Friday, September 10, 2010

Run the Race with Endurance

In Hebrews 12:1, Paul tells us to, "...run with endurance the race that is set before us."  Paul understood that this life is a marathon that can only be won if we have the stamina to hang in there the whole race.

We westerners suffer from a lack of endurance. Our society is constantly on the move, and surveys show that at least 50% of engaged couples occasionally think that if their marriage doesn't work out they can always just try again. It's much easier for us to walk away, give up and become bitter than to endure to the end. It's uncommon even in the church today to find this sense of permanency and commitment in the face of difficulty that the Bible talks about in following Jesus.

Especially if you are a young person, I want to encourage you to hold on to the word "endurance." Paul wrote to his young friend Timothy, "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Jesus Christ."
(2 Tim. 2:3)   In other words, although enduring hardship is difficult hang on to it, because it will help you grow spiritually and become more Christ-like.

I want to encourage you to think about 10, 20, or 40 years down the road, when your race is over. You should be able to say, "I ran the race well." Whatever discouragements and difficulties we face right now are not the end of the world. They are only temporary afflictions. God has already given us His grace to win the victory. Don't give up, keep running the race!

Prayer Points:
Prayer for Christians who face extreme persecution in India will remain steadfast through the grace of God
Pray that God would protect Christians from the many disasters that hit this country
Pray for strengthening and the multiplication of new churches
Pray that thousands of people will be reached by the gospel

Check out our website for opportunities to pray for the Persecuted Church in India

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Back to School Blues?

I can't believe another summer is rapidly drawing to a close. Parents are feeling relieved that a more consistent routine will soon follow. Of course, the children are torn between the excitement of a new school year and the back to school blues.

In India the school year has already begun. But for many children in India, attending school is only a dream due to either a lack of money or their responsibility to help the family earn income in the fields. The idea of "back to school blues" would never even occur to them!

The father of seven year old Sayi  was a farm laborer, one of the lowest paid and hardest jobs in their
village. One day  his father was paralyzed by a stroke and soon died. Sayi's mother died a short time later from heart disease because she couldn't afford surgery. Without his parents, he was left to fend for himself on the street with little food, no shelter, and unable to go to school.

Because of your generosity to AIM's Children's Home fund, Pastor Johnpaul was able to take him in and  provide him with food to eat, the knowledge of a loving God, and a continuing education. He can now look toward a brighter future.

Would You Help?
For only $30 a month you can give the gift of an education, a healthier life, and the knowledge of a loving Savior through the sponsorship of a neglected child.
Please help us complete the new Children's Home so we can provide for an additional 100 children with a special gift of:
$25 - $50 - $100 - $200

You can go HERE to Donate.


If you have ever considered going to India, allow me to encourage you to start seriously praying about joining an Asia International Mission Team. I promise it will change your life.
You don't need any special skills or training, just willing hands and a loving heart. Apply for a team today by going to Short Term Missions, and be ready for the adventure of a lifetime! 



Prayer Points:
The completion of the new Children's Home
New sponsors
More prayer partners
Hearts would be open to the gospel