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GONE
– FOREVER!
PRISONER OF WAR
WHEN ARE YOU TOO OLD?
THE BATTLE
A MODERN PHENOMENON
THE TIME HAS NOT COME
NEWSPAPER HEADLINES
GOD'S SIDE WINS!
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GOD'S SIDE WINS!
Dear Leaders Chosen Of God,
As I look back a couple of decades I remember the anticipation the leaders of
our Mission had when things began to open up in the forgotten towns in eastern
Canada. For many years there were only two fields. One was doing well. One was
struggling. All of a sudden there were six, then seven.
Excitement was high. New couples signed on. Often that meant the husband; sometimes
the wife too, left good paying jobs. They sold their dream home, packed all their
earthly goods, traveled hundreds of miles to plant their families in isolated
villages. These little places had been held in the clutches of darkness for a
long time.
At first these newcomers were not trusted. But as the husband, the wife, and
even their children moved out into the community people got to know them. Friendships
were forged. One by one individuals and families came to know Christ. Churches
ready to close their doors began to experience new life and vitality. It was
a good time.
Then, almost overnight – at least that is the way in felt to me - things turned
sour. Our Mission was looked on as something like a cult by those outside the
churches. On one of my trips to Canada I was having a friendly visit with a man
who did not attend church. When he discovered who I was and that I was from United
States, he blew up. "Why are you coming up here trying to save us? Don't
you have enough sinners in your own country?"
If it had stayed outside perhaps things would have continued to move forward.
Sadly it did not. People inside the churches got jealous of the newcomers. They
did not like the changes that were taking place. The missionary pastor they once
loved was the cause. Now it seemed that he could do nothing right. Missionaries
lost heart and became casualties. Fields died. It was a dark, hard time.
Since I was the leader of our Mission at the time I was strongly challenged when
the national board met. "Why is this happening? What is going on? What are
you doing wrong?" Whether I liked it or not the spotlight was on me.
I thought – and prayed - for several seconds. "God what do I say? What IS
going on here?"
Then I spoke. "Do you understand missions?" SILENCE. I went on. "Missions
is invading strongholds of darkness. Satan does not easily give up what he has
owned for so long. This is ALL OUT WAR!"
In my opinion the critics of what was going on in Canada saw things from a human
cause and effect perspective. In business if you do the right things you get
a good bottom line. God's bottom line is two or three days down the line from
His perspective. From ours it already has been over two thousand years. On top
of that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood – or at least we should not.
We wrestle against the supernatural forces of darkness. These beings do terrible
and sometimes terrifying things to the saints of God.
God's message to you on the front lines of this warfare is, "Be self-controlled,
be watchful; your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking
whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). His aim is not just to give you a little
trouble. His aim is to destroy you. The casualties in Canada and the fields that
shut down brought him and his own tremendous glee.
But, in the end, the loin's teeth will be torn out forever. No matter how it
sometimes looks on the surface he cannot win. "Resist him, steadfast in
the faith" (1 Peter 5:9). The Bible also promises that He will "exalt
you in due time, casting all your care upon Him for He cares for you" (5:6,
7).
Though the work in eastern Canada languished for several years we did not stop
sending missionaries. Moving forward is still hard but doors are opening again.
People are turning to the Savior. Churches are beginning to turn around.
Leaders of God, keep moving forward. God's side wins!
In His love,
Pastor Jack
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