As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.
2 Thessalonians 3:1 NIV
Praying for Kingdom Expansion
Machias Seal Island is an island in disputed water between the Gulf of Maine and the Bay of Fundy, about 16 km southeast of Cutler, Maine, and 19 km southwest of Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick. Canada has had a permanent settlement on the island since 1832, when the lighthouse was first constructed. However, the United States also claims sovereignty of the island, despite never having physical presence on it. The Canadian Coast Guard continues to staff the lighthouse on the island.
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The world of missions is changing. As the Church grows in the Majority World, those nations who have traditionally been missionary receiving countries, with missionaries from the West taking the message of Jesus to there, have become missionary sending countries. For example, not only is Canada a missionary sending country, but a missionary receiving country, with Churches in countries like South Korea and Nigeria, and many others, now sending missionaries here. As well, as the Church grows in many countries in the Majority World, national missionaries are being called to send and plant churches within their own countries. Bible League Canada works with thousands of these national missionaries in some 50 countries. Even if you aren’t called to go to another country or plant a church here in Canada, you are called to pray for those who are. The apostle Paul writes this in 2 Thessalonians 3:1: “As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honoured, just as it was with you.” That is a call for us as well. Pray for those who are spreading the message of the Lord everywhere.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley