Waurn Ponderings

One of the most difficult and frustrating aspects of prayer I find is the delay in how long it takes for my prayers to be answered – do you have the same dilemma? Man it would be so much more better if our prayers could be like putting $1 into a the prayer vending machine and you press the particular button that represents your answer and out it comes. But who knows that it doesn’t work this way and in all honesty it is better for us to experience delay. You may not think so but in this entry I wish to show you why it is valuable for us to experience delay in our waiting for our prayers to be answered.

4. Faith is Often Called to Wait Patiently.

Our faith is often called to wait patiently before God and this type of faith is prepared for God’s seemingly delay in answering our prayers. Faith does not grow disheartened because our prayers are not immediately answered. True faith takes God at His Word and lets Him take what time He chooses in fulfilling His purposes.

True faith accepts the conditions. It knows there will be delays in answered prayer and it regards such delays as times of testing and stretching. During these times of testing delays faith has the privilege and the opportunity to show its mettle and the unyielding grunt that it is made of.

This is highlighted in James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Tomorrow I want to expand on this thought that it is beneficial for us to experience delay in our prayers being answered as we’ll look at the story of Lazarus.

Cheers

Yesterday we looked at the ability of Jesus to act on our behalf as we come to Him in prayer. In Matthew 9:27-30 we again see where faith in Jesus’ ability to act gives hope and healing to two blind men.

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith will it be done to you”; and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.”

Here Jesus questions the two blinds fellows who came to Him for healing. Because they believed (had faith) in Jesus’ ability and power to heal them – they received their sight. Jesus was attracted by their faith in His ability to heal.

Now to inspire us even further to be like these believing blind men, notice what Jesus says to His disciples as a final challenge in;

Matthew 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

The word ‘authority’ here in its original Greek translation is ‘exousia.’ A great man of God, Leo Harris the founder and inspirer of the CRC Churches International (www.crcchurches.org) group of Churches stated in his book ‘The 5 Keys of Authority’ a chapter on the Authority of Christ. It is such an excellent read that I have added below the chapter on his experience as the concept of the authority of Christ was revealed to him. So go and turn the kettle and make a cuppa and enjoy the read.

One night early in 1949 I experienced the first of a series of crises in my ministry which, on looking back over the years, can be seen to fit into a pattern. These crises have formed the foundations on which my ministry has developed. They may be seen to provide the key-note of the message the Lord has entrusted to us.

I was in the midst of a period of dissatisfaction and a sense of inadequacy in facing the problems and demands of ministry. I retired to my bed, but there was no sleep for me that night. Arousing a friend who stayed in our home at the time, I asked him to join me in prayer. For several hours it was just a matter of reading and claiming the Word of God and committing the whole situation to the Lord in faith.

Then suddenly the Spirit of God began to move upon me. It was so real and definite that I checked the time with my watch. It was 4:20am. Within moments it seemed that the Word of God was thundering within my heart and mind – “All authority is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore..!” (Matthew 28:18-19).

It seemed as though the words came from the risen and enthroned Christ himself. I found myself repeating them over and over. My friend seemed merely to share the “mercy drops,” but he knew that the Spirit of the Lord was mightily present. To me it seemed that the heavens had rolled apart and that I had gained an entirely new concept of the authority of the risen and glorified Christ. I saw that authority in relation to myself personally and my ministry for the Lord. I saw it in relation to the church.

I saw that authority in relation to Satan and his works. I saw it in relation to the personal return of Christ when all nations shall bow the knee to him. I saw the authority of Christ demonstrated in the fulfilment of the entire plan and purpose of God.

These words in print cannot possibly convey the significance of this experience in my ministry. Although I had been in full-time ministry for almost ten years throughout Australia and New Zealand; although I had, under God, established the assembly in Adelaide, and during the previous year had seen almost 100 people baptized in the Holy Spirit: yet the experience of that night touched off in my heart a new, vital faith in the authority of Christ and placed in my hand a key to an effective ministry which has blessed many in Australia and other lands.

Sharing the Blessings

I later showered and dressed and drove to the homes of two of our church officers. One was having breakfast prior to leaving for his work. The other was still in bed. However, in both kitchen and bedroom I poured out the conviction and concept that the Lord had burned into my soul that night, and told these brethren I believed we had the key to a New Testament revival.

Deliverance from Demons

Later that day we held our regular weekly prayer meeting. As I related my experience to the people that filled that room the Spirit of the Lord descended once more, and without announcement the people dropped to their knees in praise and worship. In that service we had the first experience in our Adelaide ministry of delivering a person from a demon which manifested itself in our midst; and from that time onward we saw the tide of revival blessing rise in our services as I continued to preach and unfold this revelation of the authority of the risen Christ.

Week by week I became more and more convinced that the Holy Spirit had placed in my hand a key that would release captives from their bondage and bring a Christ-exalting revival. Many and varied have been our experiences in the years that have followed. Many problems have had to be faced and many difficulties overcome, yet through it all there has remained in my heart and in my ministry this strong conviction and bold faith in the absolute authority of the Lord Jesus Christ.

This presentation of the authority of Christ has aroused the power of Satan and his demons to a degree that we had scarcely anticipated, but it has also provided us with a powerful weapon with which to overcome the enemy and deliver those who are bound.

Let us consider a few aspects and implications of this first essential key to an effective ministry and a successful church – the authority of Christ.

A Delegated Authority

The Greek “exousia” means a delegated authority, and that is the word that was used by Jesus in Matthew 28:18, “All authority is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”

We see that authority exercised by Jesus in his earthly ministry. “The multitudes…..marvelled and glorified God, which had given such power (authority) unto men.” It was the authority with which Jesus spoke and ministered that amazed people (Matthew 9:8).

Yet Jesus said that both his words and his works were given to him by the Father (John 14:10-11). Now, having died on the cross and being raised by God to the right hand of his throne, Jesus is given all authority in both heaven and earth. Paul declares in Philippians 2:10 that every knee in heaven, in earth and under the earth must bow to the name of Jesus and every tongue confess that he is Lord.

He has been eternally the Son by nature, but now there has been vested in the Son the authority of the Godhead, “For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell” (Colossians. 1:19), and again, “For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9).

Authority over Angels

In Hebrews 1 Christ is set forth in his exaltation above the angels by virtue of both his divine nature and his glorious office. Thus we read, “And let all angels of God worship him.”

To none of the angels has God said at any time, “Sit on my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool.” But Christ will reign until the last enemy is destroyed and all things are brought into subjection unto him. The angels do his bidding.

Authority over Principalities and Powers

When we read in Hebrews 4:14 that Jesus “passed into the heavens,” it means literally that in his ascension he passed “through all the heavens.” How many heavens are there above us? Some say three, some say seven. However many there may be, Christ has passed through them all to be enthroned in the highest seat of authority in the whole universe.

That is why Paul could say that God raised Christ from the dead “and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power (authority), and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world (age), but also in that which is to come: and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.”

Although Satan is the “god of this age” and the “prince of the power of the air,” he is located beneath the feet of Jesus and must submit to the authority of the exalted Christ.

Did not Christ, in his atoning death, spoil principalities and powers and make an open show of them (Colossians 2:15)? Did he not legally defeat Satan and his hosts by shedding his blood and rising from the dominion of death with the keys of authority in his hand?

This same Christ is today seated in the throne of universal dominion with all authority given unto him.

Authority over the Church

In Colossians 1 Paul sets forth the pre-eminence of Christ over all creation, seen and unseen, in heaven and in earth, including thrones and dominions and principalities and powers, and then he boldly declares, “He is the head of the body, the church.”

A similar picture is presented to us in the scripture from which we have already quoted (Ephesians 1) but with what a significant difference! There we are told that Christ has been made “the head over all things to the church which is his body.” So we see that Christ is not only the authorised head of the church, but that he is also head over all things for the church’s benefit.

Not only is the church compelled to submit to the authority of Christ but it is privileged to share the results of Christ’s headship over all things in heaven and in earth. Should not the church on earth mirror this supreme authority of Christ? How tragic to behold a church defeated, ineffective and powerless before the onslaughts of Satan when it is actually the visible body of the enthroned Christ who holds universal authority and dominion!

Should we not accept the challenge to be faithful ambassadors and true representatives of the King of kings?

Authority both to Save and to Judge

Jesus declared that the Son of Man hath authority on earth to forgive sins, and Peter proclaimed, “There is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” Yet this same Christ has authority also to judge all men.

Believers will stand before him at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Unbelievers will face him as he sits on the Great White Throne in the final judgment. Said Christ in John 5:22-23, “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father.”

Again in verse 27, the Father “hath given him authority to execute judgment.” Hear Paul preaching at Athens: “Because he (God) hath appointed to a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.”

What awesome authority has been delegated to the Son of God!

Faith to use the Key

These are but a few glimpses, a few facets of this brilliant diamond of truth. As a doctrine, all Christians accept it. Intellectually, all believers give their assent to it. But the key is not in our knowledge of the authority of Christ, but in the revelation of it, in the inward conviction of it, in the burning passionate faith in it.

It must become a concept; it must illuminate our hearts and spirits as well as our minds. It must fire us with a zealous dedication to its truth and a wholehearted application in our lives and service for the Lord. Our faith in the authority of Christ should be an incentive to victorious living. It should inspire us to successful service. It should make all God’s promises effective in our lives. It should challenge the church to a victorious revival.

It gives us the assurance of his coming again. The authoritative voice of Christ will call forth believers from death, will change our mortality to immortality, and will control the nations of the world throughout his coming millennial reign. Little wonder that the apostle John on the isle of Patmos “fell at his feet as dead” when he saw the risen Lord and heard his triumphant words, “Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death” (Revelation 1:17-19).

May this concept of the authority of Christ become the key in the hands of his people that will rout the enemy and release God’s glorious power in the coming revival.

I know this has been a lot to read but it is vitally important for us all to understand the Authoirty of Christ as this gives us the inspiration and capacity to truly believe when we pray to Christ and knowing that He really is well able and more then willing to act on our behalf.

So give it a go!
Cheers

The faith that creates powerful and effective praying is the faith that centres itself on a powerful Person – Jesus! Faith in Jesus’ ability to do and do greatly on our behalf is the faith that prays greatly. So in this entry I want to expand a little on this point which is incidentally key # 3 of the 4 keys of faith that unlock faiths potential and faiths power.

3. Faith that Centres Itself on a Powerful Person – Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.
Jesus is not only able but He is willing to act on yours and my behalf as He is motivated to action by the prayer of faith.

In Matthew 8 we see that the leper in this story who knew and understood this life-giving principle as he laid hold onto the power of Jesus.

Matthew 8:1-3 When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.

In this story we are shown how faith centred in Jesus’ ability to and His willingness to do greatly secures the healing and provision that was needed. Jesus desires to act on your behalf and mine in the same way as he did for this leper.

The question and challenge is I guess is will we muster enough faith in our praying in Jesus’ ability and willingness to assist us convincing Jesus to act on our behalf?

Yesterday we started to discover what the 4 keys of faith were that unlock faiths potential and power. We covered number one being ‘Faith Really Does Create the Impossible.’ Today we are looking at number two – ‘Faith is the Foundation of the Christian Character.’

Most of us know about the denial of the Peter one of Jesus’ disciple. When confronted by an onlooker, Peter denied he knew or had anything to do with Jesus just prior to Jesus being crucified on the cross on a hill known as Golgotha (skull hill).

In the gospel of Luke we find where Jesus was with Peter and Jesus knew that Peter would deny he knew Him – not only once but three times. So Jesus looking forward to this episode of weakness in Peters character and faith, proceeds to caution Peter against doing it in Luke 22:31-32a Jesus says; Simon, Simon (Peter) Satan has asked to sift you as wheat, but I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail…

Jesus here was seeking to protect and guard Peter’s faith. Jesus knew that when the Christians faith is broken down, then the foundations of their spiritual life will give way and become powerless and ineffective. So it was Peter’s faith in God that Jesus was trying to protect. So much so that Jesus prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail.

It was Peter’s faith that needed guarding and in doing so Jesus’ concern was for the welfare of His disciples soul, and Jesus’ determination to help fortify Peters faith was evident by His own prevailing prayer.

2 Peter 1:5-8 …make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here Peter illustrates that faith is the starting point and that faith is the starting point of all other graces of the Holy Spirit. Faith is the foundation on which other things are built such as, attitudes, character traits etc. Now Peter doesn’t direct his readers to add to works and good deeds, gifts or virtues but to faith.

Much depends on starting correctly in the practise of faith. Therefore faith is kept alive by prayer and every step taken in this adding of grace to grace is accompanied by and through prayer.

In my next entry we will look at the faith that centres itself on a powerful person – any guess’ who? Yep got it in one – Jesus.

I have been stirred of recent times in the aspect of prayer – or in my case the lack of it. I really struggle in having a regular and satisfying prayer life. I don’t suppose God finds my inconsistent prayer life all that satisfying either? I don’t find it easy and sometimes I find myself yawning more than I do praying! And I am a Pastor too – heck! So I thought I best get more acquainted with what the Bible says about prayer. So over the next few weeks I will be uploading to my blog daily what I find. I hope it is an encouragement to you in the hope that your prayer life (as well as mine) will become more regular and satisfying.

So here goes. In trying to find out more about the principles and activities of prayer the first place I guess must be given to faith. Faith is the initial quality in the heart of any Christian who attempts to talk to God. We must believe, where we cannot see and cannot prove. In the book of Hebrews 11:1 says; Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Prayer is simply faith claiming its natural prerogatives which is faith taking possession and ownership of its unlimited inheritance that Jesus has given to us. (Read through the book of Ephesians and you will understand more of the inheritance Jesus has given us. Note verse 3 of chapter 1)
When faith ceases to pray – faith ceases to live! There are 4 keys of faith that unlock faiths potential and that unlocks faiths power.

1. Faith really does create the impossible

Faith does the impossible because it causes God to work on our behalf – and nothing is impossible for God. If our doubt can be banished from our heart and unbelief made a stranger there, what we ask of God shall surely come to pass. Prayer projects faith on God and God on the world. Only God can move mountains but our faith and prayer move God!

Mark 11:24 says; Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

This Scripture describes a faith that realises its potential, a faith that can appropriate and take what it demands. Such faith is a consciousness of God’s power, His ability and His desire to supply. This type of faith is a realised certainty!

So I guess when it comes to effective prayer this is the type of faith that we need to muster?
Cheers

On our church property we have a Day Care Centre being built. As I have been watching the project unfold I am amazed at the amount of time, effort, planning and precision given to the foundation. I guess the deeper, the wider and the stronger the foundation, the bigger and more stable the structure that is built. Mind you this is my uneducated guess but probably somewhat accurate.

This got me to thinking about my foundation for leadership. How much time and effort, preparation and precision have I put into developing a solid foundation to build my leadership calling? Is my foundation going to stand the pressures, demands and the rigors that leaders have to embrace?

As much as it pains me to admit it, the principle of “self-leadership” is the foundation for any effective leadership. The ultimate long-term success of a leader in either the business world or in Christian ministry will be determined by how he or she masters their inner life!

Unfortunately, today’s leaders seem to be judged more on what they are able to produce than on who they are as people. They are pressured to perform or they are shown the door and reminded on the way out not to let the door hit them where the good Lord split them!

The general consensus seems to be that it doesn’t matter what a leader is like in their private life as long as he or she can fulfill their public role and produce success. There appears to be a willingness to exchange character-driven leadership for production-driven leadership. This change of focus is leaking more and more in the Church culture.

We have all seen or heard of politicians, top level business executives and regrettably Christian leaders suffer humiliating failures as a result of serious flaws in their personal foundation. When there are serious flaws in a foundation, whether that foundation belongs to a building or a leader, those flaws will always compromise the integrity of what the foundation was intended to support and, if repairs are not made, will eventually result in tragedy and failure.

Ultimately the building will be only as sturdy and resilient as its foundation. So it is with leadership. Before we can expect to exercise effective leadership that will withstand the hostile elements of our culture, repairs and work must be carried out on those areas of a leaders life that will result in a firm foundation on which an effective leadership career or ministry can be built.

The bottom line as I believe it to be is that all effective enduring leadership must be built on the foundation of effective “self-leadership”. It is our ability to successfully lead our own life that provides the firm foundation from which we can lead others.

The apostle Paul was an advocate of self-discipline. He stated in his first letter to the Corinthian church that he disciplined his own body as though he was an athlete, training it to do what it should. (1Corinthians 9:27) Paul took seriously the need to manage his inner life and those foundational issues, such as his attitude, his personal values and his calling. The great apostle Paul lived with the constant awareness that his failure to manage his inner life well - could actually result in his own personal stumbling!

With that in mind how seriously do you manage your inner life?

A great man of God, my spiritual mentor and example in Christian service is Pastor Barry Silverback. Recently he sent through an encouraging email to inspire our Local Church Leadership Team. I thought it would be great to place exerts from it on my blog and hope it is an encouragement and inspiration to you to.

What motivates us?
What keeps us motivated?
Different things motivate different people.

But my thoughts are more directed as to how much Christ the person motivates our lives?
How much of our inspiration, drive, enthusiasm is derived from Jesus himself?
How much does he personally inspire and gives us our drive.

There has always been the danger amongst God’s people of them being too focused on the ministry and service rather than on the One who is the reason or centre of all service.

It is interesting to listen to the conversations of those who gather in fellowship. I have noticed a subtle but distinct shift in the substance of their conversation; it centres more on the work of the Lord and much less on the Lord himself.

This can be corrected with the simple discipline of reminding ourselves that he should also be the source of our inspiration and drive in life.

Drawing our inspiration from the work of the Lord has its limitations; because sometimes the work has little in it to inspire. Sometimes the work, the ministry is not progressing as it should or as we would like it to.

Because some take their inspiration purely from the work/ministry sometimes results in some moving on to newer and brighter pastures. They seek to find another place or ministry that will inspire and enthuse.

I am sympathetic to all those who struggle in this area of life and ministry it also drives me to ask is this how it is meant to be? Is there no other answer to this ministry dilemma?

But it seems to me that this lack of motivation, inspiration, enthusiasm and drive is the result of seeking it from a source which cannot adequately supply it. Something seems to be ‘missing’! The work or the ministry supplies some measure of drive and motivation just as other things in life do, but they are limited.

But this is not so with Christ Jesus - he - the person - inspires.
His love inspires!
His integrity inspires!
His kindness and gentleness inspires!
His faithfulness inspires!
His devotion inspires!

Everything about him inspires! (he is altogether lovely and everything about him delights - Song of Solomon 5.16)

Knowing that he inspires and that when all else fails he remains as our source of inspiration and enthusiasm. It is also important that we learn and practice the art of drawing such strength and inspiration from Christ Jesus – the person.

We need to practice looking towards Christ as the source of our drive and motivation. We need to practice how to draw that resource from him! We must know that when all else fails to inspire and motivate us there is always Christ Jesus.

From time to time we need to reflect as to where we are drawing most of our enthusiasm and motivation from? Is it purely the work, the ministry and what we do for God from which we draw our inspiration and - or is it from the person of Christ Jesus?

To draw our motivation and enthusiasm from Christ and his person is the most fulfilling and lasting of all. Learning to draw from Christ no matter what the circumstances or state of the work sustains us like nothing else will

Make Christ your source of inspiration and enthusiasm and get your drive in ministry from him. – Barry Silverback

As we have now entered a new year, why don’t you join with me and be determined to find Jesus in a new and fresher way this year, being inspired by him and who he is and not just what we can get from him. Think about it!

Happy New Year! I hope that 2008 will be a great year for you.

In the early hours of Boxing Day morning, a close relative of mind sadly passed away after a brief illness. Uncle Barry was a great man but sadly was not a Christian. Even though he wasn’t a Christian he could be described by the 9 Fruits of the Spirit. He really was a man of love, joy, patience, kindness, peace, goodness, gentleness, self-control and faithfulness. Disappointingly he never knew the Man where these character qualities originated from - Jesus!

As I was driving from my home town of Geelong to Dubbo in NSW, a 10 hour drive, to be with family and to attend the funeral, I thought to myself that I missed so many opportunities to share my faith with my uncle Ba as he was affectionately called. Not only am I a Christian and a Christian Leader, I more than anyone had no excuse for not sharing my faith with uncle Ba.

For a few hours I beat myself up over this, gave myself a few spiritual uppercuts which resulted in a defining moment for me and my faith.

You know I go to Church, I am employed by my Church and I do Church. Maybe you do church too? But what really does all that amount too if I cannot even share the wonderful life-changing experience that I have and do experience because of Jesus invading and taking up residence in my life?

Jesus really has changed the direction of my life for the better and has given me a purpose for living and I know where I am going when I breathe my last breath. Jesus has given me the wonderful opportunity, privelege and responsibility above everything else I do in my life which is to share this life-changing experience with those who do not know Him.

Therefore, my new years resolution is that I will seize every opportunity that comes my way to share my faith. I have learnt my lesson. I missed so many opportunities to share Jesus with my uncle Ba, that other then the grace of God, contributed to him living in a Christless eternity! Think about that for a moment….

Have you missed similiar opportunities?

Why not join with me and make 2008 a fruitful year of seizing those defining moments of sharing your faith with those around you that so desperately need what you have…Jesus!

Let’s not just do church - but let’s be the church that Jesus wants us to be - which is to go!

My daily devotion for today using the S.O.A.P. formula.
Happy reading!

Topic: Servant Leadership

…Scripture
Matthew 20:25-28 (niv)
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26: Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27: and whoever wants to be first must be your slave 28: just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

…Observation
Verse 25 talks about the abuse of leadership and the misuse of authority where those in leadership positions would demand to be served because they were in a position of status. But Jesus dispels this as not in tune with God’s intention of how Christian leadership is to be outworked. God’s idea of leadership is to be a servant leader. To be a leader who is recognised and rewarded in God’s eyes we have to be first and foremost a servant – attending to others! One who doesn’t have to hold to the rights of a ‘position’, but one who submits wholeheartedly to Christ who is the final authority.

…Application
I need to be an example of a servant leader within our church. Position and authority are not my real badge of success or achievement but my badge should read as a servant leader and a slave to the King! The young leaders in our church need to see my example of a servant leader. I may be a paid staff member, but my true service is what I do when I am not being paid. I need to attract the Lord’s attention by my willingness to serve and to be inconvenience.

…Prayer
Lord help me never to be full of myself that I don’t fail to see what can be done and who I can help. Help me to lead by example. I pray that I won’t need to have to always ask people to serve but through my example they will get the unspoken message and follow my lead. If I am a leader then I must have followers! Lord help me to lead in such a way that will create and inspire an endless line of servant followers because of my example. Amen

I hope you will also be challenged to be a servant leader. Be known for what you do and not so much by what you say! Think about that for a bit….

We have a great couple in Thailand at the moment from our Church serving in a Children’s Home. I felt to add their last email into my blog because it speaks of the courage, sacrifice and the faith we need in serving God. So many of these people who are serving God out in the rural areas of troubled Nations like Abe and Ana go unnoticed but not by God. Enjoy reading through this wonderful testimony.

This is a story about just one of the children at Grace Home. Her name is Jinda. She was abandoned at birth by both mother and father and left with her uncle to raise her. Jinda was an outcast in her village and although her uncle had responsibility for her she was pretty much neglected and as soon as she was able to was used for chores around the house and then from the age of 8 was given the job of tending her uncles buffaloes.
She spent all day with the buffaloes moving them to different areas for them to feed. The Lahu village where she came from is in the mountains and there are no fences like we have in Australia. School was out of the question and she became an easy target for the other children in the village to abuse, both mentally and physically.

Ana and Abe became aware of Jinda’s plight and approached her uncle to try and take guardianship of her and take her to Grace Home where she could at least start school and be raised in a loving environment. Jinda’s uncle repeatedly refused any attempt to help Jinda. He was quite happy for her to tend his buffaloes as it saved him doing it. He had no concern over the wellbeing of his neice.

After another attempt to try and rescue Jinda, her uncle made mention that if Abe and Ana wanted Jinda he would let her go if they paid him 3000 baht, about $120 our money. Not a lot of money in our terms but Abe and Ana didn’t have that sort of money as they were already feeding and caring for over 20 orphans.They prayed about Jinda and it was decided they would give the uncle the money, they just did without on what was already a very tight budget. Prabably ate just rice with no meat or vegetables for a month.

Jinda is a lovely girl, now 15 and in grade 4 at primary school. She has some mental scares as she struggles to read and write but she is a happy girl with a passion for God and loves singing praises to her creator.

This story is not only about Jinda, but a loving Christian couple who even though are struggling themselves and are doing without even some basic needs. They love children and they love God and they are doing what they think God wants them to do. I praise God for Abe and Ana as who knows what would become of Jinda and the 24 other children here if not for their love and devotion. The sad thing is we’ve since been to some Lahu and Akha villages and there are a lot more Jindas out there who will never go to school and are destined to be abused and mistreated. Things are pretty tight financially here, the children share a bed, well they’re second hand mattresses with big holes in them that have been covered with plyboard and a 2 inch peice of foam to sleep on. They only have cold water to wash in, and in a cubicle no bigger than our toilets at home that also houses the squat toilet. I don’t know how they look so clean but they are.

We are in a very privileged position of being able to watch a family living by faith and prayer every day. They rely on God to provide their every need and after battling for 5 years Grace Home is starting to receive God’s blessings.They praise God for every blessing.
Please keep Jinda and all at Grace Home in your prayers.
May God Bless You All
Ian & Jan