Lift Off! Task Unfinished - Day 04
Day 04: The Remaining Task
As we look at the world today, we can see evidence of the gospel advancing to the ends of the earth! The Church has grown tremendously since the time of Christ and it is amazing to see how the story of God’s glory has spread across languages, cultures, and generations. He is indeed accomplishing His purposes revealed throughout Scripture. But, there is a remaining task. There are still many people on the planet who have never heard the name of Jesus and do not have access to anyone who knows the message of God’s salvation.
In evaluating our roles and responsibilities in global missions, our minds very naturally gravitate towards going on missions trips and giving of finances towards missions efforts. As collegians, it can be understandably hard to give financially in support missions or go ourselves. As we’ve been doing for the past 6 days, joining in His kingdom work for His glory consists also of prayer. Though there is something to be said about learning to give of our time in going and financial resources in giving, there are many other equally important ways in which we can join in God’s work.
Pray for the Azhe people
Like most Yi people, the Azhe (Ah-jeh) celebrate the Torch Festival. As the name implies, it is a time when bonfires are lit and people carry torches to light their path. The majority of them have never heard that God’s Word is a lamp for their feet and a light for their path because there are no Bible translations or evangelistic materials in their language.
The 80,000 Azhe people live in the southern part of Mi Le County in China’s Yunnan Province. Mostly farmers, they grow corn and tobacco. Their worldview centers around animistic beliefs, so many of their holidays, sacrifices and religious activities revolve around the spirit world. They chant and make sacrifices to spirits to gain an edge over the spirits they believe inhabit various parts of creation.
In the past, there have been some churches started among these people, but cults have swept through the area and torn apart most of the groups. God’s church will prevail, and a remnant of believers still exists among the Azhe. These believers continue to grow, study and be discipled.
Excerpted from: https://www.imb.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/East-Asia-UUPG-Prayer-Guide.pdf