Let's Start Talking

My husband and I have been presented with the opportunity to go to China this summer and share Jesus with people who do not know him. This is such an exciting opportunity. We have always lived in Texas and the people we meet have been exposed to Jesus and to his followers. Sometimes His followers have turned people away from Him. This is heart breaking.  As we go to China it is imperative that we reflect Jesus with our lives. They will constantly be observing us.

We are praying for our lives and conversations to reflect Him.  We are going with the Let’s Start Talking Ministry. In this ministry people are eager to sign up to speak English with an American to become more fluent and conversational with their English. We will be using a simple version of the Book of Luke as a basis for our conversation.  How wonderful to have every conversation based out of the Bible!  As my reader delves into Chapter 1 about Mary and her pregnancy with Jesus, I can speak to a young woman about learning of pregnancy in her country and how it is accepted. We can discuss how Chinese women are treated if they become pregnant before marriage.  I can share what it is like in America. We will then reflect on what it must have been like for Mary in an ancient world. Our conversations will be rich and the reader will begin to learn of Jesus as we progress through the chapters and we will both be blessed with a new friendship.

The LST ministry team has challenged my husband and me to reflect the following scriptures while we are there.

·   Be DEVOTED to one another in brotherly love. (Rom. 12:10)

·   HONOR one another above yourselves. (Rom. 12:10)

·   Live in HARMONY with one another. (Rom 12:6)

·   Stop passing JUDGEMENT on one another. (Rom. 14:3)

·   ACCEPT one another, just as Christ accepted you. (Rom. 15:7)

·   ENCOURAGE one another, BUILD each other up. (I Thess. 5:11)

·   SERVE one another in love. (Gal. 5:13)

            We have read these scriptures before, but it is difficult to live them out every day, isn’t it?  Just last night I confronted my husband about something and realized I was not honoring him above myself. I was not accepting him as Christ accepts me.  I have got a ways to go, if I am going to reflect His glory all the time. I realize I will never do it on my own power. This is where I have got to slow down and ask the Holy Spirit to not only step in and help me, but to take over and guide my words and actions. The Spirit that lives within us has the power to live this way!

Holy Father, forgive me for not calling on your spirit to guide me each day, for exerting my own will and not reflecting your Glory.  I am your child and I want it to be obvious that you are my Father. Once again I say “Less of me and more of you.” Thank you calling and sending us to share You and Your Son with the people of Xiamen, China.      

In the blessed name of Jesus, Amen.

Terry Smith

Stephenville, Texas