Opposites

       "It was the best of times, It was the worst of times; It was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness "¹. When Charles Dickens wrote "A Tale of Two Cities", he probably had no idea he would be talking of the world 150 years in the future. For his sobering, polar opposite description fits our times quite well.

        This Missions Minute hopefully will encourage you to keep plugging away while there is still time. So here we go... best of times....

1-World Vision (GBC supports 2 children), reported at the end of 2017 there were nearly 4 million sponsored children. That means they now have Jesus Christ taught, clean water and an education.

2-Winston-Salem Rescue Mission: 1,700 men received medical/dental care last year and 76 men left the Mission to lead meaningful, productive lives.

3-From Brazil, South America... Jon Harmon has been doing some interim pastoring and the church they planted recently had it's 2 year anniversary.4-Child Evangelism Fellowship delivered the Gospel to over 20.4 million children around the globe. Eternity will show the avenues that the gospel took through these young lives.5-Ed and Annita Hoagland in Mexico are already requesting prayers for their summer crusades. Lift them up!!

"It was the worst of times." Now seeing that God is always in control and what we deem bad is often a blessing... let's look at some other missionary situations that we at GBC have a supporting, praying hand in.

1- Lomax and Linda Skinner (Germany), are now in the US due to health concerns. Tests are now pending for Lomax concerning a cardiac issue.

2- Malachi Boys Home had a severe late November storm, which destroyed a transformer. This resulted in no phone lines, internet, security cameras or water. Director Aaron Patton called it " a small mishap." Our missionaries continually display the mindset of" it's a small thing, we have a bigger mission to do."

3- and after 8 years leading the Campus Crusade Ministry at NC State, Kyle Hipp has left to pursue a different career. However, he will continue to lead a weekly Bible study there on campus.

4-Trans World Radio reports a devastating fire and loss of equipment at their transmitter in NC. No bodily injury but extensive damage occurred. 

         Pretty soon there will be another Super Bowl played. So what?... there is another one every year. Far, far more critical to us is our Savior's soon return. Rev. 3:20 says, " Behold, I stand at the door". Give all the Glory to God, and know He is close!

 - Bob I. // Missions Director

¹ A Tale of Two Cities/ Charles Dickens 1859

² CDC and Prevention/ Global Health 20 Dec 2017