Dear Friends
Thank you for your prayerful support of the work of Langham Preaching around the world. There is so much for which to be thankful as God does his work among us and through us. As we move forward from Easter, Paul Windsor, our Programme Director, offers this word of encouragement and thanksgiving.
The reasons why the Apostle John wrote his Gospel and his first Letter are made clear in the Scriptures. The purpose behind the Gospel is about believing and having life: ‘…these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name’ (John 20.31). The purpose behind the first Letter is for these ones who believe—that they may know, having the assurance that this life continues to be for them: ‘I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life’ (1 John 5.13).
‘Believing’ does not remove uncertainty and insecurity, or doubt and fear, from our lives. There are times when we need to return to the assurance of what we know and be strengthened and stabilized by it. As we give thanks for the risen Christ, the Son of God, let’s give thanks also for the Gospel and the Letter through which we encounter Jesus in these ways.
Please pray for the work in various places around the world…
Africa Leadership Team: From Wednesday until Sunday this team meets in Kigali (Rwanda) for a time of retreat, strategic planning and prayer. They will be reviewing how their emphasis on Vision Bearers’ Consultations (VBCs) and ushirika (preaching clubs) is enhancing the nurture of preachers and the building of preaching movements through local ownership. We are asked to pray for ‘God’s guidance in the discussions, for fruitful deliberations and for safe travels for all members of the team.’
Pakistan (Karachi): A Level One seminar continues through the evenings of this week, facilitated by the local team: Asif John, Regina John, Noman Shahbaz, Lubna Yunas, Farhan James, Benjamin Pascal and Edwin James. These are difficult times for Pakistan, politically and economically, and so please pray for a sense of the Lord’s providence through the week.
Pakistan (Lahore): From Thursday until Saturday, a Level One seminar takes place with 40 participants expected from Lahore, Faisalabad and Kasur. The facilitating team is Qaiser Julius, Javaid Ilyas, Nadeem Yaqoob and Sharjeel Munawar. We are asked to pray for health and strength for the facilitators.
Thank-you for your faithfulness in this ministry of prayer.
The Langham Preaching Team