Sharing the Burden

Because of my schedule these past few weeks, I've asked my ministry partner, Jeanice McDade, to write an article for you.  I was so thrilled when she sent me her article.  Please read with an open heart and a mind to pray and respond to the call of God in whatever way He moves on you heart.  ~Jan

“Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress” Phil 4:14

Recently there has been great persecution against Christians in the state of Orissa in India.

Within the last couple of days, there has been a gunman attack Mumbai, India.  During this attack, several foreign hostages were taken by the gunmen.  At the time of this writing, there is a siege of a Jewish Center there.  The death toll is up to 143, with 288 injuries.  The government of India is calling this a terrorist attack and admits that foreigners have been targeted. 

It used to be that tourists were welcomed and protected, as they were good for the Indian economy.  One of the things that set the Indian country apart from other countries that I have visited is their hospitality.  I have never met a more gracious people and was warmly welcomed everywhere I went.   I still think that the country is one of the warmest places I have been, but one must be cautious when traveling anywhere.  The danger doesn’t involve (just) certain countries.  The danger is more about the day we live in than it is about a geographic area.

While we are still doing ministry in the state of Andhra Pradesh, there are places within the country of India where it is not wise to publically proclaim the name of Jesus Christ.  Our Pastors are still preaching publically, building up new congregations of believers, conducting the School of Ministry, and baptizing new believers among other things. 

Their “well coordinated strikes” by several bands of gunmen meet our calling to reach the nations.  While we are going to use great wisdom as we walk the path set before us, we will continue along that path.   It may not be long before we are unable to report our walk along that path.  At any time, it might become dangerous to report our activities and those of the Nationals to you, our readers.  However, you can be certain that our feet are steady on the path that Christ lays before us.   As believers, we share in the burden and distress of the Body of Christ.  It is difficult to know that there are those whose lives are in danger just because of what they believe.  It is difficult to realize that entire families in the state of Orissa are being persecuted and even murdered.  We share in this distress and we take it very seriously.  These people are our own.  As believers we make up the Body of Christ.  As believers we trust in the God of our salvation to work His will in our lives, whatever that might be.

Reading Philippians 4 brings so much to mind this morning; “we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us...be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God...and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Yet, what really strikes my heart's chord today is in verse 3, where Paul implores that those who labored with him, for the sake of Christ, be taken care of by the rest of the believers. 

We do share in the burden and distress of believers elsewhere, and you along with us.  We thank you for your faithfulness to Christ and to His Body.  Like Paul, we implore you to continue to take care of those who labor for the sake of Christ.  Let us do what we can to spread the Word of Truth, to spiritually and financially support those who truly labor with their lives for Christ, to pray and fast and make others aware of the battle that rages on foreign soil.  It affects us all.  We are the Body.

Please contact Jan or Jeanice at info@heartofgodinternational.com to learn how you can get partner with us for our brothers and sisters in India.

“Let the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ be with you all.  Amen.”

 ©Jeanice McDade
Heart of God International Ministries
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