Lord willing, I’ll be departing for Haiti in just a few hours (the evening of 4/22). I leave with all of you – God’s people at RCG – very much on my heart, and in my prayers. More and more, the thanksgivings and supplications of Paul in places like Eph. 1:15-23 and Eph. 3:14-21 reflect my affection and longings for each of you. What a joy and privilege it is to share life together in Christ in this local church, and also to partner together in the advancement of the Gospel to other places…like Haiti.
How thankful I am for your prayers for my family and me, that God would sustain and provide for His purposes in our lives. As I’ve mentioned numerous times, though I’m the one making this trip to Haiti, all of us together are sharing in this ministry through prayer, giving, and support. And without a doubt, prayer is the most essential part of each one’s involvement! Just listen to how the Apostle Paul solicited and gave thanks for the prayers of God’s people regarding the advancement of the Gospel through Him:
You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. (2 Cor. 1:11)
18 …praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (Eph. 6:18-20)
Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, 2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. (2 Thess. 3:1-2)
Beloved, we are involved in relentless warfare of cosmic, spiritual proportions (Eph. 6:10-20). May God give us grace to stand firm in His strength, ever walking worthy of the great spiritual blessings He has called us to in Christ. You’ll continue to be in my prayers while I’m away, trusting our Good Shepherd to faithfully care for your souls (Ps. 28:6-9).
With love and affection,
Greg
P.S. See you on May 10, Lord willing!