Pray for Turkey and the Middle East

Recently I heard a Turkish believer in Christ speak about the challenges of life for Christians in modern Turkey. While he was speaking I reflected on the origins of Christianity, I was reminded of the fact that Israel was the birthplace of Christianity and Turkey was the Cradle of Christianity. (see ruins of the Theater in Ephesus above)

Today both Countries are governed by systems that are less than friendly to Christianity. It seems that the words of Christ are still applicable today:

John 15:20 “… A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me,
they will also persecute you …”

Turkey is a tapestry of cultures and civilizations; it is the undiscovered jewel of Biblical history. Ancient civilizations existed in the fertile land of Anatolia for millennia. From the ancient Hittites to the Ottomans, Turkey has been not only the Cradle of Christianity, but also the Cradle of Western Civilization.

Old Testament patriarchs Noah, Abraham and Job all spent considerable time in this land. In the first century leading churches were located in Antioch, Ephesus, and the other seven churches of Revelation.

I am writing all this in order to motivate you to pray for Israel, Turkey and all the Middle East. I believe that the Lord has not forgotten this part of the world, and perhaps this is the time that God will pour out his Grace upon this Region so that many will be saved.

Paul Weresch

(For information on Biblical Sites in Turkey, see link below)
Troy - Biblical Sites in Turkey

"I am afraid of the Muslims..."

Someone said to me: “I pray for the Muslims but I am still afraid of them”.

I think we are caught in a mindset that causes us to be afraid of anything that is unknown and foreign. Add to that the anti foreigner rhetoric and we become prisoners in prisons of our own making.

Let me introduce you to one of our prisons; many of us believe that all Muslims are extremists, and if they are not extremists they are not good Muslims. This thinking is not based in fact nor experience. The majority of Muslims are people like you and I, they love their family, their country and would like to live in peace.

In further discussion that Individual confessed; “actually I am afraid of the world I live in”. Now we are closer to the real issue. The world we live in has always been a scary place. We like things that we can grasp and control. Anything beyond that is unsettling and scary.

May I draw our attention to another time and another place? The disciples of Jesus were becoming aware of the fact that Jesus was not going to give them a quick solution to the problems surrounding them, He was not going to become the conquering Messiah and overthrow the Roman occupation government.

Jesus knew the thinking of the disciples and the fear that was controlling their hearts so he spoke to them words of comfort, word that are able to give us peace and hope today.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful…. I have told you these things, so that in me you will have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 14:27, 16:13.

These words were spoken He on the eve of his crucifixion, you would think he would not be so bold. Notice the tense of Jesus’ words. It is not future tense as, “I will overcome the world, ”but “I have overcome the world.” It is not some hope in the future or some plan, but a done and certain fact.

My friend you can have the peace that only Christ can give by believing in Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Paul

Why Should We Pray For The Muslim People ...

Pray because God loves all people!
The scripture is clear, God loves the world … all people.

The New Testament makes it clear that both Jesus and his Apostles reached out to all people regardless of race or religious persuasion. Jesus further commanded his followers to go into all the world and make disciples of all Nation.

Like all humans, Muslims too have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. (Romans 3:23)

Like all humans, God loved them so much that He sent His son, so that those who believe in Jesus will have eternal life (John 3:16). (For further study read: Ezekiel 18:23. John 3:16-18. John 1:12)

Pray because Muslims also have a hunger for God!
Someone said: That every person has a void in his soul/spirit/life that can only be filled by God. The "God-shaped hole" is the innate longing of the human heart for something outside itself ... something transcendent, something "other." It refers to God placing "eternity in man’s heart."

God made humanity for His eternal purpose, and only God can fulfill our desire for eternity. That includes Muslims. Ecclesiastes 3:11

Pray because of the promise of God to them.
Many Muslims look to 'Ibrahim (Abraham) as "our forefather" (Romans 4:1). Since those who follow Jesus call Abraham "the father of all who believe" (Romans 4:11) … that makes us ‘cousins’!

God made this promise to Ibrahim / Abraham: "As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I will bless him, and I will make him fruitful, and I will multiply him. He shall become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation" (Genesis 17:20). God fulfilled this promise, for there are over one billion Muslims in the world today!

When God gathers all His people at the end of time, there will be representatives from every people group on the earth, "from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing before the Throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes – crying out in a loud voice, 'Salvation to our God who sits on the throne"! (Revelation 7:9,10)

Please pray for the Church of Jesus Christ.
Pray that the Church may rise to the Challenge and become all things to all people, that it may … by all means … save some. (1 Corinthians 9:20-22)

Paul

Dear Friends ...

Praise the Lord, Olga arrived well and Joyful.

It was a great privilege for Betty and I to welcome Olga at the Vancouver International airport. It was a privilege to take some time last night and share our appreciation for goodness of God.

Before we "tucked" her into bed, we took some time to pray again for Russia, for President Dmitri Medwedjew, Prime-minister Vladimir Putin. Now we ask you continue to pray with us for this great Country and its diverse and needy People.

Humanly speaking there is no quick solution to the many problems Russia is facing. The unrest will continue; the many ..."Stans" in the Russian Federation; Kazakstans, Kyrgizstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Chechnya will not rest until they have separated and brought in the Sharia Law. Part of the reason for the great strides the extremist are making in the advancement of terrorism are unemployment and poverty.

Please pray for this region, for a unstable Russian Federation is a problem for the entire world.

And let us not forget to pray for North America and Central Europe, where shareholder profit and greed have become the driving force, where the needs of people are disregarded and Life itself has become a commodity.

Please pray for the Christian Church that it may rise to the occasion and proclaim the "good news" to the poor while standing up for Justice and living lifestyles that will reflect the love, grace, and holiness of God.

Please pray.....
Paul

letstalkpw@gmail.com

For our United States friends ...

How to Pray for the Election

The midterm election is drawing near. Imagine the impact on these United States of America if every elected representative at every level of government in this nation was prayed for every day of the year! Imagine the impact on the quality of decisions made, on our communities and our land ... on each State, County and municipality.

We believe that every believer has the potential to transform the United States of America through the power of the Holy Spirit which is released in every prayer for this nation and it’s leaders.

How do we do it?

• Pray regularly for your elected representatives at every level. - Every prayer can be an invitation to the Holy Spirit to act in and through elected representatives according to the will and wisdom of God.
• Organize prayer events at your church.
• Ask individuals to volunteer to pray regularly for specific elected representatives so that every elected representative is prayed for every day of the year.
• If given an opportunity pray with your elected representatives remembering to:
a. Maintain strict confidentiality.
b. Respect their schedules: Be on time and keep meetings brief.
c. Focus on them and their needs.
d. Take no more than one other person to the meeting.
• Write to your elected representatives to let them know: that you are praying for them, that you encourage them as willing servants of the people

What to pray for the election

• That this election will serve God’s purposes for the United States of America
• That the United States of America will be a country whose elected leaders are
o individuals of integrity, discernment, grace, courage and conviction
o willing servants, people of vision, perseverance and character
• For wisdom, endurance and protection for candidates and their families
• That candidates will be filled with Integrity, courage, humility and grac
• That the Holy Spirit will guide and guard the thoughts and speech of candidate
• That every elector will cherish their right to vote, and that every elector will vote

What to pray for the nation

• Pray that the Holy Spirit will bring a spirit of individual and corporate repentance among Christians across our land
• Pray that Christians would have both grace and humility to demonstrate righteousness, justice, compassion and generosity
• Pray that United States of America will be a country that honors God
• Pray that United States of America will be a nation of diverse people accepting. forgiving, sharing and working together for a better United States of America
• Pray for the spiritual strength of the nation

So then, make a statement of (confess) your sins to one another, and say prayers for one another so that you may be made well. The prayer of a good man is full of power in its working. Jas 5:16

Paul Weresch

"By this all men will know that you are my disciples ..."

An earthquake matching the power of several nuclear bombs struck the island nation of Haiti about 5:00 PM, Tuesday, January 12th. According to the U.S. Geological Survey report, the quake was centered about 10 Miles southwest of Port-au-Prince and reached a magnitude of 7.0.

The Red Cross has estimated that about 3 million people, amounting to one-third of Haiti’s entire population, have been affected by the quake. Although it is too early to tell, some officials feel that 50,000 to 100,000 people have lost their lives. Haiti is the most impoverished nation of the Western Hemisphere and this quake has dealt them a tremendous blow.

Those are the hard details to date that you will see on various news outlets. However, the final and most important detail of all is … that every one of those people affected by this catastrophe are individually and unqualifiedly loved by Jesus Christ!

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son ..."

The people of the world (the world includes Haiti) are our brothers and sisters and we have been commissioned, by our God, to love them as He loves us. John explains it very well in 1 John 4:9-11:

This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about — not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they've done to our relationship with God. My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. (from THE MESSAGE)

Our first task of love is to drop to our knees and pray for these people. Not just pray, my friends, but PRAY! Pray without ceasing. "The hospitals cannot handle all these victims," said Louis-Gerard Gilles, a doctor and former senator. "Haiti needs to pray. We all need to pray together."

Secondly, we must do what we physically can to help these people. Officials who are close to the situation recommend that the greatest thing you can do is to send cash to your favorite relief agency. Nearly every one of them have gotten on the band wagon and have well developed programs to deal with disaster.

Jesus said it … "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Let's all show ourselves as disciples and love our brothers and sisters in Haiti.

Larry Abele - Editorial Team

Greetings from Sochi, Russia

Paul and Betty Weresch have just returned to their home from Europe. I had a wonderful time translating and assisting in their ministry. It was a privilege to be his translator and a blessing to participate in the Bible seminars conducted for the churches of Sochi, Russia.

God has been speaking much to me and my friends. We have learned so much these days. As you probably know the Winter Olympic Games in 2014 will be held in Sochi and together with Paul we are dreaming about having all of Sochi evangelized during the games. Now is a good time to start sharing the vision with believers in the city.

Please pray for Churches of Sochi to catch the vision and to partner together in this great venture!

Alexander Shein, Editorial Team

Im Watching You Dad!

Watch this amazing little video.
It is a message from a little boy to his dad.
We all need to know this!



May God help us, fathers.
Alexander Shein, Editorial Team

Peace That Surpasses All Understanding

Death is a tragic thing to those who do not believe ... people who have banked their entire existence on who THEY are and what THEY must be in this life. It is not unusual to see survivors who commit suicide rather than deal with a loved ones passing. Other’s have died of a broken heart, seeing no future for them.

When the end of life comes to those who do not believe in Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life, there is nothing … NOTHING! I cannot imagine the pain these people must suffer as it all comes to an end.

There appeared on these pages some time ago, a piece by Paul, “A Great Experience .. A Wonderful Legacy” where he commented on the passing of a dear friend .. a Christian man .. Glenn Doornink.

Recently Paul received a letter from Glenn’s wife, Mary Ellen. The content of that letter illustrates the exact opposite to the thoughts I put forth to you before. The letter exudes loving memory surrounded by the peace of understanding that we who believe in Jesus Christ will all meet once again in Heaven. Please let me include the letter, in it’s entirety:

Dear Paul and Betty,

Words are simply inadequate to convey the depth of gratitude I owe to you people for your willingness to skillfully guide our family through some uncharted waters after Glenn's departure. With Godly wisdom you helped us through the family gatherings where you encouraged open expression as we wept and laughed together at memories of the good life Glenn had lived among us. My own heart was thrilled and comforted by many things I heard during those times and also with the apparent agreement reached on many details.

So fitting were your messages as you bathed every event with God's truth from His word, at the chapel before the burial to the graveside comments and the good message at the memorial service itself. You carried a large responsibility in causing the whole affair to bring glory to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ and honor to Glenn. May God reward you richly for playing such a key role in steering us all through that memorable day. Our Father even added beautiful weather with three formations of geese flying overhead at the burial site.

A wise man told us before we married, "One of you will lay the other in the grave some day if our Lord tarries", and so it has been. Death is truly an enemy as the separation robs us of the close relationship we enjoyed for many years.

The LORD is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all His works. The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. Psalm 145:17,18

Most Sincerely, Mary Ellen

That, my friends, is "that peace that surpasses all understanding" that is promised in Philippians 4:7 and that is available to us all.

Larry Abele – Editorial Team

How Is Your Prayer Life?

As a brand new Christian, many years ago, I struggled with prayer. Since then, I have heard many Christians say the same thing. It always seemed so formal … so stilted. Most of us were familiar with the Bible in language penned in 1611. Speech from that time seemed a bit formal to our ears.

Then I remembered a story related by my Pastor at the time. His son had built a house next door to his own. It became a habit for his pre-school grandson to walk over, enter the house and go for the refrigerator. The pastor confronted this little intruder one day and asked him, “Why do you think you can just come in here when you want, young man!?” The little tyke replied, “Cause you’re my grandpa.”

I then had the same revelation that Martin Luther had in the sixteenth century as he read Galatians 4:4-7, “God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.”

The term "Abba" is felt to convey a sense of affection and intimacy that is perceived to be very much lacking in the far more formal term "father." Abba is actually an Aramaic word, which most scholars feel is the language that our Lord Jesus Christ spoke during His human existence upon this earth.

As expositor, W. E. Vine wrote, "'Abba' is the word framed by the lips of infants, and betokens unreasoning trust; 'father' expresses an intelligent apprehension of the relationship. The two together express the love and intelligent confidence of the child."

Though our God, the Creator of the entire universe and everything in it, is deserving of the highest honor and respect, He is also our “father” … our “daddy”. He loves us as little children

I remember my father as a man bigger than life … however, I also remember the warmth of his strong arms and the love that radiated from his instruction. And, I want to face my heavenly Father on the same terms.

So, if you are having trouble with prayer … in either the frequency of it or the formality of it … just try to envision yourself snuggling up to your “daddy” and telling Him how your day has been.

“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." Romans 8:15-16

Larry Abele - Editorial Team

Missions As I See It

I just returned from a wonderful visit to churches in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and Culdesac, Idaho ... two diverse but wonderfully identical bodies dedicated to the work of Christ. The church in Edmonton has 1200 souls in a metropolitan area. The church in Culdesac has 40 attendees in a ranching and logging culture.

However, they are alike in their quality relationship with missions. You see, the quality of a fellowship of believers is not in the geography nor the size … God does not measure your stature, He measures your commitment.

He measures the commitment to the job that Christ urgently gave us when He said in John 4:35-36, “Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”

The apostle, Paul, lays it all out in Romans 10:9 when he says, “... if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

Then he continues by explaining the dynamics of reaching the lost in Romans 10:14-15, “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 they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

Where are the lost we are to reach? In the story in John 4:35-36, they were right in front of them … the Samaritans. In our world today, they are everywhere.

We are all to reach the lost but we cannot all go. However, we can be an important part of the labor.

God needs three things: a willing heart to go .. an obedient church to send .. and a receptive heart to listen.

Each has his responsibility. And what is that?

1. We must have a willing heart. We must be willing to say, yes, Lord, send me. That may be our labor. But we may not have to go far. As we relate to the story in John 4, the lost are in our neighborhood, in our town, across the street or even in our home.

2.Give as the Lord prospers us! No one should feel guilty giving a small amount. Give as He has promised. Feel good about the penny you give and rejoice over it. Put in a little extra labor for ... Little is much when God is in it.

3. Pray. Labor can be prayer that storms the gates of heaven! Fervent, interceding prayer for the labor of all concerned. We are not beating the air with our labor ... we are actually moving people into the fold.

4. And as you pray … do so for the third thing … that the fruits of our labor will fall upon a receptive heart to listen.

So, go now … labor for the Lord. And, if you go … do not rejoice over success you didn’t earn. Many labored for that success. According to chapter 4 of John, some of us will be reaping where they did not sow. Some will be reaping where they didn’t labor. The victory belongs to the Lord!

Remember … the final reward for your labor is to hear those words, “Thou good and faithful servant.”

Paul Weresch

Your Father Would Like To Hear Your Voice

Ruth Bell Graham was the wife of evangelist Billy Graham and mother of five children. Born to missionary parents in China, Ruth faithfully supported her husband throughout his ministry, raising their children in his absences. Ruth was also a poet and author, and published a number of books. The following was written by Mrs. Graham as a devotional.

To Hear Your Voice

Any mother with a child away from home knows the longing to receive a letter, a call, even a card.

Once when out of the country, I called home to check on Mother and Daddy. After talking with Daddy for a few minutes, he said, "Here—your mother wants to say something." Because Mother's speech had been affected by a stroke, I wondered how she would do. She came on the line, her voice weak, her spirit indomitable. "I just wanted to hear your voice," she said.

I know how it is with me when the children are away. Just the sound of their voices warms and comforts me.

I wonder if God does not long at times just to hear our voices.

In prayer we are coming to almighty God, the Creator of the universe, the King of kings and Lord of lords.

But He is also our Father. He longs to hear from us—not only when we are asking for things, but also to tell Him we love Him and to talk over the happenings of the day, just to fellowship with our Father, who loves us.

Ruth Bell Graham said it so well. If you are having trouble with your prayer life … do not think of God as some untouchable Being. Think of Him as a Father, waiting patiently to see what His beloved child has to say. He tells you in Psalm 139:1-3 … “You may not know me, but I know everything about you. I know when you sit down and when you rise up. I am familiar with all your ways.”

He further explains … “I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love.” 1 John 4:16 “And it is my desire to lavish my love on you simply because you are my child and I am your father.” 1 John 3:1

Now … does that sound like someone you can’t sit down and talk to?

So, talk to Him. After all … He may just want to hear your voice!

Larry Abele – Editorial Team

Jesus IS Coming Again!

Christians and many non-Christians the world over believe or have heard of the Lord’s Imminent Return. We who believe know that Jesus is coming again to this world.

In the Bible book of Revelation, John states in 1:1 that it is "… the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place."

He further says in verse 3, "Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."

So, the skeptic says, that was written 2000 years ago … so when is “near“? 

Moses reminded us in Psalm 90 verse 4, “For a thousand years in your (God’s) sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.” The Lord sees time much differently than we do. A thousand years could be a day or even a watch (four hours).

We had better be ready because we will not hear the familiar phrase, "Fire In The Hole!" Peter told us in 2 Peter 3:10, “ … the day of the Lord will come like a thief.”

He reminded us in the same chapter, verses 3 and 4, ... in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised?

So, why is he waiting so long? We are to watch for the signs and many of those are happening in this evil time on earth. Again Peter reminds us in verse 9, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Mercy is being extended … that is why there is a continuation of evil in the world.

My friends, I accepted the Lord in 1993. I am so glad He did not return in 1992!

However, He could return tomorrow, or next week or in a couple years or a couple hours ... we cannot know. But, we can be ready! Believe me … it is worth it. If we accept the Lord’s gift of sacrifice for us, John again reminds us of what it will be like in Revelation 21:4 … “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Don’t wait any longer. Believe in Him. Tell Him, “Lord, I am a sinner. I know that you died to save me from those sins. I believe you did that for me, Lord. I am so sorry that you had to make that sacrifice for me. I repent of those sins and thank you for coming into my heart, Jesus.”

You say that prayer, my friend, and mean it from the bottom of your heart, then you too can look forward to the Lord’s Imminent Return.

Larry Abele, Editorial Team

It's No Joke!

I recently read a story in the humor section of a magazine.

I seems an atheist was sitting in his seat during a flight and noticed across the aisle an elderly woman, reading her Bible.
After a while, he asked her, "Do you believe what you read in that book?"
"Yes, I do," she replied, smiling sweetly.
"Every word?" he asked.
"Yes, every word."
"Aw come on … do you really believe that Jonah was swallowed by a fish?" he scoffed.
"Yes, I do!"
"Prove it," the atheist retorted.
"Well, I can’t," the little lady replied. "However, when I get to heaven, I’ll ask him."
"What if he isn’t in heaven," the man smirked.
"Well, she responded without hesitation, "then you ask him!"

I giggled to myself until I realized that the joke was not funny. That man will someday believe in God, as we all will.

When we are standing before God’s throne, in judgement, the proof will be before us. But, by then, it may be too late to avoid an eternity in hell.

All of us will meet our maker. Those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior will have the perfect lawyer … Jesus, Himself. Those who refused to believe or worst yet, never got around to believing will have no defense. They will stand condemned.

It will be an unbelievably awesome, knee-shaking event, standing before the Lord. Personally, I want to be well prepared for that meeting. I want Jesus on my side.

How about you? Are you a sinner … you better answer yes … we are all sinners. Will you stand before Him, trembling in your filthy rags, or will you be standing there dressed in the clothes that Christ’s blood supplied for you?

All you need to do is admit you are a sinner, repent of those sins, and believe that Christ died to save you from those sins. Let Him know … Jesus will do the rest.

It’s no joke! Take your pick … as for me and my house … I will chose Jesus!

Larry Abele, Editorial Team

Please Pray With Us ...

My good friend and one of the editorial team of this blog, Sasha Shein, sent me a prayer request. It concerned the news of further trouble in the area east of the Black Sea … Georgia, Russia and South Ossetia.

Paul, Sasha and I ministered to people in that area nearly 10 years ago. We were in the city of Vladikavkaz 20 miles north of the border of Georgia and 100 miles north of the capital of South Ossetia where the fighting is taking place.

It is a wildly beautiful area with humble, warm, beautiful people. Many times I find myself thinking back to those days among them. And I, along with Paul and Sasha, am grieved by this terrible news.

Let me share with you a portion of Sasha’s letter:

"Russian believers are greatly concerned and are praying for the people of South Ossetia. The aggression of Georgian troops and the genocide exercised by Georgian government must be stopped. Please pray for the people of South Ossetia and our fellow believers among them who I happen to know personally."

God proclaimed 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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

This is personal to Jesus Christ, my friends; it is personal to us and it should be personal to you. Please pray for these precious people!

Larry Abele - Editorial Team

All eyes are on China but not all for the same reason.

China is one of the most exiting mission fields of the world, and the church better take notice and perhaps learn a few things. To illustrate my point let me quote a passage from Philip Yancey’s book, “ What’s So Amazing About Grace?” (pgs. 258-259)

Not long ago I had a conversation with an elderly missionary who spent his early life in China. He had been among the 6000 missionaries expelled after the communist took over. As in Russia, the communist strove mightily to destroy the church, which until then had been a showcase of the missionary movement. The government forbade house churches, made it illegal for parents to give religious education to their children, imprisoned and tortured pastors and Bible teachers.

Meanwhile the exiled missionaries sat on the sidelines and wrung their hands. How would the church in China fare without them? Without their seminaries and Bible colleges, their literature and curricula, without even the ability to print Bibles, could the church survive? For 40 years these missionaries heard rumours, some discouraging and some encouraging, about what was happening in China, but no one knew for sure until the country began opening up in the 1980s.

I asked this elderly missionary, now a renowned China expert, what had happened in the intervening 40 years. “Conservatively, I would estimate that there were 750,000 Christians when I left China.

And now? You hear all sorts of numbers, but I think a safe figure would be 35 million believers.” Apparently the church and the Holy Spirit Fared quite well on their own. The church in China now constitutes the second largest evangelical community in the world; only the United States exceeds it.

One China expert estimates that the revival in China represents the greatest numerical increase in the history of the Church. In an odd way the government hostility ultimately worked to the church’s advantage. Chinese Christians devoted themselves to worship and evangelism - the original mission of the Church - and did not much concern themselves with politics. They concentrated on changing lives not changing laws.

The words of Jesus are still pertinent for this generation; “Therefore go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things, whatever I commanded you. And, behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the world. Amen.“ Mat. 28:19-20

That article, written in 1997 and stating 35 million believers, is updated today to 50 to 70 million believers.

Paul Weresch

“Shalom”

Listening to the news and watching the television, one gets the impression the most precious commodity in the world are not natural resources and energy but peace. Peace seems to be lacking everywhere, whether we look to the East, West, North or South we see unrest, confrontation and war.

When we talk about peace we often think of a calm quiet place far from distractions and human challenges. Some people think the only way to find peace is to go on a Safari or move to a quite cabin in the woods away from everyone and everything.

Jesus spoke to his disciples just as he was facing the most challenging time of his life on earth and said the following words in John 14:27:

" Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Jesus Christ was a man of peace. He lived in peace and taught us how to live in peace. But Jesus didn't lead a calm tranquil existence, his life was permeated by confrontations persecution insults and in the end crucifixion.

The peace that Jesus offers is not dependent on outside circumstances; it depends only on our relationship with God. This peace stems from a knowledge that God is in control of all things. This knowledge results from a personal relationship with God.

Dear friend, perhaps you are thinking as you read these lines; "how in the world am I to have a personal relationship with God and how does one experience this peace with all the challenges of life". God wants to give it to you … free! Let me suggest this little prayer … pray it from your heart … He will hear you and answer.

"Blessed Jesus ... I want that peace You speak of. I know that I am a sinner and I repent of my sins. Please come into my life, Jesus. I believe You died for me and I believe that through You I can gain peace in my life. I look forward to a personal relationship with You, Jesus. Thank You for the gift of eternal life. Amen"

If you prayed that prayer, let us know. And, if you need a New Testament of the Bible we can send you one. Just send an email to: cntcpw@aol.com

Paul Weresch

Does God Care?

Does God really care?

Come unto me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Words of Jesus.) Matthew 11:28
Last week a man came to our meetings. He was very dejected, his problem was that he had an alcoholic past because of which he had lost his employment and now was unable to find a job. He came to Pastor Daniel asking him to assist him in finding a job. Pastor Daniel said to him that he was not a job agency nor was he qualified to give him psychological counselling that would enable him to find a good job. But what he could do for him said Pastor Daniel, was to pray with him and God would make sure that he got a job. The man looked in disbelief at Pastor Daniel. But on being encouraged to simply trust God, he joined in prayer. The next day we were surprised to see a joyful man come to our meeting. He was beaming from ear-to-ear, and informed us that he had found a job. Early in the morning he had an impulse to go to a certain company and ask for employment as he approached the person that interviewed him he realized that he had walked into an open door. Not only was he offered the job but he was offered immediately a contract for six months. The personnel manager was fully aware of his alcoholic past but he was also aware of the fact that he had managed to stay dry for four year. This man was amazed that God would really care for him and answer his prayer so quickly.  
Now does God really care? The answer is yes, we read that in the text from the gospel of Matthew. God really cares! 
 Can anyone go through life without facing problems? No, we're surrounded by problems! There's no way of hiding from them, they pursue us like shadows. What's more, problems are individualized. No two pPublish Posteople have exactly the same problems. That's why it's comforting to know that God knows us individually, personally God knows all our troubles. Remember Jesus said come unto me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. The psalmist knew that and sang: “I lay my requests before you and I wait in expectation.” Psalm 5:3

Think about it!

Paul Weresch