Pens´ees

Adages that have been the focus of my pilgrimage and teaching

Dear Swans,

As 2010 begins, I want to express how highly I esteem every one of our 1024 members of 53 nationalities both at the 23 Sending bases, the I.O. and especially those of you serving on the 204 CP teams!

More importantly, I am convinced that your efforts to 'lay down your lives' that Muslims might live truly put a smile on The Father's Face!

At the I.0.'s weekly time of intercession, we reviewed God's Word on suffering and prayed that HIS words would minister to you all:

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Acts 5:41

We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Rom 5:3-4

Do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.
2 Tim 1:8

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.2 Tim 2:8-10

Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated.

You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Heb 10:32-36

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 1 Pet 4:12-14

It may not be trendy to speak of the vicious war we are engaged in, but it's still true

How can we do anything but bow and worship our magnificently gracious Heavenly Father when we realize He has taken us from nothing to become a family of 1024 members, 53 nationalities on 204 CP teams, and 23 sending bases (plus I.O.) serving Him in 54 countries?!

Still the thought hovers over me with deep concern:

What are we leaving behind?

Many are at the age, after 7 to 17 years on the field, when you must return to your own country. For your kids; for your parents; For another ministry.

With your lives 'carry on' through those you've discipled? Will there be a family of believers who demonstrate to their community the
difference "Christ in them" makes? Will that koininia reproduce out of compassion for their clan or social circles?

What will you leave behind?

Praying for lasting fruit

My prayer for Frontiers in the next decade:

That all our members would increasingly love the Lord, trust the Father, and be led by the Spirit so that "the joy of the Lord would truly be each one's strength"

That a holy passion would be rekindled throughout our 1024 members for reaching the goal of vibrant biblically obedient reproducing house churches becoming a reality among all the MUPGs over 100k.

That we and our sister agencies in vision 5:9 would actually see God enable us to reach that goal!

That throughout our Sending bases, I.O. and the field teams, we would continually recommit ourselves to "enduring hardship", expulsions, illnesses, injuries and death" for the sake of Christ's Kingdom among the Muslims-"whatever it takes".

That the Lord of the Harvest would supply co-workers in every region with all the giftings needed:

• Leadership with faith
• ground-breaking apostles
• evangelists
• healing
• discernment/wisdom (prophetic)
• pastoral, intercessors
• administrators
• givers
• helpers
• knowledge (accumulators)

That we might continually put a smile on the Father's face!

"Many of us live to see Revelation 5:9 and 7:9 realized,

...but we neglect the fact that it isn't going to happen without 6:9"

"When did you last ponder how 'up to date' is our Lord's promise and warning?

 "Some will kill you thinking they are doing God a favour" (John 16:2)