I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jer 32:27)
Throughout the Old Testament, whenever the Israelites faced their next challenge, they recounted all of the things God had done in the past. Recounting God’s faithfulness in the past was a way to build up their faith and the same principle applies to us today.
Recently, GT’s International Lead Team met together in Minnesota. As we came together, face-to-face for the first time in almost two years, our first evening was focused solely on worship and prayer, spending time together with God. Every day following, we started with a Discovery Bible Study where we delved into principles for leadership in the scriptures of Acts, studying and listening together. Next, we literally mapped out all the work going on in Global Teams all over the world, providing a visual context for seeing how God has been moving. Finally, we looked ahead to where we believe God is directing us next, evaluating our work on the ground and listening to the Holy Spirit. God confirmed for us again our calling to go multiply disciples among the least reached, to go as pioneers where the Gospel has not yet been heard. We also believe that God has given us the following:
The International Lead Team believes that God is leading us to intentionally engage forty new unreached peoples, populations or places by 2024.
As we prepare to face this new challenge, join us in giving thanks for what God has done this year and then believe with us for all that is next. Here are just a few:
- After 15 years of effort in Uganda and Sudan, doors are opening for African field partners to work in Darfur. We also see new opportunities among the Karamojong and Ik people of northeastern Uganda.
- We are seeing many new followers of Jesus among the Afghan refugees where we are engaged. Even a Taliban leader has come to faith.
- Thousands of new believers have been baptized in South Asia.
- GT has 22 new field partners in Turko-Russia world, 133 new trainees (Horizons) in Tanzania, and over 20 Khmer (Vietnam) believers are being trained for church planting.
- A majority of Global Teams personnel have been trained in Disciple Making Movements, a key strategy for our pioneering work.
- Marianella, Partner Care Coordinator for Costa Rica, has recovered from septic shock.
- A field partner family has been serving in Southeast Asia for several years without seeing much movement toward Christ, but they are starting to see miracles. During a showing of the Jesus film, upon seeing the Transfiguration scene, a woman exclaimed, “I have seen him three times! And I was so scared and ran away.” She is not running away anymore.
- Much needed vehicles have been provided for field partners in northern and central Mexico, and Ugandans purchased a vehicle for our field partners in Karamoja, Uganda.
When we feel especially challenged by the audacious goal before us, we can look back on what God has done in the past. Then, instead of being overwhelmed, we’ll face confidence in God’s awesome power.
Is the Lord calling you to a new challenge? Build up your confidence by remembering God's faithfulness.
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