A Call to Courage

“But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)

Does life intimidate you? Do you feel surrounded by those who would do you harm—computer hackers, dishonest business people, and even neighbors who take advantage of you? The easiest thing in this type of environment would be to hide behind the walls of our homes and protect ourselves from the dangers that lie in wait.

But Jesus called His disciples to something different. He asked them to have courage and strength in the face of some very frightening situations. When Jesus walked on the water toward them as they sailed across the sea, He asked them to believe that this ghost-like figure was really their Savior. He asked them to go out in pairs and preach in His name. And finally, He asked them to go to Jerusalem with Him for His final days.

The opportunities that God wants to bring your way will take courage. He is preparing some amazing chances for you to be His voice and hands. But each one will take courage—a courage that you will not be able to collect without Jesus’ strength. When faced with one of these terrifying opportunities, we have to decide whether to trust Jesus and accept His strength. Once we have done that, then courage quickly follows.

--Russ Sharrock

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                                                                     India Needs Bibles!

Brother Samson

You can reach India from where you are with the Good News. Take the first step today to put a Bible in the hands of families in India. It costs only $2.50 each to provide a Bible in the local language.  

Will you help provide them with Bibles today! Please Donate Now!

 

Asia International Mission is an IRS approved 501(c) (3) non-profit ministry. 

All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of donations are used as designated

 

New Year of Missions

As the 2013 season of ministry and mission begins, this image is perfect to keep us all grounded on the reason why we go! So many times we are focused on our desire to impact the masses and forget about the single person a picture can impact.

Jesus focused His energy on individuals and met them right where they were. He would sit beside the woman at the well or meet with Nicodemus by night. Jesus would go to the cemetery to meet the family of Lazarus, and he would go to the home of Lazarus to celebrate His life and death with dear friends. Jesus was always going to where people lived their struggle and would meet them there.

As I reflect back on our last mission trip, I saw this photo of one of the little boys we met that had been captured by the image. The faces are all so desperate and seem to burn into your mind and heart forever. I think this is to remind all of us of the reason we are called to go to the least of these...so that they will know we are Christians by our love!

I would like you to pause for just a moment, and ask the Lord to show you clearly where He wants you to go this year to be His hands and His feet. Right now, don't stop or hesitate, right now ask Him where he is guiding you to go.

Yes we need to serve the local community at home, but I believe He also calls each of us to go! Where will you go this year to see the faces of these little children who need to feel the love of Jesus in your hands? Come on, let's Reach the World together, and Teach the Word to everyone who will hear!

--Russ Sharrock

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What Can Missions Do for You?



Mission involvement impacts our faith, relationships, global understanding, and sense of personal call. I invited you to a growth-through-service world that you will not want to miss!

Join us this May 24th-June 08 for an exciting adventure ministering to the children of India. For more information or to download an application Click Here.

Asia International Mission is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry.

                                     All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of donations are used as designated



Happy New Year!

It is self-assessment time here at Asia International Mission as we start off the New Year. Honestly answer the following questions:

My cell phone is never off or out of reach                                                     Yes or No

My radio is always on whenever I am driving.                                              Yes or No

When I am home, the TV is on most of my waking hours.                             Yes or No

My personal internet time exceeds 2 hours a day.                                         Yes or No

I have a Facebook page or Twitter acct that I check more than once daily.     Yes or No

If you answered Yes to at least 3 of the questions, perhaps you need to think seriously about “shutting out the noise” of your life for 2013. What are some common causes of your personal noise?

Obviously our advanced technology is a major culprit. These time-saving devices seem to work the opposite way. While no one is suggesting a return to the dark ages (before cell phones) and the minimizing of useful technology, there is a need to make time for self-reflection and live (as opposed to virtual) relationships.

Honestly, many of us pride ourselves in our busyness and sacrificing our free time. Sadly, many of our churches add to the busyness with constant activities. Maybe some of us are avoiding the quiet. The constant “roar of the noise” gives us a good excuse for not examining our inner life and taking stock of where we are with the Lord.

What are some helps in “shutting out the noise”?:

Turn off the Radio, TV, Computer, cell phone, or I Pad. (At least for a short time).

Slow it down. Reduce the pace of life. Caution, this may cost you a few $$, but the spiritual, emotional, and mental rewards will be worth it.

Prioritize life. Don’t buy into the “quality time” myth with your friends and family. Love is spelling

Q-U-A-N-T-I-T-Y. Avoid the nonstop vacations that you return from exhausted.

Screen the news. Certainly stay informed of the hard news, but Pop Culture? Do we really need daily updates on the lives and ordeals of Brittney and Paris? Get away for a silent retreat. It might be for a weekend, a day, or a half day and take only your Bible and journal, and listen to God alone.

The world is trying its very best to conform us Christians into the secular mold of worshipping technology and busyness. As we say no to this pressure, we’ll see how God begins to transform us into His likeness.

"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:1-2)

--Russ Sharrock


 

Asia International Mission is an IRS approved 501(c) (3) non-profit ministry.

                          All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of donations are used as designated