Genuine Preaching: Sharing the gospel authentically requires an understanding that it is not about eloquence or charisma but about a genuine connection with the truth of God’s Word. Many believers grapple with insecurities and doubts about their ability to effectively communicate the message, but the essence of preaching lies in obedience to God’s command and a sincere heart for sharing the Word. Throughout history, God has consistently demonstrated His preference for authenticity over outward appearances. He called Moses, a man with a speech impediment, to lead His people out of bondage in Egypt. Despite his initial reluctance, Moses obeyed God’s call and became one of the most significant figures in biblical history.
Angeles, Pampanga Province — Philippines: The dense tropical air hung heavy, thick with the metallic tang of fresh blood mingling with sweat. Under the scorching 100-degree heat on the streets of Angeles we followed a procession of catholic penitents. These masked men with exposed backs, now stained in blooms of crimson subject themselves to ritual self-flagellation. Tasseled whips lashed bare skin in reverberating tin sounding hits, trailing arcs of scarlet with each agonizing stroke. Children followed the columns, eyes wide, sweat beading on brows as they held small buckets of water. Periodically the bloodied penitents would dip their flagella into the pails, diluting it before resuming their lacerating rhythm. At the front, men shouldered heavy wooden crosses, leading the groups through the side-streets of Angeles city. With each lurching step, flecks of gore splattered outward, misting the ground, walls, and any bystanders with a ghastly red overspray. We were not spared the errant spatter, and immediately wiped away the warm blood that clung to our exposed skin and camera equipment.
Witness: In a world obsessed with human logic, philosophical reason and biased scientific theory, the truth of the supernatural and miraculous is often dismissed or ignored. But as believers, we know we serve a supernatural God who transcends the natural realm. Throughout Scripture, we are reminded that the supernatural is REAL and it is an integral part of true faith. In fact, it is impossible to truly have a relationship with Christ Jesus if you do not believe that He is the Word made flesh, that He died for our sins, is risen and will come again. Unfortunately, many modern day churches neglect speaking about the supernatural nature of God because it goes against the mainstream ideals of the world. However, when you read the Gospels they are marked from beginning to end with a documentation of miraculous events from the life of Jesus. This is why the apostle Peter emphatically declares, “For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty” (2 Peter 1:16).
Spark: How often do we underestimate the power of a single spark? It takes only one struck match to start a blazing fire. One encouraging word might renew fading hope. One act of kindness can shift a hardened heart. One truthful conversation might plant the seed of salvation. One phone call at just the right moment could prevent tragedy and despair. One prayer lifted up in sincere faith unleashes heavenly power. One decision to surrender your life fully ignites a radical transformation. And like a glowing ember fanned into a flame, a divine spark, though it may seem insignificant at the time, can blaze into a sweeping move of God that changes everything. Here are a few examples of historical sparks that impacted the world.
Christ the Lord and Savior: The foundational truth upon which our faith stands is that Jesus Christ is both Lord and Savior. As prophesied in Isaiah 9:6, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” When Jesus walked this earth, He demonstrated His lordship through teachings that astounded the people (Matthew 7:28–29). He displayed authority over sickness, nature, evil spirits and even death itself. After willingly laying down His life on the cross to atone for our sins, Christ proved His supremacy as Savior and Lord through the resurrection. Jesus lovingly calls those who follow Him not merely believers, but friends (John 15:15). Yet we must not lose sight that He is King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16). As Savior, Jesus bestows the gift of salvation upon all who call upon His name. As Lord, He rules our lives and demands our unwavering allegiance. Christ alone must occupy the throne room of our hearts.
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A missionary is someone in whom the Holy Spirit has brought about this realization: “You are not your own” ( 1 Corinthians 6:19 ). To say, “I am not my own,” is to have reached a high point in my spiritual stature. The true nature of that life in actual everyday confusion is evidenced by the deliberate giving up of myself to another Person through a sovereign decision, and that Person is Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit interprets and explains the nature of Jesus to me to make me one with my Lord, not that I might simply become a trophy for His showcase. Our Lord never sent any of His disciples out on the basis of what He had done for them. It was not until after the resurrection, when the disciples had perceived through the power of the Holy Spirit who Jesus really was, that He said, “Go” (Matthew 28:19; also see Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:8 ). “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple” ( Luke 14:26 ). He was not saying that this person cannot be good and upright, but that he cannot be someone over whom Jesus can write the word Mine. Any one of the relationships our Lord mentions in this verse can compete with our relationship with Him. I may prefer to belong to my mother, or to my wife, or to myself, but if that is the case, then, Jesus said, “[You] cannot be My disciple.” This does not mean that I will not be saved, but it does mean that I cannot be entirely His.
Our Lord makes His disciple His very own possession, becoming responsible for him. “. . . you shall be witnesses to Me . . .” ( Acts 1:8 ). The desire that comes into a disciple is not one of doinganything for Jesus, but of being a perfect delight to Him. The missionary’s secret is truly being able to say, “I am His, and He is accomplishing His work and His purposes through me.”
Be entirely His!
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Had a great church service. About 15 saved and a warm welcoming from everyone. What a blessing the body of Christ is!
Dear Friends, Greetings in the Lord! Over the past months we have been very busy, working in Colombia and Ecuador, and our journeys are full of many testimonies. We are so grateful to each of you for your prayers, as it has kept us going and protected us in every way.
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Most recently, in Colombia, we have once again entered the front lines of the drug war and been witnesses of this evil industry. Some might ask, "How does the drug trade and those areas relate to the work of the gospel?" The answer for us is much like the statement the Apostle Paul said in Romans 15:20-21, "And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, so that I would not build on another man's foundation; but as it is written, "THEY WHO HAD NO NEWS OF HIM SHALL SEE, AND THEY WHO HAVE NOT HEARD SHALL UNDERSTAND." You see, our mission is to preach Christ where He has not been named and to areas deemed to difficult to reach. The jungles and valleys where coca farmers and narcotics traffickers live and conduct their trade are just such places. We look at those areas and imagine what would happen if a revival broke out! But how can they hear without a preacher? This is why we go. We want to tread where no one has gone before and deliver the message of the Gospel to those who have not heard.
So with that, for the past weeks we have been actively traveling with the Colombian anti-narcotics police to some of the most dangerous states across the country. FARC rebel activity has been high in every area we have set foot, but praise God we have been protected and suffered no injury or kidnapping. This is due to your prayers, and as you pray doors have been opened for so much more. We have been on medical missions and urban outreaches and we know that the drug war can be overcome. Your support in this is vital as it allows us to reach people in need and make a lasting impact.
Now, as we continue the same theme of Romans 15:20-21, we are preparing an expedition to traverse the entire continent of South America via the Amazon to its mouth on the Atlantic coast of Brazil. We are calling this expedition, "Out of the Belly." For we believe, like John 7:38 says, "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." This mission is metaphorically the same. We believe that from the belly of the Amazon, as Christ is preached, it shall flow rivers of living water and souls that praise the name of Jesus. Praise God we believe it!
This expedition will include many river journeys and unreached work. Our goal will be to effectively reach remote people groups, coca farmers, and loggers along the mighty river. We will be joined by a full time interpreter and we will need to hire guides, boats, gear, and assist local ministers to help us in this effort. We will float, trek the jungles, and take any means of transport to reach those who haven't been reached before. It will be a daunting journey, but a necessary one, as it might be the only opportunity some will have to hear the gospel.
Our estimated time of this journey will total more than two months and cost roughly $8300. We sincerely and prayerfully ask you to join with us in this journey. No matter large or small, whatever you can do to support this expedition will be treasured. Your monthly and one-time gifts are needed above and beyond, but we know together we can achieve great things for the Kingdom of Heaven. Let us attempt to complete the great commission and say to the Lord we have given our best effort. Thank you and you are with us always! May the Peace of the Lord be with you!
In Him,
Tim and Will
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