Reminders

Reminders

We put them on sticky notes so that we don’t forget to pick up groceries on the way home. We write them in planners, so we know what needs to get done. We set them on our phones and computers so we don’t miss a meeting.

Here is a reminder we hope you will set up today.

Jesus is the most important figure in all of history, and He wants you to meet with Him. We cannot tell you what would be in a heart-to-heart conversation with Jesus. That is between you and Him. But we invite you to bring up a topic that breaks our hearts: the opposition faced by those around the world who follow Jesus.

This Independence Day, as we prepare to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence, we feel a lot of excitement, but also a lot of grief because of a sobering reality. Our constitutional guarantee of freedom to receive and proclaim Jesus Christ is a right that millions around the world do not have. The Tide ministry has not only written about it, but has spent decades walking alongside believers in countries where following Christ can mean heavy fines, prison, or worse. One young lady recently shared that she listens to our broadcast in secret because she fears the consequences she would receive from her family. Her message is not unique in that regard. It is one of the great many we receive.

Reading the stories and hearing the testimonies of those who have endured persecution for having faith in Jesus can be overwhelming. It can give the sense that the problem is an unconquerable Goliath.

As David conquered Goliath by faith and action, so can this Global Goliath be defeated by faith and action. But it won’t be by picking up stones. It will be by getting on our knees. It will be by prayer, a powerful weapon that accomplishes much (James 5:16).

During July, we encourage you to meet daily with Jesus to pray for the countries where the Goliaths seem the biggest. Pray that closed countries open up. Pray for the safety of believers and seekers. Pray that Jesus transforms hearts.

Like us, many people like being able to check a box to show they’ve done something. We’ve created a small prayer page that has a list of countries that desperately need your prayers, and you can check off the ones you pray for. It is not a form for gathering email addresses, demographic data, or preferences. It merely asks for your first name and the country you are praying for. We hope you will visit it, choose one or more countries to pray for, and ask God to protect the body of Christ and seekers and to open those countries to the life-transforming power of Jesus.

Donors are essential to our ministry. When you give your financial support, you play a vital role in equipping our ‘boots on the ground’ to share God’s Word in the heart language people were born to speak. Supplies, materials, and living expenses depend on your generosity. Prayer supporters are also essential to our ministry. When you give your prayer support, you come alongside us to help with the spiritual battles against the darkness that seeks to prevent the spread of the Gospel, the salvation of souls, and the worship Jesus deserves. The Apostle Paul reminds us of that when he urges us to put on the full armor of God and then pray, pray, pray (Ephesians 6).

The form is below, and here is a link you can save so you can come back to it tomorrow. Before you close this page, please choose one country below and take a minute to pray for them.