Malaria, filariiasis, dengue, brain fever and yellow fever all have something in common. Do you know what it is? It’s the mosquito. Each year in India 40 million people come down with one of these diseases. That’s one in 30 men, women and children each year. So by the time one is in their early 30’s each person has had at least one of these diseases. Mosquito bites are at the least irritating and annoying, but often deadly. Worldwide one million people die from a mosquito-born disease each year. In India there is no way to escape their bite. Chemicals to combat them are not available. Therefore it’s no wonder mosquito nets are so greatly valued for they allow for a much safer, healthier and less interrupted sleep at night, which is when most of the bites occur.
Recently a donation for $2,000 was given to our ministry to purchase mosquito nets for India. The pastors we work with were able to give them out free of charge. The simple provision of a net was a great blessing to many people. Knowing Christians in the USA cared about them enough to provide these was a wonderful witness and opened the door to many hearts. When they were made available everyone wanted one, no one turned them down for they all realized their need.
Mosquito-born diseases are not nearly as much of a problem for us in the USA, but we are all afflicted with another bite, the sting of sin and death (1 Corinthians 15, especially 54-57). There is nothing we can do to avoid its deadly results. Yet Jesus provided a shield, a covering for us – His own blood shed to save us. Still, we must recognize our need and humble ourselves and receive the gift paid for and provided by Another. The death rate for sin is 30 out of 30! Yet there is protection available, 100% effective – the blood of Jesus. Are you covered by it? Have you humbled yourself to accept the free gift provided by God for your protection from the sting of death? It’s freely available to all! What a priceless gift just for the asking.
I Corinthians 15:53-57 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
PLEASE PRAY for a pastor we work with in India, Pastor Babu, whose son has typhoid fever (from a mosquito bite).
ALSO PRAY for Pastor Moses as he finalizes locations and dates for our conferences in less than 8 weeks. We need to send the money to India soon and currently are $10,000 short of what is needed for the upcoming conferences. God has always provided for us, but wants us to pray and give as He leads us. Thanks!
We are still in need of someone to help with our India and other CTO web sites. Pray God would provide the right person for this important part of our ministry.
by Rev. Dr. Jerry Schmoyer, Christian Training Organization