Tuesday, April 03, 2012

Powerfully Passionate!

Last month we asked you to pray for one of our students named Hai Bing. He continues to come to our English Bible studies along with his wife and young daughter while expecting another child in a few months. We recently viewed the film “The Passion of the Christ” and many of the students were very moved by the pain and suffering Jesus endured at the hand of the Jews and found it difficult to watch. While Hai Bing’s wife shows much interest, he is skeptical. However, seeing the unjust treatment Jesus went through, had Hai Bing asking why did Jesus allow it if he was truly God. We never know how the Word of God moves in peoples hearts. One will be changed almost immediately while another takes time trying to reason it out and must have answers to all the difficult questions. Hai Bing thought it quite ridiculous for Jesus to have to go through the crucifixion if he had the power to stop it. His understanding does not yet comprehend the sacrifice the Messiah had to make on his behalf. In Romans 8:34, Paul writes, “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” We must not give up on those who tarry in their decision to become a believer. Like Christ, we must intercede before the throne for these precious souls who have been exposed to faith. Please continue to pray for our students and especially for Hai Bing and his wife. Thank you for the opportunity to share our faith with these students. You are making a difference.

Sunday, April 01, 2012

Is the devil eternal?
What is a Pharisee?
Is Satan equal with God?
When were the angels created?
Why is Jesus called “the light”?
How does the truth set you free?
Why do the Jews want to kill Jesus?
What does it mean to be “born again”?
Are ghosts really the souls of our ancestors?
If God is all powerful, why can’t he make everyone believe?
What about the souls of those who have died without knowing Christ?

These are a few of the questions we get asked during our Bible studies each week with students from
Taiwan, Japan and China. It is encouraging to have them ask so many as it is further evidence that the Lord is moving in their hearts to desire to know the truth. What a leap it is for them to go from not knowing about God at all, to studying through the Book of John and discover the answers to life most important questions like “what happens after we die?”. How many of us take for granted the Bible’s answers to our own questions knowing we have help that not all have access to.

While most of our students are involved and asking questions and participating, there is one student
in particular that we would ask you to pray for. It is a couple that we picked up from the airport and invited them to our Bible studies. The wife is like a sponge, just soaking everything up and learning quickly about our Lord and his will for our lives. However, the husband seems distant and is having trouble believing there is a God in heaven who loves him. His name is Hai Bing and we ask that you would specifically lift him up in your prayers and ask God to soften his heart and help him be more curious about godly things.

As always, we are so thankful for your prayers and financial support. God is using you to bless us
and our ministry.