GES is fortunate to have a number of outstanding translators. They translate our blogs and other material into eight languages (see here). Many of these translators live in Europe. I have “met” many through various zoom classes, but never in person.
A common comment by these translators is that it is very hard to find free grace churches in their countries. They get their teaching from the various things that GES does online, including the zoom classes. They very much appreciate the blogs, magazine articles, and other material available to them. We, in turn, very much appreciate the ministry they provide us by putting our material in the mother languages of people hungry for sound exegetical Bible teaching.
As a technologically challenged old guy, it amazes me how this online stuff has reached so many people. It has resulted in some coming to faith in Christ and others growing in the faith. Even though many of them have never been to a free grace church, when they talk, you would think they grew up with sound Biblical teaching. The Lord is using the teaching of free grace writers in ways I would never have imagined.
Now, there is some exciting news. Kathryn and I are scheduled to teach at a Bible college in Zambia for two weeks. This is the seventh year that we have made this trip. However, this time we saw that the layover was in Italy. Some of our translators live near the airport. We were able to lay over for five days in Italy on our way to Zambia (from April 4 to 8).
We are really looking forward to meeting these folks face-to-face. I feel like when Paul wrote to a church and said he was planning on visiting, even though I am not like Paul. The visit will allow Kathryn, me, and the translators to encourage each other.
While there, we are also scheduled to visit a church whose pastor is interested in knowing more about Free Grace theology. We are planning a day to have lunch and explain the issues to him. Who knows, if the Lord tarries, it might even lead to a regional there.
Please pray for our trip. Also, please pray for our translators. In the U. S., as free grace people, we often feel like we are swimming against the current. Imagine what it must be like for those who live in many of these countries. I am always amazed by their positive attitude.
Lord willing, after five days, Kathryn and I will fly to Zambia to teach a course of salvation (Kathryn) and Romans (me). We will be able to give the students a lot of free grace material. I usually have the opportunity to speak at a few churches while I am there as well. This time, I have been contacted by a couple of missionaries who learned about our trip online and want to meet and talk about Free Grace while we are in Zambia.
Your support of GES is having results in ways you might not realize. How exciting is it for all of us to have the privilege of serving the Lord in these ways?