“When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or commandlocusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My peoplewho are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face,and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgivetheir sin and heal their land."

I believe that scripture found in 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 wasgiven to a certain people at a certain time so that they would come closer to acertain God. Although the crisis before the people in those days was natural,God's aversion plan was spiritual. I believe that the Church in China has justsuccessfully averted potential disaster through the same spiritual methods ofhumility, prayer, cleanliness, and worship. 

8 Reasons Why God Loves the Church in China:

1. Prayer. SEAPC has been serving China since 1985. We once received a request for new carpeting in a local church facility, and when I visited the church I saw that the carpet had been worn thin at the altar by the knees of the members in prayer. Today, reports of online prayer in China are overwhelming.

2. Obedience. Fewchurches understand and practice Holy submission unto God and unto one another.After the earthquake in Sichuan, entire church communities relocated from otherparts of China into Sichuan because God called them to give their lives toserve their brothers and sisters in their time of need. Like then, today entireChurches have heard from God and given themselves to support the church inWuhan.

3. Faithfulness. The blood of the martyrs cries out. Members of the church in China have lived through persecution for generations and have stayed faithful to the Lord. Despite persecution today in China, the Church has remained faithful to God.

4. Unity. During the communist revolution, when Christians were highly persecuted in China, believers would meet in small groups of five people and spread Bible teachings and encouragement across the nation “underground.” Today, the Church in China is remembering how effective those prayerful moments were and relying on their past to move them into the future.

5. Honor. You will not find "old people" homes or retirement communities in China. Sons and daughters of the church take care of their parents and grandparents. Young people have gone above and beyond to protect the elderly during this time in China.

6. Humility. One of the most famous pastors of the church in China quietly drove a bus from time to time to pick up families with sick kids from the train station to take to the hospital. I met him once on the bus and was shocked. He refused to receive my acknowledgment and forbid me to tell others. There are countless "No-Name" heroes in the church today who have given their lives for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

7. Compassion. Afriend of mine works 12 hours per day ministering to children with autism.Parents and children form lines through a hospital just waiting for her to carefor them. Her team has created 24-hour online care networks for those familiesand have set aside their own critical concerns to make sure those children areserved during this recent crisis.

8. Worship. Ifyou have ever entered an unmarked, secure, and secretive concrete building inChina to the sight of hundreds of shoes on the floor and the sound of freeworship and weeping from the halls inside, then you know exactly what I amtalking about. If you haven't, I feel for you. I've received a report of newMandarin worship songs sweeping across the nation at this time. I believethese are the first songs of a great revival.

China will carry the first fruits of global revival within its Church. Those nations who also choose to embrace humility, righteousness, and prayer in the days ahead will, too, take part in healing.

During the month of April, we are challenging friends around the world to focus in prayer for China and inviting you to join "Circles” — SEAPC global prayer strategy groups to receive weekly inside information and personal prayer requests from friends in China. Also, if your heart is moved to serve, God has given us an amazing platform to come alongside this church in China and to play a significant role in the revival days ahead.

SEAPC has just completed its sixth year of a 10-year cooperative agreement with the government of China to train trainers to work with children living with autism. We call this project SEAPC CARE. It's officially registered within the Beijing Autism Association under the direction of the Handicapped Federation and has succeeded in training over 1,000 Chinese workers to date. For the past several months, this project has been forced to suspend its personal treatment, training, and care for families living with autism in China. However, during the suspension, our programs have gone remote, using technology to continue direct contact with families. This shift has moved us to re-think models for growth and also maintain the success of this community's vital relational component. Answers we've found throughout this challenging time have encouraged us to implement these strategies in other places where SEAPC is serving, like Cambodian public schools. 

God is healing the nation! Our spiritual change toward righteous disciplines around the globe will lead to the same results. Press on my friends. Keep your hopes up! And believe with me that the best days are yet to come.

Join a Prayer Circle

So, I turned to the lady sitting beside me and asked, “Why us, why a Christian organization?”

A leader of the Communist Party, influential in the Central Committee, an avowed atheist, the hostess of this Beijing welcoming dinner, she thought a moment and said, “You have faith. We do not have faith. We have science, we have medicine, we have money, but we do not have faith.

“As part of your faith, you believe that God has sent each child with a purpose and that through your faith you can help that child find their purpose and help them fulfill that purpose even though they have autism. Isn’t that true?”

“Yes,” I responded. “I believe that every child is a gift from God. I believe that through faith in Jesus, the Son of God, we can know His love for that child and His love for us.”

“See, that is what we do not understand. We have observed your organization as you saved children in Tibet, and we have met and seen the results of your member, Kim Bennett, and we have invited you to partner with us to bring this faith to all who work with children with autism throughout the People’s Republic of China. We need this faith.”

I have been in many conversations with national leaders in China and other nations and one of the things that most influences them is the witness of the Holy Spirit as we cut through politics and get to love. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved,” (John 3:16-17, NKJV).

Yesterday I went to my local grocer to resupply on my essentials: potato chips, dip, ice cream, bottled water, bread, frozen veggies, the comfort foods I use for quarantine. Don’t have it, won’t get it, but staying in. The last time I was quarantined was at the insistence of the government of Singapore during SARS, and that is when I wrote Stepping Stones. Now we have blogs. Oh, happy day.

While navigating the aisles I notice that no one was saying “Hello.” In fact, people were not even acknowledging each other. One lady was on her phone practicing the vocabulary of a drunken sailor while others tried to pick up packaged goods without touching them, a skill of wrist use I had never seen before. Usually a place of chatter and community solidarity, the supermarket had become an “everyone for yourself” place. And, fear was in the air.

After returning home and unloading the groceries I turned on the latest news to hear the discussion of hope and science. It took me back to that table in Beijing five years ago. Science, money, and medicine are three great things; but without faith, it is impossible to please God who is ultimately in control.

Moses, when explaining to Israel why they were chosen to inherit the greatest land there ever was said this, “The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples,” (Deuteronomy 7:7, NASB).

So, there it is, Jesus loves us. We trust in His love which casts out fear. We love Him because He first loves us. The love of God is lavished on our hearts through the Holy Spirit who gives more comfort than the carbohydrates and gives us the faith to face every challenge with hope. 

Be encouraged—God loves you.

Grow deeper in your prayer life through the new Attack Lambs eCourse!

Sign up for free at https://bit.ly/registerecourse and use the code "MFNU98X9" for FREE access!

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Hebrews 12:1

Each year, the City of Pittsburgh has an event weekend that draws together people from near and far. The Pittsburgh Marathon is not just one race. It includes something for everyone, from marathon, to half marathon, 5K, Kids’ Marathon, Toddler Trot, and even a Pet Walk. Many join in because as runners, this is as good as it gets locally. For others, it’s a chance to run for a charity. Either way, there are enough events, food, entertainment, and excitement to bring out a crowd.

Roseann Sworts is a runner. She’s also a wife to Lance and the mother of three: Bella, 12, Lucas, 10, and Lincoln, 7. With a background in teaching and Youth Leadership, she is always seeking ways to serve the Lord as a family. They have helped with Respite Night, an outreach of Riverside Community Church for parents of special needs children. And through SEAPC they sponsor Sarak, a boy in Cambodia. 

Last year, she and Bella began training for the 2020 Pittsburgh Marathon 5K. They agreed to register for the event. There is some discussion about their goal. Roseann, normally a long-distance runner, thought they could do this shorter run together for a charitable cause.

Bella insists it was all her idea to run for Sarak, her sponsor brother. 

Mother and daughter set out to do just that. Because both realized that although their fifty dollars a month for sponsorship helps with his personal needs, his home also requires intentional maintenance and repair.

Although the boys were too young for a 5K, they also wanted to help. When their birthdays came, they asked for donations instead of gifts. And they set up a GoFundMe page, just for Sarak and his home’s needs. Although he is a faraway concept to them at their young ages, they think it’s “cool” to help him.

Four years ago in Cambodia, Roseann actually got to meet Sarak. He had been born one month before Bella. She felt an immediate connection to him, and decided to sponsor him. Once they were old enough, Sarak and Bella began to write letters back and forth. Bella feels that “I have a lot in common with him.” She hopes to meet him one day on a mission trip.

Roseann believes that her family’s connection to Sarak is a way to help her children, “to think outside of themselves.” And she supports their desire to travel to Cambodia someday.

During training, Roseann worked to maintain her kids’ positive connection to running for Sarak. When they complained about running up a hill, she'd reply, “We are doing this for the Lord and for Sarak.” With that, the goal remained fresh and active.

Just when everyone seemed ready to run, the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world. The Pittsburgh Marathon was canceled. But the run for Sarak will continue. 

Lance has prepared three miles of trails on their home property. At first, it was a training site. Now it is the culmination of this family’s desire to impact the life of a little boy halfway around the world. 

On the first weekend in May, there will be a race. The runners are Roseann and Bella at 5K, and Lance with Lucas and Lincoln in a Kids’ Marathon. Their determination, hard work, and loving hearts will be running for Sarak. To make his life better. To improve the lives of the other children in his home. To honor God. And to illustrate the love of Jesus to Bella, Lucas, Lincoln—and their brother Sarak. 

Like Paul stated in the book of Acts so long ago, the Sworts family’s aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Peace is not the absence of problems. There are always problems waiting to cross the bridge of promise to be planted in the land of possibility. Once planted, they will bring forth the fruit of new partnerships, products, and prosperity. But, for the moment, they are problems.

The sun came up again this morning as it has since God placed it in the sky just close enough to the earth to give us warm summers but far enough away that it would not burn us alive. Every day it rises in the East and sets in the West, a greater light to rule the day. How do we know it will rise again? How can we sleep in peace without a scientific certainty that the sun will be there again tomorrow? How do we find rest from all the problems that could possibly occur during that time when the earth around us is dark, and the sun is not shining directly upon our part of the creation?

We have a promise.

As long as the earth remains, there will be light and dark, hot and cold, wet and dry, seedtime and harvest. 

This is the bridge of promise over which we cross to realize the faithfulness of God’s word to us. 

The narrative of creation gives us a clue to that bridge of promise as the phrase, “The evening and the morning were the first day, the evening and the morning were the second day, the evening and the morning were the third day,” (author’s paraphrase, Genesis 1) is repeated for six days. First the darkness, then the light.

The world is going through the darkness and science tells us that it is going to get much darker before the light shines. And for those who don’t have the certainty of the sunrise or the promise of the scripture, I suppose that the darkness is all they see. They talk of depression, destruction, desperation, deception and all the fears the go along with darkness. But there is no actual measure for darkness.

Darkness is the absence of light. And there will be a sunrise.

One of the nice things about being over 70 is the experience of walking through several “dark to light” experiences and the realization that in just a relatively few years I get to see Jesus as that darkness of death gives way to the Son-Rise that knows no night. Fear is dispelled and life becomes one of the greatest adventures one can imagine. Awesome in His power, delicious in His presence, delightful in His promise is the One who set the sun in its place and the earth in its orbit, just close enough to give a summer tan but not close enough to destroy us all. Relatively limitless power controlled by a greater power. The Creation controlled by the Creator.

Light dispels darkness.

I too never thought I would live in a small town where police are now enforcing an edict to close all businesses. I thought I would always be able to go down to Joe’s and get a haircut. Never thought that senior citizens would have to get up before sunrise to get groceries to prevent us from either death by disease or death by the trampling herd.

It’s getting kind of dark out there. 

But, the sun came up again this morning.

"To the Elect, strangers in the world, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood: Grace and Peace be yours in ABUNDANCE!" (1 Peter 1:1-2)

What an intro! I find it wonderful that God would have us fasting and praying as a global community since December 8th, that He would draw us into 1 Peter and a "Holy Hope" for our annual thematic 2020 word for the nations. Further, that He would surround us with the Friends He has in these days to accomplish the work that is before us - The revelation of Jesus Christ among the nations. 

A mighty move of prayer is sweeping across this nation and all nations at this time. We at SEAPC are significantly positioned in His body - being used by God to mobilize prayer in the nations. Unity, open doors, and invitation to be led in prayer surround us right now.

1 Peter 1:13 says to us, “Prepare your minds for ACTION; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” With this, our hopes are high, we are prepared and ready for action.

How do you mobilize prayer and take action when borders are closed and large crowds and events are banned? What if I told you that people were gathering from many local communities, states, and even nations to the SEAPC office for prayer? It's true. For years I heard my father say, "our office is in the clouds" and during this time, through the hard work of SEAPC US we will gather from the nations, using well prayed over communication platforms, for prayer. This prayer time will be a weekly open online prayer gathering. It will also launch us into three daily ten-minute international prayer gatherings.

What if I told you that our core message - how to mobilize prayer, from The Attack Lambs - just launched a fully functional eCourse that includes step-by-step trainings in prayer? God called us to produce this along with workbooks, leader’s guides, eBooks and more last year so that we can properly prepare today's workers for the harvest that He has declared in the nations. THE TIME FOR PRAYER AND MISSIONS IS RIGHT NOW! Opportunity is now here. With that being said The Attack Lambs eBook and eCourse will be available for free during this time.

We are moving forward in great hope, and we need your help, as elders elect to continue to surround us in prayer, encourage us in these hope-filled actions, and trust that small groups of people set apart for prayer and the study of God's word will truly move the nations into righteousness and make way for the needs of the people to be met. 

Words will never give enough value to the gratefulness in our hearts for all of you! We pray that our actions in Jesus - that all would be saved - bring you joy today and show you how grateful we truly are for all you've done.

Get your eCourse now, use the code “MFNU98X9” for free access.

Click here!

What does being “called” look like? Are we always prepared for the journey that God takes us on and is it okay if we don’t feel adequate to do what He has called us to do?

Abraham heard the call of the Lord to leave his homeland, his place of comfort and security, and to walk with Him. God was leading him to Canaan, the land of milk and honey, and gave him the promise of being blessed to be a blessing to the nations.  He obeyed God and journeyed with Him to the Promised Land. When Abraham arrived in Canaan, he saw that the land was already taken. 

He had just ventured on this long and difficult journey through the arid desert with his wife, the hundreds of people under his care, his droves of cattle, tents and all of his possessions. And I can only imagine they were tired and ready to settle down but when they get to the land that Abraham told them about, they saw that it was overrun by evil idol worshippers. Had Abraham heard the Lord right? Had he made a huge mistake? Had he brought his people all that way for nothing? The strongman had a hold of the land and, looking at what Israelites were up against, it was easy to feel hopeless and discouraged.

In the midst of fear and uncertainty, Abraham had a choice to make. Was he going to believe God or his circumstances? What he did next was amazing! In spite of what Abraham saw with his eyes, he made the choice to stand on the promises of the Lord. He chose to believe God, so he pitched his tent, built an altar, and invoked the name of the Lord. He chose to worship and proclaimed the Name of the Lord over the land, establishing His presence! This became a habit for Abraham as he walked with the Lord, and chose not to be moved by his circumstances, he would only be moved by obedience and faith in God. 

Just like Abraham, we all have a calling, a purpose in our lives. In my case, God called me back to Guatemala, the land of my birth. This small country is beautifully decorated with majestic-green mountains, clear blue lakes, waterfalls, desert lands, flora, volcanoes, and lush jungles. It is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. But there is trouble in paradise. Its beauty is overshadowed by its crime-ridden streets, gang wars, poverty, drug cartels, death, and violence. Evil has taken possession of the land and its roots run deep. The heartbreaking reality is that gangs and drug cartels are recruiting children as young as ten years old for target assassinations, extortions, and drug deals… it’s just too hard to fathom. The enemy has stolen the innocence and identity of the youth in Guatemala and is killing them in the streets.

On my first prayer walk through La Limonada, I remember seeing a group of teenage boys getting high in an alleyway close to where my grandmother once lived. My dad discreetly pointed to a gun that was sticking out of one of their pockets and told me to walk with confidence and to be careful. My dad walked in front of the team and greeted them with a smile as I locked eyes with one of the boys. I wasn’t prepared for what I saw…hopelessness and death. Fear tried to wrap its arms around me and at that moment I asked God, "Is this really what you have called me to? Are you sure you have the right person?"

Looking at what we are up against is not easy. There have been generations of darkness that has settled in the hearts of the people and it looks too big, too dangerous. And when we look at our limitations, it really looks impossible. But in the midst of all this, God called me to Guatemala; and just like Abraham, I made the decision to believe in the promises of God.

God called me to walk with Him and so I am.  I’m a brand new missionary back in my native country, learning about my culture, the land, the politics…I don’t have the strength or the resources…I find myself between a rock and a hard place. But just like Abraham, I choose to build an altar. 

I will build an altar in the most dangerous places in Guatemala City and invoke the Name of the Lord! I am going back to the community where my grandmother raised her children…I’m going back to the streets where my father grew up to reclaim them for Jesus Christ. Guatemala will hear my praises and the releasing of the sound of heaven over the land, proclaiming salvation, and bringing hope to the hopeless. The presence of God will break through the darkness and this generation, and the generations that follow will rise up to transform their communities, their cities, and the nations!  

As we build an altar in Guatemala, we have the privileged to see walls fall down, chains broken. Transformation is happening in youth like Junior, a former drug addict who lived on the streets for over three years. He was radically saved and was marked by the Holy Spirit. He made the decision to walk with God and be empowered to reach the lost in his community. Now he is discipling a young man and teaching him about his identity as a son of God. Junior walks in the certainty that God is who He says He is and that He will do what He said He would do.

We are walking with the Lord in the streets of Guatemala and choosing to not be moved by what we face but to only be moved by obedience and faith in Him.

He is God and He reigns!

"We cannotcontinue all of our programs at the school…Because of the global economiccrisis."

It was summer2008. I can honestly remember rolling the pebbly fragments of an attemptedconcrete floor under my foot, wondering how on earth this man learned to saythat statement. We were in Naqu, Tibet, huddled around a yak dung burning stoveinside of the principal's administration quarters of the district's publicschools. There was no electricity or windows in that building. Over theprevious summer (through the help of EHC.ORG)SEAPC had sponsored the lifesaving care of 42 kids from that district as partof our Touching Hearts program. Now, in our "follow up" meeting withthe high school principal, we were rejoicing in the health of those kids but atthe same time learning from a very eager local leader how fast and far crisisbased news can travel. 

Panic ensued inmany parts of the earth in 2008 bringing terrible loss and no real value to thepeople who embraced it. I can remember reading the reports of more than 10,000suicides that followed in the panic's terrible wake and contemplating how or ifthe world would ever recover from such a state. But panic is certainly not theonly action that follows crisis. One Chinese character for crisis is made oftwo fundamentally different words: danger and opportunity. It's true, in everycrisis situation there is both the dangerous realities of risk and potentialharm as well as the rewards of gained wisdom, expanded territory, and newrelationships. Panic is only one of the more frightening potential byproductsof crisis.

Panic growswithin us as we put our focus on the risk and potential harm of crisis.However, opportunity is always rooted in the hope we have for the future. The opportunitiesof crisis seem harder for us humans to embrace than the panic of potentialharm, but they are undoubtedly timeless in their historic power to overcome.The hope of gained wisdom, expanded territory, and new relationships have movedevery culture in time from crisis into newfound glory. 2008 was no different.In those days, the churches around the world swelled with people who were eagerto place their hope in Jesus Christ, abandoning panic and fear for the lovethey'd need to press into the future. Panic turned to glory and hope restoredthe nations.

I'm pretty surethat the Great Recession of 2008 had no known impact on the yak dung supplyused to heat Naqu's public schools, but I also know from a very real firsthandaccount that news of the widespread crisis reached the ends of the earth andmotivated even the most remote people to identify opportunity and take actionfor change. The man we met—oblivious to the cracking concrete underfoot, thedraft of high Tibetan plateau air rushing through his window frame, or theundeniable smell of poop burning on the stove—was focused only on the hope ofhis future and did not let rumors of panic keep him from taking action to makethe world around him better.

Today we face theworldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Its impact has already reached the ends of theearth. The crisis is real but in the crisis, I've embraced a great scripture ofhope to keep me focused on Jesus. The scripture reads, "And now we have run into his heart to hide ourselves in hisfaithfulness. This is where we find his strength and comfort, for he empowersus to seize what has already been established ahead of time—an unshakeablehope!" (Hebrews 6:18 TPT)

Thehope is also real. At SEAPC we have taken all necessary measures following therighteous leading of governmental decisions made in the nations we serve,shutting down schools, closing off children's homes, postponing anynon-critical travel or events.

Inthe meantime, we have maintained a truth that we have found more historic andunfailing than man's triumph in crisis: our God is a good God who answersprayer. 

We are committed to prayer, and that commitment keeps our focus on the hopeful opportunities that crisis presents. We are confident that our God will provide everything we need to overcome crisis and further to pull wisdom, health, provision, and revelation in His love for us from the opportunities this hope ensures.

As wewalk these days out together, from your local community to places like Naqu,Tibet, let’s leave panic to its own devices and engage a hope in Jesus Christand look to God above for the opportunities this crisis brings to take actionin changing the world around us for good. 

Ultimately, we helped that man in Naqu renovate his school. He put his hope in Jesus and his prayers were answered. In fact, SEAPC continues to serve the families in that community with health and education on a daily basis. He is part of the church now in Naqu undoubtedly reading the reports of the coronavirus today and joining with his friends in this community to unite their prayers to ours in hope for the future.

Pleaseknow that we are with you in this moment standing ready to pray together in theeverlasting hope of Jesus Christ. 

“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.” - Romans 12:10

SEAPC’s core values serve as cornerstones for who we are as well as how we relate to others. SEAPC operates under sixteen core values that truly define who we are. This week our staff gathered as a team to discuss one of the core values - honor - led by Tony Wimer, SEAPC USA’s management director. As we considered the concept of honor from a Godly perspective, Tony shared his experience witnessing this quality in a friend.

Tony recently returned from Myanmar where he has spent the last month leading two short-term missions teams. As the team leader, Tony worked closely with our friend Pastor Chung Nung, who exemplified Godly honor. Romans 12:10 exhorts us to, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.” Chung Nung honored each team member as he selflessly served them. Early each morning Chung Nung would take time from his busy schedule to drive to the location where the team stayed. He would greet them, pray with them, and address any questions or concerns about the day’s activities. This even included making sure each team member was equipped with a bottle of water and hand sanitizer. What an example of honoring others!

A team member followed up with a very thought-provoking statement, “Godly honor is the ATM card that allows us to access God’s blessings.” 

So what exactly is “Godly honor”? The apostle Paul spells it out clearly in Ephesians.

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” - Ephesians 4:2-7

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” - Ephesians 4:31-32

When we treat others with Godly honor what are some of God’s blessings that we can access?

Treating someone with honor allows us to catch a glimpse of the unique expression of how God views us and others. This facilitates the process of viewing things through God’s eyes. We learn to value ourselves and others, and love as God does. When this happens we foster a Godly unity in the body.

Let’s all determine to make some earthly “deposits” that will allow us to withdraw some of God’s blessings. It may be a hard process, but the returns are well worth the effort!

So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 
Romans 12:5

Mexico. There are many different perceptions of this nation that is just south of the United States border. Positive impressions include visions of white, sandy beaches. Crystal blue waters, resorts, colorful textiles, smiling faces, delicious food, and melodious language are among them. Then there are the less savory images of dark, dangerous environs. Drug cartels, poverty, barrios, and violence are just a few.

The reality of this country is uplifting and exciting, challenging and complex. And it is a place filled with believers who long to make real changes, to embrace new souls to the Kingdom, and to set aside darkness for light. Pastor Isaias Acosta Leyva is one of those tirelessly working for the Lord in Mexico. His insights provide a window into the fabric of a nation in flux.

The country is divided into thirty-two independent states that span 1,972,550 square kilometers of mountains, plateaus, forests, deserts, and are bordered by both the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. There are 125.9 million people who call Mexico home. They are divided into sixty-eight indigenous people groups, each with different customs and religious beliefs. The official religion is Catholicism, with 80% of the population identifying as such. Fifteen percent say they are Christians, and five percent do not know what they are. 

Difficulties can be categorized in general as social, economic, educational, and religious. Within each, there are myriad layers upon layers of issues that intersect. At the most basic level, in the simplest language, Mexico—as everywhere—needs less of the world and more of Jesus.

While social programs often provide a foundation of existence for poor in many countries, the same is not always true in other parts of the world. This includes Mexico. Government programs often do not reach those who need them, which creates an atmosphere of need.

There are 53.4 million poor people in Mexico. That is 42% of the population. Almost half of all people who live within its borders. Poverty begets a multitude of issues. Kidnappings, bribes, robberies, murders, drugs, and insurrection are but a few.

Education is limited in general. There is no easy access to free public education. If knowledge is having power, a lack of knowledge is being powerless. Generations who lack the basic ability to read, write, or comprehend basic skills will be stuck in the cycle of poverty. Through the amazing work ethic and drive of the Mexican people, there is a constant attempt to make life better for the next generation.

Although Catholicism is the official religion, and 80% identify with the construct, it is less a heartfelt belief that informs how life is lived and more of a historical habit. There is no easy access for the Word to be preached, especially in schools and government centers. Obstacles abound. This sounds bleak. But the gospel message has been known to flourish when conditions are the most trying.

Mexico has the foundation for revival. Christ-followers have hope. They have faith. And they are putting both into action on behalf of their beloved country. God has the power to change the hearts and minds of nations, one soul at a time. It is happening right now, in real-time.

Network news does not tell the real story of Mexico. It is being written by those who know and follow the Lord.

Pastor Isaias is emphatic when he states: “I declare that Mexico is for our Lord Jesus Christ.”

As with allgovernments, there are issues to be addressed. The secular and the sacred canbe—but do not need to be—mutually exclusive. He says, “I still declare that we are of Jesus Christ.”

Isaias furtheracknowledges that societal problems affect the nation. And stands on the firmbelief, “I still declare that JesusChrist will deliver us.”

Surely, as God began a good work in Mexico, He will not abandon it. Praise God for His wisdom, timing, and workers who will bring in the harvest of souls to His Kingdom south of the border.

Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the friends, even though they are strangers to you. 
3 John 1:1

The words Chick-fil-A—guaranteed to created hunger in a group of people at noon—echoed through the office. All but two workers laughed. The remaining, apparently clueless folks, looked for DoorDashⓇ to bring in a surprise lunch.

“It’s a song by Kanye West,” one of the hipper staff giggled. “Closed on Sunday (Chick-fil-A).” 

It just happened that some incredible visitors were at SEAPC that day. Three of them stood up and sang:

Closed on Sunday, you're my Chick-fil-A
Closed on Sunday, you my Chick-fil-A
Hold the selfies, put the 'Gram away
Get your family, y'all hold hands and pray

The visitors—strangers but already friends and family in the Kingdom—were from Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Guatemala. Much later, after assorted bag lunches instead of Chick-fil-A, we gathered for prayer. Words were lifted to God in Spanish, British English, Portuguese, American English, and tongues. There were tears, the laying on of hands, and spontaneous worship. The presence of the Holy Spirit filled the house. 

So who were these strangers among us? 

Alana, a young woman from Sao Paulo, is in the States for personal time. God sent her to Pittsburgh to reconnect with friends as He leads her to new places in life. A normally very busy person, she is pulling back to listen and to hear from God as He refines her mindset. She is searching for a “world vibe” to bring “global transformation” to those who already know Jesus and to those who have yet to meet Him. 

“It is a new season for me to see His plans and purpose for my life.” Her passion is palpable. Her smile of faith lights up a room. Her tears are genuine. 

Alana asks for prayer for her family in Brazil. For the next, best steps to really live what God has planned for her. And for clarity that she can communicate the simple gospel message in Brazil. As the group surrounded and prayed for her, tears came. Prophetic words were spoken. Love flowed.

Ben lives in London but was born in Hong Kong. Twice. Jesus led him through a difficult year that, while not fun, allowed him to filter through the clutter and confusion. As with Alana, he reached a point where he began listening. “What is God saying? What is God doing?” He gave up everything. And heard nothing. Until he went to sleep one night and gave up himself. At which point, “God chose to be kind enough to answer, and I was born again in faith.”

He had a “random” thought to come to Pittsburgh after connecting with SEAPC in Israel at Friends Around the Table. Through his work, he is looking at whole systems being transformed—including changing hearts and minds. This involves, “Standing in the gap between the world we want to create and the reality before us.”

Ben asks for prayer as he prepares to move to the Philippines. That he might see those he meets as God sees them. And that he might fulfill the faith mandate that his parents instilled into him. 

Debbie is a nomad. She was born in Guatemala, lives in Arkansas, and is currently splitting her time between the two. Her heart has already taken up residence in Guatemala City, as she ministers in one of the infamous Red Zones teaching young people that their identity lies in being children of the King—not children of the gangs. 

During this period of waiting upon the Lord, she is learning and growing into the role of Director of the Center of Hope where these kids now meet weekly to hear the Word, to pray, eat, and fellowship in safety. It is not a small thing to fully serve the Lord, even as each baby step of faith propels her forward. 

Debbie appreciates prayer during this transitional period. That others will be called to take on her responsibilities in Arkansas. For the support to begin life in another nation full-time. And most important that she will clearly hear the voice of God so that she walks in His perfect will for her life—and for the lives of the precious young people she is serving in His name.

The dulcet tones of Kanye West may never again grace the SEAPC office. Chick-fil-A might not always be a viable option around the lunch table. And most days the beautiful blend of multiple languages raised in song and prayer isn’t a reality. But that’s okay.

Because the body of Christ is always united worldwide. In one Savior. One faith. And through the power of prayer. Who needs Chick-fil-A?