September 2008
The world's attention this past month has focused on China as many of the world's best athletes competed. Interestingly, the western Church's attention has also focused on China as we witness the amazing growth and impact of the Chinese Church.
In an excellent book on the missional church called The Forgotten Ways, Alan Hirsch shares principles he's observed in the Chinese house church movement that are consistent with the practices of the early church. He describes "Uncle L" who is leading an underground house church movement of three million Christians. Uncle L had "no official learning, had no administration and control of the tens of thousands of house churches, and yet his influence and teaching were felt throughout his movement. How did he do this? The only way that this is achieved is through the exercise of a genuine spiritual authorizing for leadership" (119). That is astounding.
Spiritual authority and humility are a potent combination. They are evident wherever the Church is growing. We have many distractions here in the West which place the wrong price tags on what's important in life and in the Church. Sensational experiences, healthy budgets, and well run structures all command our respect and attention. What attracts God's attention and the outpouring of His presence?
I was reading Isaiah recently and his prophecy closes with a vision of a new heaven and a new earth. God's desire is to live in communion with his creation. Then he asks and answers his own question, "Where will my resting place be?" In other words, where will I pour out my presence? "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word" (Is 66:2).
Humility, contrition of heart, and responding to the word of the Lord draw God's presence. God is pouring out his Spirit on China - but he desires to do the same all over the earth. Our mission is to walk with God and invite others to do the same. Long after the memories and glory of the Olympics fade, God's Kingdom and mission will endure. That's the real story coming out of China these days!
Ministry Highlights
-230 adults and children attended "Family Encounter," hosted by MB Mission workers Einer & Girlesa Zuluaga, in Panama last month. One couple chose to be married during the event, after having lived together several years. Numerous men acknowledged their need for God in their daily lives and pledged to be more present in their families while others decided to accept the saving grace of the Lord Jesus. Glory to God!-God continues to raise up new missionaries to serve him in global missions. 11 missionary candidates will be arriving in Abbotsford this month to participate in our Missionary Training and Equiping, and 3 MTE participants from 2007-2008 are in the final stages of mobilization on their way to cross-cultural assignments.
Items for Prayer
-19 young adults begin the training phase of our TREK program on September 7. As they enter this time of intense discipleship, preparation and team-building, pray that they encounter Jesus and are well-prepared for ministry in an international, cross-cultural environment alongside long term missionaries.-Pray for John and Evelyn Wiens as they continue language learning and relationship building while they settle in to life in Ukraine. They continue to find many opportunities to share the gospel with new acquaintances and neighbors.
Until all have heard,
Randy Friesen
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