Algeria: Fastest Growing Church in the Muslim World Today

Posted by missions trips on Jan 05 2010 | how I can help spread the Gospel, prayer fuel

A growing church in the Kabyle region of Algeria was to begin meeting in their new building on Saturday, December 26th . This is their usual meeting day, but they were planning to have a special celebration of the birth of Jesus. When the believers started to arrive at their new premises, they found around 50 Muslim protesters barring the doors. The church leaders contacted the authorities who responded by sending four police cars. The police did not intervene, they just monitored the situation. The protesters continued their threats saying that if the Christians continued to meet in this building, they would slaughter the pastor and his family.

This church has seen incredible growth in the last few years, with many miraculous signs and wonders taking place while they meet. Many Muslim families and young people have found hope in Jesus through this ministry. The church leadership are not afraid or discouraged. They returned to their premises the next day and discovered 20 protesters still gathered there. They were able to share the gospel with them and give out New Testaments.

This incident was reported in one of the national newspapers, El Watan. (Dec 27, 2009) According to the paper, the protesters where local residents who were upset at finding that a church building with many visitors from outside the area would be opening up next to their houses. The article highlighted some of the misconceptions that Muslims have of the church growth in Algeria, stating that they where afraid that their youth would be lured into the church with promises of money or other material incentives. The newspaper tried to play down the involvement of the Muslim fundamentalist groups, but it is highly likely that these groups will capitalize on local unrest and use this as an opportunity to try to hinder the Lord’s work in Algeria.

We know that God can and will use this opposition for His glory but we covet your prayers for the protection of the pastor and his family.They are not afraid, but are in great need of wisdom in how to respond and and in talking to the authorities and to their opponents. Pray that the local authorities would intervene in a positive way and even find Jesus themselves!

Comments Off for now

Arts in Missions: A Creative Way to Spread the Gospel!

Posted by missions trips on Dec 15 2009 | International short term missions trips, arts & artists in missions, group short term missions trips, longer term missions trips for 10+ months

The use of visual, performing and technical arts can be an extraordinary way to share the Gospel. Jesus did it through story telling and miracles. Jesus was an artist and God is the greatest artist there is. So, why not use the arts to share the Gospel. People love to be entertained and Christian artists can tell people about Jesus either through their art, or by attracting a crowd and then sharing the Gospel verbally with people. There are a few mission organizations that are involve in “arts in missions” ministries. Click on OM Arts for more information on one such mission. For those in the US, you can click here to see specific international short and long term opportunities of arts in missions.

Comments Off for now

$25 feeds an “untouchable” Indian child at school for an entire year!

Posted by missions trips on Dec 02 2009 | prayer fuel

Image

More than 15,000 of the poorest children in India, from the severely oppressed Dalit people, known as “untouchables,” have hope for the future. Education would normally be out of reach for them, but they are students in Operation Mobilization’s nearly 100 Dalit schools. The English-based education offers them future job opportunities that would otherwise be impossible. In addition, the students take what they learn in school about God and His love and share it with their families at home.

But many of these children are from families who don’t have enough money to provide lunch for the school day. A good education is available at no cost, but the children are hungry and undernourished. Approximately 50% of India’s children suffer from malnutrition, and most of those are among the Dalits.

OM is addressing this need with a new program which will provide a healthy meal to the children who cannot bring lunch to school. And a generous supporter is matching gifts given for this so that the amount is doubled–and the impact is doubled.

Your gift of $25 will be matched and become $50! And that $50 will feed a child for an entire school year–200 days! Gifts of any amount will be doubled. $50 becomes $100 and feeds two children!
Click here to make your donation

Comments Off for now

Planning Tips for Missions Trips

Posted by missions trips on Nov 11 2009 | International short term missions trips, going, but I'm not sure

1. Plan your mission trip early.

2. Work with local churches and/or missionaries.

3. Receive orientation from someone experienced before going.

4. Develop realistic expectations.

5. Have a detailed budget and build in a cushion (20%).

6. Be Flexible, Adaptable and Teachable (FAT).

7. Have a strategy to spread the Gospel and for follow-up of people interested.

8. Debrief from your mission trip when you get home.

Comments Off for now

Purchase Bibles for Iraq!

Posted by missions trips on Nov 11 2009 | how I can help spread the Gospel

Hassan*, an Iraqi, received a New Testament while in prison in his country. As a conservative Muslim, he would never have accepted it before, but in prison he read it straight through.

Then one night, Hassan dreamed about Jesus. In the dream, Jesus told Hassan, “I will set you free from this prison and help you to follow me.” In recent years, there have been many reports of Muslims having dreams about Jesus and then wanting to know more about Him.

Hassan was indeed freed from prison and had a strong desire to know more about the Gospel. Eventually, after studying God’s Word, he committed his life to Jesus. And then his wife and children and even his nephew all made the same decision!

God’s Word changes lives. You can help us impact more Iraqis by helping us get Bibles into their hands. Right now a donation of just $2 will purchase a Bible for an Iraqi. You can also help purchase other Christian materials such as evangelistic DVDs and booklets.

Please consider joining us as we seek to help the “Hassans” of the Middle East come to know the One who can truly set them free.

You can donate securely on-line here.

*name changed for security

Comments Off for now

Go just about anywhere with this mission!

Posted by missions trips on Oct 26 2009 | International short term missions trips, going, but I'm not sure, longer term missions trips for 10+ months

Operation Mobilization has short and long term mission trips to over 100 countries including:

Afghanistan, Albania, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakstan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Moldova, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United States, Yemen, and countries in the Arabian Peninsula.

Click for:

short term mission trips

group mission trips

family mission trips

customized short term mission trips

Operation Mobilization also has mission ships!

short term mission trips on ships


Interested in going long term (10 mo - 3 years)?

Click for opportunities in long term missions

Comments Off for now

Get Passionate about Jesus! Attend Passion 2010!

Posted by missions trips on Oct 13 2009 | going, but I'm not sure

Passion Twenty Ten

Comments Off for now

What is YOUR personal vision statment?

Posted by missions trips on Sep 25 2009 | prayer fuel

1.  Spreading the light of Christ where the darkness is greatest.

2.  Making disciples of Christ locally and globally.

3.  Advancing the Gospel message.

4.  Moving with the spirit of God to make Jesus known amongst the nations.

5.  Mobilizing to reach the world with the Gospel.

6.  Spirit filled living for a life time of giving.

7.  Intentionally engaging unreached people with the Gospel message.

8.  Sending * Proclaiming * Reaping

9.  Serving the church; reaping a harvest.

10. Proclaiming truth; dispelling darkness.

Create your own, write it down, memorize it and put it into practice!

Comments Off for now

How to Pray for Your Missionaries

Posted by missions trips on Sep 23 2009 | prayer fuel

“The supreme question of foreign missions is how to multiply the number of Christians who will individually and collectively exert this force of intercession for the conversion and transformation of men. Every other consideration and plan is secondary to that of wielding the forces of prayer.” –Andrew Murray

A truth to keep in mind is that the light that shines brightest overseas, shines brightest at home. The Apostle Paul urged people to pray for him. He linked success with the faithful prayers of the church. He told about the hardships he suffered, that he was under great pressure and despaired even of life. But he also stated that God had delivered him as others helped by their prayers. One of the most valuable things anyone can do for a missionary is to pray. There is a powerful connection between prayer and missions. Paul said in II Corinthians 1:10-11, “On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.”

There is an inseparable link between prayers here and success overseas. Missionary life can be extremely difficult at times and sometimes dangerous. Without the fervent prayers of those at home, a missionary can feel like giving up. The battles are too strong to handle alone. There are not words to express to you how much your prayers are needed.
“The home church, on her knees, fasting and praying, is the great base of spiritual supplies, the sinews of war, and the pledge of victory in this dire and final conflict. Financial resources are not the real muscles of war in this fight. Machinery in itself carries no power to break down heathen walls, open effectual doors, and win heathen hearts to Christ. Prayer alone can do the deed.” –E. M. Bounds

Realize that the key of all missionary success is prayer.

 

How to Effectively Pray for Missionaries

“God always gives His servants power equal to the work he asks of them. Think of the greatness and difficulty of this work–casting Satan out of his strongholds–and pray that everyone who takes part in it may receive and do all his work in the power of the Holy Spirit. Think of the difficulties of your missionaries, and pray for them.” –Andrew Murray
Missionaries need daily prayer. From the list below, you can the difficulties they face and why they need continuous prayer. The battle is becoming more intense with each passing day. We cannot afford to back off when the very life of the missionary may depend on prayer. God may wake you up in the night with someone on your heart. Their ministry effectiveness depends largely on your prayers. Remember, the light that shines brightest overseas, shines brightest at home.

Relationship with God–Pray for a deep hunger after God, for their study of God’s Word and their prayer life. Pray that they would abide in Christ daily and experience daily victory over Satan’s attacks.

Adjustments and adaptation–Pray for the missionary regarding negative feelings during culture shock such as discouragement, loneliness and depression. Pray for their stability, rest, and relaxation in all areas of life. Pray for patience in adapting.

Health–Pray against attacks on their body and for good health in the midst of living in areas where disease is everywhere. Heat might drain a missionary of energy. Pray the protection of Jesus’ blood over their body.

Protection of the mind–Pray for protection over their mind and the breaking of strongholds in their lives. Pray that the missionary refuses to listen to the enemy’s lies in spite of oppression and hard circumstances. Fiery darts to the mind are continuous.

Relationships–Pray for love and forgiveness in their relationships with other missionaries and with nationals. The main reason missionaries leave the field is broken relationships. Pray for unity, and pray Psalm 133 over the missionary.

Anointing of God in ministry–Pray for the anointing of God on all that the missionary does. Pray that he walks in the spirit in all situations and depends on God’s wisdom, strength and ability and not his own. Pray for an attitude of humility and brokenness.

Exercising authority over Satan–Pray that the missionary will exercise God’s authority in the land where he works. Pray for his encouragement and strength and that he would know how to resist the enemy’s accusations and opposition.

For revival in the land–Pray for God’s Spirit to move in power in the land where he works. Pray for favor on the missionaries and that souls will be released from the bondage of Satan and that many would be saved.

Pray for their family–Pray for family unity, safety and health. Pray for good husband-and-wife relationships. Pray for the children regarding their education and growth in the Lord. Pray that the family will be a tremendous witness to the unsaved and an excellent model for the nationals.

Ability to communicate–Pray for their difficulties in language learning. Pray that the love of Christ will shine through their lives and lips clearly and with boldness. Pray for open hearts, opportunity, and fruitfulness. Pray that they know how to relate to the felt needs in the culture.

 

You can change the world through your prayers and make a big impact in world missions!

For missionaries to hear that someone is praying for them is like a drop of water to their souls in a dry and weary land. To a missionary, a fervent intercessor praying and fasting on their behalf is a treasure worth millions.

“The evangelization of the world depends first of all upon a revival of prayer. Deeper than the need for men–deep down at the bottom of our spiritless life–is the need for the forgotten secret of prevailing, worldwide prayer. Pray that our mission work may all be done in this spirit: waiting on God, hearing the voice of the Spirit, sending forth men with fasting and prayer. Pray that, in our churches, our mission interest and mission work may be in the power of the Holy Spirit and of prayer. A Spirit-filled, praying church will send out Spirit-filled missionaries, mighty in prayer.” –Andrew Murray

How to Pray for Your Missionaries
written by Debbie Przybylski

 

Comments Off for now

Impact the Mediterranean through Transform 2010!

Posted by missions trips on Aug 27 2009 | International short term missions trips, going, but I'm not sure, group short term missions trips, longer term missions trips for 10+ months

“There’s a big mobilization plan for the whole Mediterranean area. Pray about getting involved- these are some of the most unreached nations in the world!”

                       - George Verwer    Founder, Operation Mobilization

450 Million people live in the 21 modern countries around the Mediterranean Sea.
Christianity’s roots lie in the Mediterranean region, yet many do not know the story of Jesus Christ or who He is.

Imagine hundreds of people from all over the world coming together by the Mediterranean Sea for a week of worship, training, and teaching. Imagine these same people going out together in teams to reach the Mediterranean nations with the Gospel.

Conference – July 19-24, 2010
Transform 2010 will host thousands of people joining together in Rome, Italy for 5 days of teaching, worship, prayer, and training.

Outreach – 2 weeks or 6 weeks or “GAP” 1 year
Everyone will split up into teams and spread out into the countries surrounding the Mediterranean. Types of ministry teams will include sports, arts, immigrants, traveling teams, 24/7 prayer teams, and teams working alongside long-term missionaries.

For more information, click here.

Comments Off for now

« Prev - Next »