Historically, today is the day Christians have commemorated the day Jesus ascended into Heaven, 40 days after His resurrection. Where I am, this is a really big deal for believers. It is a holiday in which they do not go to work, their children don’t go to school, and they spend the day gathered around God’s word, singing countless songs, and breaking bread together.
And by the providential timing and kindness of the Lord, we were able to celebrate this day with our church network here. This was of great importance to them, so we did not do our scheduled workshop this morning. I praise Jesus for a team that prioritizes worship over everything else. After hearing a powerful sermon on Acts 1:8, in which we walked through the call to be His witnesses, the suffering we will experience (which was about 1/3 of the message), and the eternal hope we have in the Lord Jesus, two young men and one young woman who came to faith a few weeks ago decided that today, on Ascension Day, would be the day they’d be baptized!
I spoke with the young woman moments before her baptism, and we hugged and cried, considering the goodness of Jesus in saving her and as she tearfully processed the weight of what it means to go public with her faith in Christ through baptism in this Muslim majority country.
After the baptism, one of my colleagues pulled me aside and shared that the mosque near where we are began to play the Muslim Call to Prayer from its speakers as the first baptism began. And still, the baptisms continued. These young people said a resounding yes to Jesus, come what may, and we were all worshipping Jesus in song, prayer, and tears! We then spent the next couple of hours eating together and celebrating the Lord for the great and mighty things He has done and continues to do!
Be encouraged, Church! This next generation of believers is taking their rightful place as Kingdom Ambassadors in the face and epicenter of darkness. They are willing to follow Jesus no matter the cost. Please keep these believers and their local church in your prayers!
To God be all the glory!
THE NATIONS ARE BEARING WITNESS!
“Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless His name; tell of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples!”
—Psalm 96:1-3
I am going to bed tonight with a deeper love for Jesus and His Bride and a greater urgency to make His name known where it is not. Oh Lord, we lift Your Name on high!
