Monthly News Update
I'm sure you've heard it before: "Jesus, the Friend of sinners." You've heard the story. Jesus was having dinner at Matthew the tax collector's house and many sinners were eating there with them. The Pharisees (the religious leaders of the day) were abhorred at the idea that Jesus would spend time in the presence of sinners. After all, Jewish religious tradition had come to believe that even touching a sinner made you unclean as well. So, the religious leaders asked the disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners? Jesus' response was this: "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:9-13) As one man declared recently: "A holy, spotless God: the Friend of sinners."
An amazing thought - A holy, perfect God loves unholy, sinful people. I suppose that I have always wanted lost people to get saved. But, the last three years, God has done some things in my heart that have changed the way I look at life and the unsaved. The past few months even more. God loves lost people. And that critical question faces every man and woman in this lifetime: Will I accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ or will I reject it? The question is there, and the consequences of each person's answer has eternal implications. It is a sobering thought. So, God broke my heart for sinners of which I was one and as a Christian still act as one far too often. But, God is merciful. He saved me.
Only 9% of Asians believe in Jesus, however. Many of those 91% that don't know Jesus have never even heard the name Jesus. That is why I live and work in Asia.
I was thrilled to partner with Keith and our Myanmar hosts at The Assembly held there in early May. On May 7th, Keith and I flew into Yangun for the conference there. In a dark and impoverished nation ruled by a military regime, 82% of the people bow to the Buddhist religion. Only 8% are Christians who must always deal with the strong possibility of persecution for their faith. It was in the capital city of Yangun that around 350 pastors from around the nation met together for this three-day gathering of worship, prayer and teaching with the goal of renewed spirituality and a commitment to reaching the lost. We were humbled to hear about the hunger of these pastors as some trekked up to ten days on foot to get to a bus that would take them two days further into the capital city. Lord, make us all that hungry!
The teaching focused on holiness and unity in the Church and recovering a passion for lost people. It also emphasized the anointing of the Holy Spirit to empower all Christians to be God's witness to a dying world. There were many testimonies from the pastors of how God had planted in them a burden to reach the unsaved with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pastor Michael from Myanmar and his son Robin, who translated the teaching and written materials, did a wonderful job of hosting the event. They said the pastors were overwhelmed and blessed by God during their time at The Assembly.
I have also been working along with one of my best friends on an Evangelism CD project that includes two testimonies from Filipinos telling their story, a song and a Gospel presentation. One thousand CDs will be produced and given to lost people trusting God to save them. Many Filipinos work long hours, six days per week, and on their day off only have time to do house-hold chores and catch up on sleep. As with most people, these people will rarely end up in church on their own. So, we are working on creative ways to build a relationship with them and show them that God loves them. Follow-up opportunities will be provided as well so that those who accept Christ can be encouraged to attend a local church as they are able.
The Ministry Leadership Institute (MLI), the church-based seminar ministry which I direct, has seen some of its most fruitful seminars this year. The testimonies of people after the seminars indicate that God is using the MLI to equip and encourage believers for more effective life and ministry. The month of June holds four MLI seminars on various topics such as Cell Group Ministry and Inner Healing. Salamat po (Thank you) for your continued prayers and support for my life and all aspects of our ministry. We pray that all of our labor results in more people coming to know God.
Some of the Upcoming Events:
June 2: Missions Internship Program (MIP) Begins Two-Month Missions Exposure for Ages 18-24
June 7: MLI Seminar, Philippines
Topic is Inner Healing
June 19-20: MLI Seminar, Philippines Topic TBA
June 22: MLI Seminar, Philippines - Topic is Inner Healing
June 27-28: The Youth Assembly - Philippines
June 28: MLI Seminar, Philippines - Topic is Cell Ministry
Partnership is crucial to success anywhere we go, and I value your partnership with myself and Acts 13. If you feel led to partner with me and the ministry, here are some ways to do so:
Praying: Please pray for protection, good health, provision in every way and encouraging and strategic relationships for all of us. Also, pray for anointing and multiplied fruitfulness in our work.
Providing Resources: I am raising resources for my own salary in the Philippines as well as for the MLI (Seminar portion of our ministry). If you feel led to partner with me financially in any way, you may send tax-deductible tithes, offerings, or gifts to:
Acts 13 Initiative
P.O. Box 92
Oconee, GA 31067
Only 1% of moneys are used for administrative costs. 100% of money is given to the person or area of ministry designated by you.
If you are giving to me personally, please include a note saying that it is for David Gilliam. If you are giving to a specific area of our ministry, please designate that on a note as well.
Quick Notes:
You can contact me by Email at: davidgilliam@acts13.tv
Phone: 011.632.842.4051
You can see monthly ministry updates, news and pictures at www.acts13.tv
You can see monthly personal updates, pictures and a short devotional at www.gilliam.faithweb.com
A printed newsletter called The Initiative is usually sent out around June and December.
Thank you again for your prayers and partnership. You are just as much a part of these times of ministry as we are here. Your prayers and partnership directly influence the fruitfulness of our work here.
"Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise." - Psalm 96:3-4
Maraming salamat po. Thank you very much.
God bless you.
David Gilliam
To find out more about how you can partner with the Acts 13 Ministry and/or me personally, click the "Contact Page" on this website.
Or visit, www.acts13.tv
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Note
If you would like these emails and/or newsletters and are not sure I have your addresses, email me yours at sdavidgilliam@hotmail.com or call 011-632-842-4051
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