From the Heart of the Pastor

Last week’s mission conference was terrific.  I personally benefitted so much by hearing the heart of the Walkers.  Having not personally seen the work in Southeast Asia, I like many of you, had to take the word of those who had been there first hand.  Although I have still not been there in person, I have a much deeper understanding and appreciation of the kind of work God is doing through the workers on the front lines. 

I am thankful that God led us into this partnership with the IMB and the Walkers to reach the Lasa.  Wasn’t it encouraging hearing of 76 new believers in less than 4 years?  That is 0 to 76!  It was equally encouraging to hear and see the actual, tangible things that our funding is accomplishing.  All of the things from a year’s supply of school supplies and backpacks to deworming medication, our giving is responsible for.  I was shocked to hear that 1 dollar can deworm a child for six months.  Can you imagine the agony and misery of intestinal worms?  Even more unbelievable is that the misery is changed to joy for 1 dollar!

That is to say nothing of the national workers we are directly funding.  They are teaching children skills necessary for success that would be impossible otherwise.  At the same time and most importantly they are building relationships with the children’s parents.  Those relationships often lead to life changing conversations about the gospel.  Jesus will most assuredly build his church.  We are witnessing that not only here, but in Southeast Asia as well. 

Now that we have been so encouraged about the work God is doing there, let’s equally ask God to do a mighty work right here in our community.  I am eagerly praying for revival in our hearts and awakening in our city.  These are great and powerful days at Oak Crest and I am so thankful you are a part of it.  May God glorify himself in his church at Oak Crest and around the world.

In Christ,

Blain Craig

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