“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself thru Christ & gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” 2 Cor. 5:18
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Think of it! As God’s children in this broken world, not only has our Creator-Redeemer bought us with His own blood – and brought us back to Himself – He has blessed us with this invitation to offer to whosoever will: “Come back to God! For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (2 Cor. 5:18-21 NLT). Here now are a few examples from the past week of how ROCK International partners are extending Christ’s invitation to lost people – to be reconciled to God:
• Middle East: From a Palestinian couple/Christian ministry in Israel: “Thank you for the financial help. Over 40,000 people in the West Bank have been forced to flee… their homes, belongings, schools, and livelihoods…. Most fled with only the clothes on their backs. By God’s grace, we reached some of these families, providing them with food – and Arabic YOUR STORY booklets – as a tangible expression [and explanation] of Christ’s love.
One family shared, “For two days, we had nothing to eat but dry bread and water.” And a mother, tears streaming down her face, told us, “Last night, I cried out to God, begging Him to help me feed my children. And today, He answered my prayer. We reminded them to cast their burdens on the Lord and to seek Him for true peace…” Another woman, in her 50’s, shared her story…. Her words opened a door for us to tell of God’s grace. As we spoke of His love, His sacrifice on the cross, and the salvation He offers, she listened intently, asking question after question. Then, with tears in her eyes, she said, “Now I finally understand what’s been missing.” Turning to her husband, she said, ‘The emptiness we feel is because we have never truly known God.”
• Central Asia: From a Stan-land, where believers share SD cards loaded with the Scriptures & KING of GLORY movie in local dialects: “Last week, the KGB raided our Afghani refugee literacy ministry. Our teachers, ‘M’ and her mother, were detained. ‘M’, a single mom with 4 children, went to jail for 3 days for proselytizing. She was fined $2,000. The Lord provided and upon her release, the KGB told the officers who apprehended her, “Why did you bring us this psychopath! She just keeps telling us that the prophet Jesus is God, that he sacrificed himself to pay the penalty of our sins…. She kept telling us to repent and accept Jesus’ blood! She is wacko!” ‘M’ is back with her kids and mom. She rejoices that God allowed her to be His witness. Thank you for praying.
• North America: This morning, a pastor in a church in Manhattan ordered 20,000 Wolof YOUR STORY booklets to reach Senegalese in NY City because “it will give the Wolof people their best chance” to understand the gospel. Another partner, Everyday Publications in Canada will print them. Pray for impact.
