Shalom Shalom!
Jean here. Teisa normally does the blogs/newsletters, but I felt like it was my turn:)
In light of recent physical battles (5 hospitalizations and 3 major surgeries in 2 years) and other intense challenges, God called me to extended time of fasting and prayer. While seeking the Lord, I keep hearing “OBEY!” Seems simple enough. God speaks- we obey.
Last year God clearly gave me the assignment to visit all the Iris churches within 100 miles of our base. It took me almost all year, but mission accomplished. Visiting the churches became my favorite and most fruitful ministry. Almost every week people were healed and 1-3 people gave their hearts to Jesus! Some churches met in garages, shacks, half-built structures, and one was even under a tree. One particular Sunday I was preaching my second service of the day in a small garage, when the manifest presence of God came upon the small crowd. During the alter call, I was directed to pray for a certain young man who smelled profusely of alcohol. My eyes were closed and I found myself thinking how much this kid needed Jesus. When I opened my eyes, tears were streaming down his face as he called out to God. He was instantly sobered up and gloriously born again!
God gave me that assignment to help me refocus on my original calling to Africa almost ten years ago, “Be a father to the fatherless and go and make disciples (Matt 28:19-20). Pioneering the children village was pretty all consuming for many years. It pains me to admit it, but the great commission got a bit neglected. But God! It feels good to be back on track in walking in obedience to His full calling on my life.
Obedience releases God’s promise. We know this from God’s command for children to obey their parents (a favorite scripture in our house right now:). On Jan 7, 2015 I heard the Lord say, “If you obey my Word and my Spirit, I will release Shalom!” God’s shalom is so much more than simple peace. Shalom speaks about completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfection, fullness, rest, harmony, and the absence of agitation/discord (Strong’s concordance). We believe 2015 will be a year full of SHALOM as we obey Him! What has the Lord spoken to you recently? May we all be quick to obey. And may His Shalom overtake our lives for His glory!
We are so excited about prayerfully seeing many of you soon on our short furlough (see our itinerary on top post). Please try to connect with us if possible! We would love the chance to hug and pray over you!
