Monday, May 01, 2023

Should we be in a hurry to share the Gospel? YES! Is Gospel poverty an urgent matter? Of course. And at the same time, we must practice perseverance and be patient. Jesus wasn’t in such a hurry that He ignored people’s feelings or their need for acceptance. Jesus sat in the boat. Seeing people there, with love and care, He taught them. He was glad to spend time with them. Like Jesus, we need to come alongside people. It takes time, especially with the vulnerable and those who are desperate. Here in Japan, it sometimes takes more than 10 years before the harvest after we share the first seed of the Gospel. But like Jesus, we never give up. Even with just 1% of the population following Christ for decades, the Holy Spirit encourages us not to quit working for His Kingdom. He guides us to expect God’s harvest.

The Haggai Leader Experience gave me broader eyes to see the need to think strategically about ending Gospel poverty. It gave me friends to pray with all over the world. It gave me boldness to step forward out of my comfort zone.