I have been on two zoom calls with missionaries from Covenant Church this morning. What a blessing.
The first is ministry to primarily Muslims in the heart of London and throughout England, and we are pleased that through relational ministry, they are reaching many. It is interesting that God is using visions and dreams to reach people. I had heard this was occurring in Iran and Iraq and other Muslim nations, but it is occurring among Muslims in England as well. I am also gratified that the Koran and the Bible mention some of the same names and stories so there is a place for Imams and pastors to created channels of communication.
In India, especially the northern provinces, persecution is making the church stronger. The overseeing administrator is looking to the book of Acts, which is the book our congregation at Covenant is concentrating on right now, showing that Paul and Silas won converts in prison, and the strong churches grew in cities with the most persecution. One of the pastors in India is in prison right now, and is witnessing Christ to those around him. He has a bond hearing on Thursday of this week. Pray that God will work in that circumstance and that Christ receives the glory.
Our day began with the news that our septic tank could not be pumped today (after five days of waiting–living like in a third-world country: no water, no toilets, no showers, etc.) that there was nowhere in Brevard County where the “dumping” could occur, and that we would have to wait, first until Friday,, then for two weeks. We just received a call that the company will “deliver the goods” to Smyrna, and that we would be pumped out today. We are thankful for two things: that our children both have homes where we could shower, prepare meals, wash dishes, and use toilets, and that the company would take our “waste” to New Smyrna. That prompted me to look up the Revelation reference to the church at Smyrna that, like both the churches and ministries I heard about this morning, faced difficulties and persecution. God is so good in making connections for me. He is indeed sovereign over all.
Here’s what the book of Revelation says about the Church at Smyrna. I’m thinking it’s a unifier for my experiences this morning:
8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.
9 “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander[a] of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’
Isn’t it interesting how God brings blessings to us when we are listening? God bless your day too.
About the Author
