Greetings from Kathmandu!
Or like my Nepali friends say, Jamastee!
I hope this message finds you like a friend.
The Lord is doing amazing things in the nation and people of Nepal. The church here is refined by the fruits of persecution and the discipleship I've taken part of and witnessed has been encouraging and challenging. Being able to speak on the Kingdom coming and seeing how much of it is already in this nation, as well as participating and listening in on their prayer times have been highlights of my journey thus far as I see men and woman wounded with the gift of longing, crying out in desperation for the presence of God.
I am writing this blog to present a need before you. My next deadline in my support raising is October 1st, 2012 (exactly one month from now). I currently need to raise $1,875 or I will be coming home much sooner than expected. I want to soberly remind you that there are only three kinds of Christians when it comes to world missions: zealous goers, zealous senders, and the disobedient.
I have been reading through the epistles and Paul the apostle often mentions the needs of himself and other saints. What grabs my attention is not that he does what every missionary does: ask for money and prayer–it is the way he asks. Paul asks out of boldness and expectation. He knew his role in the body of Christ. He was called to spread the gospel amongst the nations, and they were called to support his call.
Therefore, in the spirit of Paul, I want to thank each and every person who has supported in sending me to proclaim the gospel in the nations thus far.
I know the Lord has called me to pour myself out and join the least of these on the margins for 11 months, to proclaim the gospel and to be transformed myself. So I challenge you, the body, to do your part in keeping me on the field laboring for the Kingdom. Every member of the body has a role. Being on the field on the other side of the world is currently mine, and supporting me is yours. Like Paul, I say this knowing that you know this and knowing that you will continue to bless me as you have done so in the past, which I am grateful for!
I am fully confident in the provision of God and in you, as zealous members of the body, to come through faithfully. All of this is not to guilt you into supporting me but to gently remind you of the reason we're alive: To make Him known among the nations!
In the words of Pastor John Piper, "God has an inexhaustible enthusiasm for the supremacy of His name among the nations. Therefore, let us bring our affections into line with His, and, for the sake of His name, let us renounce the quest for worldly comforts and join His global purpose."
With that said:
I have a need of $1,875 by October 1st. Many will read that number and say, "I don't have $1,875 to spare," and based off the fact that they can't fully knock it out in one swing, they won't do anything. I want to encourage you that nothing is too small. Please share this blog with friends and family and help.
Grace & Peace,
Michael
