MISSIONS in 2019.0
Answering Haggai’s Mission call with James’ Challenge
At the beginning of each year, we as individuals make resolutions consciously or unconsciously which we set out to do. Some are followed and fulfilled but most are not. This same character is carried on into our dealings with other people, businesses or ministries. Promising big, delivering little or nothing. By the way that includes ministry to ministry and ministry to people. I want to approach this from Haggai and James’ point of view.
In this generation I believe realistic mission work should do projects long term in partnership with on the ground co-laborers as the core of mission work. This may need an overhaul of the older planning processes as well as a paradigm shift in our perception of missions work. It’s the wise use of resources that we have found effective and recognizes God's anointing and importance of the ones he chose as laborers in the field. Paul addressed a similar issue in 2 Corinthians 8:1-2.
At the beginning of last year, I made the decision to get out of this “Round Robin” talk, talk, talk show. I committed to listen to God’s Spirit for direction to believe for his provision to accomplish the task.
Africhrist was challenged by James Chapter 1 and Haggai Chapter 1 especially the verses quoted later below. We trusted and had faith in God to provide the funds. We proceeded with very little, and answered the call of The Lord in Haggai. We picked two remote village churches we had previous attachment to and proceeded to help one renovate and another rebuild. On our website www.africhrist.com we state in our mission statement that we endeavor to use resources wisely and get maximum returns. God came through as we started to lay the foundation to this work.
Impact Results
Before and after
From the tiny humble beginning to a new building for one and a complete makeover for another. In both cases, these congregants were not asking for handouts, they just needed a hand up. We only answered God’s call to “faith with works”
The work was started by people with a vision to fulfill Jesus’ mandates in Matthew 28 to go into all the world and spread The Gospel. Christians and indeed the church is obligated to assist others with fewer resources by answering God’s question and call in Haggai with action. All the earth and all therein is The Lord's and good stewardship does not end at our local doors.
God is challenging us as individuals and ministries especially those that are living largesse by His Grace, to consider taking care of His House wherever it may be. Africhrist has taken up the challenge and is currently helping revamp two such houses. We are also in longterm relationships with other resource needy ministries some taking care of orphans and indigent children. All Glory to Him for allowing and enabling us to make a contribution. He has come through big time, from our humble beginnings.
Impact Prayer
Father in the Name of Jesus your son we thank you for enabling us as we co-labor with your servants on the ground. We pray for your continued direction, provision and anointing. We join with our brethren in praising you for this life changing work. Glory to your Holy Name, as we lift up the Name of Jesus. Amen!
Impact Scriptures
Haggai 1:2-4 NLT
““This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: The people are saying, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.’” Then the Lord sent this message through the prophet Haggai: “Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins?”
James 1:9-10 NLT
Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them.
James 2:15-18 NKJV
“If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”
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