Why did we stay here in Australia after finishing up with Wycliffe? Why have we continued to stay when our entire family is still in the US? Are we anti-social? Do we want to avoid our family and friends in America? Why have we decided to remain here, hopefully buy a house, and be in Australia a long time?
Well, simply, we feel this is where God has called us to be at this time. As he has proven time and time again in my own(Jared) life, I'll make plans, but God ultimately directs my steps...That sounds Biblical, eh? So, though I don't know the future, it seems for now that we are called to remain here in Australia. God has provided a job for me here, a place to stay, and a town where there are still many people who have not come into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. AND He continues to bring them across our path.
Many of those people have been disillusioned by the traditional religion of Christianity, or rather the plain old meaningless dead ritual of Christianity they were exposed to. They don't understand that it's not about a "religion" but a relationship with a Father who loves them, and longs for them to come to Him. I realize I'm completely powerless to change anyone's heart or make them believe something, but God can. I can and will pray for Katherine. I will pray for the people God brings across my path. We can see so much hurt here, because of alcohol, drugs, poor choices, ... basically, sin taking its course in people's lives. Brings sadness to my heart, and we have the One they need. But without the Holy Spirit moving in their lives, it's not going to happen. Please pray with us for the town of Katherine and surrounding communities to come to the Lord; and please pray for us as we endeavor to reach out to those who are seeking. Pray for discernment, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading.
We know this world isn't all there is. There is life after death, and that is either an eternal blessing and joy, or an eternal torment. People are crying out for something, and there are all kinds of organisations doing good things and helping meet immediate needs, but leaving out Christ. Without Jesus Christ, the best laid behavior management plan will fail... and even if it does change a person's actions for the rest of their lives, the world can't save anyone from hell because the world is powerless to do so.
The only one who gives anyone true hope and peace, true joy and unfailing love is Jesus. I wish people understood this. I wish we didn't all choose to run away from God because we've done wrong. But God continually reaches out for us, and waits for us to come, expectantly. Christianity is not simply a list of "do's" and "don't"s... It is so much more than a set of rules. It is about a living, loving relationship with the Creator of the universe, who as Christians, we can call Father. Our relationship with God is the most important thing ever--and that isn't true only for Christians.
Where do you stand with God? The thing separating us from God is our sin. The things we have done which are against what God has commanded us not to do in His Word. Because of our sin we are eternally condemned and set apart from God, the consequence of our sin is death. We are helpless to save ourselves, and God knew that. So in His great love, He sent Jesus, his son, to take our place. He lived a perfect life, died for us(defeating sin FOREVER) and then rose again from the dead 3 days after dying. Through Him we are made righteous and acceptable in God's sight if we confess with our mouths and believe that Jesus is the Christ. Perhaps you've known this before, eh?
This is the message of the gospel. As a believer, I need to share this message with as many people as God brings me into contact with. He is the only one who truly saves, and we live in a world in need of saving. And yet, I'm still powerless to change any hearts or MAKE people believe. God must bring them, so I just have to pray.
I know there are so many people all over the world that don't know Jesus Christ. Perhaps you're in the US reading this. God has put people in your life who need Him that I'll never meet. God has put you there for the express purpose of spreading the gospel. Tell them! Pray for the them! God will change their hearts, and He wants us to be involved.
