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by Debra Crook
PLACE OF HOPE, PEOPLE OF PROMISE
The International Pentecostal Holiness Church vision: “to be a ‘Place of Hope. People of Promise, (Isaiah 54:2, 3) enables us to ‘see’ the horizon to which the Holy Spirit is calling us. We can see ‘Places of Hope;’ we can see ‘People of Promise.’ We envision places, people, and opportunities in our present and future that need us to be what Christ has called and empowered us to be.” I continue to be inspired by this vision; it stretches our perspective of what we can do if we can see opportunities God places before us.
Let’s recall for a moment the unique role of Israel. As one author states, “This multifaceted role was not just simply for Israel’s sake. Israel was elected, empowered, qualified and given the opportunity in centrally located Canaan to mediate between God and the nations. This mediatorial work was to be carried out through living according to the word God has given so that nations would take note of and desire to join in the blessing, wonder, and glory of life with and under his beneficent (Isaiah 2:1-5). He unfolded his kingdom plan on behalf of all races, nations, peoples, and ethnic groups.”
For several years, I have been assisting People to People Ministries in 10 nations of Asia where we have a presence. Our primary outreaches are the child sponsorship program, feeding programs, water wells, microbusinesses, and disaster relief. So what do humanitarian programs accomplish? When they are initiated by His church, we become like His purpose for Israel. Nations will see our works among them. In countries that are less than 1% Christian, God wants His presence to be demonstrated.
BE A NATION CHANGER
I am so grateful the Gospel message is one of inclusion. I am so grateful Acts Children’s Home in Myanmar opens its doors to Buddhist children. They provide a safe environment giving children an opportunity to attend school; otherwise their poor parents may send them to the Buddhist monks. The monks require them to go out to gather food from devotees each day and the children don’t attend school.
A beautiful school has been built n Bangladesh. When I first saw the area, it seemed it was in the middle of nowhere, in the midst of fields. But today when you visit, you see a community that is beginning to thrive in the area. Muslim and Christian children attend classes together and their lives, their future, and their nation are being transformed.
Cambodia’s feeding programs continue to open doors for community outreaches. One of the churches that was started through the presence of a feeding program is now having the opportunity to reach another village. This is a Buddhist nation but the church’s reputation and faithful witness has given them favor with village officials. Children are not discouraged from taking part in activities.
These nations, along with Sri Lanka, Thailand, Philippines, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Pakistan have children in the sponsorship program. Touching a life, one day at a time; consistently demonstrating God’s kingdom plan that all races, nations, peoples, and ethnic groups may witness His love and compassion.
I am encouraging you to pray for People to People Ministries. Along with your prayer, please also ask the Lord, “Am I to be involved in one of these programs? Do I recall that He has called me and empowered me to be a Place of Hope and a People of Promise?” I believe together we can impact generations. Through your giving, you are empowering People to People Ministries to be that avenue in these nations. Please call our office at 405.787.7110 or email ptpinfo@iphc.org. Our website will provide you with more details of the various ministries.
BAGUIO UPDATE
In my last newsletter I mentioned relocating; I was just given 30 days to find a place. I am grateful for a friend working in the U.S. who offered her home, but it is short term pending her retirement. I’m not sure about the time table, but thankful the initial pressure of getting into a lengthy contract. I appreciate prayers for God to open a door for the next home.
Thanks again for being my constant source of encouragement through your monthly support and prayers.
