Ps 3 is the resident pastor of Canaan Church – located in the suburbs of our city. Last year, he planted a new church in another city after it was hit by an earthquake. Because he shuttles to and fro between these 2 cities, it seems he is spreading himself too thin and we decided to help him strategise for the long term. After a few rounds of discussion, we decided to make a trip to see this other work he is taking care of.
Together with him and a few others, we took 41 hours by coach to reach the place – our longest overland journey ever! Through this trip, we were able to witness Ps 3’s passion for people. He earnestly grabbed every opportunity to share the Gospel with fellow bus passengers, family and victims of the quake and even with nuns in the temple. To us, he is a living example of what it means to “preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season.” (2 Tim 4:2)
While we were there, we are able to engage with the people. Before the quake, they were superstitious and preferred not to talk about death. But after the disaster, many are now open and interested in the topic of life after death. We were thus able to share the Good News with many people during our short stay. Truly, God is sovereign and is able to use disasters to soften stubborn hearts and cause a massive spiritual awakening to everyone.
Since Ps 3 came to this city in the wake of the quake, he brought many survivors to Christ. Through his ongoing efforts, 6 people came forward to be baptized during our visit. They are the first fruits of the harvest.
If a mother gives birth to a child, she would never abandon him but continue to nurture and to teach him, so likewise the shepherd of the church. This describes Ps 3’s passion and burden behind why he makes such a long journey to this work so often. While most relief organisations and churches have left the city or have reduced the regularity of their visits, he is still faithfully following up the new believers. Unfortunately the city is now under the threat of cult groups who are taking advantage of the spiritual vacuum to propagate their heretical teachings among young Christians. Some of Ps 3’s young disciples are also targeted. Again, we wonder how best to help Ps 3 care for and empower this fledging work.
God’s will is higher than ours and He always sees further than us. He has provided us with 2 new co-workers for this particular work so Ps 3 can focus on taking care of Canaan Church.
Please pray along with us:
- We are mentoring Ps 3 and hope to encourage him to grow Canaan Church so as to support church planting works in this nation. Ask God for guidance and provision.
- Perseverance and faithfulness for the 2 new co-workers in the quake region and spiritual protection and maturity of the new believers.
- Pray against the cults from corrupting the faith of the new believers and destroying the work of God.
