As Christians, we are walking in the light - and as light - in a darkened world. In fact, John reminds us that if we are not, we have no confidence that we belong to Jesus or that our sins have been forgiven (1 Jn 1:5-7). The world is a dark place, because of sin, and we are called to reflect the Light of the World in the midst of that darkness.
The ministry of Timothy Two is precisely about equipping local churches around the world to be able to reach into that darkness and testify to the incredible mercies of God. We help them to grasp that they - like we who believe - "are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light!" (1 Pt 2:9).
We, wretched sinners that we are, have been called - solely by the inestimable grace and goodness of a holy God - out of the world that cast such a heavy shadow over us and laid upon us such an unbearable weight, and into the glorious, heavenly places where we are - even now, in the Spirit - seated with Christ (Eph 2:6)!
This is the living hope - of an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled (1 Pt 1:3-4) - that encourages our materially impoverished brothers and sisters around the world. This is the passion that drives our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world to be bold and confident, no matter the circumstances, knowing that they are "kept by the power of God." And this, beloved, is what must inspire us to live for Christ no matter the cost; motivate us to share the good news with the world around us; and compel us to not rest until the last of our eternal family has been gathered into the fold of our Great Shepherd.
We are grateful for all who pray for and support this critical work. Please pray for the impoverished churches we serve, that our Father would provide their material, as well as their spiritual, needs, according to His riches in glory. Please pray for the persecuted churches we serve, that they would not faint or grow weary, but would be steadfast in confidence and boldness. Please pray for the global Timothy Two team - especially in the midst of these challenging and uncertain times - that we might shine the light of truth in the darkness of the world to the glory of God alone.