Studying the mission of God throughout the Old and New Testaments has been a very revealing study. I have enjoyed learning to look for the ways in which God works through His people to be a light to the nations of the world. Obviously, we know that Christians today have the responsibility of being this light. We are to reflect the light of Christ in our lives in ways to help others find the hope God provides through His Son.
What is the mission of God? In a word, we would understand it as salvation. From the promise made to Abraham to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, and until the return of our Lord, the thread of mission is seen in scripture and must be the heartbeat of our lives today. We could examine several areas that play a significant part of this mission, but one will suffice for this report.
Over and over in the Old Testament, God emphasizes that the greatness His power and name will be made known among the nations through His people. Nehemiah reported how the hand of his God had been favorable to him (Nehemiah 2:18). Considering the development of the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver and the work of Extension Training around the world, it does not take long to see how the hand of our God has been favorable to us.
Reading through each of the reports on a weekly basis is a continual reminder of the greatness of God’s name and power. We do not have to look very far to see God’s hand at work in the lives of hundreds and thousands of souls, and how favorable His hand has been to us. It is a privilege and honor to work along side of these men and women and to share in God’s mission.
I urge you to take time to consider how God has worked in your life and why. God blesses us, not to make our path convenient or comfortable. He blesses us so that He might be glorified. We are to lift up His name and share with others how the power of God has worked in our lives to bless us, spiritually and physically. As you read the reports this week, notice how God’s mission is being fulfilled in some incredible ways around the world.
Now on to the other reports...
Coordinator Updates
Reports from the coordinators are now located on the website, under Staff Reports. The address is /extension-schools/
Donnie Bates’ latest report can be read by clicking here.
Extension Reports
L.S.T. and Gospel Chariot in Chimala: The work in Chimala continues to involve a number of areas for outreach. Chad Wagner’s report shares the news.
Summer Classes Come To An End: Tony Johnson shares news about the end of the quarter and outreach in Tamale, Ghana.
Evangelism, Edification And Edifice: The church in Paraguay is growing and preparing for the first class of students to begin in March.
Let Them Eat...Snake: Among all the challenges of culture in different countries, it is interesting to see the culinary differences.
Final Thoughts
I am thankful to always close with a word of gratitude. There is not a day goes by that I do not think about all of you and the sacrifices you make to help this work grow and enjoy success. God has blessed the work richly. The men and women who are laboring in the field are truly an example of the dedication and sacrifice to ensure the gospel is preached around the world. Your willingness to pray for, encourage, and help with the financial needs of the work also serve as example of how this partnership works. Thank you!
God bless
Bob