
“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland,” Isaiah 43:19 (NLT).
Maliyah, a Russian native, was fascinated by the Good News of Jesus Christ. She was equally fearful, though, about living the Christian life in her home country. She told her ISI mentor that she could imagine following Jesus in America, where “people are so moral.” Maliyah believed that living out her faith would prove impossible in Russia, a nation so ethically-lacking that even basic services require bribes––where single women are routinely intimidated and victimized.
During her next visit to her ISI mentor, Maliyah reported a vivid dream. Alone in a strange new city, she was held by powerful arms. They belonged to a man so tall that she could not even see his face. In his arms, Maliyah had felt incredibly safe and protected. When she awoke, it was as if her fears had disintegrated into the air. They were gone! She knew right away that Christ would always stand beside her! Maliyah trusted Him for salvation that very day!
This sweet snapshot of how Jesus' kindness and grace replaced Maliyah’s fears and insecurities brings smiles to our faces and praises to our lips! We call testimonies like this fresh Hallelujahs––the kinds of stories that brighten the air with a fragrance of rejoicing. As the new season makes its first arrival, I bring you a fresh bouquet of spring Hallelujahs.
This bouquet comes straight from the words of Isaiah 43:19 and God’s promise to “do a new thing:”
“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland,” Isaiah 43:19 (NLT).
We see God doing New Things all throughout the ministry! In fact, Our M:28 Global Discipleship model brings New Things almost daily. We are now a vital part of America’s fastest growing Chinese church, which has asked us to train key leaders and bring our training to their 24-hour Chinese television channel!
We continue receiving similar reports from around the world. We heard from an international student from Nepal, where areas of the country are still dealing with severe devastation––earthquakes, mass homelessness and displacement. What’s more is that a declaration of secular status ended all aid from India––leaving Christians as a last remaining source of help. Nevertheless, this student returned home from studies in India and devoted himself to traveling from village to village planting M:28 churches across Nepal. No matter how remote, no matter how challenged, our efforts yield fruit in season! What a blessing to be able to celebrate yet another fresh Hallelujah!
Friend, I want you to know that your prayers and support help us greatly to “make pathways in the wilderness” in our goal to reach every international student for Christ. I pray you have a fruitful week and that the Lord continues “doing something new in you” as we move into the spring season!
For More Information
Learn more about our M:28 Global Discipleship Initiative.
Learn more about our M:28 Discovery Bible Study.
Learn more about the M:28 Ministry Cycle.