Shalom Aleichem!

Indeed, peace be upon you in the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. This greeting and blessing brings great joy and hope in the midst of an ever-increasing atmosphere of hate and rebellion against our Holy God and Father. In the fullness of this greeting we express thanksgiving for each of you as you continue to financially and prayerfully support the grand vision of the underground church of China in sending missionaries/evangelists into the 10/40 window. From the East of China all the way back to Jerusalem, where it all began 2,000+ years ago.

Yes, it is true. Christian persecution is increasing at an alarming rate. Even a casual reading of the reports by missiologists reveals that we are in an all-out spiritual war between light and darkness.

Listen to our Father’s response in Psalm 2:

“Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision.”When we read all the verses we know that our Father God rules and reigns!

So, darkness is all around us but “…greater is He that is within you than he that is in the world.” May we not focus on what is of this world system but may we focus our eyes and fix our hearts upon Jesus! Consider who we are in Christ:

WHO AM I

• I am a blood bought child of the Most High God
• I am made in His image
• I have the breath of life
• I am part of the Family
• I have been baptized in His grace, which I did not earn or deserve
• By that grace I have been set free
• I am in Christ
• I have confidence. I am free in Christ
• Because I am always on His mind that makes me Priceless
• I am provided for
• I am gifted
• I am part of the Elect
• I know my prayers are being heard
• I am the light of the world
• I am a servant King
• Therefore, I am called to be a worshipper and a warrior
• At my birth it was declared over me Greatness
• I am Free to be all God has called me to be (recent pastor’s sermon)

You may add your favorite confessions of who we are in Christ and develop your own list.

Understanding our identity in Christ will prepare us for the grand task of “being on mission with our Father.”
Remember this profound but simple verse: John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Jesus said… “Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”Matthew 5:11,12,16

The rest of this newsletter is filled with some exciting reports…enjoy.

Shalom!