The Race Of Grace...

Just about anyone who has followed the call into foreign missions over the past 50 years has done so at least partially by the inspiration of Nate Saint, Jim Elliot and their 3 companions who gave their lives for the gospel.  Today, I stood in the same Ecuadorian jungle that now rings with songs of faith from the lives of those same Indians who have found love, joy, peace and grace in the Lord. 

Thanks to great ministries like HCJB, Wycliffe Bible Translators and Missionary Aviation Fellowship (among others), God’s work has not stopped here despite the most difficult of circumstances.  It’s times like this when you count it a privilege to stand side-by-side with those who chose to fight the good fight and finish the course.  Is the course finished in Ecuador?  Depends on who you ask.  Ecuadorian churches are now sending missionaries to other tribes and countries.  Their radio ministries are reaching out beyond their borders as well.

The collaboration of the saints to effectively deliver the gospel message has been part of the missions design integrated by Christ Himself.  It was with great joy that we take the baton from those who have carried it before us in this great race that we run.

I’ve never been so excited about mission work and mission partnerships – which when properly formed and configured can reach an entire country with the gospel.  As WBFJ maintains our on-going partnership with HCJB Global, we look forward to assisting their efforts in some of the neediest areas of our world.  As we enlist your participation in this effort, each of us can do so with the greatest of confidence that someday someone will stand to testify like I did today about the changed lives that can change an entire community.

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.”   Isaiah 9:2

Hard to "corner" a round world...

Radio is not the common denominator – the love of Christ is actually the bond of similarity that connects of all nations for a common goal.  It is that same love that will one day unite the same at the throne of the Father.

Having the opportunity to see first-hand 2 churches operating radio stations in an effort reach their community for Christ, reestablished in my mind the same desire that should rest in the heart of every believer.

The first, Radio Punta (in the city of Ibarra), rests in a nice church building and has been blessed by station partnership from the U.S.  Even still, they operate on a limited budget with an all volunteer staff and eagerly await their AM signal to be transferred to FM.

Quichua Radio was found in the most obscure location.  In a small church building in middle of a pasture on a remote mountainside, a pastor, his family and small congregation have established the only Christian voice in the native language.  In fact, there is only one other signal available in this language.  Broadcasting 4 hours a day (4AM-6M, 7PM-9PM), 6 days a week, this is mission radio at its’ basic form (evangelizing the unbeliever, discipling the Christian).

To share a chilly afternoon on a smoky mountainside was a privilege to long remember.  Knowing that god is guiding each of us with His love and grace broadens my perspective even more on the heart of the Lord for His children.  I am thankful that our fleeting moment of friendship will expand into the everlasting.

“…you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.”   Acts 15:7b-9

CRISTO VIVE!

You always wonder about those certain aspects of life that transcend differences in culture.  Especially when it comes to the way the Body Of Christ relates in other parts of the world.   Day One in Ecuador provided initial insights to life of a people struggling between maintaining an ethnic identity and finding a new one.  It also gave another opportunity to see that “my own little world” can often contain the comfort zone of the States.  The words of Matthew West rang thru my head all day as God unveiled His greater plan that extends far beyond the familiar.  It’s times like this when you realize how awesome it is to partner with groups like HCJB Global who actively inject international society with the gospel message in a way that best intersects their lives and their culture.  

What if there’s a bigger picture

what if I’m missing out

What if there’s a greater purpose

I could be living right now

outside my own little world

Start breaking my heart for what breaks Yours

give me open hands and open doors

put Your light in my eyes and let me see

that my own little world is not about me