By Lea Lockhart
Let’s face it, saying goodbye to a loved is very difficult. The pain is real and I’m learning that it’s ok to be sad. I’m learning that grief is normal and tears are not a sign of weakness. Jesus was anything but weak, and he wept when Lazarus died even knowing that he would be raised from the dead. He wept tears of compassion with Lazarus’ loved ones.
Continue reading Is This Evangelism?
The below is a quote by D.A. Carson from his book; Scandalous – The Cross and Resurrection of Jesus.
~
They came alone: some women who remembered him,
Bowed down with spices to anoint his corpse.
Through darkened streets, they wept their way to honor him –
The one whose death had shattered all their hopes.
How Is Your Urgency?: By Lea Lockhart
I was rereading a page in one of my old journals. It was an update of a time when Allen had been in the hospital for a few days, but the update wasn’t about Allen; it was actually an update about his hospital roommate at the time. His name was Tony and by his strong accent, we knew he was definitely from Jersey. He looked like a very weak old man, but despite the fact that Tony was very ill, with tubes running here and there, Allen and I got to know him pretty well over the three days.
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I “know” the gospel. I know it factually. And while that may be good (we need to know the gospel) I realize I often do not live in the good of the gospel. I regularly do not “own” it. Whenever, I find myself seeking to self-atone (seeking to earn God’s favor and salvation), I have lost my way from the truths of the gospel. Don’t misunderstand. I believe in “effort”! Paul said to the Ephesians that we were saved “for good works.”
I grew up…”Christian”. I have a Christian name, grew up in a Christian home, and learned my abc’s shortly after memorizing the 66 books of the bible. Just kidding… I actually learned my abc’s first; the books of the bible came shortly thereafter.
It is hard to believe that I have now been home from India for one week. Sleep has returned to normal which is a welcomed event. I also had the extreme joy of worshiping with Trinity C.C., my home church, on Sunday. I am grateful to God for the weekly worship with my church! Sadly, this can so easily be taken for granted.
Why India? Why Right Now?
80.5% Hinduism
13.4% Islam
2.3% Chrisitan
0.8% Buddhism
0.4% Jainism
0.7% Other
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV)
INDIA NEEDS THE GOSPEL
This post is written by my son, Timothy Merwin.
When I heard that my dad was invited to Ahmedabad, India, to mission with a group of pastors in serving some of the churches in that area, my interest began and a stirring grew in my heart to go with my dad on this trip. It led me to ask him if I could join the team that was headed to India. He said yes! But I needed to answer some questions:
WHY do I want to go? I really want to see what real poverty looks like and be used by God to make an impact.
DESIRES: I desire to help and serve in any way possible as we relate with the churches and serve them.
HOPES…I hope to be able to see other places that need the gospel and be a part of God’s plan there.
The purpose of this trip is two-fold.
First, local pastors in Ahmedabad have asked that theology classes be taught to local pastors.
They are in great need of sound doctrinal teaching so they can lead their churches into truth. They have a heart to pastor but lack understanding in God’s Word. The simple resources that we take for granted, are not as readily available.
Secondly, we will be assessing the possibility of sending future mission teams from our churches. Finding out what kind of teams would serve the area best and bring the greatest benefit: medical, construction, orphanages and other possibilities. Of course the greatest need is the gospel. Without the hope of the gospel, these people will die without ever hearing what Christ has done for them.
Please Pray & Fast:
How Can You Help?
Thank you for reading this far! If you are able, I need your prayers, your encouragement and any financial support you may be able to give. The cost of the trip is $3,000. I will be passing out flyers in my neighborhood and trying to earn a lot of this by working through the summer. If you want your gift to be tax-deductible, please make your check payable to Trinity Community Church and put Timothy Merwin/India in the memo line.
Mail to: Timothy Merwin 3441 Fox Wood Dr. Titusville, FL 32780
Meet my good friend Louis Tamburro! Louis loves the gospel. He is someone I can say along with Paul….”I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel.” Philippians 1:3-5
Continue reading The Gospel Must Be Proclaimed by Louis Tamburro