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April
2005
World
View
United
In Jesus Christ
By
Darren Tipton
By
the millions they came from all corners of the world.
Some flew, some caravaned, yet others made a pilgrimage
lasting days. They wanted to — they had to see the
body of the Pope.
Few
events can impact the course of billions of peoples’ lives,
but this one surely does. Rome is ablaze with the memory
of Pope John Paul II. Hundreds of miles away in his homeland
of Poland, ISC missionary Susan Reed prays for the nation’s
Catholics, asking God to bring them into true fellowship
with Himself.
The
war siren blew for five minutes signifying a tragic event
in the nation — flags are at half-staff around
the world, and in the streets of Poland, tens of thousands
headed to the center of Warsaw, where they gathered for
mass to remember their Pope.
Susan watches on television and asks God to use this
pivotal time of questioning and mourning as an opportunity
to bring many of the nation’s Catholics into personal
relationship with Him. “Lord, the harvest is abundant,
but the workers are few. I am asking you, Lord to bring
harvesters to your harvest.”
There
is no earthly way that Susan and other missionaries in
Warsaw can win the masses — without God moving
and without other laborers. “Lord, we must be united
in your Son, Jesus Christ. Please bring other Christian
brothers and sisters to this land at this time in history,” pleads
Reed.
Not
unfamiliar with loss in her own life, Susan thanks God
for his sustaining grace through tragedy. God’s
promises and blessings in her life and her obedience to
coming to Poland remind her that God is faithful.
She
focuses on a ministry gathering she has on Tuesday nights
— and tonight they will focus on what the Bible says
about
death. This ministry, housed on the university
campus not far from her apartment draws students by using
English conversation as a means of discussion.
How can she effectively communicate that it is through
Jesus that we have our salvation? How can the passion in
her heart to see Poles won to Jesus Christ be so bright
yet their response to the Gospel so shallow?
“Lord, I have fallen in love with these people,
especially the young, searching hearts,” prays Reed. “Help
them see your truth and light. Help peel back the layers
of false doctrine.”
Poland,
a country of 40 million people is 95 percent Catholic.
To be Polish is to be Catholic. To most Poles, evangelical
Christians are seen as a cult. To share that Jesus Christ
is the only way to heaven is a claim that surely can not
be right — to make such a claim is to turn away from
the Catholic church teachings. Yet, Jesus is calling all
peoples – even Polish Catholics into a relationship
with himself through his Son Jesus.
Could
God be leading — calling you to reach out
to Poles out of your walk with God?
“NOW
is the time,” says Susan. “I
honestly believe we have a unique opportunity to share
the Gospel
as never before. During this time of mourning for their
spiritual leader, Poles will be searching for answers —
the answer — Jesus.”
Will you join in on what God is doing in Poland?
TAKE IT PERSONALLY
• Spend
this summer in Poland. Five students are desperately
needed to come from May 22 through Aug. 3 to seize
this unique opportunity that is happening in
Poland. Laborers
are needed NOW!
•Pray
for the millions of Catholics mourning the death
of their spiritual leader and fellow countryman.
Pray that
this will lead to deep soul searching and turning
of hearts to Jesus alone for answers.
•Pray
that evangelical students will seek God’s wisdom
and discernment in addressing this delicate
subject, that we will do so with Christ-like love,
compassion and
patience,
believing God is preparing hearts to receive
his Message. RESPOND NOW
• Read Susan’s first-hand account
• Link to other Catholic information
• Application to service
• How to witness to Catholics during this time
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