There is a close connection between the veracity of the gospel and a ministry to the poor. The relationship in Scripture between genuine faith and ministry to the poor is remarkable. Paul informs the church in Galatia that after the Apostles in Jerusalem had confirmed the genuineness of the gospel presented by Paul and Barnabas–The Apostles requested that they remember the poor [Gal. 2:10]. The idea was clear that if you are preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ don’t keep the message just to wealthy able-bodied people. Preach it to the poor as well. Paul expressed in that epistle to the church in Galatia that he was very eager to remember the poor. In Luke’s Gospel Jesus justified His ministry giving hope to John the Baptist by appealing to the observation of his ministry preaching the good news to the poor [Luke 7:22]. We are very eager to remember the poor when we spread the gospel too. [See the update at the bottom of the page–July 3rd]
Instruction in Prayer
Snatched From Death
God is amazing the way he diverts the plans of man. He intervenes and changes the intended course so that the events fit his plan. Like water flowing along, eroding the soft soil, but when God wants, He drops a stone in the path and the water changes course around the stone.
This directing plan is what God did in the life of our newest church planter in Rukungiri. Pastor Bosco was on course for death—a plan put in motion by his stepbrother. God had other plans.
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. [Proverbs 19:21, ESV] You can read his testimony on his prayer page.
[Read more…] about Snatched From Death
Churches Grow Through Prayer
Answers to prayers are vital to the successful start of a church. We won’t have any answers if we don’t bring our requests before the Lord. We have such a tremendous privilege to intercede for the pastors starting churches in their communities. Here are some highlights of the current prayer reports. We have updated the praises and requests on the prayer pages for each pastor. Thank you for your support in prayer.
Argentina, Pastor Matias:
We worked in four neighborhoods: Villa Palito, San Justo, Los Pinos, and Merlo. From Sunday through Thursday we spread out in these places and shared God’s word.
On Tuesday, we had the entire group gather in La Palito. This area, in particular, has been blessed by God because we have seen most of our fruit come from here over the last several years. There are two small group adult meetings, two youth meetings, and one children’s meeting. At least 30 people come to our church from this neighborhood. [Read more about the expanding ministry]
Your Donations Allow National Pastors to Minister Full-Time
Your Prayers Have an Impact
The prayers of God’s people have a huge impact on the ministry of churches around the world. God has given us a privilege to come before his very throne of grace to intercede for people in need. Our pastors always thank me and tell me to express their thanks to the prayer partners of White Fields and make sure they all know that God is answering their prayers. They give the credit for successful ministry to the answers to your prayers. The Apostle Paul asked the church in Colossae to pray for his ministry team: “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.” (Colossians 4:2-4 ESV)
We can join our pastor in prayer, asking God daily to give them clarity to speak truth with precision — and, to open the hearts of the people so the word of God will take root in their hearts and that their understanding will be opened as they hear the gospel. Ask God to unleash the transforming power of his word in the communities of the churches. [Read more…] about Your Prayers Have an Impact
Pray for Us
The intercessory teamwork that you provide by praying for the needs of the pastors we are supporting is important in the overall success of the beginning of the church. The Apostle Paul expressed his sincere desire for the members of the church in Corinth to pray for his ministry far away. He shared, “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 Corinthians 1:11 ESV)
God delights when his people come before His Throne of Grace and request his provision through prayer. The result also increases the thanksgivings back to God by the pastors and the people of the churches when they see God’s hand provide in ways they know can only be from Him. Your intercessory prayers result in greater worship to God. [Read more…] about Pray for Us
Visiting our Brothers
And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” Acts 15:36 (ESV) —
It brings great joy when I visit the churches that have been started and supported by White Fields and I find them healthy and strong. That is what I found in Japan when I went to visit in April.
I want to tell you about two pastors whom White Fields has supported in the past—Pastors Hirooki Sekine and Tomio Ohashi. Both of their churches are healthy and doing well. Both pastors have also moved into new ministry opportunities. God has expanded their ministries so that they are now blessing other churches. [Read more…] about Visiting our Brothers