Surpassing Power
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair. 2 Corinthians 4:7-8
You may remember the article that included images from the persecution in Pakistan. 28 churches had been burned, 280 homes burned, and those families were displaced. The Orality Institute collected and sent $3436 specifically for that relief ministry. In September, our team visited the area affected by the persecution two times and gave financial support to those in need so they could purchase food and supplies.
The team of Master Trainers did not allow the persecution to slow them down. They held their second training in October and covered four more lessons to prepare these 15 teachers to return to their separate classes. These Christians display the boldness and the surpassing power that Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 4:7-8. On our first Zoom call with Pakistan, Rayan said, “We will preach the gospel… and do it until our last breath, so keep praying for us.” An oral strategy of education is practical in the midst of persecution because it is kept safe in your mind and it will stay with you regardless of what is happening around you. It is effective because sharing stories is nonconfrontational, it allows people the chance to hear the gospel, and the listeners are the ones that apply the scripture to their life. On September 6th, while the chaos of the persecution was still having an effect, Rayan and his wife welcomed a second boy, Oholiab, into their family. The hope for Oholiab, for Rayan, and for the many persecuted Christians is the surpassing power of Jesus. Even though we are fragile from a human perspective, we are invincible from a heavenly perspective.
Extending Grace
Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,”… For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:13,15
We are grateful for the support we have received these past months. You have extended your grace to us and it “increases our thanksgiving, to the glory of God.” Thus far we have raised about $8000 with the bike ride, and we pray that the Grand Canyon hike, on October 21st will bring the increase to our goal of $20,000.
The support from these past months has allowed us to extend our reach into new areas. In July, the first book of the curriculum was translated into Urdu. That has been printed and they have held two training sessions for the Master Trainers who are bringing the training to their individual classes throughout the month.
On September 18th, Pastor Andrew Olson sent us the completed translation of the Romans curriculum into Luganda. There are several groups that have completed the Romans study in Uganda, but those classes have all been taught in English. This translation will allow the training in the book of Romans to reach those who do not speak English and it will deepen the doctrinal understanding of scripture for those who spend a year studying.
On October 3rd, the first printing of the curriculum into Hindi was completed. Hindi is the national language of India, so this will allow us to bring the oral training to multiple people groups in northern India. If the Lord is prompting you to financially support this ministry, you can give by check to the address below or online at the Orality Institute website, www.oralityinstitute.org.
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