Rewards-Now or Later?

“So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.” (Luke 17:10)

Jesus needed His disciples to understand their proper place concerning their service to Him. They were to serve Him now for the joy ahead. This is the same way Jesus served His Father – service now / joy later. Do you think it is possible for you and me to simply serve the LORD from our heart now - without an expectation for immediate rewards?

The Lord may well affirm our faith-driven obedience. This affirmation can come through prayer,

through words of fellow-workers, through visible results, through Scripture and so many more ways. Because of our work-orientation in this life, we seem to readily apply the same to our spiritual walk. “I work and I get rewarded.”

When followers of Christ obey the Lord, they should not think they need or deserve an immediate reward from the Lord—the reward will follow when the service is completed.

So, I challenge you to count it all joy to work for the Lord, love Him for the opportunity, and continue to seek Him and His will?

—Russ Sharrock

 

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Prayer Requests

1)  In the village of dhepaguda, please pray for the man who has suffered for two years not being able to walk. Medications are not helping him.

2)  In the village of Ruguda, a mother has given birth to her baby two months premature. The baby is very weak, and has now been transported to the hospital in Paralakhemundi. Please  prayer that the baby will gain strength and grow healthy. And that the mother will soon be able to take the child home with her.

3)  Two Sundays ago, Missionary Ekalabya Jagaranga who has been trying to plant a new church in the village of Silimi in Orissa, 20 young men gathered and protested the planned ministry and worship service in this village, and threatened them with death. Out of fear for their lives, the people did not meet that Sunday. Please pray that the Lord God will change the hearts of those who threaten His people. And give the believers the faith and courage to continue to reach out with the good new of Jesus Christ.

Severe Flooding

Khammam District in North Andhra Pradesh is experiencing severe flooding. There are over 2.5

million people in this area, and thousands are being impacted by the high waters.

About 600 villages in Khammam district have been affected as flood waters overflowed on roads, bridges and culverts. Water entered many villages in Khammam and East and West Godavari districts.

Please prayerfully consider giving to help purchase Mosquito netting, medicines, food, clean water, blankets, etc. Even $10 will buy some rice and blankets. You can give on our secure website by using the Donate button below and then clicking on Disaster Relief in the drop down box. 

If you would rather send a check or money order you can send it to:

AIM 

PO Box 1597

Stillwater, OK 74076

Remember to write Disaster Relief on the memo line. Thank you.

--Russ Sharrock

Jesus—The Master Builder

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3)

The Savior has been gone for two thousand years, and has not yet returned to this earth to receive His people to Himself. So what is the plan for His people on earth between His going and coming?

He is still focused on the plan He had over 2,000 years ago when he said, “…I will build my church,

and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18b)  The head of the body, the church, is building His church during this time. The process of establishing local churches in cross-cultural environments is difficult at best, but not impossible, because Jesus is the Master church builder.

Everyone here at AIM has the privilege and responsibility of serving the head of the church, and participating in His plan as we wait for His return. Each of us has spiritual gifts and natural talents God has given to us. Jesus, the church builder, uses all kinds of people and talents as special tools to build the church around the world.

Please pray that we will keep focused on His plan for this church age. Work willingly as His tool. Wait patiently for His return. 

—Russ Sharrock 

 

 

Building for the Kingdom

It’s such an exciting time in missions! Many souls are being saved throughout India by national evangelists and missionaries. Bible studies are formed to disciple the new believers, and small house churches begin to gather. The next step is building a house of worship for the growing assembly, a church for the people to come and worship the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ!

Since 2007, over 190 pastors have graduated from Shalom Bible College and are serving throughout   

Andhra Pradesh. Over 80 churches have been built, but so many more are desperately needed. In Pithapuram, the church has been evicted from its rented hall by a hostile landlord—it is crowded into the upper floor of the pastor’s home.

In Gungawada, the church meets in a tiny thatched hut where thunderstorms pour in through the walls.  This scenario is repeated in villages and cities across the land. You can help us help them!

The cost of building a church varies according to the area, and whether it is a rural or urban location. But on average, it costs $15,000 (US) to build a solid, substantial church in Asia.

What an amazing investment in the Kingdom of God! Churches can be constructed overseas for a fraction of the cost of one in the US. These churches are a lighthouse in the community, a testimony to idol worshipers around them, and a place where curious seekers will come.  More souls will be saved, discipled, and learn to worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

You can help us to build as many churches as possible throughout India. With your help, AIM can

provide our partner missionaries and pastors with a building that legitimizes Christianity in the neighborhood and the culture.

If you, or your church, would like to help sponsor a church building in India, we would love to hear from you! If you have any questions, our email address: is aimission@hotmail.com. When preparing your love gift, please make all checks payable to “AIM”, and on the memo line please designate it to the ” Church Construction Fund.” 

If you are mailing your donation to build a place of worship in India, please send to:

Asia International Mission

PO Box 1597

Stillwater, OK 74076

Donations can also be received using a credit card. You can securely donate by simply clicking the donate button now!  

Thank you so very much for partnering with us in one of the greatest causes humanity will ever know--spreading the Life saving Gospel message of Jesus in one of the most under-evangelized nations of the world. Be part of what God is doing in India!

—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 

 

Martyrdom and the Mission of God

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' {20 John 13:16} If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me." (John 15:18-21)

Countries like India face increasing persecution. This wave will eventually reach every nation. Christian persecution started with Jesus himself. Christian Martyrs of the World lists thousands of brutal killings throughout the history of the Church. Christian persecution didn’t slow the growth of the Christian faith during the first few centuries after Christ. Even as its early leaders died horrible deaths, Christianity flourished throughout the Roman Empire.

Persecution is the result of the non-compromising stand of the believer of the Truth toward the world.

Gunpalli Village

Wherever persecution becomes severe it displays that the Truth is actively penetrating that region.

Our fellowship with Christ cannot be frustrated by any persecution (Rom. 8:35–39). Persecution is a light that dawn on His people to prove to the world that Christians are the conquerors of pain.

Increasing persecution is the last important item we need to face on this earth before we enter into the Eternal Kingdom. Persecution is an indicator of the “last days” (II Tim. 3:1–5). A sea of people will be found in heaven through our church planting efforts (Rev. 7:9–17).

Since persecution is painful, often Christians react in defensive ways. It leads them sometimes even to politicize the issue. A church planter should view persecution through an eschatological lens. Our task is to prepare the Church for persecution; not to prevent it.

Martyrdom and the Mission of God are inseparable, linked together within the Church by unbreakable chains. Jesus forewarns us of this (John 16:1–4) so that His people will not stumble when persecution breaks out. The Church must keep witnessing for the Truth even during severe persecution (Rev. 2:8–10; 3:8–10). 

—Russ Sharrock

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Pastor Accused of Forced Conversion

In Pakshirajapura, Karnataka, Hindu nationalists protested, and accused Pastor Steven Suresh of forcefully converting members of the nomadic Hikki Pikki Adivasi tribe to Christianity, and insulting the Hindu gods. Police arrest Suresh and 11 other Christians. 

The new converts were forbidden to draw water from the town well, and denied government-subsidized staples such as rice and sugar. Please pray for the safety of Pastor Steven and the other believers, and that they will remain steadfast in their faith in the face of persecution.

Please Pray!

To all our blog readers, this news item just came in:

"Madhya Pradesh state in central India awaits the outcome of proposed amendments to its ‘anti-conversion law’, which would lengthen prison time and fines for anyone convicted of forcing someone to change their religion. 

With state elections looming before this government ends its term in October, some observers claim the move is an attempt by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to appease Hindu hardliners.

The Christian minority now awaits the verdict of the state Governor, Ramnaresh Yadav, who must sign the bill before it can become law.

The proposed amendment recommends maximum punishment of three years’ imprisonment and a fine of 50,000 rupees ($830), or four years and 100,000 rupees ($1660) in the case of a child, woman or member of a scheduled caste or tribe.

The amendment also introduces the requirement for both the converter and would-be convert to obtain state permission at least 30 days prior to conversion."

A scheduled caste would include all lower castes like the Dalits. These are where most of the conversions are coming from at this time.

Please be praying for the safety of believers in Madhya Pradesh, and that they would hold steadfast in their faith. The window is closing in many places in India. Please help us spread the gospel as quickly as possible before it is too late! Go HERE and donate Now.


—Russ Sharrock 

Seeing God

I thought I would share this poem with you today. I don't even know its title, but I would like you to think about the message it has for us.

 

Walking through repeated days the sights become routine.
I no longer look around in awe,
Seeing the sin and darkness, beauty and wonder
In the souls that wander across my path.
My mind filters out those around me as I think about my day
And I miss the glory next to me,
Which might penetrate my soul if I would only lift my eyes…

Stop. Look. Ponder what is nearest.
A brilliant red sari drying in the wind declares the glory of God.
A kite, struggling to free itself from the captivity of its string
Breaks away in flight, only to become prisoner in the arms of a tree
And reminds me of the futility of human effort in redemption.

A young man bathing in the cold winter air,
Frantically scrubbing away yesterday’s sin.
Warm chai steaming in an old man’s face
As he huddles with his cronies to speak of things mundane and sublime.
Having lived life they’ve lost hope in their own righteousness
And come together for reassurance more than warmth and chai.

People living on the streets—
Not much different from those living in temples of materialism and comfort.
They are in the end, people
Living without hope and an emptiness of soul that remains
Even if the gnawing hunger of their bellies is satisfied.

A beggar reaches out and calls my name.
Do I see the face of Christ?
But time is money. I’m late. What’s next today?
One more interruption and I am impatient.
Stop. Look. Listen to the Spirit.
I rush off to the tasks that help me feel important.
He bids me stay and engage this moment—
The least of these who is Christ to me.

In my city, Jesus wanders around in unlikely clothes,
And peers at me through unlikely eyes.
He speaks in unlikely places if I would only listen.
Where is He to be found?

I long to see Him and hear His voice.
Stop. Look. Ponder what is nearest.
He is all around me at every turn and has been all the time…

—Anonymous   

"Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." (John 4:35)

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Blankets for Lepers

Lepers live in colonies, or on the streets and have to beg money for food. Fifty percent of all new cases of leprosy in the world are found in India. The lives of these people are

Leper Colony--Bangalore

so miserable, and this terrible disease separates them from the love and support of their family and the community. But God’s love is more wonderful than any other in the World. We thank God for His great love at Calvary.

Please donate NOW and partner with us to help the Lepers of India by providing food, clothing, and fresh water. Be the hands and feet of Jesus.

 

 

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