Ministry / God is greater
God is greater!
316NOW has found strength in that truth since this ministry began two decades ago. We have consistently reminded ourselves that God is greater:
When the task of sharing grace across China seemed beyond our resources.
When it seemed China's government raised barriers to the gospel we could not breach.
When Christian leaders in China seemed at risk of persecution.
When the Spirit opened more opportunities to tell people about Jesus than it seemed we could manage.
June board meeting
When 316NOW's board of directors meets in person later this week (June 5-7), that God is greater motto will especially guide the formation of courageous ministry plans. That truth will be particularly important because board members realize it's only with our Father's powerful, wise, and loving guidance that 316NOW can dare march ahead.
The Spirit has provided 316NOW with several large-scale ministry opportunities.
We have gotten a good start on designing a strategy for inviting expatriate Chinese Christians who live in North America to train as small group leaders. But we have much more to learn before groups of Confessional Lutheran Chinese form throughout the U.S. and Canada.
With the help of our liaison, a new team of regional Chinese church leaders is forming in Mainland China. These leaders are working with 316NOW to network house churches and raise up local leaders.
Our online Bible institute continues to provide sound theological and practical education to Chinese church leaders. Challenges include recruiting a full faculty of pastors, recruiting and caring for our students, and maintaining the security of our students.
Another large task is to scale up the Mentoring and Consulting Ministry Division so it is able to personally advise growing numbers of house church leaders, as well as the groups they serve.
Covering the increased costs of a growing ministry will also be a significant agenda discussion item.
Humble dependence
Fortunately, our God is greater. 316NOW remains humbly dependent on the infinite God who adopted us sinful people as his children only because of his love for us.
Please add your prayers to the prayers of 316NOW board members and administrators this week while they meet at the annual face-to-face meeting. Thank you.