Good evening,
I am sending out this prayer request because I have become increasingly aware of our need for prayer, especially for this week. As we are preparing for the evangelistic conference that is scheduled for April 9th, 2011, Satan is throwing everything he can to stop this work from being accomplished.
For the past five weeks, we have been going out every Saturday on the streets of Portland, Maine, telling people about the upcoming conference, distributing Gospel tracts and invitations, and sharing the Gospel with random people. It seems that the closer we get to the conference, the more fruitful conversations we are able to get, for which we praise God!
At the same time, we have seen a flow of French-speaking refugees coming to our church, three of whom are Muslims who are interested to know about Jesus. They seem drawn by a force beyond human understanding to learn more about Him. It is really interesting to witness what seems like an internal struggle between well-ingrained Islam and the truths they have recently heard concerning Jesus Christ. One of them has said that he was now convinced that Jesus had died for his sins on the cross, and resurrected from the dead to conquer death! The second one said that there is no one like Jesus, that not even Muhammad comes close to Jesus. The third one still claims that he is Muslim, but he is reading through the Gospel according to John, a dangerous endeavor.
The other refugees mostly come from a nominal pseudo-Christian background. One of them has most definitely been saved a few months ago, while we were still in the preparation stage for the conference. Others have been convicted of their sins and even felt compelled to confess them. It is really good to see their hunger to learn the Scriptures (both at church and during their personal devotions) and their desire to make Jesus known to their friends and acquaintances. They draw others into the church and witness for Jesus whenever they have the opportunity. There seems to be a genuine transformation occurring, wrought by God.
However, we have also seen numerous attacks, as the battle is becoming increasingly intense. Some people are suffering a lot, and we pray that God would draw us closer to Him and deliver us from all troubles. Two key people have already been disabled, who were supposed to give their testimonies at the conference. They are now unable to do so. The attacks are frequent and widespread across our church. I have myself been attacked from all sides, though God has thus far delivered me from each attack, including two physical attacks that were swiftly dealt with through prayer.
Although we have suffered a lot, it seems that God has used this to strengthen our faith and draw us closer to one another. Our prayers are more meaningful than ever, because we are praying with a purpose for God’s Kingdom, while undergoing trials and tribulation.
All in all, we are excited about what God is accomplishing, but we realize how much prayer we need. If you are so led, please pray for the following things:
1) Please pray that God might grant us an open door to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the citizens of Portland. Obviously, people can find so many excuses why not to attend the conference, including disinterest, busyness, or simply forgetting. We pray that somehow, God would draw people to hear the Gospel.
2) Please pray that God would help us through the numerous attacks that are coming our way, that we would persevere in prayer and boldness to proclaim the message of the cross, finding our refuge in Christ.
3) Please pray that God would convict people of their sins, righteousness, and judgment, bringing people to salvation. This can only be accomplished if the Gospel is clearly and faithfully proclaimed, under the power of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you so much for your prayers.
In Christ Jesus,
Renoncer
