THE SEASON OF WAITING IS ENDING
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Dear Friends,
Canadians enjoy changing seasons earlier than Americans, and it’s a welcomed exchange for your northern neighbors. Canada celebrates Thanksgiving in October and seeing fall colors in early September reminds me that God orchestrates every activity under the sun, even when we can’t see the sun behind the clouds. Or when we don’t feel steadiness on icy roads. One season that never changes is God seeking to save that which is lost and no matter how dark it is, He always brings light. Indeed, His mercies are new every morning, and we can count on that day in and day out! (Lamentations 3:23)
In this season, we rejoice that we are, at long last, privileged to bring good news to distant lands. After a season of waiting, God is allowing us to get our visas, airline tickets, and plan teaching lessons to a hungry audience of global church leaders. Thankfully, Lee and I have these things in hand. Lord willing, with your prayers and financial generosity, we will resume a highly anticipated season of pouring into men and women who will take the gospel to the ends of the earth.
You recall that our friend, Pastor Tariq Waris, was with us in the Milwaukee area recently. He shared many stories of how God is on the move, but one story in particular stuck with me. One of Tariq’s church planters ventured close to the Afghan border and told a tribal leader that he is a Christian. This south Asian tribal leader replied, “I don’t care which tribe you are from,” implying that this man had no idea what Christian meant, and he has no clue who Christ is. It is in the world of the least reached where you are invited to invest as God is drawing people to Himself in surprising ways. And BrookLink wants to be ready to go when we are invited.
Terry Heyward spoke during Elmbrook Church’s Harvestfest last month. You’ll enjoy hearing her exciting stories of how God is on the move! Introduction by Pastor Mike start at 43:45, and Terry starts at 45:40.
Your generous financial giving allows BrookLink to go where we are invited, not with our own agenda, but to speak into what global leaders like Tariq ask us to teach. They know their own flocks and pastures, and we listen to their shepherding hearts. No matter the season, or the pandemic, God’s agenda to equip, empower and release His workers is constant.
You understand that most of BrookLink’s invitations are from the 10/40 Window, which includes nearly 70 countries that are located between 10 degrees and 40 degrees north latitude. You rejoice with us that the global church in this region continues to grow rapidly, and that church leaders are running to keep up with the Holy Spirit’s momentum. Your generosity is helping BrookLink equip, empower and release church leaders, and we deeply appreciate YOU!
Because of your financial generosity, faithful intercession and critical partnership, Lee and I are going to south Asia in late November. We’re thrilled, and our partners are equally thrilled. We had plans to then head to Ethiopia, but we recently received notice from the U.S. State Department that it is not prudent to travel to Ethiopia at this time due to intense civil unrest. For this reason, Lee and I feel it’s wise to delay our teaching at the Kale Heywet Church until travel restrictions are lifted. Your prayers for Ethiopia are needed. We have invitations to go to Uganda, Rwanda, China, Ethiopia and Armenia in 2022. Your help is so important!
Every $200 helps one Christian leader receive access to BrookLink’s intentional leadership training and development. Make a gift today! Please use the enclosed card or visit our website at www.brooklink.org/give to make a secure gift online.
According to the Joshua Project, “The billions of people who live in the 10/40 window have suffered not only the ravages of poverty and disease, but they have also been kept from the transforming power of the gospel.” You have an incredible opportunity to share the light and love of Jesus Christ, and you are invited to partner in this revolutionary work of God, who promised the glorious hope of eternal life before the beginning of time (Titus 1:2) and has invited us to participate with Him to bring this hope to hungry souls.
Your support and prayers for such a time as this are deeply, deeply appreciated. Will you prayerfully consider making a gift to reach the financial need of $180,000 by December 31, 2021?
Shalom,
President
One of our facilitators, Dr. Lisa Sinclair, is traveling to teach at the Mental Health and Missions (MHM) Conference in Texas this month. Lisa will provide insight to their theme, “Doing Together What None Can Do Alone” as she shares her expertise about human sexuality and diversity. MHM focuses on unique issues facing mental health professionals serving in the world of missions.
