Tuesday, December 1, 2009

It's a Meaningful Life

After being in both Thailand and India last month, I was reminded, once again, how much of the world lives in extreme poverty. Not only are there people who lack the basic necessities of life (food, water, medicine, clothing), but they live in environments clouded by spiritual darkness. In Bangkok, I saw (again) countless individuals, many of whom have been trafficked, selling themselves for a meager fee.

Next, I am in an Indian village dominated by Hinduism, with a 40-foot Hindu idol standing at the entrance to the village. It is here our team ministers to people who have had little to no exposure to the Gospel. We pray for a young widow whose husband died eighteen days earlier — her ribs are still broken because of his drunken assaults on her, and she is emotionally torn between being free from abuse, yet feeling destitute because she is left without a partner to provide for the home and help raise the children. By contrast, I return to the USA to watch a large percentage of our country stop to give thanks for all they have (many even thank God), eat enormous amounts of food, and then whip into a frenzy during days that have names such as “Black Friday,” and “Cyber Monday.”

As time goes on, I feel I am understanding Ecclesiastes 1:1-4 better: “‘Meaningless! Meaningless!’ says the Teacher. ‘Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.’ What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.” We take nothing in this life with us into the life to come. Very little of what we sacrifice to buy here even lasts in this lifetime.

Flash back in time with me to first-century Israel. Jesus was essentially born into poverty. Much of His ministry was devoted to reaching the lost, and helping the poor and the sick. In the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” there is a scene where Jimmy Stewart’s guardian angel (Clarence) says to him: “Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?” Jesus touched so many lives, even during His three short years of ministry while on the earth. When He left the earth, I’m sure the Disciples felt a void. But that void was soon filled with the Holy Spirit. For those of us who have found Christ, we truly have a wonderful life. But it should never stop there. We should do everything we can to live a meaningful life. There are too many people in our generation right now who need our Savior.

In 2009, Global Infusion sent out mission teams all over the world, reaching literally thousands of people with the Gospel message. Not only have we seen lives turn to Christ, but our teams have been able to meet hundreds of physical needs through food and clothing distribution, medical outreaches, construction projects, and much more.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

This Generation

I strongly believe that this generation is responsible for the souls of this generation. We cannot do anything about the past, and if we die before Jesus returns, we certainly cannot do anything about the future. We can, however, do something about building God’s Kingdom right now.

During Paul’s first missionary journey, he stops in a Roman colony called Pisidian Antioch (which is now West-central Turkey). This was a city of mixed ethnicity, including Jew, Phrygian, Greek, and Roman. He finds his way to a local synagogue, gains the right to speak a word of exhortation, then addresses both Jews and Gentiles. He highlights the redemptive history of Israel, especially the role David played in the unfolding events. Then Paul makes a statement that should resound to us today:

“For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep” (Acts 13:36).

This one verse could be a sermon series in itself. Essentially, we learn that David had a mission to complete if he stayed in the will of God. He was also to accomplish this mission out of a position of servanthood (though he was a king); and he was to serve those in his own generation (the people within his sphere of influence.)

If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Savior, you have a mandate from Heaven to reach the lost souls of this generation. Without us praying, supporting, sending, or going to the foreign mission field, this generation will be lost.

Decide today that one day, you will indeed cast your crowns at the feet of Jesus rather than your excuses for not have the time, finances, or energy to build His Kingdom. Your generation needs you, and they need you now.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Ask of Me the Nations

This month Global Infusion held our 2009 World Missions Sunday in Tampa, Florida. Our keynote speaker was Pastor Daniel Yaw Akuoko from Takoradi, Ghana (West Africa). We had a tremendous service as God used Pastor Daniel to bring a powerful word from the Lord.

Here are some highlights from his message:
Psalm 2:8, “Ask of Me, and I will give you the nations…”. If God is telling us to ask, that means the answers are ready
Today, we are witnessing a large-scale rebellion, a revolution going on that is more dangerous than terrorism. There is a sexual revolution (perversions, Christians are compromising), a crime revolution (some believe it is easier to leave society and exist in a prison), a divorce revolution (people believe it produces freedom), an unreasonable revolution (people do not understand the basic principles of life)
Morality is being challenged at it’s roots by unworthy standards; these revolutions seek to legitimize themselves
As Christians, we cannot close our eyes to what is going on around us. Many people going to church today have their hearts on the fence; many have nothing but excuses
Isaiah 28:14: we are living in a day of scornful men; they kick against moral values
People today are easily irritated—this is a power of hell in action
Daniel 2:44: the Church is coming into a position to stand up, rise with holy anger as evil begins to knock at our own door

There are so many people in our world struggling against the powers of evil. They need a Savior. We must tell them there is hope. What will you do to help reach them?

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Bought to be Used

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” I have heard this verse many times, but what I find interesting, is how often the rest of the chapter is ignored. Once all things have become new, what we are to do next is found in the following two verses:

“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” (verses 18-19).

We have the ministry, and calling of reconciling lost people back to their Creator. In the first part of 2 Corinthians, Paul compares our bodies to just being a tent, or a house, that will eventually be destroyed. We are to be His ambassadors (v.20).

A Peruvian Pastor asks, “Why do you buy a shirt? To use it. Why did Jesus redeem you and buy you with His own blood? To use you for His Kingdom.”

The goal of some Christians is to just make it through life in one piece, because they will get to Heaven regardless; at least they are saved, right? True, but they are missing some major verses in the Bible. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (v.10)

Christians being judged according to their works? No! It can’t be! Well, there is Romans 14:10, too. And 1 Corinthians 3:14. Beyond the promise of rewards (or lack thereof), we should be motivated to reach the lost because Christ’s love compels us. (2 Cor. 5:14.) You were purchased by Jesus. How are you letting Him use you today to reach the world?

Saturday, August 1, 2009

A Special Letter

A letter from one of our contacts in Guatemala (English translation)

To: The President of Global Infusion

“All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.” (Titus 3:15) “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother Jonathan, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.” (Philemon 1:7)
Like these verses, my family and I greet you.

I want to tell you a great testimony, for the glory of the Lord. I was very sick, I had no money to buy medicine and  I could not go to the doctor., One night I awoke at 2:00 AM to pray, and I remembered Global Infusion, and thought “they can help me, I am going to ask them for help”, because I needed $370, and I kept praying.  

God told me, "Do not ask them, ask Me" and so I kept praying. He said "I am your God, and I am going to touch their hearts." I was amazed, and waited for the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and of the prophets Elijah and Elisha.  

You sent a group from Global Infusion, which to my surprise brought the answer God had spoken about. The group brought me a gift and said "Pastor Eliub, Global Infusion sent this." I told them thank you and we said good-bye. I closed the door and opened the envelope. It was more than what I had asked God for. I fell on my knees with my family crying and we prayed a lot for you and your family that God would keep you in good health so that you can travel to many parts of the world with your great ministry.  I have a lot of gratitude and I can not write (describe) it.

Sincerely,
Pastor Eliub Gutierrez and family

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

The Final Breath

Over the last few weeks, the world has been buzzing with news of many notable deaths. The truth is, people die every day - it just so happens that several famous celebrities, sports figures, and entertainers have made the headlines.

One pattern I have noticed in the secular media is that for some reason, they feel compelled to spotlight all the “good” these people have done in their life, and sweep any “bad” they have done under the carpet. Understandably, our Western culture believes that it is disrespectful to speak ill of the dead when they are not around to defend themselves. But while I should not be shocked at this revelation, I still find it both disturbing and saddening how opposite the world is, to the way God operates.

Revelation 20:12 says, “And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.”

At the end of a person’s mortal life, when they transition from this world to the life after, there is no heavenly memorial service for those who have rejected Jesus. In fact, the only thing on the agenda is judgment. God will review the actions of a person’s life based on everything they have done. If they have lived their entire life without accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, they will be “thrown into the lake of fire.” (v.15).

Sounds a little harsh, right? It’s not the side of Christianity that will attract sinners or fill churches, right? But it is the truth. So we must live holy lives. We must intentionally seek out those who have unlimited access to the Gospel, and tell them that they need a Savior. We need to go now.

Monday, June 1, 2009

A True Revelation

Buildings have doors primarily because the person who owns the building wants to control who or what comes in and out. Some doors are securely locked; others just swing open when you push on them.

You have a door. A door that leads to your heart, mind, and spirit. You, and only you, can control what comes in and out. Many people or opportunities may knock at your door, but only you can open it.

In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and dine with him, and he with me.”

Today, many people are searching for significance, or for purpose. Young people are sometimes just looking for something to do. Here’s a revelation out of the book of Revelation: Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart, will you let Him in? If you’re reading these words, there is a great chance that you have already accepted Him as Lord. So what more does Jesus want? In the verses before this, Jesus was explaining that if a person is lukewarm in the faith, He will vomit them out of His mouth.

So how does one become “hot” and not lukewarm or cold as a Christian? Read the Bible and pray every day? That just keeps you spiritually breathing, unless, it is hours of intercession for the lost. Your body gets hot when you DO something. Jesus wants to draw all people to Himself. They will not find Him on their own. We must go. We must tell people about Jesus and His love. We must go to countries where people do not have virtually unlimited access to the Gospel. You can pray, you can give, and you can go. What will you do today?

Friday, May 1, 2009

The Wonder of it All

I am extremely happy to report that over the last week, Global Infusion staff and interns have trained over 50 college students for the mission field. We have just returned from Sterling, Kansas where we facilitated a Ropes Course missions training event to get our teams ready for the foreign mission field. They will be going to India, Ghana, Egypt and Thailand. It was the first time Sterling College had ever had such training for their missions program. Additionally, we held services nightly that continued the encouragement and preparation for their trip. The times of worship were absolutely amazing! While the “band” was made up of exclusively GI staff and interns who had never played or sang together even once, God truly showed up.

With 50+ students going on mission trips for several weeks at a time, there will be literally hundreds of hours of ministry, outreach, evangelism, teaching, and medical work occurring this summer. These students could have opted to work, go on vacation, take summer school, or just do nothing at all. Instead, they answered the call of the Great Commission, and as a result, lives will be touched and changed for eternity. Turn off the news feeds into your house, your mind, and your heart. God’s economy has nothing to do with the state that America is in. In the midst of a “recession,” college students raised thousands of dollars, and made a cognizant decision to do something meaningful and significant with their lives. You can do it too! Age is of no consequence to the calling of God. There is always a way to get plugged into Global Infusion, and reach out to people with Gospel of Jesus Christ. Time is short. The harvest is plentiful. God’s supply will never run out. Pray. Go. Invest. Now is the time.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Fear Not

This past month, I was in the country of Mexico. A border town. With a missions team. If you have been getting your news from the well-educated anchors and reporters on TV, you would surmise that violence is sweeping that nation. I was in Mexicali, Mexico, and during the week I was there, I literally did not see one police officer, Federal official, or anyone from the Mexican Armed Forces. Customs agents and border patrol officers were at the border crossings, but that was to be expected. I am not naïve enough to think there is no criminal activity in this region, but according to the news media, and U.S. government websites, Mexico is a danger zone.

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10). One of the most repeated phrases (or variation of the phrase) in the Bible is “fear not.” Many people in this world attempt to appear tough on the exterior, but inside, they are fearful. However, if we allow fear to overcome us, we will never do anything for God. Fear brings paralysis. Faith brings liberty.

Jesus said in Mark 2:17, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” When I hear bad news happening in a country, my first reaction is, “What can I do about this?” It’s not people who have their pick of a hundred churches in town, and access to government assistance programs that need the most help — it’s those who have not heard the Gospel, or those who live in anti-Christian persecution, under governments that seek to destroy them, and in environments that deprive them of the basic necessities of life. God has not given you the spirit of fear. He has given you power. He has given you love. He has given you a sound mind. It’s time to do something with it.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Sacrifice

What does the word “sacrifice” mean to you? Does it mean doing something you don’t want to do? Does it mean going without something you want? The dictionary defines sacrifice as the “surrender of something for the sake of something else.” Sounds a lot like Jesus’ life, doesn’t it? He left Heaven to experience all things human so He could be our perfect example for living. He was beaten so we may be well. He died so we might live eternally.

Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” But as Paul writes in Romans 5:6-8, Jesus went one giant step further: “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Would you lay down your life for an ungodly person to demonstrate God’s love so they might have an opportunity to receive Christ? Death could be considered the ultimate sacrifice a person could offer. In our Western worldview, the thought of dying for someone so they might receive the Gospel is not even a consideration. History shows that the act of martyrdom, while great in number, is small in percentage compared to how many Christians have lived since the resurrection. So what is God asking you to sacrifice? It is our mandate as Christians to reach the lost. I’ve heard it said that Americans (Westerners) give out of abundance, while the rest of the world gives out of sacrifice. Are you waiting for retirement to have the time and money to reach the world for Him? If you are, I can almost promise you that it will never happen. Global Infusion needs you. We need people to go with us to other nations. We need financial resources to spread the Gospel. Don’t wait. Do something today to reach the ungodly, even if it means sacrifice.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Just Words

There are many people in this world who are blinded by Satan and his lies. They have been offered false gods to worship, they are enticed with sin, and they are surrounded by governments and media that proactively diminish, distort, or refute the very existence of God. With no moral or spiritual compass other than their own finite minds, they are easily captured by the enemy.

God’s Word is not just a book. Its verses are not just words. The Bible says in Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” What an amazing concept: the Word of God is alive, and it is powerful! When we travel overseas with mission teams, we are going for the purpose of telling others about Jesus; what He has done for them; His plan of salvation; and how they can be set free from the bondage of sin, death, sickness, and an eternity apart from God. The unreached need to hear the Word of God because they are spiritually dead, and God’s Word is life. They need to hear what some believe are “just words” because they are weak, and His Word is powerful.

I’ve heard people, even Pastors, question the purpose of mission trips, saying that they are a waste of money. When I stand on foreign soil watching our teams interact with indigenous people and share the Gospel, I wish Christians, who think they are somehow exempt from foreign missions, could see the impact and results that I see. If the Bible and our testimonies are just words, let me remind you that God created the universe with “just words.” Lazarus was raised from the dead with “just words.” A stormy sea was made calm with “just words.” Jesus could have come down from the cross using “just words.” Lives are being touched and changed for eternity all over the world because GI’s teams are opening their mouths and allowing the Spirit of God to use them, and their words.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Seeds

It’s the beginning of a new year!  What will 2009 bring you?  Well, that all depends on the seeds you planted in 2008, or 2007, or in previous years.  Sometimes it takes quite a while for seeds to grow.  Many people expect God to do completely new things in their life just because the calendar year changed.  It is true that God does do new things.  He gives good gifts.  He loves us unconditionally!  However, the Bible repeatedly speaks of the process of planting seeds, and seeing a harvest of what we have planted.
“For the seed shall be prosperous, the vine shall give its fruit, the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew” (Zechariah 8:12a).  In this passage, the prophet Zechariah was speaking the word of the Lord to the Jews as they struggled to begin new lives after living in exile for many years.  I find it interesting both in this passage, and in real life, that seeds attract a lot of attention.  In fact, very little attention is ever given to the farmer or the sower themselves; the seed is the focus.  Many people do not realize that every day they are planting seeds.  Some are planted unconsciously.  Some are planted intentionally.  Many people plant seeds just to receive something in return.  Others continually sow and water seeds that they do not necessarily want to see grow up in their lives.
There are many places in this world where Global Infusion is planting seeds.  Our goal is to reach people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and if possible, make their life on this earth a little bit better than it was when we first met them.  You have the opportunity to partner with us in prayer, in giving, and in going to the nations to change lives for eternity.  Lives that are untouched, unreached, and totally abandoned by this world.  So I ask you now, what seeds for the Kingdom will you plant in 2009?