August 2011

Jesus understands suffering (Isaiah 53:3-6). He sees those who suffer on the margins. As he directed Philip to cross paths with the Ethiopian eunuch 2000 years ago (Acts 8), Jesus continues to orchestrate encounters between His followers and “the least” of our time.

Recently, an MB worker in East Asia shared how she saw a woman in a soiled red sweater with a baby (QQ) on her lap. A second glance revealed that QQ had an unrepaired cleft lip. The mother sat on a brown burlap sack with her legs gathered up underneath her, her face downcast. Random coins lay scattered across the large handwritten sign in front of her.

The begging mother only spoke her ethnic minority dialect so they struggled to communicate. The MB worker and her daughters felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to show compassion. One daughter whispered, “We need an angel.” Soon a young man had come to join their intimate circle. He introduced himself as a post-graduate college student and an English major.

The mother sobbed. Eight months earlier, her husband had sent her away because QQ had been born with a special need. He knew they could never afford the surgery to restore his lip. The mother, however, was unwilling to abandon her son. She had left her remote village and come to the city to find food.

Although they lacked the financial resources, the MB worker and her daughters offered to help. They prayed. Through a myriad of divine appointments, doctors, translators, hospital care and finances were provided. On the day of QQ’s surgery, his father traveled from the village home to see the miracle himself. When QQ was released, the father brought the mother back to their home and the family was restored.

But, who would share the good news of Jesus with this family? God provided a ministry partner to speak the exact dialect of QQ’s family! On her first visit to QQ’s home, she shared the food of heaven! In the vast expanse of God’s power and provision, the family, living in a remote minority village, has now heard the gospel of Jesus Christ in their own language. They were eager to know why they had been helped and wanted to give an answer to the others in the village who had witnessed this miracle.

Jesus sees those who suffer, even the least of our world.

Ministry Highlights

Over the past year, New Hope Church in Ukraine has grown from 35 people to up to 85 people. In the past two months, 4 young people chose to follow Jesus! God is drawing people to Himself as church members reach out with the life-changing message of the Gospel! Pray for MB Mission workers John & Evelyn Wiens as they disciple new believers and train future leaders.

84 participants joined us for ACTION this summer! Teams served alongside MB Mission workers in Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Central Asia, DR Congo (2 teams), Japan (2 teams), and Thailand (5 teams). Praise God! He deserves the glory for all that was accomplished through the ministry of each team!

Items for Prayer

Pray for Team 58:12 in Central Asia. They recently returned from a ‘scouting trip’ where they visited several different cities that are possible locations for future ministry. Pray that the team will be attentive to God’s leading and guidance and that God will reveal a deeper understanding of His heart for this nation to them.

The annual women’s conference in N. Africa is taking place this month. Pray that the leaders, speakers, counselors, and the conference committee would be led by God’s Spirit as they minister to hurting women. Pray that many women will be drawn to Jesus and will experience spiritual renewal. Pray that these women will be catalysts for transformation in their homes and communities.

 Vision for Mission