Where Have You Been?

In one difficult-to-reach area of Africa, one of our newest partners has trained hundreds in a community whose belief focuses on angels, saints, and so on, rather than on the Gospel. At one of those trainings, he taught the SIU “Bridges for Neighbors” training with 30 missionaries sent by evangelical churches to reach out to the community. All the trainees were touched by the wisdom in the training. They confessed that the way they used to witness about Jesus in the community mostly ended in conflict. They also said they have not been effective in raising up true disciples of Jesus in the community, despite their presence for years in the area. After finishing the Bridges training, they gave this partner the name, “Yetneberke” which means, “Where have you been?” This name is a common name in that part of the country, especially when couples have their first son after being barren for many years. This partner’s testimony fills us with great encouragement and inspires us to continue the path the Lord has set for us with our partners, despite the difficult trials and tribulations we face.

Resting In The Psalms

Recently, in our weekly SIU team prayer sessions, we have found that the Psalms give us much hope and encouragement. Hope these words of the Psalms encourages you as well.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked advance against me
to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.”
(Psalm 27:1-3 NIV)

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand.”
(Psalm 121:1-5 NIV)

“Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life.
You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes;
with your right hand you save me.”
(Psalm 138:7 NIV)

“Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
What joy!
Restore our fortunes, Lord,
as streams renew the desert.
Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.
They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest.”
(Psalm 126: 3-6 NLT)

Resting in the Psalms and trusting in the Almighty for all our provision is a good place to be. Let’s remain in that place as the day of the Lord approaches!

God’s Word and His Work

What a privilege it is to share stories of what God is doing around the world through our faithful and trusted partners, as well as share the living, active Word of God with you.
If you interested in hearing more of these stories and getting more involved in the ministry of SIU, please let us know by contacting us at:
www.scripturesinuse.org/contact/

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