At this point, some of you are probably thinking, why in the world Ohrid, Macedonia?
Well, that is a good question. Many of us from reading from Scripture would assume that Macedonia is a very reached region, considering the amount of work that Paul and other disciples poured into that region. However, today the country is considered to have between 0.01% and 2% Evangelicals and the number of professing Christians is above 5%. This is not as unreached as some parts of the world, but it is a mere shadow of what it could be considering the work and evidence of the Spirit in Scripture. Sadly, many Macedonians are caught up in the traditions of the Orthodox church and in believing that works are necessary to earn salvation. This is so contrary to what we know to be true. We are all sinners and completely incapable of achieving salvation through any work by our own hand. We desperately need a Savior who can reconstruct the bridge between us and God. Because of this, God sent His only Son, Jesus to humble Himself by becoming human and dying the most humiliating death on a cross. His life and death were sufficient to pay the penalty due us for our sins if we repent of our sins and trust in Him. Therefore, it is urgent that we speak this Truth to the Macedonian people!!
There is another good reason for going and it involves the two beautiful ladies in this picture. Hannah (left) and Ginna (right) are two friends that have sacrificed two years of their lives to live amongst the Macedonian people in Ohrid. Courtney and I have had the pleasure of meeting Ginna through our small group. Last year we shared life together before she started on this journey. Courtney and I have such an amazing opportunity to join in ministry with Hannah and Ginna and then we have the opportunity to encourage them and uplift them. When spending an extended period of time on the mission field, it is so important to be encouraged because so much of your time is spent pouring into and investing in others. We are so excited about getting to spend time with our friends and work alongside one another in order to further the Kingdom of God!!
Here are some ways you can pray for us as we begin this journey:
1. Travel: We will leave midday tomorrow and arrive in Rome just after midday there (8 hour time difference). Pray that we will be rested when we arrive and so that we can hit the ground running
2. Pray that we will be intentional in every opportunity to share the Gospel and speak Truth into those around us.
3. Pray that we would see at least one person come into a trusting relationship with Christ
4. Most of all, pray that God would be glorified in everything we do
Here are some verses that I would like to leave you with: "How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!' But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, ' Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?' So faith comes comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" Romans 10:14-17
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