, but God pays attention to details. Great miracles begin with a small act of faith. One little lunch from a small child fed five thousand hungry men. Then He recorded it in the Bible to inspire us for centuries to come. Friend, God pays attention to the details of your life. The scripture says, “The LORD will perfect that which concerns me.” (Psalm 138:8, KJV) That means no matter how big or small your expectations are, He will bring it to pass.

Friend, are you hurting today (body, mind, spirit, or soul)? Begin thanking God for the parts that are not hurting. Once, there were ten lepers who came to Jesus for their healing (Luke 17:12-19). The Bible says that as they went, Jesus healed them all, but only one returned to thank Him for his healing. I do not know what miracle you need today. But one way you can expedite your breakthrough is to recognize and praise God for the small blessings in your life.

Let us not underestimate the big impact of your small action. Thomas Daigle paid off his mortgage saving one penny at a time. Five thousand were fed with one small lunch. Lepers were healed when they believed God. They all started small but they all had a big ending. How we do a small thing is how we will receive a big blessing. In business, take care of your clients in the most extravagant fashion. Treat them like royalty and they will not only line up for more, they will also bring their friends and family with them. At home, let us celebrate our families; let us not take them for granted. Church leaders, let us not focus on growing a bigger congregation. Celebrate and add value to the ones who do come every week. Let us feed the sheep and they will return, bringing their lost loved ones with them.

Let me end with a few words from our Master, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!” (Matthew 25:23, NIV) Let us do the small things well, because it is often the small action that makes the big impact!


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Tuesday, July 3, 2012

What Makes a Great Nation?

Fourth of July prompted me to think about what made America a great nation and what will it take for us to keep it that way. Let’s look at some principles upon which America was built and what she must continue to uphold if we are to keep experiencing the blessing of God. This is not only a study on America; it is a catalyst for any country that wants to be great on the earth and in the eyes of God.

Biblical principles. America is the only country in the world that was established on the fundamental belief in God’s Word. It was not only founded on the belief that all men and women are created equal, but also with the desire that God’s values and principles should be taught and upheld. Proverbs 12:28 says, “Righteousness exalts a nation.” This means no matter how a country got its start, when its people embrace God’s ordinances, they will be great. This is what happened to Singapore and South Korea. Both nations were idol worshipping countries devastated by war. But they rebuilt their country on God’s principles. Now Christians comprise 30-40% of the population in these countries, and among the most prosperous in the region. Many researchers believe China’s rise as an economic powerhouse is a result of 130 million Christians in innumerable house churches.

Education. We may breathe until we are eighty or ninety years old but we stop living when we stop learning. A great country not only has an outstanding education system but it must also promote learning at every level of society and life. Creating opportunities for affordable education (without causing debt) and providing quality education will keep a country on the cutting edge. Innovation, invention, and creativity should be rewarded. Excellence should be distinguished from the average.

Business and trade. We know governments spend money, but business and trade make money. Yet we are often burdened by bureaucracy and red tape that quenches the spirit of enterprise and trade. For many years I lived in Hong Kong. It is a great place to do business and many global companies have a presence there. One reason Hong Kong is such a great place for business is that a person can apply for a business license one morning and start doing business the next! Ecclesiastes 10:19 says, “Money answers everything.” While we know this is only a partial statement, it is true that in this world, money often equates to power. If we want to become a powerful economic force, we must create an environment of business, entrepreneurship, and trade without burdening citizens with taxes, and deal with those who are greedy for gain.

Productivity. When men become lovers of pleasure and are not willing to work hard, a nation is doomed for destruction. Productivity does not necessarily mean we have to slave away our lives. In my recent trip to Germany, I was told that all businesses are closed on Sunday, but it is still the strongest economy in Europe. When we honor God with our time, He will help us achieve more in less time. Proverbs 12:24 says, “The hand of the diligent will rule but the lazy man will be put to forced labor.” When our nation owes trillions of dollars in foreign trade it shows we are consuming more than we are producing. We should engage our work force and become self-sufficient (in agriculture, energy, economy, etc.)

Justice. No country can prosper without a fair judicial system. Only God does not judge a man until the end of his days – for everybody else, there should be justice on earth. When our judgment is polluted by bribes, lobbyists, and corruption, we shoot ourselves in the foot. Before we point a finger at the world, we must look within ourselves. Justice begins at home.

Responsibility. While it is essential for a civil society to uphold the rights of the people, it is more important to teach responsibility to our fellow citizens. President John F. Kennedy said in his inaugural speech, "Ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country." This statement is a far cry from today’s reality when we are obsessed with our rights more than our duty and responsibility to build a great nation.

Sin and humility. Isaiah 5:20 says, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.” Sin is a universal problem. As long as there are people, there will be sin. There is nothing wrong when we sin, but there is nothing right living in sin. Sinfulness is a fallen nature of humanity. The only way to deal with it is to do what is prescribed in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Benevolence and charity. No man can out give God and His people. When the poor and needy are taken care of, the city rejoices. For a country to prosper, we must help the less fortunate. But it is not productive to reward laziness, dependency, and an entitlement mentality. Charity is a choice, out of willing and compassionate hearts; it should not be coerced.

Israel. One of the easiest ways to get ahead in life is to bless Israel. Do not ask me why, but it was God’s sovereign choice to pronounce this blessing in Genesis 12:1-3. God told Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you (Israel).” The fast track to greatness for a country is found in blessing Israel and becoming its ally.

World Missions. For centuries, it has been proven and documented that when a nation is involved in world missions, it is blessed by God. Norway and New Zealand are two of the smallest countries in the world, but they are also among the greatest missionary sending nations in the world. If you have been to these countries, you know how beautiful they are! If we as Christians want to live peaceful, productive, and prosperous lives, we must think beyond ourselves and invest every resource available to reach our world. If we transmit the beacon of Hope through the Gospel, we will not have to spend billions of dollars trying to combat terrorism. When people find Hope in Christ, they will find purpose to live and make themselves great.

To build a great nation it all comes down to taking individual responsibility. The state of a country is measured by collective individuality. What we do individually will not only affect us now but it will impact our children and generations to come. God bless America.

Happy Independence Day!


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