“Ok, take a deep breath." I have to remind myself to do that sometimes, especially in seasons like the one Pioneering With Passion Ministries (PPM) is currently stepping into. I also have to remind myself that despite the giant things set before us, God is on the move and we are simply following His invitation.
Those truths have to be cemented inside my staff and team, because frankly, we are attempting things that just can’t be done in our own human strength.
Seems like impossible circumstances are exactly the kind of situations God most loves to show up in. Moses is asked to lead millions out of slavery. Gideon is told he will conquer a powerful enemy oppressing himself and his fellow Israelites. Mary is given the news that she will be the mother of the Savior of the world. Interestingly enough, all three Biblical characters had the same response…”You've got the wrong guy."
They all felt vastly under-qualified. But it was the perfect scenario for the God of the universe to reveal His power and gain the glory. It’s what He appears to be doing now through our small teams here at PPM.
So what exactly are we up to?
In just a few short weeks two special pioneering teams will be arriving here at our Southeast Asia base from the States. The first group is a smaller collective of mission veterans who have joined us each year to target the hardest to reach refugee families with aid and the Gospel message. The second is a larger group from an incredible university dedicated to reaching remote areas where the underground church is in desperate need.
In total, we will be visiting 14 remote camps where literally thousands of refugees have fled from war-torn areas in their home country. We are excited to share Jesus' love in powerful and practical ways!
Here is just one incredible testimony from a refugee father we met:
(“Nathan”, 34 year old, wife and 4 children)
We had to walk 12 hours to come see you today. It was a very difficult, hot, long walk. But we needed to come. We need to feel loved and we wanted to meet you today. Our village is very scared because we are always hearing the fighting…we are very scared all the time. I was used as a slave (by those attacking our village) in the past and I am afraid they will come and make me a slave again. We don’t have enough food to eat as there is not much food in the village. Farmers try to go into the jungle to see what they can do but there is nothing to gather.
Today I accepted Jesus in my heart. When I asked Him into my heart, I felt a burning sensation come through my body. It started on my head and went down to my feet. When I closed my eyes to pray for Jesus to come into my heart, I saw a bright light. I feel much lighter and free now. I am so happy and full of joy. My wife also accepted Christ in her heart today too. During the prayer for healing I stood up to get prayer for my headache, and as soon as the team prayed it went away! Thank you for coming, loving, and encouraging us today. You bring life and happiness to us. Please keep us in prayers.
Two of the camps are brand new to our teams. That means over 2000 families just like Nathan’s, as well as hundreds of additional orphaned children, will be given the opportunity to hear about Jesus. It’s a privilege I’m so grateful to be a part of. Meeting new groups is what makes my heart beat!
The Lord is faithful to invite us into His great rescue story. We will be faithful to say yes and step out. You may be the missing piece! You see, we need friends just like you to join our mission through your financial partnership. You provide the resources necessary to ensure hope for those our teams are committed to reach. Here is what is needed: