Prayer Changes People

You never know when a simple prayer will change the life of someone.

When I returned from my most recent trip, Amy said to me, "You know that pizza delivery guy you prayed for after he was robbed? (Actually I didn't really remember it too well). Well, he just delivered some pizzas while you were gone and he said he is now walking with the Lord." How cool is that?

In February, I made a protocol visit to a person fairly high up in government. When I entered with a man who had set up the meeting, this government official proceeded to tell us all of his problems. When he had finished, I told him that I couldn't resolve his problems, but that I would be happy to pray for him, which he accepted. After we left, he called my friend who had set up the meeting and told him how much the prayer had meant to him.

I'm going to take more opportunities to pray with people for their needs. What's the risk?

A. Diallo

A. Diallo came to Dorcas House, a desperate young girl. In her young life of less than 20 years, she's had a lot put on her. Her mother is dying of a terminal illness. She, herself, had a child out of wedlock and had come to believe that selling her body was one of the ways she could help provide for her family.

Then, one of our colleagues, Sue Eshbaugh, suggested that she come to Dorcas House. She did, and when she arrived, you could see that she was a tough girl with a "history". But then, God came into her life, and her life is changed. She'll tell you so.

You should have seen A. singing and dancing at church this morning. Tears came to my eyes as I saw the reality of Easter displayed in the life of this young girl who is a different girl today. We all know that the problems are not over, but she has become a "new creation". Praise God for Easter!

Easter - He is Risen!

We had a wonderful Easter. What makes it wonderful, you might ask? Well, Saturday afternoon, I had the privilege of helping one of our pastors baptize 55 people from our Central Church. Baptism is always a joy, especially at Easter, when the meaning is so powerfully displayed in the water. Jesus died, was buried and rose again! Wow.

Sunday morning, we were invited to one of our sister churches here in town. We decided to take the girls from Dorcas House with us, as they were longing to be in church on Easter. I helped baptize 5 people from that church. I preached on Mary Magdalene and served communion. 2 people gave their lives to Christ this morning - Easter Sunday! Can you think of a better thing to happen on Easter Sunday?

This evening, we had all of our missionaries together for a ham and potluck supper. It was great to be together with these, our colleagues, with whom we are seeking to bring the message of Easter to bear on this country every day.

It was a good Easter. I hope yours was meaningful too.

Dentistry and Jesus Go Together

I just finished a week in the "bush", meaning a rural village. I hosted a dental team comprised of three people from the U.S., and three from Guinea. It was a powerful week, as the church in that area has been going through a period of persecution. Two Sundays ago I had the joy of preaching in one of the villages where most of the believers had been persecuted. One young girl has been beaten many times by her family because of her faith. The last time, the said they would "beat her until she vomited Jesus". She is still going strong and full of the joy of the Lord. It was a privilege to worship with these choice members of the family of God.

During the week, we saw the attitude of the people change towards Christ and his church. Even the persecutors were treated for dental problems. That's what the Gospel is about - blessing those who curse you and spitefully abuse you.

The dental team accomplished the following:

1. 262 patients were seen
2. 520 teeth were pulled
3. 163 teeth were filled
4. The name of Jesus was lifted up
5. The church gained favor with the people.

Praise God for a successful week, in every way.

Inspiring missions slogans and notable quotes from missionaries

"'The history of missions is the history of answered prayer.' — Samuel Zwemer"

Inspiring missions slogans and notable quotes from missionaries

"'Go, send, or disobey.' — John Piper"

Inspiring missions slogans and notable quotes from missionaries

"'We talk of the Second Coming; half the world has never heard of the first.' — Oswald J. Smith"