Testimonies of Growing Churches
On October 31, 1517 (493 years ago) Martin Luther posted his 95 theses to the door of Wittenberg Castle which contained a catholic church and seminary. This act and the debate that followed brought about the division of the Western (Roman) church. Division has since become one of the major characteristics of the Protestant movement. …
Out of love for the truth and the desire to bring it to light, the following propositions will be discussed at Wittenberg, under the presidency of the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and of Sacred Theology, and Lecturer in Ordinary on the same at that place. Wherefore he requests that those who are unable to be present and debate orally with us, may do so by letter.
A few years ago, I sent out to find a remote jungle tribe known only by the legend of a “people with a hole in their chest”. After years of searching the final six day journey into the jungles of Cambodia brought us to a people called “T’moan”. They were the legendary “people with…
Last week I was visiting a Christian recording studio looking for Cambodian traditional music. They were more than happy to provide me with the latest traditional worship music. During my conversation with the Cambodian studio operator I mentioned to him that I enjoy Cambodian traditional music, but I hardly ever hear it because all the young musicians apparently like to sing Australian “Hillsong” worship music and seem to have little interest in Cambodian culture.
Over the years Pastor Andrew and his friends have helped us train hundreds of local pastors, teach in schools, evangelize using karate and they have always been thoughtful and generous. A year and a half ago God opened a great door to help orphans and abandoned kids in dire poverty. First to jump in to help the kids was Freedom Church.
Comparing these two churches feels like comparing apples and oranges. How can we compare the effectiveness of two entirely different churches. I have an idea! Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about the New Testament church. Let’s list the Biblical characteristics of a New Testament church.
The T’moan are a small tribe of approximately seven hundred people who are one of the most remote ethnic groups in Cambodia’s vast jungle. After centuries of isolation, the story of this nomadic tribe is now revealed in the 21st century.
To really see Cambodia changed we need people who are called of God and willing to commit their lives here. To gain the trust of the people requires times. To build relationships requires time. To learn a language requires time. To develop key strategies requires time. To have influence, first requires time. All around the world, the gospel is losing ground. Yet the number of mission trips has exploded exponentially. The missing ingredient to see transformation is time!
In Kampala, Uganda I met an amazing lady named Veronica. Veronica is the director of the “Comforter Center” which is a center to minister to women who feel their only choice is to abort their babies. Veronica and her staff show them the love of Christ and help them through their difficult situation. Many women chose life for their babies, and even more choose Jesus for themselves.