What a joy it is to minister once again in Sri Lanka. When we left in 2005, the country was reeling from the staggering effects of a tsunami that had killed over 40,000, and was still in a very costly civil war that decimated an estimated 80,000-100,000 people. The deaths include 27,639 Tamil fighters, more than 21,066 Sri Lankan soldiers, 1000 Sri Lankan police, 1500 Indian soldiers, and tens of thousands of civilians.
So, when you combine the two factors for a country the size of West Virginia with the population of Texas, you can well imagine the devastation.
Yet, out of tragedy, the Lord has brought victory. Today the country is no longer in war, and the churches are expanding faster than ever in the history of missions for this Buddhist country. Because of your generosity in helping us help them during the tsunami we were able to leave a permanent impression of good will that has opened doors that we never in our wildest dreams imagined possible.
Christianity is enjoying a new freedom, and we see many visible results. For example, just recently one of our fine Assemblies of God pastors, Pastor Iran Wickramaratne took his seat in the national assembly to become the first Assemblies of God pastor to serve in that capacity. Naturally, politics is politics, so he has already experienced some hard knocks, but none of it directed towards him, as far as I know just because he is a Christian. Friends, that is a major plus for us.
Churches throughout the country are flourishing with increased membership, and new structures are being constructed on a daily basis. Just this past Sunday I had the privilege of attending the church of the General Superintend of Sri Lanka, the Reverend Michael Dissanayeke, and boy was I in for a surprise. They now have a new structure 7 stories high and a burgeoning congregation. It will be my privilege to speak there on February 6th.
Right now, pastors are flooding the college campus for an intensive two week study course to equip them for better pastoral leadership. I am putting the finishing touches on a two week course that I have just taught on Apologetics teaching them how to minister to the non Christian-the Buddhist, Muslim, atheist and so-forth. My next intensive course is on Pentecostalism, and I can hardly wait to share this great topic with them. Pray for me that God will give me wisdom and insight to meet the task before me.
During all of this, I must find time to help the President of the Bible College, Dr. Willie Chelliah-at his request, to write the outline for the curriculum for a new Masters of Arts degree in Christian Ministries. Education is a vital resource particularly in third-world countries, and Sri Lanka is no exception.
Our chapel services at the Bible college remind me of old-time Pentecost, and what a blessing it is to see God move among the youth of this once hostile country that has for centuries rejected Christ and persecuted what few Christians there were. I am optimistic. That's for sure.
My desire is to continue ministering when and where we are needed, regardless of the fact that we have been retired and must take each step along the way with a cautious but firm determination to continue ministering by faith until Jesus calls us home. Retirement or not. Money or not. His call is without repentance (Romans 11:29), and we are called; therefore, we shall not quit just because of policy or the fact that we have reached mandatory retirement. Try looking that up in the Bible and see how far you get.
Excuse me for getting in the flesh there a little bit, but I could not resist getting a good punch in for us 'old-folks'!
Well, until we meet again-whether by email or in person-may God continue to bless and keep you safe and secure in His presence.
Yours for a greater end-time harvest,
Jim
P.S. Click here to contribute and when prompted clearly designate all gifts for Account #2868180 Class (09); Personal expenses; or Class (40). Thanks for your prayerful consideration.
Missionaries Jim & Bonnie Roane | Beyond The Upper Room 1013 Madera Court | Allen | TX | 75013-3639
roane.jim@gmail.com | http://beyondtheupperroom.blogspot.com/
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