The epistle of James reminds us to “be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (1:19), emphasizing the necessity of listening to and heeding wisdom. This wisdom is not just good advice, but is grounded in knowing God and understanding how he has created the world through his revealed Word. We must recognize God as God (sovereign, omniscient, wise, good, etc.) in order to appreciate his directives, many of which go against our natural tendencies. These natural tendencies, doing what seems right to us, what pleases us, or what feels good, Proverbs calls “folly” (James calls it “the world”). The thing that makes listening and heeding God’s wisdom so difficult is that it often goes against what “seems right” or “makes sense to me” (the foundation of worldly thinking). It requires faith in God’s Word and God’s character to hear and heed his wisdom.
This past month Mark traveled to speak at a weekend men’s retreat in Santiago, and the next week to Temuco for a one-day seminar on church leadership. God was gracious, granting safe travel, health and strength, and the opportunity to encourage many brothers and sisters to follow Jesus and listen to the wisdom of his Word.
Please pray for our church in Antofagasta as we grow individually and corporately. We are currently working to implement a team of deacons to help overseeing several areas of ministry. We continue to meet with several couples and singles, encouraging them to listen to God’s Word and obey it.
We appreciate your prayers for us as the coming month brings many opportunities for ministry. Lord willing, our church will be having a special fellowship this Saturday afternoon. We’re looking forward to good fellowship and an edifying time. We are planning a long weekend in Florida at the end of May for the wedding of a good friend. We have the chance to be a part of GMSA’s candidate school and encourage our mission’s newest members, Jansen and Kaylee Lorch. We want to be wise: knowing God and hearing his Word.
- Thank God with us for his grace in daily strength and health.
- Thank God with us for his grace in safe travels for Mark this month.
- Thank God with us for his grace in the lives of our church family here in Antofagasta.
- Pray to God with us for his grace to live wisely each day.
- Pray to God with us for his grace in travels and ministry opportunities coming up this month.
- Pray to God with us for his grace during our transition from Antofagasta in November.
This is our May 2025 email update. You can sign up to receive our updates in your inbox here. You can download a printable PDF here.
Comments are closed