I miss Autumn, especially how the leaves cover the ground, changing the landscape with their colors. It is not a season we experience where we live. However we are seeing a different change wafting through the air in Southeast Asia, reminding us of this quote: “Unvarnished truth must be spoken, in leaflets and pamphlets, and these must be scattered like the leaves of autumn” (Testimonies for the Church 9:231).
God is using His Word to share Biblical truths. In Nepal, we are working with a Protestant pastor to translate GLOW tracts into Nepalese. Since the earthquakes, many people have started to ask questions and look for eternal answers.
Death, trauma, natural disasters, calamities, violence, corruption, terrorism, racial tension, famine, lawlessness, political strife, bombings, murders, abominations, division, addiction, suffering, human trafficking and so much more fill the daily news no matter where you live in the world. Dare we say we have entered into the “days of Noah” where there was “evil continually”?
We have seen a lot of this up close and personal in 2015. This exposure has given me a crash course into a deeper prayer life and a renewed craving for intimate time with Jesus. No matter the pain, sorrow or confusion, a sweet, still, small voice calls me to come to Him. What an amazing God we serve! Hours of weeping, interceding, seeking and just resting in the arms of Jesus have given me such an abiding trust in Him. It is still a struggle, but as I claim the Bible’s beautiful promises, I rejoice!
God has given me fresh reasons to rejoice and praise His name. Doors are opening in three closed countries we have visited. In one Buddhist monarchy we gave away 15 different GLOW tracts to a local businesswoman who asked us for information about spiritual things. She is hungry for truth!
Another country with a communist government has authorized the publication of many different Seventh-day Adventist books and tracts. We are praising God as doors open and the local mission begins distributing spiritual leaflets for the first time in many decades.
The third country’s government is Muslim, but it is tolerant of non-native Christians. It is allowing the local mission to publish the 2015 SDA sharing book and give it to those who show interest.
“Papers and books are the Lord’s means of keeping the message for this time continually before the people” (Ibid, 6:315). The “leaves” are clearly falling and painting beautiful colors of change in many lives all around the world. We are so excited about how God is moving His work forward and blessing those who follow this inspired counsel: “The printed word of truth is to be translated into different languages, and carried to the ends of the earth” (Ibid, 9:26).
This is just one means to prepare the way for Jesus’ soon coming. Every day that passes brings us nearer to that glorious day. Please keep praying!
