THE WORST OF ALL TIMES = THE BEST OF ALL TIMES

--- FOR MISSIONS ---

In our Thanksgiving service Wednesday night, we all spoke of what we are thankful for. Many people in the congregation talked about the HOPE we have in Christ. That in this economic crisis and the uncertain days ahead - we can rest and know God is not surprised by any of it. He has a plan and He is our HOPE. Oh! How wonderful to still be able to live with HOPE, even in times like these. May we be vigilant to speak of that HOPE - here - in our own mission field.

John Piper has a few things to say about taking advantage of this time - to continue to disciple and win souls - so that they too may experience the HOPE we have - in life during bad economic times -- and in death sure to come, bad economy or not.

The worst of all times is the best of all times for missions:

Such words do not have intrinsic authority the way Scripture does. They must be tested. Here is the truth I hear in those words.

1. During an economic downturn we are more dependent on God. That is the most fertile soil for creating missionaries.
2. During an economic downturn unreached people around the world do not expect you to come, but to look out for yourself. So they may more likely see your risk as love rather than exploitation.
3. During an economic downturn those who need Christ around the world may be less secure in earthly things and more ready to hear about eternal life.
4. During an economic downturn people at home may be wakened to the brevity of life and the fragility of material things, and so may become more generous not less. And when they give under these circumstances, it will make Christ look all the more like the all-satisfying Treasure that he is.

And so it may well prove to be that the worst of all times is the best of all times for missions.