MidnightCall Magazine
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News From Israel MagazineBolivia
“According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better” (Philippians 1:20-23).
The Apostle Paul’s testimony is a matter of life and death. Based on the words we quoted in the introductory verse, it seems to make no difference to this faithful servant of the Lord “whether it be by life, or by death.” The Holy Spirit had transformed Paul into a pleasing sacrifice to the Lord. His life on earth became subject to the spiritual life, which he states “is far better.”
Later he wrote: “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). That is the testimony of a person who has attained victory over the mortal. Note that he says our walk or conversation “is in heaven.” The spiritual reality supercedes the visible one on earth.
May our Lord give us His grace to follow in the footsteps of this great servant of the Lord. Following Paul leads us to the One who sacrificed Himself for us: Jesus Christ our Lord.
Some time ago we received a newsletter from our missionary Gonnie Pothof, who is serving the Lord diligently in Midnight Call’s missionary center in Riberalta, Bolivia. Here is her report:
Bolivia
Missionary Gonnie Pothof
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).
Dear Brethren in the Lord,
Several months have passed since we had the privilege to attend the 50th anniversary celebration in Switzerland. This was indeed a tremendous experience, especially for me after the many years. “Jesus arose and Jesus is coming again” was the general theme of this 50th anniversary conference. Needless to say, the special music was an extra joy, particularly the singing of our coworkers from Romania.
Also, it was a great joy to meet so many friends personally after so many years. Doubtless to the many dear ones I told goodbye, I most likely shall never see [them] again on earth. But it was a great privilege for me to be able to speak to so many who have faithfully stood behind the work with prayers and financial support.
Presently Bolivia is in turmoil, with strikes occurring almost daily resulting in blocking of traffic. Unfortunately teachers who work in our school are obligated to participate in these strikes. In the city La Paz, half of the businesses are closed and our post office is not working properly. We continue to pray that mail will get through. But letters from readers of the Spanish Midnight Call write that they have not received the magazine for many months. All this is due to the present political turmoil.
Today more than ever we are confronted with Ephesians 6:12. Although we heard and have experienced the joy of the victory of Jesus over all the powers of darkness, the enemy is not resting. He has not given up; he continues to destroy.
Several weeks ago a brother from the city of Cochabamba held revival meetings for four evenings. One day in the afternoon, Brother Omar presented in plain words God’s simple plan of salvation to all students in the advanced classes. To the challenging question as to who wants to accept Jesus in their lives, we saw about a hundred decisions being made. Brother Omar, who did the teaching, just made sure that they had understood the message properly and therefore requested those with lifted hands to come forward. Again, many young people came, indicating their desire to follow Jesus as Lord. These converts need to be taught the wonders of the Word of God. Do pray for the following teachers: Antonio, Ovidio and Pablo, who are our co-workers responsible for the teaching of God’s Word in that school.
The enemy is not asleep, that we experienced when the news reached us that one of those young men had taken his life when he came back home. A few days later we heard from another school that a 17-year-old boy took his life. Investigators have told us that about 20 young men were involved in an occult game that required them to take their lives through hanging. During the first four months, seven boys
committed suicide and in the month of May an additional four followed in this occultic-inspired suicide game. This has shaken us in the entire town of Riberalta greatly. We continue to pray that this bondage will be broken. The proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the
only answer. May many break through to a living reality of a new life.
Thank you again for all your prayers, help and dedication for our missionary task. We must continue to preach the liberating Gospel to those whom the Lord leads us in contact with.
Thankfully United in Him,
Gonnie Pothof