When it comes to missions, John Piper groups Christians into three categories. You are either a GOER, a SENDER, or DISOBEDIENT. His point is that all Christians are to be involved in God's mission to call a people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. As a church, let us be faithful senders as this team heads to North Africa tomorrow. They will depart from O'Hare tomorrow, arrive in North Africa on Saturday, and arrive back in the United States on October 25.
Primary Purpose of the Trip
The primary purpose of the trip is to demonstrate the love of Jesus by providing practical care for the disabled and their families. Many disabled people in North Africa are social outcasts, they receive little or no physical care, and are often an unwanted burden to thier families. By showing them the love of Jesus, our ultimate hope is that they place their trust in Jesus as thier Savior.
The Pool of Bethesda
It reminds me of the invalid that Jesus healed near the pool called Bethesda in John 5. By the pool was a multitude of invalids - blind, lame, and paralyzed. The man Jesus healed had been an invalid for 38 years. When Jesus asked the man if he wanted to be healed, he responded by saying,
He was an outcast with all the other invalids. The pool called Bethesda was a gathering point for those who rejected by society because of their physical handicaps. North Africa is largely a place like that."Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me." John 5:7
Secondary Purposes of the Trip
The team will also train workers at two childrens' thereapy centeres in the areas of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and general health. There is a great need for training and help in this area. Their desire is to encourage those who are doing this locally and to be a means of God's grace to them.
Prayer Requests
They have asked that we pray for them along the following lines. Pray...
- That our motivation would be to glorify God and that there would be opportunities to witness for Christ.
- That we would assume a posture of humility, to learn as well as teach.
- That we would be patient, united in purpose, and adaptable to changing situations.
- For government support of physical therapy, special education services, and other support systems for the disabled.
- That God would continue to raise up willing and effective workers.
