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I want to start by extending a huge heartfelt thank you to each of you who had prayed for my last trip to the 10/40 window.
This trip was very different from previous trip. First off, when I arrived at the border I was questioned much more intensely than I had ever been questioned before.
Why are you here?
What is your occupation?
You were here for 2 months, a few months ago, why are you back?
What did you do during your last visit?
What are you planning to do on this trip?
Where will you be staying?
Who are you meeting?
They just peppered my with questions.
The country seems to really be tightening up their efforts to keep missionaries out. Persecution is on the rise, and our people need your prayers. I was told by a few guys, due to the fact that I have returned frequently over the last 3 - 4 years, I’m most likely on a watch list.
Secondly, I usually go to multiple locations and stay a week - ten days at each of them. This trip I went to only two locations. At the first one I stayed two full weeks and at the second I stayed a full month.
It was such a blessing.
My first stop was at one of our colleges. My time there was so blessed. I taught and addressed many questions that the students had. Questions ranging from, “Is it sinful to work if you’ve been called to full time ministry?” to “Would you teach the book of Ecclesiastes?”
There is such a hunger and thirst to know God and His Word. There’s a great desire to understand the signs of the times as well as to learn how to share Christ effectively with their people, and to do it in a way that glorifies God.
We touched on many issues of interest like accountability, the need to be forgiving and gracious, what we’re to do with the tithe, the need for unity and love between brothers etc. This was a very important discussion because Jesus said that love between us as believers was of vital importance; it would be the way that the world would know that we are His disciples.
One of the most exciting things that occurred while at my first location is the leaders of the school and I prayed and talked about how we can better raise up church planters. We agreed on a new format for the school.
In the past they had been teaching block classes. In that format a teacher would come and teach an entire book of the Bible, or group of books such as the Pastoral Epistles, in a week. It basically resulted in a survey of the Bible instead of going deep into the books.
So we decided to switch to the format that is more commonly used in schools, where each day the students would receive teaching in multiple subjects during the week, for the 16 weeks of the semester. This way we get Calvary Pastors from the states, not only teaching each books in greater detail and depth, but they will also be able to pour into the students Calvary Chapel philosophies and distinctives, those things that have been proven to be blessed by God.
When combined with Chuck Tracks through the entire Bible, it will serve to give each student a deeper understanding of God’s heart for the lost and unreached.
We also discussed, and I’m very excited about it, a new internship program that will better prepare the students that have a clear calling of God on their lives for ministry. They'll gain hands-on experience in ministry through serving at the church and college, while at the same time receiving one-on-one discipleship and guidance from our leader on the ground.
At my next stop, due to certain concerns, I mostly stayed in my hotel room. It was a sweet time to do daily Bible studies and discipleship with our team.
When I did get out, we were able to hold a two day conference in a secure location where everyone attending would be safe.
I also was able to travel to a town in the foothills of the Himalayas, a town of about 15,000. It was such a special time because I was able to meet with all the believers of that town, about 15 of them, and I was able to encourage them in the Word. I shared with them the importance of being a witness for Jesus Christ, and how the threat of persecution is a tactic of the enemy to silence us.
I was able to attend a wedding reception. That was fun.
I was also invited to a sweet couple’s house that I’ve known for about a year now. They partner with one of our guys in the north, doing ministry in the slums and prisons. It was a beautiful time of fellowship, worship and eating together.
In all honesty, there’s just not enough space or time to convey all the wonderful things God did. The worship, the fellowship, the time in the Word, the times of discipleship, it was all just off the charts. I wish I could just lay my hands on your shoulders and you would be able to know in detail how great this trip was
I hesitate to say it was the most fruitful trip I have ever experienced, because I don’t want anyone to think it’s just what you say after a trip. But God really did exceedingly abundantly above anything I could have asked or imagined.
And again, I want to emphasize that your prayers were vital for the success of this trip. There’s no way I could do what God has called me to do if I didn’t have friends and loved ones like you praying for me behind the scenes
On a personal note, Monday, December 8th, my sister went home to be with the Lord. Would you please remember my brother-in-law in your prayers. Please pray for comfort and strength for him, but most importantly, that he would sense the wonderful presence of the Lord.
Finally, if you're not part of my field updates, please email me and I'll send you a link to download Signal and join. Signal is a much more secure platform, which allows me to share in greater detail the events of this trip. It also allows me to share pictures, places and things I can't share in these regular updates.
It's all in an effort to protect our workers in these hostile countries, as well as protecting the ministry. So please, drop me an email and let me know if you want to join "Gary's Field Updates" and we'll get you connected.
Thank you again, for you friendship, prayers, love and support. Together we are making a difference in the world for Jesus Christ our King.
God bless,
Gary and Tina
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