The Great Commission

Many in the Church today are unaware of what the Great Commission means. It is the instructions given by our resurrected Savior to spread the teachings of God’s Word all over the world to evangelize, baptize and plant churches.

Most churches don’t make mention of evangelism and world missions anymore. Yet, it is the fundamental teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. The purpose of the Church’s existence is to win the lost to Christ. In the West we’re not only neglecting the vision of world evangelism but we’re also threatening our own existence. Today, we want to discuss how every believer has a part in fulfilling the Great Commission.

In 1983, I was freshly out of college. I went to visit a little country called Nepal. There, I fell in love with the people. The children were extremely poor and barefooted; it was one of the coldest and poorest countries in the world. It was the only Hindu kingdom and there was severe persecution by the Monarchy. I had just graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce but I couldn’t resist helping the locals in spite of danger, challenges and persecution. What started out as a simple service to the people in the name of our Lord turned into a life time of fulfilling the Great Commission. After twenty seven years, I’m still hooked on to world missions.

I don’t expect everyone to have a career in the ministry like me. However, the Bible teaches that every believer ought to be a part of sending or going to evangelize the world. Jesus never commissioned us to warm the church pews but He commanded us to preach the Gospel to the whole world. North America and Europe are not the whole world! Those of us who live here have an obligation to collaborate with our brothers and sisters in Asia and other unreached nations.

Every once in a while I meet people who ask, “Brother Sandy, what’s wrong with winning souls in America and evangelizing our neighborhood?” My reply, “I see nothing wrong in that.” But here’s what God told us to do. Imagine a large estate owner went away to a far country. Before he left, he assembled all his servants and said, “I’m going away for a little while but while I’m gone, I want you to cultivate the whole estate.” They all agreed and the landowner goes off to a distant land. After many years when he returns he finds most of the land is filled with weeds and unprepared land. As he nears his mansion he finds the garden looking prettier and grass looks lush. He’s got a smile on his face but there’s also a frown. He’s confused! He calls one of his servants and expresses his pleasure for the rich garden. He goes closer to his house and it gets even more beautiful. Finally, he can’t stand it anymore and he asks one of his servants, “This is all so beautiful but what happened to the rest of the estate?” The servant asks, “Master, don’t you like the flowers, the lawn and the landscape around your house?” Then says the owner, “Yes, I like it very much but I told you to cultivate the whole estate and not just a corner of it!”

Friend, this is the plight of world missions today. We have twenty four hours TV, radio, churches in every corner and this is all good. Nothing should be taken away from the blessings we have in the West. However, if we call ourselves Christians, we also have an obligation to share the Gospel with two thirds in Asia who have never heard the name of Jesus. The Church at large is asleep to the Macedonian Call. We’re satisfied with our multi-million dollars buildings, fancy choir and polished church pews but what about the lost billions? Christ cannot come until the whole “estate” is “cultivated.” I’m asking you today, “What is your part? Will you pray? Will go? Will you send? Will you share with others?” I know you’re as eager to reach the lost as God is. I’d love to connect you to the missions field. We’d love to represent you. Let’s go into all the world and preach the Gospel and then shall the end come. Great Commission is not an option; it’s His last command!

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20 ESV).

Click Here to Reach the Most Unreached: www.buildinternational.org

Invite Sandy Anderson to Speak: Call 972 800 4346, Email: buildinternational@sbcglobal.net 

Stay Inspired: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BUILD-International-Ministries/113937368637778?ref=hl

Dignity of Labor

Work has been a part of man’s life since the beginning of creation. God gave Adam a garden to care for. He made Eve to improve Adam! If we’re to live a balanced life, it is important for us to have the right attitude towards work.

John D. Rockefeller was a businessman and philanthropist. He said, “I believe in the dignity of labor, whether with head or hand; that the world owes no man a living but it owes every man an opportunity to make a living.” America is one of the greatest countries in the world to provide opportunity and reward work excellence. Yet there are more people today who are going on social welfare simply because they don’t want to work.

My friend Ben came to this country with seventy dollars in his pocket. He understood the value of work and opportunity. He worked through several menial jobs but today has three thriving restaurants in Colorado, serving Himalayan cuisines. He employs over fifty local college students and hires chefs from Nepal. His family supports our ministry sending destitute children to school.

God’s Word provides instructions on work and ethics. One of my favorite verses is, “If a man should not work, he shouldn’t eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). It is God’s will for us to work. One mistake people often make is to wait for a perfect job. While it’s good to pray, believe and search for the job of your dream, it is better to start with the best job you can get and work your way to the top. Don’t worry about promotion and the time it takes to get to the top, just be your best at what you have. The cream always rises to the top.

If you’re an employee, work as unto the Lord. Your work-life is a daily sermon to your co-workers. If you’re coming to work on time, putting in a full day’s work, reliable, kind, team player and productive soon they’ll begin to question about your God. You’re setting a God-standard at work when you don’t gossip or talk down on the management. When you’re practicing your Sunday values at work, you’re being a witness for Christ. Your example will draw men and women to the Lord.

Employers, be fair to your co-workers. Recently I was visiting with my friend Ms. Joyce. She works for some other friends of mine in an insurance business. I was having dinner at her home with her children and grandchildren. When the subject of work came up, Ms. Joyce couldn’t say enough nice things about her employers and her office. She kept bragging on the kindness of her boss and the flexibility they offer. The owners go out of their way to treat their employees with great love, respect and honor. Is there any wonder that the company is doing well in spite of the economy! We have workers in our ministry who have been with us fifteen, twenty years because they feel the love and care we provide for them and their families.

A very important part of life is to have balance. I know many friends who are workaholics. All their conversations and social life revolves around work. This is not healthy. People at work are too stressed out today. If you make God your Provider, you’ll be less stressed and more productive. Don’t be a lion at work and come home to give the leftover (time, effort and energy) to your family. Don’t miss out on the best part of life. Once a week, keep a day reserved for your family. Don’t take business calls, emails or do other work activity. When your family sees you value your family, spend time with them and keep healthy boundaries then they will love, respect and honor you more.

“If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need” (Ephesians 4:28 NLT).

Click Here to Spread the Message of Hope: www.buildinternational.org

Book Sandy Anderson as Speaker: Call 972 800 4346, Email: buildinternational@sbcglobal.net 

 Stay Inspired: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BUILD-International-Ministries/113937368637778?ref=hl

God’s Thoughts on the Lost

Lately my life has been surrounded by people who are passionate about sharing the Gospel with those who are hurting, crying and dying. What is God’s heart for the lost?

I’ll tell you, the closest and dearest thing to God’s heart is lost souls. He is not sitting up their waiting to punish us but the burning desire of His heart is to reconcile man/women to God. It’s God’s will that none should perish but have eternal life.

Religion is mean and condemning but God is love. In the heart of God is mercy. God hates sin but He’s not repelled by the sinners; He is drawn to redeem us with the blood of Jesus. Yesterday, I met Dr. Pool who is a Cardiac Surgeon. His testimony touched me deeply. He’s the only doctor I know who prays for each of his patients out loud. He’s healing the heart of his patients in more than one ways.

I’m fully convinced that God is speeding up the harvest all over the world. Recently I met a young man who used to be a member of a Satanist Church right here in Dallas. After God saved him miraculously, he began to debate with a young lady about the Gospel. All her life she has been a Mormon. After talking back and forth for about six months, she gave her life to the Lord. Today, they’re happily married and can’t wait to share the love of Jesus with others. I see God is working intensely to reconcile man to God everywhere I go.

Many Christians look at our society and gasp at where our culture is heading. It is easy to throw up our hands in the air and give up in despair. This is what happened to Paul in the Bible. Once He was in a city that was so filled with idols that he was filled with righteous indignation. Yet, before he left that city Paul’s heart was filled with compassion; he preached the Gospel to them and many came to know the Lord. Friend, let’s not gripe about what’s going on in our culture instead take the time to share Christ with those who are lost. Love – conquers all!

In the heart of God is mercy. We too must not condemn people but show them God’s mercy. Once, the religious leaders caught a woman in the adulterous act. They dragged that woman to Jesus wanting his approval to stone her. I always wonder why they didn’t condemn the man! Jesus loved the sinner and He still does. He said those that are without sin cast the first stone. Everyone left. He was the only one without sin qualified to cast the first stone. But He didn’t. He showed mercy, forgave her and said, “Go and sin no more.” Friend, if you want to be like Jesus, quit stoning people!

What is the value of one soul? The Bible says that Jesus crossed the sea to reach one man who was filled with demon spirits. Today people are in all sorts of troubles, some are filled with demon sprits and they cannot help themselves. Yesterday, I met a young man. His marriage is falling apart. He told me that nobody would counsel them for more than two times. They want them to go to the “professionals.” Sadly, people don’t want to help unless they’re paid! Where is the heart of compassion? Jesus crossed the sea to set one man free. We should have compassion for our fellowmen.

What is God’s thought about the world? Millions in Asia are racing towards eternity without hearing the name of Jesus. They’re into idolatry but they don’t know any better. We just came back from China touching over 3,000 lives. The communist government says we cannot preach the Gospel but God is working in China, India and other parts of Asia where the world’s most unreached people live. Should we live in the luxury of America and forget about the crying, sighing and dying world? God forbid! Let us have the heart of love and compassion like Jesus. The closest thing to the heart of God is the salvation of mankind. You and I are called to be ambassadors. We have the Gospel of reconciliation. Like my friend Dr. Pool, let us also share Christ with as many we can. For God so loved the world… We too must love people!

“We have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart” (I Corinthians 2:16 AMP).

Click Here to Spread the Message of Hope: www.buildinternational.org

Book Sandy Anderson as Speaker: Call 972 800 4346, Email: buildinternational@sbcglobal.net 

Stay Inspired: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BUILD-International-Ministries/113937368637778?ref=hl

Partnership in Winning Souls

Winning lost souls to Christ is a spiritual responsibility for every Christian. Almost three billion people live in India and China - most of them have had little or no exposure to the Gospel. Every day, 86,000 people die in Asia without hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

With the rise of nationalism, today 80% of Asian countries do not allow traditional missionary work. We'll never be able to "import" enough foreign missionaries to reach a whole nation. But God has not abandoned his dream to save the world. Therefore He is raising an army of dedicated, committed and able national workers to reach their own people. Full-time missionaries in the West are declining while more young people in Asia are risking their lives for an opportunity to serve as a Gospel worker.

The new shift in missions has been a blessing in disguise. In India alone there are more than 1,600 languages spoken by millions of people. Native missionaries have no language or cultural barrier. They can travel freely to any part of their own country. They have a living testimony of the power of the Gospel in their own community. It is not considered a western religion when they hear it from a native missionary. They’re used to simple lifestyle without running water, air condition and electricity. It costs only $120-250 per month compared to thousands for a foreign missionary.Top of Form

Native missionaries in Asia have been extremely effective.  Every day, 20,000 are accepting Christ in India. In Communist China, 25,000 people are finding the Lord through the hardship, dedication of our brothers and sisters.

What Can You Do to Win Souls?

Most Christians in the West tell me that they’ve never led a person to Christ. They want to win souls but they lack opportunity at home. One of the best ways to credit souls to our heavenly account is to work in partnership with a native missionary. You may think of it as outsourcing bulk of your soul-winning venture. While native missionaries risk everything even their very own lives to proclaim the Gospel, without financial support, their fruitfulness is limited. When you partner with a native missionary, they win souls on your behalf.  Here's what you can do:

1.  Pray.  More has been changed through prayers on our knees than any other method in the world. When you pray for your missionary, he/she will have supernatural protection to spread the Gospel in hostile, anti-Christian territory.

2.  Support.  Depending on the size and location of the family, it cost between $120 and $250 per month to sponsor a native missionary through Build International Ministries. You can partially support one worker for only $1 a day. Your support allows your missionary to rent a room, buy simple food and clothes for the family.

When you become a sponsor, we'll send you a picture and a short life testimony of your missionary so you can pray. You'll also receive periodical updates about your missionary's family, struggles, victories and prayer needs.

Friend, will you consider sponsoring a Native Missionary today? You can also pull resources together with your friends and family to support a missionary. You can send multiple missionaries as a group, business or a church to win souls for you. They in turn will be committed to pray for you daily. Together, we can make eternal impact. Please let us hear from you.

“You will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:9 NLT).

Click Here to Adopt a Missionary: http://www.buildinternational.org/nativemissionary.html

Book Sandy Anderson as Speaker: Call 972 800 4346, Email: buildinternational@sbcglobal.net 

Stay Inspired: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BUILD-International-Ministries/113937368637778?ref=hl

The China Report

 

We’ve just returned from another successful missions trip to China. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers, support and encouragement. Together, with Jesus and you, our team was able to reach thousands of lives.

 

First, we went to Hong Kong where I lived for thirteen years. We caught up with my home church there and were able to minister to the leaders of my growing church of over 1,000 people. We also visited a group of businessmen with FGBMF who were so discouraged that they’re running on fumes. God brought us there to breathe new life, direction and purpose into them. We left knowing that we lifted their spirits on high again. They are doing a phenomenal job to reach the bustling city of Hong Kong.

 

When we flew into Beijing, China, we met a taxi driver from hell. We had communication problem and he was in a grumpy mood. That night at eleven o’ clock, I lost my Christianity for about five minutes. Later, we realized that we’re fighting over $1.25 for lack of communication. Next morning I repented and the rest of the trip was amazing!

 

Did you know there are more than 10,000 house churches in the capital city of Beijing alone? We visited a few in the darkness of the night. People there were extremely open and hungry to receive from us. My team members (11-14 people) shared life’s struggles and victories to encourage the church. We laughed, cried and worshiped the Lord together. The Chinese Church prayed for YOU our partners and for revival in America. We laid hands on the sick and those who needed our ministry (which was often the whole church). After the meetings, we ate a lot of watermelons and fellowshipped together.

 

From Beijing, we took a train to a north-eastern city. It was a remote place, three-hour drive into the mountains. We’re only seventy kilometers away from the North Korean border. Some of my friends mistakenly thought it was a resort place. When we got to our destination, we checked into “the Hilton.” My friend David immediately earned a new merit batch “The Fly Terrorist.” He killed at least fifty flies in less than half an hour. We slept in dormitories and there was hardly any running water. We had outdoor latrines and shower was out of the question. When we tried to move, we’re told it was the safest place for us to hide! We adjusted our attitude quickly and that night the owner gave us a fireworks display we could watch laying in our beds.

 

The ministry time in the “resort” was the best of all. Around 300-400 believers had gathered from different parts of China. We learned that almost 40%-50% of the villagers were Christians. One of the leaders has planted over 30 churches already. We preached and taught and even sang some songs in English. Christopher, a sixteen year-old team member played the piano to amuse the congregation and worship the Lord. Marty and Carolyn taught on family using a skit and it was an instant hit! We also taught on overcoming discouragement, trusting God, Having big dreams and several other topics. Our fellowship with them was like pouring water to a thirsty soul. Most of them had never met a foreigner so we became instant celebrities. Everyone wanted to take pictures with us. We played with the children and tickled them. When we left, people were in tears, weeping, crying and hugging us. We didn’t get the best facilities but we’re able to deposit God’s love, hope and encouragement into hundreds of leaders and believers there.

 

Everywhere we went, we supplied Bibles for the believers. There’s still a huge shortage of the Word of God in China. Many of you supported the Bible project and we’re able to buy over 3,000 Bibles! Your sacrificial gifts are now making an eternal impact in China.

 

Thank you again and again for going with us to China with your prayers and support. We felt your prayers every day. God protected us and our Chinese brothers and sisters. We were honored to represent you. The Bible teaches that nothing we do in the name of our Lord will remain unpaid. God sees your heart to help those in need. God will reward you a hundred fold. Together, we’ve just impacted a whole nation! Please continue to pray and engage with us in world missions. We love you. We need you.

 

“If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD--and he will repay you” (Proverbs 19:17 NLT)!

 

Click Here to Spread the Message of Hope: www.buildinternational.org

 

Book Sandy Anderson as Speaker: Call 972 800 4346, Email: buildinternational@sbcglobal.net 

 

Stay Inspired: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BUILD-International-Ministries/113937368637778?ref=hl

Explosive Church Growth in China

China is the world's most populous country, with a continuous culture stretching back nearly 4,000 years. Many of the elements that make up the foundation of the modern world originated in China, including paper, gunpowder, credit banking, the compass and paper money.

The People's Republic of China (PRC) was founded in 1949 after the Communist Party defeated the previously dominant nationalist Kuomintang in a civil war. The leadership of Mao Tse-Tung oversaw the often brutal implementation of a Communist vision of society. Millions died in the Great Leap Forward - a program of state control over agriculture and rapid industrialization - and the Cultural Revolution, a chaotic attempt to root out elements seen as hostile to Communist rule.

Christianity was first introduced to China 600 years after the time of Christ by Nestorians from Persia and Syria, but the modern missions movement began with the arrival of Robert Morrison of the London Missionary Society in 1807. Before his death in 1834, he produced a Chinese dictionary and a full translation of the Bible.

James Hudson Taylor established the China Inland Mission in 1865 and appealed for 1,000 missionaries to enter the Chinese interior. For the next 30 years, China witnessed the first wave of frontier missionary work while missions based on the coast spread into major cities throughout China. A three-fold approach to mission work was adopted: medicine, education and discipleship. Nearly every mission established clinics that grew into hospitals. Primary schools opened for children and some of these later developed into high schools and 13 Christian universities. Bible teaching and discipleship also resulted in new churches. By 1927 there were more than 8,000 Protestant missionaries in China and half a million baptized believers.

Under Communist rule since 1949, China has moved away from the Maoist radicalism that led to millions of deaths in the 1950s and 1960s, but the party has kept a tight grip on state and society. However, Mao's death in 1976 ushered in a new leadership and economic reform. In the early 1980s the government dismantled collective farming and again allowed private enterprise.

God is working mightily in China. Every day 25,000 people are coming to the Lord. The Chinese Communist Party officially recognizes Christianity. Now there are over 130 million born again believers in China. That's more than any other countries in the world. Signs, wonders and miracles are the primary reasons for China's explosive church growth.

The Xinhua Bookstore is the only bookstore chain in China. It is owned and "managed" by the Communist Party (controlling what people read). There are 15,000 Xinhua retails outlets in China carrying tens of thousands of topics and subjects. However, you cannot find a single Bible in these state run book stores. You can find Chinese Bibles in its three Xinhua Bookstores in the United States but not in China. Bible in China is regarded same as pornography thus banned from public use.

The unavailability and shortage of Bibles in China has invited all sorts of cult groups in the underground churches. Eastern Lightning is one of the largest false groups creating havoc in China.

This Wednesday, we're returning to China. We will train pastors and leaders and deliver thousands of Bibles to the house church leaders. It costs only $3 per Bible. Will you please pray? If you can help financially, please click on the link below. We appreciate your love and compassion for the persecuted believers in China. We're honored to represent you there. God will bless you richly as you bless those who are oppressed. Thank you for your help!

"Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the LORD delivers them in times of trouble" (Psalm 41:1 NIV).

Click Here to Support Bibles for China Project: http://www.gofundme.com/f1tgw

Book Sandy Anderson as Speaker: Call 972 800 4346, Email: buildinternational@sbcglobal.net 

Stay Inspired: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BUILD-International-Ministries/113937368637778?ref=hl

Invest in God's Kingdom

We all work hard in hopes for a better life on earth. There’s nothing wrong with working hard, saving and living a good life or to leave an inheritance for our children. But if we ignore investing in God’s Kingdom, we’re building a house on the sand.

The Bible teaches us that what we see is temporal. None of us are guaranteed another day on this earth. What we do with our resources today will greatly affect our eternal future. We cannot take anything with us. Only what we invest in God’s Kingdom will remain forever.

Today, my goal is to shed an eternal perspective into our lives. Invincible as we think, we’re all heading toward eternity. As wise people of God, we must look at our eternal investment portfolio.

Jesus instructed us not to gather riches on earth. He taught us to live on earth with eternal perspective. There are great benefits to living with a generous heart. We have many partners who come up with creative ideas to give to God’s work. On the fourth of July, one of our friends sold hotdogs and hamburgers all day to donate to our Bibles for China Project upcoming trip middle of this month. That was a great sacrifice! Another friend shared about this project with his friend and she bought almost two hundred Bibles from the proceeds of her oil and gas investment. Another friend’s ten-year-old daughter handed me a $1 bill with a million dollars smile on her face!

Sometimes people think that God only needs our money. We can invest in other ways. I have a friend who had been involved in corporate business all her life. Recently she retired and now she’s volunteering part of her time with us to impact lives in Asia. I have another friend who is a high-flying business woman. She is a marketing consultant. She gave us some excellent advice to take our ministry to the next level – free of charge! There are many ways we can invest in God’s Kingdom.

A great way you can impact the Kingdom of God is to pray for the harvest. Prayer is a mighty weapon. Jesus said, the harvest is ready but laborers are few. Pray therefore… When we pray, God’s harvesters like Build International and many others will find ways to win souls for the Kingdom. When we pray, God’s people have peace and safety to disciple new Christians and plant churches in closed countries where we mostly work. When we invest our time praying, we will initiate great revivals.

Another good reason to invest in God’s Kingdom is to be blessed by God. The scripture says when we give, God will replenish us with a hundred fold! (Mark 10:29-30). That’s good returns. This is what happened to one of my friends. In 2008, they’re ready to close their business. They’re in auto industry – one of the worst hit sectors in the economic crisis. Just about that time I was able to introduce world missions to them. He was completely unaware of the persecution and difficulties of our brothers and sisters on the mission field. Immediately he pledged to invest in the lives of the suffering people. Their investment continued to grow by the year. Recently he told me that their business is worth more than 14 million dollars! Friend you cannot out-give God. When we take interest in our Father’s business, He will bless ours. I’m not advocating giving so that you can get back. Getting back is the law of sowing and reaping. Give because you love God, His people and His Kingdom. When you’re investing in God’s Kingdom, you’re accumulating treasures in heaven.

Middle of this month, we’re going back to China to train thousands of pastors and leaders. There’s a revival going on in China. Often two hundred believers share one Bible that costs only $3 each. Our goal is to put at least 5,000 Bibles in the hands of the leaders for their congregations. Will you please pray, give and share this project with your friends and family? Together, we can impact eternity! Thank you for your partnership. We’re praying that God’s blessings will chase you down. We love you and we need you!

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20 NLT).

Click Here to Support Bibles for China Project: http://www.gofundme.com/f1tgw

Book Sandy Anderson as Speaker: Call 972 800 4346, Email: buildinternational@sbcglobal.net  

Stay Inspired: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BUILD-International-Ministries/113937368637778?ref=hl

Taking Jesus to the Nations

The last command Jesus gave before leaving the world was to “go into all the nations and preach the gospel.” The early disciples took His command seriously and in only two years everyone who lived in Asia heard the Gospel. (Acts 19:10).

Imagine! No electricity, no transportation, no technology and every one in Asia heard the name of Jesus. With all the modern conveniences, transportation and infrastructure available, today the vast majority in Asia have never heard the name of Jesus. They have heard of Coca-Cola but they do not know the name of Jesus! Two thirds of world’s unreached people live in Asia. Between India and China there are 2.5 billion people and most of them have never heard His name.

Today, I’d like to challenge us to consider world missions. When we give heed to the last commandment of our Lord, we become His first priority. Our lives will be changed. And we can change the world!

Steve job, Michael Jackson, Madonna and such had a vision to impact the world. They did it successfully but not to glorify God. How many of us Christians have a vision to impact the nations who are lost, crying, and dying. No matter how much we try to impress God with more revelation, beautiful choir and fancy buildings, the closest and dearest to God’s heart is lost souls. That was the sole mission of Jesus for coming to earth – to seek and save the lost. When we get engaged in world missions we’re becoming most like Jesus.

My friend Job is from India. Years ago he came to our Bible Training Center for a short training. Later he graduated and went back to his native place to plant churches among the unreached people. In 1993 he was at a New Year’s Eve church service. In the middle of worship, Job felt compelled to go visit one of his friends who was utterly lost. Prakash was young, restless and in all sorts of trouble. He was involved in gangs and the rival gangs were after his life. Job tried to reason with God but he couldn’t shake off the urge to go and find his friend Prakash. In the middle of the night he went to Prakash’s house and brought him back to church. What they didn’t know at the time was the rival gang had killed one of Prakash’s buddies and they’re looking to kill him that night. That night, Prakash got gloriously saved! Today, Prakash and his family are devout Christians serving the Lord. My friend Job’s obedience saved Prakash’s life both physically and spiritually.

I wonder how many Christian today will leave worship service to find a friend and go after his soul! I’m not here to judge anybody but I am challenging us to be more aware. I’m encouraging us to get involved in world missions. When we win souls for our Lord, we’re depositing in our heavenly bank account to draw from for eternity.

Middle of July, we’ll be going back to communist China. We will train hundreds of pastors and leaders. We will encourage the persecuted believers in the underground churches and we will love on the orphan children. It costs only $3 each but there’s a tremendous shortage of Bibles in China due to exponential church growth. Our goal is to supply five thousand Bibles to the believers. Every day, 25,000 people are accepting Christ in China. Often two hundred believers share one Bible!

There are three ways you can be involved in world missions.

1. Pray. Nothing happens until we pray. Everything changes when we pray. Our prayers are mighty weapons in the Hand of God.

2. Go. If you have the means and time availability, you can still join us and change lives in China. We have missions trips throughout the year. Please contact us.

3. Send. Give of your time, talent and treasure to help others go and represent you. When you send others, you will get equal rewards.

Friend, world missions is not an option; it’s our Lord’s command!
 

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent” (Romans 10:13-15 NIV).

Click Here to Spread the Message of Hope: www.buildinternational.org

Stay Inspired: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BUILD-International-Ministries/113937368637778?ref=hl

Reaching China with the Gospel

Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel.” It was His last command before He ascended to heaven with a promise to return and take us home. The first century Church thrived with the vision to spread the Gospel because they’re the first generation carrier of the vision they’d received from the Master first hand.

As time went by Christians began to put the Great Commission in the back burner. Thank God that someone was faithful to keep the message spreading. Aren’t you glad that someone preached the Gospel to you?

No matter where we live it is hard to imagine that there’s a world out there that needs to hear about our Lord. Today, we want to talk about China because on July 18, 2013 we’re launching our next mission trip there. It is my hope and desire to create an interest in you to learn what God is doing in China.

As many of you know, China has the largest population on earth with almost 1.3 billion people. That means one out of every seven people in the world is Chinese! In spite of China’s recent economic success, the people have suffered invasion, injustice and intolerance for centuries. Under Mao’s 1949 Cultural Revolution a staggering 60-80 million Chinese people died. They have suffered long and hard in the hands of their own leaders. The situation is much better now compared to before but still there is human rights violation in every part of China.

China is a great country and her people are even more intriguing. The Chinese people in mainland China is nothing like you’ve experienced anywhere else in the world. They’re extremely hospitable, sincere and kind to the outsiders. Yes, at times they’re suspicious but who wouldn’t be if you’ve been dominated by foreign intruders for centuries. There are many social problems in China today, corruption being one of them. However, when you get to know them personally, you’ll know the beauty in their heart. They’re some of the kindest people you’d ever meet.

Christians around the world know very little about God’s work in China. Because it is a restricted-access nation, not many Christian go to China and not much Christian news come out of the country. I’ve been working there for the last 27 years! The communist tried to kill God in China but He is very much alive in this great nation. Did you know 25,000 people accept Christ every day? Researchers are saying that there are more than 130 million believers in China.

Most of the Chinese believers are first generation Christians. Many of them come from secular or Buddhist background. Like most parts in Asia, when someone accepts Christ in China, they’re often looked down or kicked out of their family. Often they’re harassed at work and denied promotion. Although there is freedom of religion in paper, in application there’s a lot of oppression and even persecution and imprisonment for Christian. China’s Church is a persecuted Church.

We’re going back to China on July 18, 2013 to share the love of Christ with them. One of the greatest needs in China’s Church is encouragement for the leaders. We will conduct leadership training in several locations empowering the pastors and leaders. Another goal we have is to distribute 5,000 Bibles to the poor Christians in China’s country side. They don’t have means or access to a Bible like in the city. A Bible we give away costs only $3 each. Most of all, we will be praying for our brothers and sisters in China. Today, will you please consider reaching China with the Gospel? Please take a moment to click on the link below.

Click here to help China’s persecuted. https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/cWztb

Stay Inspired: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BUILD-International-Ministries/113937368637778?ref=hl

Developing Healthy Eating Habits

Many of us struggle with ideal weight, health conditions and lack of adequate energy. This is why it is so important to keep up with our body, spirit and soul. Because we’re a three part being, what happens in one of these areas will affect the other.

The Bible says that our body is the temple of God. It is not only where we live but it is also where God lives. One of my friends says, “You are what you eat.” That is why it is so important to pay careful attention to our eating habits. What we put in our body is what we’re going to get out of it. Today we will discuss developing better eating habits so we can feel and look better while our spirit operates in high octane.

First thing about developing better eating habits is to have the right attitude towards food and our wellbeing. If we want to be healthy, we have to have the right mental picture of our ideal weight and health condition. How we see ourselves internally is how we will become externally.

Start your day with a healthy breakfast. Eating breakfast is like taking your vehicle for a drive. If it doesn’t have gas in it, it’s not going to go very far. A healthy breakfast gives our body the fuel and energy we need to perform better through the day.

Eat from a small plate. A lot happens to our brain when we’re eating. When we eat from a small plate it looks like we’re eating from a full plate and thus it helps us to reduce our total intake. Eat large bowls of salad and small plates of food.

Eat slowly. When we gorge ourselves eating quickly in order to “save time,” we’re sending the wrong message to our brain. Did you know our brain sends signal how much we should eat? When we’re eating too fast we’re bypassing our brain.

Cut down on meat. You may not like to hear this but you’ll live longer. If you’re a meat lover, cut down on the red meat. Replace meat with fish and more vegetables.

Eat fresh food and fruits. God created food to be enjoyed. Whenever we buy packaged and processed food we may save time but we’ll destroy our body. Read what the label says. Fruits and nuts are great healthy snacks. Cut down the sugar.

Drink more water. Did you know sixty percent of our body consists of water? This is why we must keep our body hydrated with water. Water is life. Water purifies the toxin and impurities in our body. You can drink whatever you want but make sure that eighty to ninety percent of your liquid intake is water. It is the original health drink!

Get active. A great way to enhance your health is to put regular exercise on your diet. No matter what your preference is, get active. You can work out, work in the garden, walk, run, and swim or play other sports. When we’re breaking sweat, we release endorphin or the “happy hormone” that releases stress and puts us in good mood. Exercise will not only make you look good it will make you feel good.

Sleep is another vital part of health and wellness. A minimum of eight hours of sleep is recommended to operate in our optimum level. Your body is the only machine you’ll have. No engine can operate 24/7. Sleep is like rebutting your computer. It gets rid of all the fatigues and revitalizes your body. Sleep makes you look beautiful.

I know these may not seem like very spiritual insight. But how we feel has greatly to do with our spirit. When we’re developing healthy eating habits, we’re making our spirits more beautiful. Let us honor God with what we eat and drink for it is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for taking this as a gentle reminder to act on what God has already been dealing with you. I declare that you’ll live long, healthy and fulfill the number of your days on earth.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own” (I Corinthians 6:19 NIV).

Click Here to Join a Mission Trip to China: www.buildinternational.org

Stay Inspired: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BUILD-International-Ministries/113937368637778?ref=hl

Why the Church in Asia is Exploding

For a believer in Asia, church means the world to them. Majority of the new converts are disowned by their family and often they come to live with the pastor until they’re reestablished. Often pastor’s home is where the abused women or their children run to. A church is a place of refuge and the pastor is the symbol of trust and security because he’s often been to prison for his faith in Christ.

While Christianity is in decline in Europe and North America, masses of people in Asia are turning to Christ. Twenty thousand people are accepting Christ in India every day. In China, twenty five thousand people are following Christ every day. What is the secret of this explosive church growth? Today I want to discuss seven characteristics that are making the church in Asia explode with new converts.

First, the emphasis is on the message not the building. They would like one but majority of the church in Asia do not own a church building. Most of the believers meet in homes, parks, riverside or even in caves. Having church in public places makes it visible to non-believers and they too are drawn to Christ. Not having hefty church mortgage frees up resources to care for the people in the local community.

Second, worship is the main part of the service. It is the loudest part of the service when everyone vocalizes their gratitude. Coming out of the idol worshipping culture, it is easy for them to direct their love, devotion and commitment to a God who has saved them from utter destruction. When they go to church, they are energized to worship God and ready to express their devotion to their Savior, Healer and Deliverer.

Third reason why the Asian church is exploding is emphasis on prayer. Most people have come to the Lord because someone prayed over their sickness and they’re healed. They understand that prayer works. They don’t have access to medical doctors, lawyer, insurance or a financial professional. Christians pray everywhere about everything!

Fourth, signs, wonders and miracles are the life blood of the church in Asia. Over eighty percent of the new believers come to church because they’ve experienced a miracle themselves or someone they know. Interestingly, Christians don’t make a big deal about the miraculous. It is a great tool but it is not sensationalized. Miracles are an everyday part of their lives.

Another characteristic of the Asian church their witness. Believer often do not know a lot of theology but they are bold about telling others what Christ did for them. Often sharing their faith with non-believers causes them to be kicked out of their own homes and school, beaten, persecuted and even imprisoned.

The sixth reason for Asia’s church growth is persecution. Just like in the Book of Acts believers scatter because of persecution. Wherever they go, they take their faith with them and start a new work. Christians are encouraged to turn the other chick instead of seeking political justice. Just like Saul, this causes their persecutors to be convicted. Often the persecutor becomes the promoter of the Gospel.

Last but the not least, the church in Asia is a giving church. There is not much teaching or emphasis on giving but they give much more than ten percent to the work of the Gospel. Often it is in the form of produce, livestock or real estate. They are hospitable, fellowship together over meals and other social events.

Please pray for the revival to continue in Asia. Our brother and sisters need you and your prayers. Will you pray for the church in Asia today? I know you will.

“I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18 KJV).

Click Here to Join a Mission Trip to Asia: www.buildinternational.org

Stay Inspired: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BUILD-International-Ministries/113937368637778?ref=hl