Archive for October 2006
Don't Quit before the Harvest
Posted on Monday, October 16, 2006 at 2:00 PM by Paul Kovach
The past few weeks have definitely been some of the most interesting, as well as the most blessed. We have been seeing the Lord work in powerful ways in the churches we have been in. As I sit here, looking out my window, I ponder the harvest season now upon us. It seems like, up till now, it has been toil, toil, toil. Now it is a joy to begin to see the fruits of our labors. We are excited to see our support top that 30% mark as we are now at 31%. We praise the Lord for this milestone in our deputation. I believe we have been witnessing the Lord raise up a mighty prayer army for this ministry and I am deeply humbled and greatly excited!
We have just finished a 4 day mission conference. As tired as we are afterwards, we come away greatly refreshed. It was an unusual week for many reasons, but most notably because our children had developed the chicken pox. The Lord answered prayer and brought a babysitter across our path who would be able to watch the children for the duration of the conference. Our thanks to those of you who were praying that we would find someone. God answered your prayers!
This week we embark on our 6-week journey. We will spend a couple of weeks in the east coast and then loop up through Wisconsin, through the UP, and then down the heart of Michigan. We covet your prayers for safety, health, and that we will be able to be a blessing to the churches as we keep missions before them.
Edited on: Monday, October 16, 2006 2:02 PMWhat is a Missionary? -Author Unknown
Posted on Thursday, October 05, 2006 at 4:45 PM by Paul Kovach
A missionary is one who is sent-but too often forgotten! A missionary is one who is sent primarily because he loves the souls of man enough to want to go. However, he is sent out the same person as he was when he was with you. Did you think there was some magic formula that made him different? No, he goes to the field with the same human frailties as you who outfitted him, promised to support him, and to pray for him, to write him, and never forget him. He goes with your promises and blessings ringing in his ears and these will remain with him for quite some time; however, in his heart, he knows that you will not forget him, but will be there with encouragement and help when he needs them most. A missionary, then, is one who goes with the Lord, goes for the Lord, depends on the Lord, but is looking to you to “tarry by the stuff”.
The full force of the great challenge hits our missionary soon after his arrival on the field. He sees the desperate spiritual and physical plight of men-the terrible darkness of engulfing paganism. He spends his strength willingly and gladly, because he loves the Lord. However, distressed, he finds he must pray daily and fervently for more compassionate love for the people around him; therefore, a missionary is one who is not always endowed with the all consuming love for the people to whom he goes. Did you think that love came automatically? He works and prays with his people, he is often the only help for their physical ailments; and yet knows little of medicine.
He trudges the hot, weary trails on foot because his jeep breaks down and he is reluctant to send back word to you the he needs parts; they are too expensive there, should they even be available. Did you think it was enough when you helped him buy the jeep? He walks the trails, too, seeking, always seeking those for whom Christ died.
A missionary is one who labors for years, perhaps, before he can see much result; then suddenly the Holy Spirit brings conviction to hearts, and God brings the increase! Did you think it would come without labor, without tears, without intercessory prayer? What were you doing while he was laboring? Were you praying on your comfortable bed at night or while you were doing the dishes, or did you thing someone else was praying? Perhaps you hadn’t given it much thought, or maybe you didn’t think you had time to pray?
A missionary is one who doesn’t write what he thinks, feels, or needs for fear you might think he is complaining or is not a good missionary. Have you asked the Lord to help you read between the lines of his letters?
A missionary is one who writes of victory and of souls being won. Do you feel sure that it was your prayers that helped move the hand of God, or can’t you share in the harvest? When he writes of Satan’s attacks, are you then remorseful and fearful lest you left the praying to others, who perhaps, were leaving it up to you.
-Author Unknown
Edited on: Thursday, October 05, 2006 5:02 PMPosted in Articles/Musings (RSS)