To Boldly Go!
Dear Friends:
A famous line from the original Star Trek TV series was, “To boldly go where no man has gone before!” Later the line was changed to say, “To boldly go where no one has gone before!” As we apply this line to God’s move across the world and specifically to our role in global missions we are reminded of two important points. First, there are places in the world where Christianity is discouraged and even persecuted. Second, the Spirit of God is no respecter of persons and moves wherever He wills. As God is not willing that anyone should perish, He is seeking constantly for every individual in this world to come to Him in right relationship.
I track regularly the Network211 statistics for “Nations with the Least Number of Christians” and “Top Ten Most Dangerous Countries for Christians.” These are locations where serving the Lord opening will come with a price; reputation, ability to function normally in society, and even your life in some cases. Yet God is moving!
History reveals that while governments will seek to stamp out Christianity in their nations that the Word of the Lord is still proclaimed. When China opened its doors a while back and when the Iron Curtain fell in 1989 we discovered that there were believers and they represented significant numbers! The Gospel could not be contained.
It is with your partnership that we are able to use the Internet as a tool of the Gospel and proclaim the Truth of Jesus Christ to everyone, everywhere. While some nations will not allow US missionaries entrance or allow an open presentation of the Gospel, we are sharing the Good News with individuals one-by-one-by one.
We received responses from nations such as Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Maldives, Yemen, Iraq, Uzbekistan, and Laos. Again, while spiritual darkness blankets these nations, we are able to reach people via the Internet and plant the seed of the Gospel in their hearts. Here are some examples of their comments:
• Afghanistan, ” If I become a Christian, my life is in danger in Afghanistan. Please help me to clarify my life after becoming a Christian.”
• Yemen, “After I read about Christianity, I am completely convinced. And I want to become a Christian a my complete conviction, but as you know there are no churches in Yemen, and the other thing is if anyone knew of my desire, I would be killed immediately by my family.”
• Iraq, “Hello. IAM Muslim. I hated my living life and hated my whole life. I see religion based on the hypocrisy and separation of killing, and that which is peace. I live in Iraq specifically, but I want to support it. I want to convert to Christianity. I hope my situation will change. Your help will help me. I want to learn the Christian faith. If you are honest and love Christ, help me. I hope my life will change. I am tired of my life.”
• Sudan, “This is a program that I absolutely liked, and as a Christian, I will benefit from some information that I do not know before.”
We praise God that the message of the Kingdom of God is being proclaimed even in locations were one cannot worship openly.
Thank you for your faithful prayer and financial support! Your gift of $100 a month allows us to present the Gospel to 2,000 individuals around the world and especially in locations where we cannot send missionaries.
We are not saying that we are going where no one has been but we do have opportunity to boldly go where no missionary can be for this time. What an amazing open door we have to present the Gospel!
Blessings,
Mark
Dr. Mark Flattery
Network211 President
