He comes late for the Bible study, but as he sits on the floor beside his wife, he is fully engaged in the discussion. It is hard to imagine that until recently this tall, soft-spoken man was addicted to drugs and alcohol. His wife was ready to leave him, but our missionaries convinced her to begin a campaign of focused prayer for his freedom from addiction and his conversion. Now he joins her in the study of God’s Word. This was nothing we had done. This was Spirit work.

Our Tai-Kadai team was worried. “Whatever are we going to do for teachers this year? We requested nine volunteer teachers, and only two came forward. How will we be able to cover all our classes with more than 400 students? All our career missionaries will have to put their evangelism on hold to teach English.” We prayed, and God provided. We were able to obtain the services of a recent graduate of Asia Pacific International University, a former volunteer teacher, and two of our teachers from last year agreed to stay. They are willing to live here with the people on a local salary to follow through on their deep commitment to reach the Tai-Kadai people. They are mingling with people, demonstrating practical and loving service, leading out in Bible studies, and following the Spirit’s lead in bringing their students and others to Christ. This is Spirit work.

We were having a birthday party for Daniëlle K. Several of her Thai friends had been invited to celebrate along with the Central Thai Project team. Some of them I recognized from previous visits. Then Nok walked in. I could hardly believe my eyes. She was different, more beautiful than I remembered. She seemed to glow with peace and joy. This formerly Buddhist lady has only recently embraced Christianity and is currently preparing for baptism. But already she is leading a small Bible study group for other Buddhist ladies. I had heard people speak of radiant faith, and now I was seeing it. This is Spirit work.

Many times we think we are responsible for leading people to accept Christianity. We create strategies, we write culturally appropriate materials, we hold meetings and attend seminars, we build relationships and serve people in the community. All of this is good and helpful, but by itself it will not win people to Christ. That is Spirit work.

Coming from a background in science, Don and I resonate with clear and concise methods, careful design and quantifiable testing of approaches and ideas. We are looking for strategies that can be measured and refined and that have predictable outcomes. We have noticed this trend in church organizations as well. Baptisms can be counted, membership statistics collected and analyzed. Yes, we believe in strategy, we rejoice in baptisms, and we love to share the great news of church growth, but what is happening at the heart level? Are individual hearts being transformed? Are new believers, as well as longstanding members, laying aside the culture they have grown up in and embracing a complete Christian culture? This only happens when we are willing to submit our lives in loving obedience to God’s Word and seek Him fervently through prayer. God is able not only to transform Buddhists, he is able to transform us so we can be His instruments in transforming the world. This is Spirit work. Are you ready?

“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit” (John 3:8).

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