"...Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer...Rejoice with them that do rejoice and weep with them that weep..."
Romans 12:12&15
Why are we here? To have a good time? To enjoy life? To get something out of what we do? I don't think so. I am thankful that I can say with assurance that every one of our team here have come with the purpose of bringing Christ to others...and bringing others to Christ. It is so important to reach out with His love and be His arms and His hands as we take part in the lives of those He brings across our path. Sometimes, though, it is hard to keep this constantly first and foremost in our thoughts. Sometimes it hurts to love. Here are a few thoughts and conversations the Lord has used recently to remind me of this important truth.
"What is the difference between knowing and KNOWING God? How can I really KNOW Him?"
A friend in Kinmen
"Thank you for praying...when you pray I feel calmer and that helps me a lot."
A student about his recent exams
"Is Joy different than Happiness? What can bring real Joy?"
A friend in Kinmen
"I have never seen my mother...and I don't know my father very well...he is really great, but I don't see him that often."
A dorm kid
"Well...he has a difficult situation... He doesn't have a mother, so all his teachers love him as a son. He needs love and attention."
A teacher about a rather energetic and naughty student
"I have really enjoyed living with you...you have really made me like part of a family. It is hard for me to go, but I have to."
Our serviceman the day before leaving Kinmen
"Sometimes thinking of the spiritual warfare that these kids are facing, and knowing that Christ's power in us is strong enough to overcome it, I just want to throw myself between our kids and these powers and say, 'Leave them alone!' Then I remember, Jesus has already done that on the cross."
A team mate
"This burden that I have for the people of Taiwan hurts so much, but I don't want it ever to go away...I want to always be able to weep for them."
Another team mate
"I have never felt so driven to prayer. I am past the point of trying to help them on my own...this is His work...not mine. I pray that I will be a usable vessel in His hands."
A team member
"When we work, WE work...when we pray, GOD works. Pray until something happens."
A friend in Taipei
"Oh Mom, sometimes I think it would be easier if I didn't care or love at all. Then my heart wouldn't be breaking over these kids and the decisions they are making...but if I didn't care I wouldn't be in Taiwan to begin with, would I?? And didn't our Lord's love for us bring Him pain and suffering? OK...pressing on in His name..."
A conversation with my mother
"Remember, when talking to the Asian about Christ, to point out that He is the WAY - His priciples and virtues are best. He is the TRUTH - His Word is the only truth, and His Gospel our only hope of salvation. He is the LIFE - He alone can bring meaning and purpose to life...only a personal relationship with Him can change a person."
A visiting pastor from Singapore
"I don't know Jesus."
"I know. That is why we came to Kinmen...to tell you who He is so you can come to know Him too."
A conversation with a student
"For I am with thee...and I have much people in this city..."
Acts 18:10
Keep praying for Kinmen. God is doing a work here...His hand is moving in people's hearts and lives, including ours. Sometimes we can't see what He is doing...sometimes it looks like He is not working at all...but that is what faith is all about. I'm glad that the way to have faith strengthened is not by striving after great faith, but simply by resting in His faithfulness. Our God is mighty and strong! We can trust Him fully...those who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.
"We can't see God's hand, but we can trust His heart."
Our pastor's wife
Rebekah Gilley
Kinmen Island
