September 2005 Miller's Messenger From Malawi

Volume 5, Issue 2

Dear Family & Friends,

We thank God for helping us through your prayers to have open doors for effective work despite opposition. Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “...I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.” (16:8-9) Even though we have had challenges, we thank God for the wisdom we have gained. We want to discreetly share with you some of the problems that we have faced and insights from Scripture that God has used to help us overcome them. We feel encouraged by the opportunities we’ve had to see God work. We have begun our first believers’ Bible Study group in the Mangochi District!

We also thank God for your prayers for our friend Gerlinde and for His encouragement to us through the family’s simple and persevering faith in our faithful God! We and the work are well. We appreciate your invaluable support of us and involvement in God’s work here!

Love,
Doug, Barb, Seth, Steven, Sara, Susanna and Sharon

"Be Wise as Serpents"
"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” (Mt 10:16, NKJV) We appreciate the following insights from the "Daily Success" meditation program:

Glory in Weakness!
“Helpless sheep can overcome ravening wolves by staying close to their shepherd in times of attack.” We have peace, despite disappointments, such as a local leader’s campaign against us, deaths of key contacts, suspected intimidation of learners and spirit manifestations to new believers. Paul said, “I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Cor 12:9, NKJV)

Don’t Gaze at the Wolves!
“To maintain the right perspective, we must glance at the wolves but gaze on the Lord.” God has protected us from distraction and helped us to see the bigger picture of how He has allowed these pressures to create curiosity and bring sincere seekers to us. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb 12:2, NIV)

Be Wise Among Wolves!
“The strategy of wolves is to leap upon our unwise words and use them against us.” When questioned about our work, we won respect by responding straightforwardly and avoiding controversy. “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Col 4:6, NIV)

Learn the Wisdom of Serpents!
“A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.” (Pr 22:3, NIV) One group currently meets at a neutral place to avoid criticism and we do not gather on the local holy day out of respect. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Pr 15:1, NIV)

Be Harmless as Doves!
“The message of our lives speaks louder than the message of our lips.” We have refuted those who have falsely accused us of pressuring people to study God’s Word. Instead we pray for and help the sick and teach only those who have interest. “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.” (Phil 2:14-15, NIV)

Never Doubt in Darkness
the vision that God has given you in the light! We’re grateful for the added support of new team members Jonathan and Erica Lloyd and being able to reflect together on God’s vision. We have confidence in the power of God’s Word to profoundly reveal Himself to people so that they will understand and believe, and eventually be equipped to teach others, who will teach others. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom 10:17, NKJV) “His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot. (Jer 20:9,NIV)

Outsmart the Wolves!
“Our goal in life should be to get as great a harvest as possible, not just to survive among wolves.” Polemical questions and other challenges have given us the opportunity to study God’s Word more, effectively teach and develop attractive tracts such as: “Why Jesus is God” and “Can We Communicate with the Dead?”

Please pray that God will help us to be both perceptive to dangers and clever in making the most of every opportunity to teach His truth.

It has always been my ambition to preach
the gospel
where Christ was not known...
(Rom 15:20a) NIV

We serve under the auspices of Brethren in Christ World Missions.
Contributions toward our ministry may be sent to
Brethren in Christ World Missions, PO Box 390, Grantham, PA 17027-0390
or in Canada, 416 North Service Rd East, Suite 1, Oakville, ON L6H 5R2

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