Posts

The Greatest Act of the Human Will | Reflections on Maundy Thursday

Image
The day was pregnant with anticipation, like a heavy fog hanging in the air. There was a solemnness etched in Jesus’ face that penetrated to the hearts of the disciples. The things Jesus talked about these days were more and more difficult to hear, to accept. Surely the time had come for Jesus to conquer Rome and bring the Kingdom here on earth, the disciples thought. But Jesus kept talking about disturbing things, like eating His flesh and drinking His blood. He talked about suffering and dying. He said He was going away. It just didn’t make sense. It was Thursday, the day of the Passover meal. As the disciples prepared to celebrate with Jesus every sense was heightened, as if waiting for something to happen. Jesus knew the time had come. All of human history had been waiting for this moment, and the waiting was almost done. Tomorrow would be the day He would do what He came to do. But first, today. Today to bring new things to life and old things to a close. During the Passover meal ...
Post a Comment
Read more

It Was the Very First Time They Ever Experienced God’s Presence

Image
Have you ever uncovered someone’s story that helped you understand where they were coming from? Many times it takes just a listening ear and a willing heart to recognize—and see beyond a face—the soul of a precious human being. Everyone has a story and many of those stories need a shoulder to lean on. Gospel for Asia-supported-workers are oftentimes these listening ears to those around them. Their loving lives are helping break through the emotional walls of individuals and families who are struggling or in great need. This is exactly what God did through GFA-supported pastor Jaldev. Uncovering Chunmay’s Story It was a mystery what that house in the middle of the village held. The secret was not immediately told to Gospel for Asia ( GFA)-supported pastor Jaldev, but a little boy from the village challenged him to find out. He said if Pastor Jaldev was a true servant of Christ and cared for others, then he would go and visit the family that lived in that house. Pastor Jaldev made the j...
Post a Comment
Read more

Since 1993, I Have Learned to Observe Good Friday on My Knees

Image
Holding the Broken Body of Christ , by Karen Burton Mains On Good Friday, 1993, around noon, I slipped into the chapel of the nearby Episcopal church where I prayed weekly for an hour or so and was surprised by something I saw. Someone had positioned a low table before the altar. On it was set a linen cloth, a small crucifix, a pottery chalice filled with wine, and an earthenware plate holding Communion wafers. A woman bustled in the nearby sacristy. I called out to her, “What a wonderful aid to prayer!” Often when my mind is wandering, it helps to have some token on which to fix my eyes. Postcards sent by friends are tucked in my desk organizer, a fixed point of beauty from which to build a center for concentration. “Did you arrange this?” I asked. Still finishing her tasks, she paused, calling back that the Communion elements were brought from the previous evening’s Maundy Thursday service as a reminder to keep vigil over the broken body of Christ. Then, her work completed, she lef...
Post a Comment
Read more

Palm Sunday – Preparing Our Hearts for Jesus

Image
Most of Israel’s existence has been spent surrounded by antagonistic countries both big and small. Whether in modern or biblical times, super powers like Egypt, Babylon, Assyria or Arab nations have threatened to wipe it out of existence. Or smaller harassment’s like Philistine giants, terrorist bombings and daily barrages of rockets threaten the lives of its people. Despite this, the people of Israel have almost always had a hope of a deliverer. Like every nation, this hope is kindled whenever a new political party comes into power. The possibility for positive change and freedom from oppression entices the hopes and dreams of its people. Hope can easily interpret other changes as signs that deliverance may come. Take, for instance, the possibility of the U.S. embassy moving to Jerusalem. Could that be a sign that more positive things are still to come? Or what about the hope of years ago: Is this prophet going to deliver us from the Romans? When something happens in any national capi...
Post a Comment
Read more

Spiritual Momentum Attracts Fierce Spiritual Resistance

Image
Momentum is not easy to capture. I am using that word to describe a force that starts to pick up steam and for a while appears to be almost unstoppable. In the religious world I would describe times of authentic revival as extended periods of incredible spiritual momentum. I am aware that some people have negative feelings about the term revival. Consequently, I am attempting to use a different word to describe those occasions when the Kingdom of God is marked by truly outstanding advances, such as what is recorded in the book of Acts. Seasoned Christian leaders—men and women who have been around for a while—talk often among themselves, and also when they are alone, they speak with the Lord about how to recapture that dynamic the New Testament church once possessed. They also study past revival-periods to see what can be learned from our more successful predecessors. How did they capture the spiritual momentum they knew? And what are we missing that hinders us from another such season ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Gospel for Asia’s Children’s Ministry Is a Bridge of Hope to Kids in Asia

Image
Children attending any GFA Bridge of Hope program learn to read and write, gain positive study habits, are provided with a healthy meal, receive medical care as needed, are shown God’s loving-kindness, and develop the HOPE that their education will one day help them shake off the weight of poverty. One of our Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastors said something both sad and ironic several years ago: “ Nobody cares about the children of this village .” While, in his eyes, his statement seemed to be true, the irony is that it was not entirely so. The mere fact that he said it indicated that he cared . In fact, he admitted, “I have a great burden for this village.” The reason he cared is that he knew that Jesus cares . The village of which he spoke is home to 2,000 impoverished families whose daily need is survival. Their entire life is consumed with laboring to feed themselves and their families. Their fight for survival means their children are forced to work in laborious and tedious ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Gospel for Asia: BioSand Water Filters Bring Hope & Health to Families in Need

Image
“Water is life, and clean water is health.“ — Audrey Hepburn Clean, pure water. It really is the stuff of life. And it’s such a non-issue in the Western world. When we need a drink, we turn on the tap. But for millions of men, women and children living in places across Asia and Africa, access to clean water is more than just a challenge; for many, it doesn’t exist. Imagine for a moment preparing a simple meal for yourself or your children. You’ve probably made breakfast thousands of times. Now imagine that the only available water is contaminated with bacteria, heavy metals and even feces. Imagine what it’s like to feel thirsty or hungry and have no other option. Can you? That’s not the setting for a dramatic movie script; it’s real life. And it’s why Gospel for Asia (GFA) strives every day to help families in Asia gain access to clean, healthy water, through solutions like BioSand water filters. They are simple, effective and can change a family’s life. The Need for Clean Water Can’t...
Post a Comment
Read more