Here is a word from Eldos

I am in Texas for a training session. This Sunday we were visiting on church and twice I shared my testimoney with them - in English! Then Sergey spoke of our ministry. Though this is not all that large a church, the people are so open for ministry. So encouraging.

God does certainly work miraculously through all kindsof circumstances. Last week we were in Dallas for training. On the second day we had an assignment to find someone and share the gospel. I thought, "Where can I go? I don't know English well, and am not comfortable in this culture. I will just go along and pray." I went along with Matt and Sergey to work out. And interestingly, God had me meet a young man named Sergey. Three years ago he was adopted by a family in the states. Every week he goes to church, but only goes because of his parents. He considers himself more Orthodox. I was able to share the Gospel with him, going into detail, and told him how very important it was to have a relationship with God. I was able to get his e-mail address, and have begun sharing topics to search in the Bible. Amazing.

In a couple of days we went to another place. There I met Rustem. He and his family moved from Turkmenistan. They live a region for refugees. Though he considers himself a Muslim and goes to the mosque every week, nonetheless he listened patiently to the Gospel. We were able to communicate in Kazakh and Turkmen (similar Turkic languages).

Praise God that He can use even me in my weakness and helplessness, showing His strength.

Kazakhstan: Ongoing evangelist

Evangelists Noyan and Gulhan keep sharing their faith and guiding others to do so. Just this week 6 folks came to Christ in one meeting, and another 2 just yesterday. All have immediately begun discipleship. Please pray continued effectiveness in evangelism, and pray for serious commitment in discipleship.

One man who recently came to faith was born in another persecuted country, and many of his relatives are still there. He has asked Noyan to travel with him to visit all the relatives and share his new faith. Please pray for the ability to get visas, and for safe travel so that these relatives also have the opportunity to hear the gospel. Pray for this new believer to be rooted and grounded in truth.

Almas shares about Intercession

In the past, when I read the Bible, I really read it thinking I had an understanding of what was there. But now, I read seeking what I have not known before, what I need to learn anew, what God is teaching me now.

One of the things that I read in Exodus had new impotus. Exodus 28: 9-12

Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel in the order of their birth—six names on one stone and the remaining six on the other. Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings and fasten them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear the names on his shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.

This got me to thinking about Aaron’s responsibilities of representing the people before God and leading them to God. Aaron was to bear the names as a memorial before the Lord – to represent the people before God and lead the people to God. I am a pastor, and as such I have similar responsibilites with my small flock. Of course, they can all access God directly – I’m know that I don’t replace Christ in that role. But as their pastor I do represent them, as their leader, before God. And of course am responsible for pointing them to God.

As I meditated on this, I started writing down the names of all the leaders in my church, then everyone. I laid this list before God and began praying for them. And I carry this list with me, that whenever I stand before God (whether in personal prayer or in corporate worship) I can carry their names as a memorial before God. God sees each person, whether I carry my list or not. The issue is with me. As I carry their names with me I am reminded of my responsibilities, the burden of leadership. This has really helped me keep me from arrogance about my grand title of “pastor.” And I pray for them, either individually or as a group, each time I pray.

Just recently I was reading in Numbers. Numbers 14: 19-20

[Moses asked] “In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now.” The LORD replied, “I have forgiven them, as you asked.

God said he would no longer go with Israel. Moses appealed to God to forgive the Israelites even though He had decided to wipe them out, and God forgave them. This hit me. Changed me. This helped me in huge ways to intercede for others. Moses stood up to God when He was steaming mad. Moses saved Israel in a manner of speaking. He interceded. He carried the names of Israel before God, as Aaron’s priestly garments suggest the high priest did. Intercession is so key.

I am happy to know that people are praying for me (my director, our supporters, others) just as I am praying for others. I am pleased to know that they are there. And others can be encouraged because I / we are praying for them. Knowing that people are praying for us – I know that all will be OK. And when we pray for others – all will be OK.