Jesus Loves You!
If you are a Christian, you’ve undoubtedly heard John 3:16 multiple times. In fact, this is the verse we, as a body, usually quote when sharing the Gospel with others.
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
However, “Jesus loves you” is not just some cliché we should say when preaching and demonstrating the Gospel. This simple term has such a profound effect on our salvation and eternal destination.
How Jesus Demonstrates His Love
Out of Jesus’ love for us, the eternal, all-powerful Son of God left Heaven and chose to be limited to a mortal body. He chose to live like a man, just like us, to seek and save that which was lost (Luke 19:10).
Because Jesus so loved us, He died a sinner’s death on the cross, even though He was sinless, to be the ultimate offering and sacrifice that we may make right before God.
For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
The Bible is full of verses showing that Jesus loves us unconditionally and eternally. He would die on that cross even if it were just for you alone. Such is the love of Jesus for you and for me.
The Love of God is Unfailing
God’s love is unchanging, steady, and unwavering. Despite our shortcomings, sin, and tendency to drift away from God, God’s love calls us back to Him. God’s love is constant, healing, soothing, and a source of safety in a world where giving and receiving love is often fleeting and conditional.
The Bible reminds us that God’s love is constant, unchanging, and unconditional. Because there is no comparison, God’s love cannot be compared to human relationship love.
Psalm 136:26 says, “Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.”
Thus, when we declare “Jesus loves you,” it needs to come from a heart of faith and boldly shared out of love for the eternal destiny of others as well.
It’s more than a slogan or something you wear on your shirt. It needs to be demonstrated by how we live and treat others.
Humanity’s Need to Be Loved
If you’ve ever reached a moment in your life when you don’t know how to find peace anymore, having tried every promise of the world and still remain empty, it’s probably because you have not allowed Jesus Christ into your heart to fill the empty hole that only He can fill. No accomplishment, act of service, or romantic relationship can fill that hole.
This need is not something that can be ignored. Either you realize your desperate need for God and embrace Him, or you hate how His truth exposes your own sinful nature and try to run away from Him. The fact that we have all sinned and desperately need Him in our lives is a fact that cannot be altered. Rather than trying to change this eternal truth, we can just embrace the cure.
God is the only one that can fill this hole
God created us because He loves us. He gave us free will because it allows us to respond freely to that love.
Jesus’ life was His way of saying, “I love you.” We can trust Him with anything, even our love. When you tell someone that “Jesus Loves You,” it’s the same as saying that “God is on your side.”
“Jesus Loves You” is a significant term many well-meaning believers use as a simple and quick way to encourage, exhort, and empower others.
The Bible says this,
“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)
The power of the Gospel is available to “those who believe.” This powerful statement can change lives, impact generations, and draw people closer to God. Moreover, there needs to be physical evidence of this good news in your way of life.
John 1:14 says,
“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”
Jesus Christ is the Word. He wants to dwell among us, be part of our lives, and have communion and a loving relationship with Him. Whenever we declare His Word and Him to others, the Word can also become alive in them, dwell with them, and become a living, breathing experience.
A Love that Loves to Love
What makes God’s love different from our love is the selflessness of His love, known as agape. Agape loves for totally selfless reasons. We love because of how the person we are loving makes us feel, or because of how much joy loving them gives us. No matter how selfless it may seem, the love we show almost always has a hidden benefit for us. God’s love is pure agape – His love is not driven by what He gets out of it. He simply loves because He is love.
With all this in mind, the way we love others is by letting God use us to show love to others. A simple gift, a small note of encouragement, or words of encouragement can change someone’s life when it’s led by the Holy Spirit. Listen for His leading, and then do the simple act that He is calling you. It is as simple as that.
Conclusion
The world desperately needs salvation, wisdom, hope, freedom, real peace, love, and much more! All this can be found in Jesus alone.
The next time you declare this statement, “Jesus Loves You,” let your faith be the fuel behind it, see how it brightens someone’s day, and introduce God’s amazing love to those God sends your way.
Jesus Loves You!
Learn more about compassionate discipleship through Global Disciples Canada. We aim to multiply the disciples of Jesus Christ and spread His Good News by educating leaders in some of the most remote places in the world. Contact us and join us in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ worldwide.
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time when many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and practical training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!
Discover the true meaning of repentance in prayer in the Christian faith. Find out how it can bring joy and freedom in your life.
Repentance is the key to connecting with God and finding a life of freedom. Repentance is about realizing that we do not have the strength within ourselves to live a holy life. That we will never be able to obtain that strength through our own means. And that we are all in need of Jesus Christ.
He DOES have that strength to help and He draws nears to us when we ask Him (Psalm 34:18).
You may wonder how we can start praying with an attitude of repentance.
Below is a brief outline that will hopefully help you approach prayer in a way that will change your life.
Understanding Repentance in Prayer
Ecclesiastes 5 tells us to approach God with few words and rather go before Him to listen than to speak. This is because we need to be aware that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
He is infinitely more loving, kinder, and trustworthy than we are.
Hearing what He has to say to us first allows us to receive instruction from the ultimate architect of creation. While God absolutely loves to hear our concerns, we are reminded that it is better to listen for His loving voice. Rather than beginning our prayers with a list of requests and demands, we listen for Him first
Repentance of our sinful nature, rather than only one sin
A preacher once wisely said that it is not so much each individual sin that we commit that needs to be listed in our prayer, but rather the much wider concept that we are sinful by nature.
In other words, rather than listing each sin committed throughout the last week, we can rather confess to God that our thoughts, actions, and emotions are naturally drawn towards the sinful and that we cry out for His help to be transformed in our thoughts and actions so that we can live more holy lives. Even the greatest missionary of all time struggled with sin (Romans 7:18-25) and cried out to God for help in living a pure life.
Understanding The Joy Of Repentance
When you think of repentance, you may imagine yourself whipping your back and beating yourself down about how sinful you are.
The good news is that repentance is much, much more joyful than that. Yes, our sin is horrific. Our tendency to do evil is to be despised. But the simple reason why repentance is more joyful than self-loathing is that your attention is on Christ’s perfection and forgiveness, rather than your own shortcomings.
The difference between the agony of loathing yourself and the joy of true repentance is that true repentance keeps your focus on God, not yourself. You are only a point of reference for seeing why God is worthy of our praise. You are not the focal point. Look to Him, and you will experience true joy and freedom!
The reason why focusing on Christ gives us a joyful perspective of repentance is because all of our sins, which come with a penalty of death, have ALREADY been paid for by the horrific death of the perfect, sinless messiah, Jesus Christ. His sacrifice paid for our sins (John 3:16).
Repentance Is Our Choice
The gift of Christ dying for our sins is a free gift. However, like any gift, it needs to be received. We are invited to accept the gift of Christ’s forgiveness, but until we receive it, it does not become part of our story. The key to accepting this gift is our own repentance. It is only by acknowledging our sin that we can see our need for a savior and embrace the gift of His salvation.
How to pray
With a better understanding of what repentance is and how it applies to us, we can look at how we should pray. Jesus’ disciples asked him directly and he gave them a detailed prayer to use in Luke 11.
An important part of this prayer is the phrase “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.”
In order for our repentance to be effective, we need to choose to forgive others that have wronged us. Knowing that everybody has sinned and we are all in need of salvation can help us to forgive others. Forgiving others is not an emotion. We may be struggling with anger, bitterness, or disgust at how someone else has treated us, and choosing to forgive them may not relieve those emotions, at least not immediately, but we still need to make the decision to forgive them.
Understanding Repentance Through Personal Prayer
Speak it. Declare it. Ignore your feelings for a moment and make the choice to forgive, so that you can live in freedom. You forgive so that you can live in freedom, regardless of whether or not the other person accepts the forgiveness offered to them.
When you pray, declare out loud for yourself that you realize you cannot earn God’s glory, you need God’s forgiveness through the death of His son Jesus Christ, and you accept Jesus into your heart. Invite Him to live in your heart forever, so that by His strength you can pursue a life of holiness.
Conclusion
Repentance is traditionally seen as an agonizing self-despising, but it is actually intended to be a joyful experience, where we see our own shortfalls and embrace Christ’s perfection to set us free from our own sin.
When you see repentance in that light, you can eagerly find more things in your life that you can confess to God as stopping you from obtaining His glory, and find joy in the truth that Christ has set you free!
Who Are Global Disciples?
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups.
We live in a time when many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and practical training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their nations and cultures.
Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you want a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!
Read on to discover how to be a powerful ambassador for Jesus and learn how to spread the Gospel effectively!
Ambassadors have a very significant role. They represent the country in a foreign land. While a president may be the head of a nation, meeting with heads of other nations, an ambassador is the representative of that nation in a foreign country.
The Bible calls us ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). This means that, while He intercedes before the Father for us (Romans 8:34), we represent Him, bringing the kingdom of God to those around us who do not know Him yet.
When we become Christians, we take on the responsibility of sharing the good news with others. This should be our primary focus and personal joy. As followers of Christ, we ought to be consumed with a zeal for thinking up new ways to share the Gospel.
Breaking Down the True Gospel
The central message of the Gospel is that Jesus Christ came to earth to rescue sinners. Our role is to help others find their way to Christ. We cannot lead people to make the right choice; we can only point them in the right direction and, with hearts filled with love for them, try and convince them why Christ is the answer to their deepest hunger and emptiness.
A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way
Jesus says that His burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30). This means that we don’t need to exhaust ourselves to the point of burnout trying to find the right way to evangelize. Simply reaching out to others, telling them that God loves them and sacrificed everything for them, is a great start. The Bible and involvement in a Spirit-led church and community are also vital as people navigate the nuances of their faith.
Negative experiences with Christians are a significant factor in many people abandoning their faith. When discussing matters of faith, it’s best to do it with an open mind and a kind heart.
If you approach others with kindness and the desire to share your beliefs, you could find that they are more receptive.
The Importance of Everyday Conversations
Sharing your beliefs openly and honestly in everyday situations is vital. There’s no need for a manual or blueprint for sharing the Gospel. The question, “Can I talk to you about Jesus?” can be an icebreaker.
Don’t assume anything about someone who avoids conversation with you. You can’t pressure someone to talk to you by raising your voice or trying to force them to.
Establishing credibility with others is essential before they open up to you meaningfully. Your patience will be rewarded.
Integrity is Recognized and Esteemed
Preaching to others is where some believers’ true colors start to show. They become “spiritual” and never question anything, worry about anything, or commit sins.
A person with such a high level of spirituality apparently cannot accept that they have a lot to learn about the perspectives of those who are not like themselves.
Sadly, not enough Christians today dare to tell it like it is. Some people are fearful that others will judge them negatively if they tell the truth.
Honesty is generally regarded as admirable. Christians gain more credibility when they stop seeing individuals as numbers or “sinners” and start treating them as whole beings.
What You Know Is What You Can Share
As you grow in your own faith, take time to consider how you can share the exciting things you discover with others. A vast majority of Christians have not put enough thought into their faith. If you read the Bible, pray, and learn about Christianity, you’ll realize that you, too, have a lot to say about God and the Good News.
Persevere and Think about the Long Term
An evangelist’s message should constantly focus on God’s grace and love, which resulted in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Christians need to remember that evangelism is not a one-and-done job. Trust that God will rescue those you care about as you try to convince them that Jesus is the way.
Conclusion
It may be highly satisfying to serve as an ambassador for Jesus and share His Good News with people. Remember that you are a representative of Jesus Christ and His message. Sharing your faith with others, engaging in missionary activity, and living a life that exemplifies Jesus’ teachings are all effective ways to further the spread of the Gospel.
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups.
We live in a time when many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and practical training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their nations and cultures.
Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!
Biruk is a church planter in Ethiopia.
His local cluster of churches uses our Global Disciples approach to equip disciple-makers to go out and plant churches among least-reached people. And recently, they added our small business training to give their church planters a means of support and a tool for sharing Jesus Christ.
Biruk finished the business training with a clear vision for reaching people with the Gospel. He started a tailoring business, rented a machine, and [began] sewing for people in his community.
One day, a woman came up whose daughter was possessed by demons.
Biruk prayed for her, and the daughter was delivered by the power of Jesus.
Biruk finds a place for his small business
The mother was so grateful, she helped Biruk find a place for his business. A space that he could also use for the new church!
When a local drug addict heard the message of Jesus, he put his faith in Christ. The Lord freed him from his addiction, and he was discipled by Biruk. He’s now a leader in the new church, an outspoken witness for Jesus. And Biruk helped him develop a shoe-cleaning business to support himself.
Biruk thought this was a good start but he had a vision for more.
A small business helps church plants
So, he built a team of disciples to take the Good News of Jesus to other least-reached communities. They planted 4 churches! And before he moved on, Biruk made sure that each new fellowship had a trained leader.
When he took his tailoring business to another community, he set up shop in the market and began sharing the Gospel as he worked.
He met several people who were caught up in witchcraft or possessed by evil spirits. When Biruk prayed for them in the name of Jesus, the demons were expelled, and the Holy Spirit came in power!
In just one day, 70 people put their faith in Jesus!
Biruk has now handed off leadership for this fellowship to another church planter from his small business training…and he’s ready to move to the next community.
He’s a man on a mission—using his small business to advance the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian missions organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!
Become a Global Disciples advocate and share inspiring stories of God moving around the world.
Together, we can advance the Kingdom of God!
Become An Advocate With Global Disciples
Did you know you can also help share the Good News? By becoming an advocate with Global Disciples you can play your part in Jesus’ Great Commission to least-reached people.
Advocates are simply people who speak or act on behalf of another person. An advocate for Global Disciples is someone who talks about us, shares our stories, and introduces our mission to people who aren’t yet connected to us.
When you get excited about what God is doing through Global Disciples, don’t keep it to yourself. Take a few minutes to talk about it with a friend or pastor, a local business person, or someone in your circle of influence. Help them learn more and perhaps connect with one of our team.
Don’t Do It Alone
You don’t have to do it alone. In several parts of Canada, advocates are working together to raise awareness and develop support for Global Disciples Canada. We can work with you, answering questions and providing resources, to build relationships and connections.
These are a few suggestions; look for ways to creatively make the most of opportunities as an advocate.
- Join our Monthly Prayer Letter and pray for least-reached people.
- Share or repost a story, blog post, or social update.
- Forward a copy of our Global Disciples Annual Report to a friend.
- Present the vision and mission of reaching least-reached people with a Bible study or missions team at church. Our video Within Reach can be a useful tool for this.
- Gather friends and host an evening of coffee and dessert to promote Global Disciples in your community.
- Suggest our book, Ordinary Disciples, Extraordinary Influence, for a Sunday school class or small group study.
Finding The Tools You Need Be An Advocate
You’ll find tools you can use at globaldisciples.ca/join-the-misson/advocate or contact our team at info@globaldisciples.ca to talk about becoming a Global Disciples Advocate.
Advocates are highly valued strategic partners, building connections between Global Disciples and people who share our passion for reaching the least-reached with the Good News of Jesus.
Don’t keep the Good News to yourself! Become an advocate—it’s an extraordinary way to influence others and invite them to participate in what God is doing in the world today!
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian missions organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!
God is moving all over the world.
He’s empowering people in many places, using hundreds of languages, to reach those in need of the life-changing message of the Gospel.
At Global Disciples, we’re privileged to serve those taking the Good News among least-reached people.
Yet, it’s hard work. It comes at a price.
Those taking the light of Jesus Christ into places where spiritual darkness has been firmly entrenched for thousands of years will often do so at a great personal cost.
The Cost Of Evangelism
There is a cost of evangelism. Are you willing to count the cost?
Recently, several program directors in South Asia reflected on the difficulty of sharing the Gospel and the opposition that they face as they seek to equip other followers of Jesus as disciples and church planters.
Pastor D* said, “In my area, there is tension, and conflict with the Buddhists.
Already seven pastors or evangelists have left because it is so difficult. I worry for the new believers who may not know how to stand in their faith.”
Pastor D explained that sometimes the local Buddhist monks would create trouble. When a visiting evangelist came to share the Gospel, he was arrested and put in jail, maybe for up to two years.
Evangelism Comes At A Price
Pastor D led an outreach and said, “In the evening, we showed the Jesus film in their language. But some officials came and gave us a hard time, so we didn’t have the freedom to share more. Many village leaders don’t like Christians. From time to time, the officials take us for questioning, and it’s difficult work.”
Another pastor works among a people group that has resisted the Gospel.
He said, “There are many villages where there are no Christians. And if someone becomes a Christian, the local village leaders take all their belongings—everything! So, it’s very hard for them to consider putting their faith in Jesus. Pray for these villages and this people group.”
Reaching the least-reached with the Good News of Jesus is hard work. It comes at a price.
But God has faithful servants around the world who are willing to pay the price, and fulfill His mission, no matter what difficulties they face. Praise God!
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian missions organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!
Read how God is spreading His message through faithful believers in Chad. Let their courage inspire you today!
A few years ago, God opened the door for Global Disciples to provide training for church clusters in the nation of Chad, in North Africa.
While only about 56 percent of Chadians claim to be Muslim, Islam is the dominant influence in government and trade.
Of the 148 people groups in Chad, nearly two-thirds of them are unreached with the Gospel.
It was exciting to see this door open.
God Opens Doors Through Pascal
And God has brought multiplication, good local leadership, and opportunities to reach the least-reached. Recently, the training directors for Chad and neighboring Niger got together an Annual Equipping Event and shared their stories.
A director named Pascal talked about the first training program. He said, “We had 14 participants and during the outreach, over 400 people came to faith in Christ, and we planted 6 churches.”
But he found the second year more challenging.
Another 14 participants were registered but only 6 showed up for the training. Pascal says, “This was not ideal but my brothers in the Lord encouraged me to start anyway.” And when it came time for outreach, Pascal said, “The Lord guided us to different areas, and with these six people, we saw 540 people turn to Christ and three churches that were birthed. We baptized many…and it was all because of the transformed lives of these six people!” Praise God!
Bekou’s Courage To Share The Gospel
Bekou also directs a discipleship-mission program. He said, “In our second year, we had thirteen complete the training and we went to the south of Chad for outreach. It was evident that many people were in need of the Word of God. During the outreach, more than 500 people placed their faith in Jesus Christ.”
Bekou said, “We also shared the Gospel with one imam—a local Muslim leader—and he responded by asking us to plant a church in his region! When I witnessed this, I realized this is no time to be shy. We must be full of courage and share the Gospel always!”
Have courage, share the Gospel—that’s true for each of us. And let’s rejoice and pray for God’s continued work in the nation of Chad.
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian missions organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!
As the new year begins, what will you be praying for? In Matthew 6:9-13 Jesus provides us a pattern of prayer that we could all follow.
“This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
As I pray, I begin by worshipping our Father God as Creator and Lord of the universe. Our all-powerful and all-knowing Father knows us completely yet still loves us. And welcomes each one as a son/daughter! I enjoy taking time to bask in that reality—in his perfect and unconditional love.
Then comes this line: Your kingdom come…
Lord, may your kingdom come in my life, in my thoughts and in my attitudes—and my motivations. Father, I am so easily distracted and so quick to feel frustrated or impatient. Holy Spirit, I need you to help me keep my eyes on Jesus—to see the world as He does. I want to be more like you, Jesus! To love as you love, to be moved by your compassion, to serve as you served…
Lord, may your kingdom come in my relationship with my wife and our kids, and our grandchildren. I want to represent You to them, to have my words, my responses, my actions and interactions to be more like you—more like you in my character, in the tone of my voice, in how I spend my time…
A Kingdom Prayer For The New Year
And Lord, may your kingdom come in their lives! I long for each one—my son and our daughters, and their spouses, and all their children—to love you with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength! From generation to generation until you return, Jesus, may they be sold out and fully surrendered to you! I’m believing for that. I’m crying out for Your Glory…
And oh Lord, may your kingdom come in and through the ministry of Global Disciples. Father, thank you for every member of our team around the world. They each are amazing gifts to this ministry and in my life. You’ve put this team together in such a masterful way. You’ve brought just the right people at the right time, though not always as quickly as I had hoped. You have done us well Jesus, so well!
As I walk around my neighborhood, Lord, may your kingdom come here where you’ve planted us, where we live. I get so busy going here and there, that sometimes I feel like a real failure as a witness for you here, Jesus. I want everyone in this neighborhood to know you. Some do, but many don’t. Oh Holy Spirit, I need your strategies and your love for each one imparted in my heart. I want to be compelled by your love, not guilt driven—but convicted of the importance of my witness here.
A New Year Prayer For The Future
I started with one phrase of a prayer burning on my heart, to see your kingdom come. There’s so much more I didn’t get to! I wonder if you didn’t expect that would happen, Jesus, when you gave us this sample prayer. Amen.
Where do you want to see God’s kingdom come in your life? In your family? Or in your community or church? In your business or labor or education? Or in your sphere of influence or the broader world? Then pray that, today and through the coming year.
And this year, as you pray “may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
– Galen Burkholder, CEO/Founder of Global Disciples
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian missions organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!
Join ordinary people around the world who continue to follow Jesus and share the true meaning of Christmas.
The birth of Jesus was the beginning of something the world had never seen! He modeled life for all of us—perfectly! And He sacrificed His life to save us from our sins—to save all people from their sins—so that each and every man, woman, and child can have a personal, life-transforming relationship with God.
Christmas And The Kingdom
The birth we celebrate was only the beginning of a mission we carry on today. Jesus, the baby worshiped by shepherds and kings, grew to teach and challenge and call others to follow Him. To build His kingdom.
To those who saw and listened, Jesus never built a church building. No glorious temple. No well-tuned school, organization, or institution. He traveled with little more than his clothes on his back and shoes on his feet. He sometimes “had no place to lay his head.” Even his grave was borrowed. It was hardly the making of a Kingdom.
When Jesus returned to heaven, having accomplished the mission of eternal life to all who believed, he left nothing behind. Nothing…but people.
The True Meaning Of Christmas
Just people. Men like Peter and John and Matthew. Women like Mary and Martha. Ordinary people—nothing to make them stand out in a crowd.
Except that they had walked with Jesus. Listened to Jesus. Put their life on the line to follow Him, and to live out His teaching.
Only people. Like you and me. Like the millions around the world who’ve heard the story and received the message of Jesus in faith. Those who continue to step out and follow Him, no matter where or what the cost. This Christmas, remember the blessing you have in knowing Christ. And join those who continue to build His Kingdom by sharing the Gospel with those still waiting to join us in this glorious story!
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian missions organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!
A leader in his large Angolan church, Ezra enjoyed a fulfilling ministry, a home with good schools for his children, and a decent income. With help from Global Disciples, he was also equipped to develop leadership training for local believers.
Ezra studied the leadership material at home too, with his wife and children. During a lesson on leadership and the family, God spoke to Ezra’s heart.
He said, “As we were praying, God told me I couldn’t continue as a leader in a big congregation when souls were perishing in the least-reached place of my nation. God even gave me the name of a village He wanted to send me to!”
He was shocked – this would change everything in his life! He shared this message with his wife….and to his surprise, she agreed!
“I told my relatives too,” Ezra said, “and everyone was against this idea. Why would I leave a good place, a good salary, and take my family off to a place where I don’t know anyone?”
Ezra’s Call To Obedience
Then he told his church leaders. They released him from his position and while they stayed in fellowship, they would no longer support him financially. It was a test of obedience and commitment, but with his family, Ezra trusted the God who called him and moved to the village God directed him to.
As his family settled into their new surroundings, they started a small fellowship in their home. And as Ezra began sharing the Gospel, God did His work.
One example, of God’s work, was Aldo. He was a drug addict, and part of a gang responsible for killing several people. Influence by drugs, Aldo got into a fight with his own nephew and with a machete in his hand, threatened to cut off his head! Nobody had the courage to step in and stop him.
But as he witnessed this, Ezra started to pray. He boldly went up to Aldo and begged him to drop the machete. Aldo did.
“I went back to Aldo a few days later,” Ezra said, “when he was no longer under the influence of drugs and I shared the Gospel with him. He accepted Christ and was baptized several months ago.”
God Honours Ezra’s Obedience
Many other young people in the community saw God transform Aldo’s life and they also accepted Christ.
The Lord continues to honor Ezra’s obedience. The family fellowship has grown in a church plant with 50 adults and many children as the church continues to share the gospel.
More than half the adults work in local government and they’re people of influence in the community. “We have been there almost two years,” Ezra shared, “and the Lord has done wonderful things!”
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian missions organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!