November 19, 2008
Great Potential!
Great Potential
That is the only way to describe what I see as I work with the Assemblies of God of Madagascar. I am continually encouraged by the people of our church and their desire to reach their nation for Christ. Everyday I meet Pastor’s & believers who go the extra mile to make something great happen.
Some examples
I am teaching a class of 20 first year Bible School students on the subject of personal evangelism. I am helping them to learn the Biblical principles for evangelism, as well as teaching them how to share their faith in Christ. After teaching them how to share their personal testimony of salvation, I gave them a homework assignment. Find a person that is a total stranger & tell them your testimony of how your life has been changed because of Christ. Then come back and report the results. The next week, the students came back with their reports. When I asked them how many had completed the assignment, all of their hands went up. When I asked who had the opportunity to pray with someone to receive Christ as Savior, again all of their hands went up. Then I noticed they were holding up fingers to identify how many had accepted Christ. When I got done counting fingers, I was thrilled to realize that 47 people had accepted Christ as Savior! And if these are first year students, taking their first class in Bible school, imagine their potential for the future!
Imagine spending your whole life as a police officer, and finally retiring. But upon retiring, instead of enjoying retirement, you go to Bible School. That is Pastor Tsipakay (pronounced Chip-uh-kie). Upon graduation from Bible School, he assisted another Pastor in his church & then began serving at our orphanage, ministering to our 40 children there. About six months ago, he took over a small church in a small village in the primitive countryside. When he took the church, there was only a handful of people. Today, six months later, the church is averaging almost 300 people. He says it was easy. He just loves the people and gives them God’s word. So, when others in their late 60’s are slowing down, he’s rolling up his sleeves to work harder for Christ!
Great Vision
With so much potential, it is our desire to work with these churches and pastors to empower them to reach their nation. We desire to help them plant new churches all across this island. We want to bring training and development to them in every region of the country. As we look across this vast island of 19 million people, all we see is potential for great things to happen.
The Challenge
While we have a great vision to help this church grow and develop, we are faced with the challenge of making it happen. And our biggest challenge at this moment is our financial budget. When we returned to Madagascar, we did so with a reduced budget. After working hard to raise the necessary funds to come back, we were still lacking over $1000 a month needed to make our goal. Instead of staying longer in America, we decided to return and continue our work. Now, we are faced with a great vision before us, and not enough finances to make it happen. The cost of travel in a primitive country like Madagascar has gone up dramatically. In order to get to many of the places in the country that needs us the most, it entails long trips by truck, plane or helicopter. All of these options being costly. In addition, with the weakening dollar, our money doesn’t go as far as we need it to. So while we are constantly receiving requests by Pastor’s who need our help and assistance, we have to consider what we can or cannot afford.
How can you help?
In order for us to fulfill our vision of continuing to plant new churches, hold evangelistic crusades & bring training to the far reaching corners of Madagascar, we need your help. Would you prayerfully consider making an investment into our ministry in one or more of the following ways:
Special one time gift
At this moment our budget is at an all-time low for us. Would you consider making a special one time gift, over and above what you might regularly do, to help us end the year in a positive manner. Even if you have not given to us in the past, that special one time gift could enable us to continue to penetrate the darkness here in Madagascar
Make a monthly pledge
Are you currently supporting us on a monthly basis? We know there are many of you who receive our e-mail prayer partner updates and newsletters, who don’t presently support us. Would you consider making a commitment to us and give to Madagascar on a consistent, monthly basis? Just this last week, we were encouraged by an e-mail we received from some close friends in our hometown that had made the decision to start supporting us for $10 a month. If everyone does their part as they did, we know the need will be met.
Increase your monthly pledge
Maybe you have already supported us on a monthly basis for a long period of time. To you we say a special thank you and encourage you to continue in the same manner. We are grateful for your consistently giving to help us fulfill the ministry God has entrusted to us. But as this year comes to an end, maybe you could consider increasing the monthly pledge by some amount. Know that we would be very appreciative for your increased investment in this way.
Giving
To give to our ministry in any of the ways listed above, simple go to http://rostorferreport.com/support.htm and choose the option that is appropriate for you. Thank you in advance for your continuing support of our work.
How can you pray for us?
- Pray that God will provide the needed funds, both immediately & long term to fulfill the vision He has laid before us.
- Pray for continuing church planting endeavors. Next week, I will be in the bush for a week helping plant a new work.
- Pray for Madagascar during cyclone season. The rainy season is upon us, which means rain everyday until next March or April. With the rains, also comes cyclones (hurricanes) that can bring great damage. Pray for God’s protection & provision for our churches during this time.
Blessings!
Jay