I was very glad that God answered my prayer for workers, but one thing that I forgot is that God always does more than we ask!
Three or four years ago Bro. Sam Ward came to Croatia on a missions trip. God really moved on his first trip in a mighty way. I believe there were about 15 to 20 saved, and our church was on fire. God really used him to be an encouragement to our people and to me personally! I believe on that first trip something happened to Bro. Sam, and that was the fact that Croatia and it's people got into his heart! He told me then, I don't want to leave I want to stay in Croatia! However, the timing was not God's timing, but Croatia never left his heart and he continued to pray that God would open a door for him to come and join us in the fight for souls in this needy country.
Since that first trip he has returned just about every year and we have had soul-winning marathons. Each time his burden grew stronger for this country, and each time he was a tremendous encouragement to our people and to me personally. Every time he left we were on fire for God! For me it was so nice having someone to stand with me as I fought for the souls of these people.
Now I hope you are sitting down! I got a call from Bro. Sam and he said my boss wants to retire me and his company is going to pay him to be in Croatia for two years! Did you get that? His company a secular company is going to pay him to be in Croatia for two years!
He wants to spend his life here, and he is leaving all behind to follow God's open door! God can do anything! Bro. Sam wants to stay here his whole life, and he has put that in God's hands! Please pray for him! He does have MD, and requires medication which we are checking into! He has many excuses why he shouldn't come, and yet he has said yes to God's call!
He wants to be here by January or sooner. He must sell his house and get some things squared away! Please pray for him, and the work here! I believe God is getting ready to do something big in this country for the glory of God!
8 comments:
That's wonderful! Praise the Lord. Having good men with you will quadruple the amount you get done. I read of two great draft horses that each could pull around 1500 lbs on a sled. Someone put them together, thinking they would pull 3000 lbs. Instead, working together, they were able to pull 4500 lbs. I am excited for your family and for Croatia.
Well, I believe bringing the Bible to others and teaching them about Jesus is a good thing. But according to Wikipedia, a census in Croatia in the year 2001 has shown that about 93 % of the population are Christians. So the Word of the Lord has already been spread to them. How come you still use the term "needy country", talking about Croatia as a "dark place" when the light of Jesus already shines there? Then what about Saudi-Arabia, China or Turkey, where there are less then 1 % Christians who even are persecuted?
Blessings to you and your family
Dear Anonymous,
Thank you for commenting on my blog. The Word Christian today is used very lightly. Croatia claims to be 91% Roman Catholic. However, being a Roman Catholic does not make anyone a Christian. I have lived in this country for 9 years and I have asked 1000's of people if they would go to heaven when they die. Overwhelmingly the answer has been I don't know. Many of them wanted to go to heaven, but had no clue how to get there. After talking to them further they would tell me, "I'm trying to be good or I'm a good Cathoilic so maybe I'll go."
Jesus said that no one will go to heaven unless they are born again! (John 3,3)He also said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14,6)To be a Christian one must except God's free gift of Salvation! (Romans 6,23 and Ephesians 2, 8-9) You must receive Jesus plus nothing and minus nothing. The Croatian people for the most part believe that Jesus existed, but they do not believe for the most part that He is the only Savior! They take Jesus plus Mary or Jesus plus their good works! Jesus said I am the only way!
I'm sure that at Wikipedia the Croatian people are considered Christian. However, on Judgment Day God is not going to open the book of Wikipedia, but rather He is going to open the book of life and if their names are not found their they will be cast into the lake of fire!
My question to you is: Is your name written in the book of life?
"And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20, 14-15)
If you are not sure if your name is there, why don't you right now fall on your knees and ask Jesus to be your Savior! He loves you and wants to save you!
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3,16)
Wow it amazes me how God works out the impossible. I'm so excited to see over the next several years the change that will take place here in the ministry when several pairs of hands are added to the work. Hands, not to mention prayers.
I'm so proud of your accomplishments in paving the way for independent Baptist missionaries in Croatia.
Eternal God has made a way for me where there was none. He has opened the windows of heaven and poured out a great blessing. I continue to shout for joy.
God's hand is in this and His heart is broken for the Croatian people.
I just can't wait to see what God is going to do.
O GOD, SAVE CROATIA!
WOW, this is such great news! Praying that we will be able to join you all soon as well!
Kevin & Kristina
We are sadden to lose one of our most faithful members, yet we can't help but REJOICE at what GOD ALMIGHTY must have in store for Croatia and the work there! We shall miss Bro. Ward, just as we miss the Leslie family, but the harvest is great and the laborers are few! God speed Bro. Sam!
I am overjoyed for you guys! How awesome God has made a way for Bro. Sam to do his heart's desire!
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