faith in Action

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” – Hebrews 11:1-3

The book of Hebrews is often referred to as The Hall of Fame of God’s Faithful Followers.  In the eleventh chapter you will find stories that start with, “By faith Abel, by faith Enoch, by faith Noah, by faith Abraham, and by faith even Sarah, by faith Isaac … and ten more people that were called by name, not to mention the multitude of others that were called out by groups. So many faithful followers of God that the writer didn’t have time to name them all and tell of their stories.
Hebrews 12:1 calls them a “great cloud of witnesses.”  Oh, what joy it would have been to be there and meet these people that were so committed to carrying out the will of God in their lives!

Just a few short weeks ago, on July the 24th through the 28th I had a similar opportunity to meet a different “great cloud of witnesses.” I attended a workshop designed to bring together the various ministry leaders from seven countries that are at work under the direction of Agape Asia.  We met in Seremban, Malaysia for a time of rest, respite, training, and fellowship.  These great witnesses are the kingdom workers that we partner with to care for abandoned children, make new disciples, and grow local ministries.

I have known of Agape Asia since 2010, taking a seat on the board of directors in 2018, and becoming the president of the board in January of 2021. I have emailed, conferenced called, and ZOOMED with many of our ministry partners over the past few years, but until now had not met any of them in person. I knew they were scattered all of over Asia and the thought of ever getting around to visit with them all was just wishful thinking on my part.
 
Earlier this year, one of our Advisory Board Members living in Singapore suggested pulling them all together, along with a couple of other ministry efforts to all look at each other in the eye, hold hands in prayer and petition and ask God almighty to bless our work.  To say that was inspiring would be a monumental understatement!  It was such a breath-taking experience to walk alongside, discuss kingdom work and simply be in their presence.
 
By faith Betty…
By faith Bikash and Jasmita…
By faith Solongo and Amin…
By faith Nathan, Samuel, and Timothy…
and so many more that I am unable to mention due to security concerns in the countries where they minister.
 
Each of these kingdom workers had amazing stories of faithful work, taking in abandoned children, fighting the forces of evil, and winning the conflict.  I could tell you so many “by faith” stories that I heard that week.  What looked and sounded like an uphill battle to me was just another day at the office for these ministers.  When asked about danger, government interference, or lack of support, they smiled and said, “But God will provide and protect me!”
 
I now pray differently for their work. I no longer fear the devil and his schemes against them. I know now, more than ever, they will receive their rewards.  They are all such “a great cloud of witnesses!”
 
Finally, I was so enamored with a Chinese family attending the workshop (that was not a part of Agape Asia’s team) because of the way that Christ exuded from their very existence.  They had three children.  The children’s Chinese names translated to English as, “Knowing God’s Grace, Knowing God’s Truth, and Knowing God’s Righteousness.” This made me want to go home and rename my own children!