Letter from Cody: Congo – October 2016

 

Beginning to worship in the new church!

Beginning to worship in the new church!

It is always nice to have an advocate—someone who will speak up on your behalf. In some situations, though, it is not just nice to have an intercessor; it is essential. I am so thankful that this is exactly what Jesus is for us today. We find beautiful promises throughout Scripture: “We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” “Who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” 1 John 2:1; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25. We have an Advocate at the throne of God interceding on our behalf who is able to save us to the uttermost! Sometimes, I think that we do not realize just how essential this beautiful truth is. “The religious services, the prayers, the praise, the penitent confession of sin ascend from true believers as incense to the heavenly sanctuary; but passing through the corrupt channels of humanity, they are so defiled that unless purified by blood, they can never be of value with God. They ascend not in spotless purity, and unless the Intercessor who is at God’s right hand presents and purifies all by His righteousness, it is not acceptable to God. All incense from earthly tabernacles must be moist with the cleansing drops of the blood of Christ. He holds before the Father the censer of His own merits, in which there is no taint of earthly corruption. He gathers into this censer the prayers, the praise, and the confessions of His people, and with these He puts His own spotless righteousness. Then, perfumed with the merits of Christ’s propitiation, the incense comes up before God wholly and entirely acceptable. Then gracious answers are returned.” Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 1078. Nothing coming from our corrupted human channels can find access to the holiness of the throne of God, but Jesus mingles His righteousness with our prayers and praise and presents them before God. Praise the Lord for such an Advocate and Intercessor!

Recently baptized new believers in Congo

Recently baptized new believers in Congo

I recently received a report that made me rejoice at how the Lord is blessing and leading His work around the world. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of those countries that almost always seems to be in turmoil, but even in difficult countries, the Lord has His people who are pushing forward amid the challenges they face. While there around a year ago, I visited a small but enthusiastic congregation in the regional center of Masi-manimba. They had purchased a plot of ground outside the town and were praying about how to build a church in which they could worship. The Lord provided the means through your donations and we were able to send funds for them to build a simple church to protect them from the elements. The church enthusiastically went to work with everyone pitching in and doing what they could. As others saw the activity they took notice. The people whom they had been studying the Bible with were encouraged to step out in faith and become a part of God’s people. A baptism of ten new believers took place shortly after the church was completed and now still more are studying and worshipping with them in their new facility! A lady from another town saw what was going on and gave funds for them to start building a school, as well. Many of the church leaders are teachers and greatly desire to have a school where the Adventist message can be taught! They and many other believers in the province are excited about a new Bible study set now available in their local

New Bible study set

New Bible study set

language. They are using this tool to share with others the precious message that we know. Thank you so much for your donations and prayers that have made this work possible! Please continue to pray for the believers in Congo as they seek to give the message and make disciples!

Yours in thankfulness for Jesus’ intercession,

 

CodySig1-website

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