Bibleless

Recently I decided to create a new word, “Bibleless” – at least it is new to me.  I discovered that that four-letter suffix “less”, meaning without, has been attached to numerous words to become helpless, Godless, useless, clueless, hopeless, worthless and so on.  All these terms seem to describe countless people who have no knowledge of the Bible and therefore have no real understanding about who Jesus was and is – One who does care about their negative living.  This is the main reason why Hillside church is being established in Milton.  The longer we exist the more hurting people we find.  We want to see their lives turned around becoming priceless in positive ways for Jesus’ sake.

Needless to say, our church life is not without various obstacles to hurdle over as with most churches.  We continue to be confused about our low attendance each Sunday particularly when many promised to come. Scott Lockhart, our outreach pastor, did find a job for ongoing income; however, it has been very stressful for him in solving problems that constantly arise day by day.  He has also learned that he has an auto immune system disorder which causes fatigue and sore joints. I’m sure he would appreciate your prayers especially regarding his church responsibilities in reaching out to our Milton contacts.

Nevertheless, we do see God working in the lives of those He has brought our way.  One lady asked about the difference between the Old and New Testaments.  One man has never been in church before, and his wife was interested in hearing about John the Baptist’s role that was being taught the Sunday she came out. Their 18-year-old daughter scored our service with 9 out of 10. All have been delighted with the free Bible or other gifts we have given to them on their first Sunday with us.  We are gaining more people insight week by week.  Last week two restaurant staff ladies expressed their belief in God but still have developed their own “designer” religion around Him.  Those conversations are not finished as they seem to like us and want to talk to us about their specific struggles.  One of them joked that she and Gary were now best “buds” and they were going to dye their hair the same colour! Two families returned today. Yay!

The endless brutality in Myanmar is very heart-rending.  Reports of cleansing Chin people (our friend Thomas’ tribe) are very disturbing.  Streets are being put on fire.  Money has been raised for Thomas to buy land and build an orphanage on it; however, I am having difficulty sending it from Kainos International Ministries through Western Union.  There seems to be a problem with my account with them; they are slow in responding to fix it.  Please pray for this Bibleless country; although, those looking for freedom are very open to the Gospel message.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain …” is from Psalm 127:1.  This reference is inscribed in Gary’s and my wedding rings.  For 50 years plus we have not lived Bibleless.  The Bible has been our standard to follow which cannot be our own thinking.  Our lives are extremely fulfilled because of it.  How about your lives?

Thanks for reading my rant!

Wendy         

Wendy.carter@kainos.org