What is one Bible Promise that you want to claim? Or . . . What is a theme you want to carry with you into this week, this month, this next year? Why? (Don’t worry, you can take a moment now to think.)
Have one in mind?
We posed these questions to each of our new student and short-term missionaries (each using a pen name) as they look toward their coming year of service.
Amy Samson (Tai-Kadai) — Philippians 3:7-8, “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ . . . that I may gain Christ.” Having Jesus’ presence as I handle challenges and unknowns is a blessing, especially in a new environment. When I keep close to Him, He will lead me to those in need.
Leah Bay (Tai-Kadai) — Romans 10:1, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Tai-Kadai people is that they may be saved.” I pray that they may become part of my heart, so that my love for them may be fully fulfilled, and throughout it all, they may see and understand how much Jesus loves them.
Rose Livingston (Tai-Kadai) — I want to take Psalm 23 with me this year because I want to remember that I am God’s mission field first, and He gently leads and guides me.
Sofia Peters (Tai-Kadai) — Jeremiah 29:11, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” This verse reminds me that God always wants the best for us; in Him, we can find peace and hope. I pray that, even on difficult days, I may embrace this promise.
Amariah Martinez (Tai-Kadai) — I want to embrace the words God spoke in Isaiah 41:9, “You are my servant; I have chosen you.” Knowing who I am, He has paved the way for me to be His hands and feet, carrying the good news. And I believe God is already planting seeds in the hearts of the Tai-Kadai people.
Maryam Vaisseau (Fulani) —
I want to thank the Lord my God that He does not break a bruised reed like me. I want Psalms 40:8-11 to be my prayer this year, and I will claim His promise in Psalms 2:8, “Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance.”
Each of our missionaries is preparing to launch into a year full of new challenges and experiences. They may feel nervous or inadequate, but what a blessing it is to know that Scripture is full of God’s promises to each of us! He promises to supply us with strength, peace and encouragement. He promises to always be with us, to love us and to take care of our daily needs. We can claim these promises with full faith, knowing that God always fulfills His promises.
When life gets challenging, and it will, no matter if you are at home or on the other side of the globe, remember to keep God’s promises close to your heart and claim them daily. While you do, please lift up our missionaries in prayer. Whether they are just headed out or staying for a second or third term, such as Jogly Bocanegra (Cambodia),
Job Smitherman (Tai-Kadai), and Hiroko Komaki (Japan), they solicit your prayers for them and for the people they are serving. And while you are at it, please remember Alyssa Krum (pictured), who was a guest attendee at training and will be serving in Thailand with Jesus for Asia.
God has promised us so much. May each of us, in return, promise to spend our lives sharing these amazing promises with those who have never heard.
