This week we heard an exciting story out of the orphanage we partner with in Mozambique. Through the kindness of our friends there, a notorious local witch left her practice and came to faith in Christ.

Commenting on this, Alex Viana writes the following to Life’s global outreach team:

Many wonder how to reach the lost in places like Mozambique. Some ask “Isn’t it more important that we send missionaries to places like this and have them preach the gospel to the natives?” Others ask “Why be holistic in your approach to reaching the lost? Is giving them food, a place of shelter and medicine as important as the gospel?” These are all good questions and very legitimate; sharing the gospel is VERY IMPORTANT, but how does the “good news” of the gospel land in ones heart when there is so much illness, worry, fear and a growling stomach? How much better is it to live out Gods love to those first by unconditionally accepting them, feeding them and demonstrating Christ compassion and care BEFORE we present the Gospel?

. . . What we are doing by supporting the Melanie Center isn’t just a nice “humanitarian” gesture for those less fortunate than us, it’s MUCH more than that. Every dollar we give buys a meal for the children and a meal to share with a community, a place to go to and be loved, a few pills of medicine that brings physical healing. When a stomach is filled, a hug and smile are shared, and you can genuinely see, feel, smell and touch the presence of God in a place like the Melanie Center…then my friends… we have a heart that is ready to truly hear the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ.

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' (Matthew 25:37-40)

What we are doing for “the least of these” my brothers and sisters, we are doing for the Lord. The things we are praying for, the work we do has ETERNAL ramifications!

Thank you everyone for living out what you believe. I’m truly blessed by each of you and consider it pure joy to minister with you.

To God be ALL the Glory,

Alex Viana

I would add my thanks to this too – thank you for being the church, not just playing at it.

Lord bless you friends, and we’ll see you this weekend –

Tim
Mt 6:33