AJ has been doing it tough financially over the last month, mainly due to the falling exchange rate of the AUS dollar. Please take a minute to read the Stop Press leaflet included with this newsletter.
For some unknown reason, AJ’s direct email address ([email protected]) is no longer reliable. You may still reach him indirectly via my email [email protected] or through mail to 52 Park Ave., Roseville 2069. Please try not to include anything explicitly Christian in your correspondence (analogy is fine).
Over to AJ...
Jason J
INTRO
Have you ever found that for years you share your excitement for Christ with your friends and they show no interest, and then suddenly for no apparent reason some begin to ask questions about your faith and an interest in accepting Jesus for themselves? Well my year so far has been a slog of sharing and sifting for those who are willing to investigate Jesus' claims, having my hopes raised and then often with no follow through. And then suddenly, for no apparent reason, this month brings three new believers! Anyway, read on...CROWN OF LIFE
"Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer...be faithful...and I will give you the crown of life." (Rev 2:10)It seems that things have cooled down for the few who were being harassed by police. One disciple of mine has continued his involvement after "laying low" for a while, and "Sema" has had a breakthrough in now going to church with her mother, and with her father's knowledge! Some believers who have antagonistic parents go to church without their knowledge. This is always a difficult issue for us as to how to advise them, in being truthful but also having an opportunity to grow in their faith by participating in fellowship.
TWO NEW SISTERS IN CHRIST
Two girls made a commitment for Christ this month. Both have been around for a while watching, learning and thinking. Unfortunately discipling them now presents a problem. Our resources are down to only three guys for the whole city, and no women. If any of you women out there want to serve God in a Middle Eastern country, apply now! Positions vacant! Praise God for the recent fruit of new believers.BUSINESSMEN BIBLE STUDY
I have a weekly bible group of six ex-students, who now working in various jobs. The group takes turns each week leading and teaching, a big step of initiative for many of them. It gives me an opportunity to help them grow in spiritual maturity. It also gives them something to invite their fellow workers to, a place where they can ask questions and discuss Jesus.During some weeks I go onto the university campus with one of them to do some evangelism. They were at first intrigued by the idea when I suggested it, wondering whether students could actually be open to hearing about Jesus. Not only does it encourage them in their faith, but it makes me so much more effective in sharing. The students are amazed that someone of their own nationality would choose to become a Christian.
MOBILIZING THE CHURCH
Recently we have been encouraging the believers to get involved in "goal ownership" - getting them to own the vision of reaching this country for Christ.Last weekend there was a meeting where twenty people came to my house and we had some time encouraging each other and talking about what roles people could play. It was a great time for them to get fired up! Please praise God with me for the work he is doing in their hearts, giving them a heart for their neighbors, and that this enthusiasm will translate into action.
GRADUATION OF TWO NEW STAFF
Two national believers have now completed staff training and are preparing to begin work at their assigned Universities. Please join me in prayer for "Baris" and "Levent" in asking for God's blessings of grace and wisdom upon their lives. There is a slight possibility that Baris could be joining us in our city which would be wonderful! Working alongside a national brings its unique challenges, but also its obvious advantages.
JESUS FILM
Six students came to my house this week to watch the video "The life of Jesus". Produced internationally by Student Life, it gives a very accurate and professional portrayal of the life of Jesus. Three students in particular asked a lot of questions and desire to find out more.AMERICAN SUMMER PROJECT
A bunch of 10 crazy Americans are here for the next month. I spent a week running around to Real Estate agents, organizing cleaning for a new flat and moving in furniture in preparation for them. Organizing a project takes a lot of administration time from us Stinters, but once we've settled them in it's worth the effort for the help they can give on campus. Well, it looks like I'll be celebrating the 4th of July this year.UNIVERSITY STUDENT FAIR
Recently there was held the annual fair for the university. The fair included stalls from all kinds of student groups and there was even Bungie Jumping for one day! Last year a Christian book stall was successfully set up and gave a tremendous amount of exposure for us. However, on applying for a stall again this year, the request was turned down. Apparently we and any other "radical" groups were banned from the fair this year." SUMMER TIME...
SUMMER TIME... "
Uni is finishing for the year and going into extended summer holidays. There are going to be fewer people on campus, which means more relational time catching up with the friends I have made so far. There have been several friends who I have asked you to pray for previously that I will try to spend some more time with now. Islam is a real stronghold, no-one seems to be won easily for Christ. Everyone has many obstacles to overcome before accepting Jesus, particularly family pressures.But we continue on in the hope of a plentiful harvest one day in this land. People ARE putting their trust in Christ, praise God for "Mehmet" who trusted Jesus recently. To express his new-found joy he has written several poems already and put some into song for the Lord.
PRAISE / PRAYER POINTS
[Cut out along the dotted lines to insert this summary in the back of your day planner or bible]Praise:
* Two new sisters and a brother in Christ* The discipleship of believers and raising up of national leaders
* A current end in police harassment
Prayer:
* Several particularly seeking people, particularly "Salim" and "Mimar" who I am having trouble contacting again.* American summer project, may some be challenged to the need for more staff working in this country.
* For "Baris" and "Levent" in asking for God's anointing as the begin work as staff