Stories

Contentment in all things through Christ

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”Philippians 4: 12-13

As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, we invite you to count your blessings – whether you are in need, or if you have plenty. How has God blessed you this year? As Christians, we have Christ! What greater blessing can there be?

As you count your blessings and thank God for them, remember to thank those around you who are a blessing to you. Write a note, phone an old friend, share your joy and blessings with those around you.

Flood, drought, earthquakes, war, political strife and terrorism have uprooted people around the world. Thousands of people have died trying to leave their homeland, seeking refuge with those who will receive them. Christian ministries are reaching out to these immigrants, offering refuge, shelter, and hope, and sharing Christ’s love and the gospel message.
This week, Christian leaders from all over the world are gathering in Madrid for the Global Mission Consultation to work together on strategies to share the gospel with the Muslims who are a part of these refugee communities. Vice President of International Training for LMW, Timothy Olonade, pictured above, will be speaking on the topic of “Biblical Proactive Ministry to Muslims – Lessons from Nigeria.”

Please pray for those gathering in Madrid this week – for God’s protection in their travel and at the conference, for encouragement from one another, and for Holy Spirit enlightenment as they look at how to share Christ, especially in Muslim communities.

Pray for Persecuted Christians Around the World

Sundays, November 6 and 13 have been specifically designated as the International Days of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Millions of Christians face persecution every day. They are beaten, jailed, forced to flee their homes, sometimes even killed for their faith. We invite you to set aside time to pray for those Christians all over the world who suffer persecution for their faith in Jesus.

• Pray that they would be strengthened in their faith through the Holy Spirit: “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” Eph. 3:16 NIV
• Pray that the peace and presence of Christ will sustain them: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:7 NIV
• Pray that God will give them words of life to speak to those who persecute them: “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” Luke 12:11-12 NIV

Invite others to pray with you for persecuted Christians on November 6 and 13.

One of the greatest joys of this ministry is to see the delighted faces of those who receive training and resources from Leadership Ministries Worldwide. It is only through your prayers and continued support that we are able to accomplish the mission God has given us: To provide pastors in the global church with the means to preach the Word of God clearly, plainly, and confidently, so that they might impact their congregations and communities for the Kingdom of God.

We ask for your continued prayers:

That Lystra Global, our online library for pastors and trainers, will meet the needs of global pastors as we continue to enhance the system.
That as printed and digital resources are received around the world, God will be glorified and His Kingdom will expand.
That connections with like-minded ministries will produce fruitful partnerships for the glory of God.
Thank you for praying with us as we seek to fulfill the Great Commission:
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. A pastor is never “off-duty.” How often is he called away from his family to minister to another family that is grieving? How many sleepless nights are spent on his knees – praying for his congregation? How much time does he spend setting up chairs, visiting hospitals – not to mention planning a weekly sermon, and other Bible teaching ministries?
What can you do to help?

• Pray
• Encourage
• Call, email, or write a note of appreciation
• Invite your pastor and family to share a meal with you
• Volunteer for a specific task: Visit the sick, set up chairs, teach a class or lead a small group, rake the leaves at the church or at his home.

Make a special effort to give your pastor “double honor” this month. Commit to pray daily, and make a special effort to let him know how much you appreciate his willingness to answer God’s call to serve Him in ministry.

LMW’s Vice President of International Training, Timothy travels around the world, preaching, teaching, and training pastors to fulfill their call to serve Jesus Christ. Timothy lives in Nigeria, and trains pastors all over the world. This week, he was preaching in the USA, and he is now in Brazil, speaking and teaching at a conference for a group of over 3,000 church and mission leaders there.

Please pray for Timothy, this faithful servant of God, as he trains, equips, and empowers pastors around the world to share the gospel. We invite you to pray for those participating in the conference in Brazil, that they will be inspired and enlightened as they grow in faith and witness.

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” Ephesians 3:16-17