1. T-SHIRTS ARE IN!
Yes, our new t-shirts are here! They’re hip, they’re soft, they fit spectacularly! Many of our shirts are already out the door and people are LOVING them!  Not only that, the funds we’re receiving from these t-shirts are helping us continue to empower nationals to reach their own people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ; it helps us continue doing what we’ve been doing. And what better cause is there?

Want to buy your own Gospelink T-Shirt? Click here!

2. The ALL-NEW Advance… [ Gospelink's monthly newsletter ] is ready for print!
That’s right! September’s edition of Advance… will feature full-color, eye-popping graphics, great articles, a special recognition of our sponsors and donors, and a list of several of our more urgent needs. It will also have information concerning our new t-shirts and a promotion for the month of September. So keep your eyes on your inbox (or mailbox)…you won’t want to miss it!

If you have prayed for, given to, or otherwise supported Gospelink, we are overjoyed to call you a part of the Gospelink Community!  Up to now, we have had so many great causes for you to participate in! With every cause, our ultimate goal is to take the name of Jesus to as many hearts, as many villages, as many cities, and as many nations as possible. We exist to bring Him maximum glory.  The Gospelink Community has been a great force for good in the past! We have taken the Gospel to hundreds of thousands across Africa and Asia. Together, we have equipped the pastor, reached the lost, fed the hungry, cared for the orphan, provided for the widow, and brought hope to many. We rejoice in what God has done, but we look forward to what He WILL do! We are soaring to new heights! We invite you to engage with us in one of our many causes:

Project Anja 2011 // Watch the Video

Anja means LOVE in the heart language of many in Zambia and Malawi. We want to reach 25 schools with the Gospel of Jesus Christ – each school having at least 500 children. Do the math – that’s 12,500 kids! We want to put a copy of the Scriptures in their hands and the Gospel message in their hearts! We will also be purchasing soccer balls for every school.

The cost of reaching ONE school: $300.

We have had several individuals contribute to this cause.
Many, however, are teaming up to be a greater force for good.
*VBS Offerings, Sunday  School Classes, Youth Groups, Small Groups, Neighborhoods, etc.

Yes! I want to give online to Project Anja // Line 22, specify “Project Anja”
If you would like to give by check, make it payable to Gospelink, Inc. and write “Project Anja 2011″ in the memo line.

National Preacher Sponsorships // Watch the Video

Since its inception in 1998, Gospelink’s main thrust has been the preacher sponsorship program.  We want to free every Gospelink-sponsored pastor up from having to work a second job (and focus solely on ministry). We want to equip him with the tools he needs to effectively reach the lost in his community. We want to do everything we can to empower our preachers to have an explosively fruitful ministry!

We aim to get every preacher 3 Ministry Sponsorship (@ $35/month), 1 Outreach Sponsorship (@ $25/month), and 1 Training Sponsorship (@ $15/month)

Click here to meet our preachers!

Orphan Sponsorships // Watch the Video

True religion means seeing and being moved with compassion for the distressed orphan and widow. Every precious child we seek sponsorship for has lost both parents and until a Gospelink preacher took them in, they had no one to love them or care for them. These children need to see the unmatched LOVE of God; they need to be provided for (food, shelter, clothing, education, and spiritual development).

We have a number of orphans ready for sponsorship.
CLICK HERE to read their stories!

**COMING SOON!**
Gospelink will launch a ministry that trains up men and women who are passionate about discipling YOUTH! We want to reach and mobilize an entire generation to multiply the Gospel and become a force for good in their world! Stay tuned for more information!

Shattered but Revived

In Matthew’s account of the trial of Jesus, one memorable moment the evangelist captures presents Pilate washing his hands (Matthew 27:24). The governor’s wife had sent him word of a warning she had received in a dream and Pilate appears to have wanted to avoid having anything to do with Jesus.

Throughout the passion narrative, Matthew depicts Jesus as the person in control of the situation. Our Lord is accused, arrested, sentenced, and crucified, but none of this comes as a surprise to the one who comes with royal splendor to accomplish the will of the Father.

Pilate appears to have decided to use the provision of a paschal amnesty as a means of freeing himself from the difficult bind in which he found himself. When this strategy failed, Pilate washed his hands, in a gesture aimed at creating distance between himself and Jesus’ sentence of guilt.

Whatever the reason for Pilate’s action – and speculations are many – the governor was unable to evade responsibility for what he had done. He, too, had a share in the guilt of those who desired, and made possible, the execution of the Messiah.

Many are the situations in which we may face the dilemma of making difficult choices. Yet, there is no escaping responsibility for the decisions we make. The complex challenges of the decision-making process – developing an accurate definition of the situation, clarifying the loyalties informing our values, applying sound reasoning, and so on – do not release us from responsibility for the choices we make.

Jesus’ refusal to choose the path of self-defense did not make Pilate’s dilemma any easier. His majestic silence bespeaks his resolute decision to do the will of the Father.    In the circumstances, Jesus decided to remain loyal to his Father, whatever the cost. As it turned out, our Lord faced the terror of the cross. He suffered the death of a criminal!

Yet, suffering does not have the last word when we are guided by the Holy Spirit to make hard choices. On Easter day, Jesus rose from the dead unveiling for our benefit that, sometimes, sovereignty is mediated through brokenness.

When we have to make painful decisions, we may need to remember that, in the end, the purity of our motives and the defensibility of our actions may be vindicated.

Easter reminds us that, from the crucible of harsh choices, we may rise with confidence and joyfully take hold of the future that God unfolds before our eyes. The resurrection of our Lord Jesus reveals that life trumps death and truth shines brightly when, by the grace of God, we refuse to avoid the path of costly discipleship.
Pastor Athanase Habimana
National Director

Our God is, a consuming fire,
A burning holy Flame, with glory and freedom
Our God is, the only righteous judge,
Ruling over us with kindness and wisdom

We will keep our eyes on You
We will keep our eyes on You

A mighty fortress is our God
A sacred refuge is Your Name
Your Kingdom is unshakable
With You forever we will reign

Our God is, jealous for His own
None could comprehend, His love and His mercy
Our God is exalted on His throne
High above the heavens
Forever He’s worthy…

We will keep our eyes on You
We will keep our eyes on You

We will keep our eyes on You
We will keep our eyes on You
So we can set our hearts on You
Lord we will set our hearts on You!

Click here for “Gifts That Make A Difference”

Though the building was nearly completely destroyed, the Church  was not damaged at all.  Not one person was reported to have been injured. Our prayer is that God would use what appears tragic now to bring Him all the more glory and that this church would see so many more hearts turn to Christ in the coming weeks and months.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FOOTAGE

ONE WORD | the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, given by the plenary and verbal inspiration of God; and the only infallible rule of faith, doctrine and practice.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

2 Peter 1:16-21 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

God – the very One who created the vast cosmos – is not a distant being. In fact, He desires for all people to know Him intimately. We know this because He has given us His Word; a library of works which describe everything we need to know about Him and about ourselves.

As 2 Timothy states, the Word of God is good for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. Let’s unpack this together:

1. The Word of God is profitable for Teaching
As we read the Bible, we come to understand what God loves, what He hates, His attributes and character, human identity and condition, how God interacts with humanity, how God has designed the world to work, how we can lead rich and fulfilling lives, how we can worship Him, and on and on.

2. The Word of God is profitable for Reproof
The author of Hebrews – in chapter 4 – describes God’s Word as living and active, sharper than any double edged sword, piercing to divide soul and spirit; joints and marrow. As we read Scripture, the Spirit uses the Word as a scalpel to cut away sinful desires; it circumcises our hearts so it can live and grow and be healthy.

John 15 commands us (branches) to abide in Christ (the true vine) because without Him, we can do nothing. As we bear fruit, God prunes us (reproof) so that we can bear MORE fruit. Reproof is always always for restoration.

3. The Word of God is profitable for Correction.
We all have a tendency to drift spiritually – usually unconsciously.  It’s similar to the drift we experience when we visit the beach. We go out into the water, enjoy the waves for 10 or 15 minutes, and glance back to our family or friends back on the shore, and it’s only then that we recognize the drift.  In the same way, we have a propensity to drift, so as we open God’s Word, our minds are refocused on the Lord and we see that we’ve gone off-course. We need to be intentional about correcting the drift – because unfortunately, we cannot passively drift back on-course.

4. The Word of God is profitable for Training in Righteousness.
Holiness is not attained by passivity.  Just as with any sport, training is required for spiritual development. We have to be intentional about being in the Word, praying, pursuing Christ-centered relationships, and so forth. Paul is very clear in his letter to Timothy that spending time in the Word will train us for righteousness. It may be difficult at times, but the benefits will far outweigh any costs.

To read Gospelink’s entire Statement of Faith, click here.

In an age of tolerance, persecution of Christians is still a glaring reality.  Believers in various parts of Asia endure intense persecution – sometimes daily – and remain faithful to their call, their mission, and their Lord. Gospelink is active in the nation of Vietnam, a country whose church is battered and bruised, but beats the enemy back and shines the light of Christ in a dark place.

Below is a report from a Gospelink – sponsored preacher in Vietnam.
Qtr 2, 2010

In this quarter, my outreach faced difficulty.  When some Christian leaders and I went to a mountainous hamlet of ***** tribal people to give His love and salvation, we were stopped, threatened and sent back.  They thought that we came to persuade their relatives to stop worshipping their forfathers.  However, we kept on praying to God for touching them and making it possible for us to go back and preach His message.

In mid-May, I was urged by the Holy Spirit to go to ***** mountainous commune.  When I went to the commune, a commune patriarch was told to find and meet me.  He asked me to leave the commune.  If not, local police would come and take me to their office.  The patriarch’s son came and took me out of the commune.  As I walked with him, I prayed to God to touch him.  I strongly believed that Jesus Christ was with me on this outreach trip.  Unexpectedly, he fainted and fell down and residents rushed to him and went for the witchdoctor.  After the witchdoctor danced and treated him, he still fainted.  The commune patriarch looked around and saw me standing.  He stood up and asked me to treat his son.  I replied that I could no treat him but Jesus Christ could.  He told me to have Jesus Christ heal his son.  He said that if he did that he and his family would believe and receive Him as Savior.  Then, I prayed to God for healing him so that his family and residents would know His name, His mighty miracles and His authority.  Hallelujah!!!!  I thank Him because after half an hour of praying, he was well again and even asked for water.  The commune patriarch and residents were extremely happy to say loudly that they believed in Jesus Christ, the Almighty God. After his son became better, the father asked for my address.  A week later he came to my house and took me to his house so that I would say a prayer for his family to believe and receive Jesus Christ as their Savior.  We  then hung a cross on a wall in his house..  Please pray for them.

The first item on this list is the foundational belief in one God.  There is but one creator and sustainer of all; one who can save; one who gives us purpose, identity, and mission; one whose love for us is so strong that it defines Him. Of his many attributes outline in scripture, we have highlighted these:

Holiness.
The Bible describes God as a brilliant light and in Him we find no darkness at all. He is righteous, blameless, and pure.
Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders? [ex15:11]
He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. [luke1:49]

Infinity.
God is not bound by time or space because he exists outside of His creation. He has always existed and will always exist.
Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment.
You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end. [psalm102:25-27]

¹In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. [gen1:1]
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” [rev22:13]

Immutability.
Each of God’s attributes that we read about today – his character, his faithfulness, his holiness, etc – have always been true and they will never change. We can trust God to be exactly WHO He is….forever.
“And also the Glory of Israel will not lie or change His mind; for He is not a man that He should change His mind” [1 sam15:29]

Trinity.
God exists as three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) in one perfectly unified being.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. [matt28:19]

This same God has given us a mission: to make disciples of every nation. Of Malawi, Congo, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Vietnam, Ethiopia, India, Russia, and Ukraine….and every other nation under heaven. That’s our mission. Gospelink is working to accomplish just that in each of the countries just mentioned. We would love for you to get on board with us as we set out to make disciple. Watch as God works mightily, drawing countless souls to Himself! What a blessing to be on mission!

Follow this link to read about Gospelink’s other core beliefs.

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea:
A great High Priest, whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on his hands,
My name is written on his heart;
I know that while in heaven he stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see him there
Who made an end of all my sin.

Because a sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Praise the One,
Risen Son of God!

Behold him there, the risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace!

One in himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by his blood
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ, my Savior and my God
With Christ, my Savior and my God