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Let me explain what I mean......in the USA we have churches on almost every corner, Christian radio and tv, Christian bookstores and magazines....you name it, we have it.  And more and more money goes to support these things (which are good).  But then, let's think about alot of places in the 3rd World and the Middle East where most people have never even heard the name of Christ.  This is why I am trying to help in these areas of the world......yes, the Gospel is needed in the USA, too, especially if Muslims and Hindus are moving here.

I guess what I am trying to say is some Christians may be "overfed" and there are other people groups that are "starving" regarding the Gospel of Christ.

I definitely agree.  As much as I believe that there is a major need for revival in our own country, I also believe that people in other countries need to at least hear the gospel.  A lot of people here just choose not to believe and we are to try to show them the light.  But people in a lot of these third world countries haven't even been given the chance to turn Jesus down!  You've got to hear something before you can set your mind against it.

U.S. population for the year 2000 was placed at 300 million. Naturally in 7 years it has grown considerably. This figure does not include those that are here illegally. The estimates on this population is that one third, that is 100 million people that are not Christians. The remaining 200 million claim to be Christian but you all know that many that claim to be a Christian really have no idea what it means to be a Christian as they don't even know who Jesus is.

That is a lot of people that are lost. These numbers are growing by the day. Yes, there are many in overseas areas that have never heard of Jesus. There are also many in the U.S. that even if they have heard of Him they have no real idea who He is. It is highly commendable of you to have a desire for 3rd world countries. I do not mean this as a put down for you in that, after all if this is what God is calling you for then that is what you should be doing.

All I am saying here is that there is a real need in the entire world for us to witness to the lost no matter where we are or where we are led. Preaching the Gospel to all. That is our mission.

I was also gonna add my 2 cents worth and say something like what Pastor Roger said. What I was gonna say is that sadly ALL those churches on almost every corner are not filled with "True Born again" "washed in the Blood" "Bible believing" people .... just lost folk who  get all fancied up and go to Church.

There are literally hundreds of countries that do not have the WORD of GOD translated in their language.
At our church we have a list of these countries and we pray for them for the WORD to be interpreted into their language.

 Ro 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

True, there are alot of people going to church in the USA that are not born again....but at least, they have had an opportunity to hear the Word of God.  Also, I'm sure many of you know people that have heard about receiving Christ as their own Savior, and they do not believe.  So they also have had the opportunity to hear.....so I'm just saying there are those that have never heard at all.

I know, Pastor Roger, that you must continue to preach and feed the flock you are called to....as other pastors should, too.  But let's all remember those that have never heard, even if it is in prayer like AirIam2worship mentions.

Amen! There are also a lot of folks who go to church looking for a handout. I know this because we had a certain person visiting our church who was always trying to get a handout from someone. This person was going to church for several months, and every month she would ask someone for some sort of financial assistance. She even called me at my home and asked me to pay her rent for her, she was living with 2 roommates (both) male, and none of them worked.  :( :o .. This person may have genuinely received Jesus as her Lord and Savior, but her heart was not in the right place. Sad to say that is the same story in many parts of our country.

There are countries where people walk for miles, to get to church where they don't even have running water or bathroom facilities, much less air conditioning. And they may do this 3 or 4 times a week. 

Brothers and Sisters,

I firmly believe that GOD has work for all of us to do. If we are yielded and willing, HE will give us our calling and work. GOD'S ARMY has a lot of work to do, and it's all important. Further, I firmly believe that GOD will equip us for what HE wants us to do. When it comes to the LORD'S WORK, there is no menial labor. Whatever HE gives us to do, we should simply give thanks and pray that HE works in us and through us in whatever way HE Will.

Love In Christ,
Tom

2 Corinthians 3:5 NASB  Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God,

Yes, you are right...there are a few people who go to church just for a handout.  Several years back (when I attended a different church that got too liberal so I left).....there was a young woman who was on a disability and she would always fill up a few large soda bottles with a beverage at the coffee hour.  She did this every Sunday....finally one of the workers from the kitchen told her not to do that (we people at the church didn't mind).  Well, after she was told not to do that, we never saw her at church again!!

Also, I personally know a native pastor in Nepal.  He has walked even twelve hours to reach villages where people have never heard of Christ.  He is extremely thin....sometimes he does not have enough food or water.  Once he went to a village where there was hardly any food or water, and he came back from that trip extremely ill.  It took him quite awhile to recover.

We have it extremely easy. We can drive to church, sit in an temperature controlled climate, in nice comfortable chairs, have access to nice clean rest rooms, and nice cold water.

We hear GOD'S WORD and then most of the time by the middle of the week we forgot what it was about  :-\

What some Christian Brothers and Sisters go through to hear GOD'S WORD is amazing and they go even further and spread the WORD more than we do. Sometimes I am ashamed that we don't do more.

While it is nothing compared to what the pastor mentioned in Nepal has to go through I do remember going to church on an empty lot in the open air. Not even a tent to cover us from the weather. When that church was built it was just a basement with a flat roof. Years later when the upper floor was built there was no affordable air conditioning back then. We didn't even have fans. This was only the second church in that city. Yet we had large attendance right from the start. Now many people refuse to go to a church even if it has all the amenities.

It is sad that satan has blinded so many with the lusts of this world.   :( :(

That is why I try to help indigenous missions....even though my donation is not too large.  I figure even a small amount can help....those people can live on even a dollar a day.

Another thing that is happening is that some ethnic groups want their own churches, instead of joining already existing churches.  In my area, the Koreans have a multitude of churches in office buildings!  If they do really need a separate church (maybe if some older ones do not speak English), it would be good to rent a chapel from an existing church.   Then the rent would also help another church.  Our church rents a chapel to a Korean congregation. 

I've lived in China for almost 5 years and, as you may or may not know, religion is strictly monitored and controlled here. What amazes me is that Christianity is actually on the rise here! State run churches are popping up and underground seminaries are also popping up in the countryside. Christianity hasn't, and probably won't, entered popular culture here but in the face of government persecution it's nice to see the Word being spoken here.

Helping those in thirld world countries and the middle east is a nice idea in theory but, as an individual, I just don't how one could make much of a difference. It will take organizations getting into godless areas to make things work. Organizations that are protected and influential.

At the same time I think most on the planet know the name of Christ. I think what's lacking is direction on how to attain salvation and, while sad and somewhat discouraging, may one day change. One can only hope. And pray.

I will be praying for your ministery brother.


Something I've been praying about, for many years.  I will keep praying, for those seeking salvation. 

Justin, as others know, anything you want to copy off my websites (in my sigline). You may use, to help you glorify God.

DreamWeaver - thank you. I'll be sure to have a look at your site.

All the best.

Yes, I know about China through Christian Aid.  They help around 25,000 or more native missionaries in China alone and also establish Bible colleges/training centers there.   Actually, I am helping organizations (indigenous missions) through Christian Aid.  These missions are thoroughly checked out by Christian Aid.  Since the missionaries already live in those countries, already speak the language and know the culture, they are much more effective in reaching their own people.

Also, the countries I am helping in (Muslim countries)....missionaries from Western countries are not allowed.  The native missionaries have to be very careful as it is quite dangerous for them.

Also, there are many that still have never heard the name of Christ in Hindu, Buddhist and tribal areas.  Compare this to many Americans that have heard and heard the Gospel message and still don't want to believe.

Many of the overseas countries that have been mentioned have heard about Jesus. Unfortunately they have not heard the truth as they have been taught that He was just a lowly Prophet, a man and nothing more. It is the same with many here in the U.S., they have heard of Jesus (sometimes even from Christians) but were not taught exactly who He was. Many times when Christians witness to others they assume that non-Christians already know who Jesus is and this simply is not true. I have found this to be true by talking to many non-Christians around the world.

Try it sometime when you are witnessing to someone ... ask them the direct question "Do you Know who Jesus is?" Sadly there are many that claim to be Christians that cannot even answer this question correctly.

Hello Pastor Roger,

Brother, I find your statement to be very sad but TRUE.

This is why I think that more and more Christians are going back to the basics for teaching and witnessing. Teaching the might, majesty, and power of the GODHEAD - the HOLY TRINITY - YET the three being ONE ALMIGHTY GOD sounds very basic, but it really is difficult for many lost people to understand. We should not take it for granted that lost people are going to easily understand this.

When you think about this, there are many methods to help others understand this, but it involves time and patience. I love to watch what appears to be light bulbs turning on when people begin to understand this powerful TRUTH.

GOD THE FATHER IS ALMIGHTY GOD!

GOD THE SON (JESUS CHRIST) IS ALMIGHTY GOD!

GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT IS ALMIGHTY GOD!

There are THREE distinct figures in the GODHEAD - also known as the HOLY TRINITY. Learning this powerful and beautiful TRUTH answers many questions that can't be answered any other way. I know that the first understanding is difficult, but the understanding reveals the greatest TRUTHS of the HOLY BIBLE. Many supposed controversies and alleged contradictions are cleared up when the light bulbs come on.

Understanding this also brings a sense of peace and comfort that our LORD and SAVIOUR LIVES and is ALL POWERFUL. He wasn't just a man, just a profit, just a teacher, or just anyone else other than ALMIGHTY GOD - THE CREATOR - THE LORD OF LORDS - THE KING OF KINGS! Our SAVIOUR is the greatest example of LOVE in the universe, but HE is also the greatest example of POWER, MIGHT, and MAJESTY in the universe.

We many times hear that we are weak and HE is strong. This is quite true, but saying that JESUS CHRIST is "STRONG" would be a gross understatement with any language known to man.

More and more, I think often about going back to the basics, teaching the basics, witnessing with the basics, and telling the most simple and beautiful TRUTH of JESUS CHRIST and the CROSS. It doesn't have to be elaborate and full of confusing details. It can be a simple message that even children can understand. I know that I mentioned this in another thread recently, but I really do think that the plain and simple TRUTH about JESUS CHRIST and the CROSS is the most powerful message that a Christian can give to a lost person. The deeper things of GOD'S WORD should come later. The SALVATION MESSAGE is what's so desperately needed, and it's needed RIGHT NOW by millions!

Love In Christ,
Tom

Tom, I agree that it's best to keep things simple in sharing our faith in Christ.  Especially to those who have come from non-Christian countries.  As Jesus talked simply and simply talked with the woman at the well, she was reached.  Jesus walked and talked with people, as well as preached....and they were reached.  The Holy Spirit is at work in hearts....we don't realize how much in alot of cases.

Hello Debp,

I'm late in answering this because I've been gone with my kids and grandkids. You just made a profound and TRUE statement about the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is constantly at work in the lives of Christians. It's many times simply a matter of paying attention, listening, and feeling. We must also remember that the Holy Spirit abides in our hearts for many other reasons. As an example, we can and should pray before our Bible studies that the Holy Spirit will guide us and aid us in understanding. In reality, this can be and should be true for every aspect of our lives. We should also know that there is a mighty battle going on around all of us every day with the powers of darkness. GOD is on our side. All we have to do is pray and ask HIM to help us.

I am 1000% sure that GOD gives all of us opportunities to witness for HIM. I understand the thoughts and feelings of many who say that they feel inadequate for the job. We are all inadequate for the job, but the Holy Spirit is with us and will help us. The Holy Spirit is a mighty force in our own lives, and HE wants to use us to help others. We might think that our speech or message isn't polished enough when that opportunity is suddenly presented, but we should instead be thinking that we have the message GOD wants for that person right now and GOD will help us deliver it.

In thinking some more about what you just said, all Christians need to know and understand that GOD is working in and through us to help others. We simply need to say "YES" and do HIS Will. I'm thinking right now of many sweet Christians I've known through my life who really didn't have pretty or polished speech, but they had exactly what GOD wanted for HIS Purpose. SO, I would have to say that many mighty men and women of GOD were simply willing, didn't make excuses, and yielded immediately to what GOD wanted them to do.

Love In Christ,
Tom

2 Corinthians 3:2-3 NASB  You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

Tom, I totally agree with you.  I also believe the Holy Spirit works to convict unbelievers in their hearts.....so sometimes we might not realize how much of a work of God is going on in an unbeliever's heart.

AMEN

Got interrupted by someone needing the computer earlier.  :)  Wanted to add this extra thought.

Besides the convicting work of the Holy Spirit in an unbeliever's heart, the Holy Spirit is also wooing and drawing people to Christ.  This is why we must minister in love, as led by the Spirit.