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Promising Possibilities

November 5, 2009 by proftroy

The Lord has really been answering prayers for deputation recently.  I’ve been very encouraged by a number of developments.  I’ve spent many weeks here in PA and have numerous contacts (the most of any state), but have yet to gain a supporting church.  However, the Lord seems to be moving in hearts.  I just got off the phone with a pastor who heard about how well things went at the missions conference last week, so he wants me to come to his church next year.  Another pastor in PA told me that he and his wife were just talking about wanting to help a Bible organization, so they also want me to come next year.  I did get a call from a pastor in MI too and he wants me to come back to his church for a second time.  It’s rare that I can even get through to pastors, and then for them to call me back is as rare as a Detroit Lions victory.  But I had two call me this week alone! 

Back to PA…  There are four churches in the western PA area that are putting me forward for a vote over the next couple of days or weeks.  Five other pastors and churches in PA seemed extremely positive about my ministry and talked to me some about future support.  I visited one last Wed (a week ago), and the people were very excited to see me.  I was there over a year ago for a missions conference, but they still remembered me quite well.  In fact, one lady said she and her girls pray for me every day in homeschool.  A deacon said he prays for me every morning in devotions.  How encouraging… and humbling! 

Now to the other possibilities…  Two relatives have promised support, but are apparently waiting for funds to increase so that they can give.  Three churches have said that I am on the top of the list, but two of them are waiting for the funds to come in and the third is waiting for a missionary couple to retire.  Twelve other churches seemed to be quite positive towards my ministry and could very well become supporting churches. 

In total, there are 26 churches or individuals that present very promising possibilities for my support.  Of course, that doesn’t count the churches that I have yet to go to, churches where the pastors called me (see above) and other encouraging developments. 

Praise the Lord for your prayers!  Please keep praying, and hopefully I’ll be able to help the work at BI full-time within the next 12 months or sooner!

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Do we value our Old Testaments?

November 4, 2009 by proftroy

We are nearing the completion of the Waali Bible translation project.  The Bible is at the printer and should arrive in Ghana early next year.  Recently, we asked a Ghanian what it means to him for the entire Bible to be published in his langauge.  Here’s his response:

When I first heard from Mr. Mining [sic] about the completion of the Waali Bible, I was very excited about it. For me personally the translation of the Bible into Waali will be a great tool in the ministry. To see the word of God in my own language shows how much God is interested in having a relationship with my people and increasing the faith of the believers. To the best of my knowledge the Waali Bible is the only document first written in the Waali language.

An important part of the Waali Bible is that, there are pastors who are trained in the waali language only because they cannot read English. Some of these pastors have never read the Old Testament and what a joy it will be for them to get it. It is like for years part of the truth has been hidden from them. I had an opportunity of being around some of these pastors and working with them. Their desire of having the full Bible in Waali cannot be explained. One pastor once told me, “if only I knew English….” His reason of knowing English was to be able to read the Old Testament. When you are with these pastors it becomes obvious that they are lacking something very important in their ministry and that is the full Bible.

One thing the unbeliever say in Wa is that Christianity is the white man religion. The waali Bible I believe will be a witness to the unbeliever that Christianity is for everybody. The Waali Bible can also be used at the radio station where our pastors preach and discuss about the Bible.

As I said earlier on the excitement of just hearing about the Waali Old Testament is beyond my explanation, but one thing that I know is that people will be able for the first time read the Old Testament in their own language and know the mystery that has been hidden from them years ago.

I would like to take this time also to thank you and your board very much for all the hard work and efforts that you have put into the Waali Bible translation. Only eternity will tell what impact you have on my people although you have never met them.

If you have any question about anything I will be glad to answer them. 

Thank you.

IT IS ALL ABOUT CHRIST

Praise the Lord for the opportunity we have of showing Africans that Christianity is not just a white man’s religion!  Praise the Lord also that the Waali pastors and believers don’t have to worry about learning English to read the precious truths of the OT! 

Do we value those same truths to the extent that we would be willing to learn another language just to be able to read them?

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The apostles had smelly feet.

October 31, 2009 by proftroy

This thought came to my mind as I was part of a ministry opportunity recently.  A couple I was having supper with asked a lady and her son to come over.  The son is only a few years younger than me but is very incapacitated.  He was in a car accident when he was 18, and he’s never been the same since.  He is confined to a wheelchair and has only about 50% brain capacity.  I guess that’s a demonstration of the mercy of God, because it keeps him from fully realizing what he’s going through.  It is interesting that his cupholder says “this is not the life I ordered”, but I think his mom got him this (though she’s very content with what the Lord has given to them). 

At supper Shawn sometimes had a hard time swallowing, resulting in some unexpected mealtime noises.  Thankfully, God helped me not to be improperly distracted or disturbed by them.  I know there are some handicap people who have even greater difficulty as they eat, and I am grateful that my experience was extremely mild. My heart also went out to the young man.  But as I was thinking about some of the mildly unpleasant things we were experiencing, I began thinking about Jesus’ washing of the apostles’ feet in John 13.  I reflected on Jesus’ service to the apostles.  No doubt their feet smelled.  No, I didn’t get that from the Greek.  All guys’ feet smell!  But Jesus didn’t allow the unpleasantness of their feet to keep Him from doing a humble act of service to them.  I also need to be willing to experience unpleasantness at times in my service to Him. 

After being with Shawn for the evening, I was also thankful that the Lord has not taken away the abilities He’s given me and that I can use them in service to Him.  I did enjoy getting to know Shawn, too.  He has a good sense of humor.  He knows the Lord has died on the cross for his sins, and he really enjoys singing hymns and spiritual songs.  It was such a blessing to hear of his testimony, in spite of his limited mental capacities. 

On a deputation note…  There are three churches that are very close to voting about support for me, and there are at least 7 others here in PA that are seriously considering me.  Please pray!

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“A Christian is immortal till his work is done.”

October 27, 2009 by proftroy

The truth of this quotation from James Fraser’s book Mountain Rain was illustrated with powerful clarity recently.  A lady affiliated with Bibles International is presently visiting her children in Bankok, Thailand.  She had surgery 6 months ago and was still experiencing pain because of it.  But the doctors were unable to determine the cause.  While in Thailand she experienced intense abdominal pain and lost a life-threatening amount of blood.  She was admitted to ICU at a Thailand hospital.  By the grace of God she was linked up with a gastroenterologist who had much experience in and knowledge about her condition.  In fact he had development a procedure for dealing with it.  As far as he knows he’s the only gastroenterologist in the world using this procedure.  By doing this he was able to stop the bleeding without even having to open the abdomen.  Our friend is currently healing in ICU. 

What amazes me is that this older lady and her husband would go to Thailand according to the will of God, experience this health difficulty, and intersect with the only doctor in the world who can deal with the problem in a very uncomplicated way!  We think that we are safe in America.  Apparently, the safest place for this woman was Bankok, Thailand, and the Lord directed her there at just the right moment!  What an amazing God!  We truly are safe in the will of God, no matter where that leads us. 

On a personal note, I’m in Kittanning, PA, for the week.  I had great meetings at a missions conference in Enola two weekends ago and enjoyed my time at Union Baptist church this past weekend.  Union is over 200 years old.  It’s been an independent, fundamental, Baptist church all this time.  Not many churches can say that! 

There are at least 5 PA churches that are seriously considering taking me on for support.  Please pray for these relationships to be formed up, if it’s the Lord’s will.

I had a good time at the University of Pittsburgh on Saturday at a French Immersion Program.  It was a good opportunity to hear nothing but French for a couple of hours.  I wish they had such a thing in Michigan.  I’m getting back together with these French-speakers this evening for some casual conversation in French. 

Tomorrow I lead the Bible study at Union Baptist here in Kittanning, so please pray for God to work in this time.  On Thurs I have to drive to Cleveland for a meeting with various people in BI and BMM.  Please pray for safety as I travel there and back.  On Friday I drive to eastern PA for a missions conference, so I need prayer for safety that day too.  Lots of driving!

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Being Like the Berean Jews??

October 17, 2009 by proftroy

Now that I have a blog, I have a public venue where I can voice some of insights in Scripture that the Lord has given through my study of Scriptures.  We often hear that we are to be like the Berean Christians because they searched the Scriptures daily to see if the things that Paul said were so.  As Luke says, the Bereans were “more noble” than the Thessalonians.  Because this is the common way to understand this passage, ministries and churches use “Berean” in their name, desiring to promote such a spirit among the believers.  Of course, this is an extremely honorable and godly goal.  However, it is based on a misreading of the passage.

If you read Acts 17:1-13, you will note first of all that Paul followed his normal pattern of beginning his ministry in a new city by presenting truth in the synagogue.  In Thessalonica Paul reasoned for three Sabbaths, “explaining” and “giving evidence” to the Jews.  Though some Jews were persuaded, most of the Jews apparently were not, so they stirred up things to such an extent that Paul and his company had to leave.

When Paul entered the synagogue in Berea, on the other hand, he was met with a more sympathetic crowd.  The Jews in the synagogue were “more noble-minded”, in that they showed “a willingness to learn and evaluate something fairly” (Louw and Nida’s definition of the Greek word behind “noble-minded”).  When Paul presented the two key truths of the gospel (that according to the OT the Messiah had to suffer and rise again, and that Jesus of Nazareth is that Messiah), the Berean Jews were willing to listen to Paul’s teaching and then examine the OT to see if it was in fact true.  Because they were willing to go through this process, they were confronted with truth and came to believe it.  Verse 12 says that many Jews were converted. 

The key verse that supposedly talks about the Berean Christians is v. 11.  Clearly, this verse is speaking about the Berean Jews and compares them with the Thessalonian Jews, who incidentally pursued Paul to Berea and stirred up the crowds there as well.  In other words, the ones who examined the Scriptures daily were Jews at the time and were not believers. 

This week in my devotions I was struck by another insight about this issue that also gives further clarity.  This “Be Like the Bereans” teaching is an implicit “degradation” (can’t think of a better word) of the Thessalonian Christians, because supposedly they were not as noble-minded as the Berean Christians.  I don’t think anyone would say this explicitly, but this is basically what they are saying implicitly.  But as I read 1 Thessalonians, I am struck by Paul’s praise for them by the way in which they received his preaching as the Word of God, not just as the word of men.  The Holy Spirit clearly came with power as Paul preached the gospel to them.  Therefore, I think I would be very content to “be like the Thessalonians.” 

Having said all this, I will clarify by saying that we all should be those who examine the Scriptures as we hear preaching, because we want to be assured that we are hearing truth (and because we want to act on it if it is in fact truth).  But I don’t think we should use Acts 17:11 to teach it, at least, not if we want to teach the exact truths of Scripture. 

In conclusion, I want to testify to how much the Lord has impressed on my heart recently the power of truth.  I remember being struck by this truth when I was reading Judson’s testimony about converting from a Congregationalist to a Baptist.  He and his wife (in spite of her protests) were exposed to the truth about baptism and changed their convictions, in spite of their own personal inclinations and the difficult results that they would have to face (having to break ties with their Congregational co-missionaries and churches back home). 

Of course, there are truths in Scripture that are even clearer than mode of baptism–the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ; and many other orthodox teachings.  I hope I never underestimate the power of truth if it is just taught simply and clearly.  God’s Spirit can accomplish amazing works in such a situation.

I praise the Lord for giving me opportunities to proclaim the truth on deputation.  I had a good meeting in Crossingville on Wed with a small group of believers and then with a little larger group in Enola last night.  It was a joy to preach a message on Matt. 4:4 that I have given numerous times before on deputation.  I get to sit under preaching this evening at the missions conference and will be able to minister one more time in SS tomorrow morning.  Then I have a week of no meetings before I minister again in Kittanning on Oct. 25.

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Diversity

October 12, 2009 by proftroy

Thanks for your prayers for Friday’s chapel.  Most of the students seemed to pay attention, so we’ll see if it will bear fruit.   I pray the Lord will give me grace to deny self and take up my cross daily as well.  I need to allow that sermon to continue echoing in my mind. 

Today I spoke in Spanish class about diversity.  I don’t like using that word since it’s politically worn out, but it captures what I wanted to talk about.  I wanted to expose them to some of the diversity that I’ve seen in my overseas travel.  I wanted them to see that people can be quite different from Americans and that we should respond rightly to those differences.  We should also have the right attitude towards those near to us who are different.  I used 1 Cor. 4:7 as my text, even though that verse has a different point in Paul’s discussion with the Corinthians.  Who made us to differ from another?  What do we have that we didn’t receive from God?  Since we received all things from God, why do we boast as if we didn’t receive it? 

It’s a blessing to be in a basement apartment that has a great view of a beautiful, colorful landscape out the windows.  What a peaceful place to stay!

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Loss and Denial

October 9, 2009 by proftroy

Please pray as I speak in chapel today at 1:30 on the true characteristics of discipleship. 

My time in Life Skills class went well yesterday.  I’ll be speaking in Spanish class on Mon about differences among people and how we should respond to them.

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Christian Colleges

October 9, 2009 by proftroy

Last evening I decided to accompany a group of Christian high school seniors on a trip to a college fair in Saegertown, PA.  I was disappointed that none of the schools were there that I have grown to appreciate–Bob Jones, Northland, Maranatha, or Faith.  Piedmont, Applachian, Crown, and Pensacola weren’t there either.  Instead, it was schools like Cedarville, Regent, Taylor, Valley Forge, Roberts Wesleyan, Tyndale, Geneva, Baptist Bible College, Lancaster Bible College, etc. 

I visited almost every booth and was amused as the representatives tried to figure out exactly what station of life I was in.  They weren’t sure to ask if I was looking for a college for myself or for my son.  The latter wasn’t exactly flattering, because I would need to be at least 40 to have a son ready for college.  But I sympathized with their consternation and didn’t get upset at all. 

I wanted to get a feel for the characteristics of Christian colleges and universities outside of fundamentalism.  No surprise that all of them featured CCM.  All but one that I can remember made sure that there was at least one picture of students jamming in “worship.”  A number of them said that they don’t require incoming students to sign a faith statement.  Almost all said that they accept students from any denomination (I should have asked them if they accept Muslims). 

One (Regent) even said that they allow a Catholic priest to come on campus once a week to conduct mass.  This is the school where Pat Robertson is the president (for one more year).  It’s also the headquarters for CBN and The 700 Club.  When I asked the rep if she considers Catholics to be Christians, she said that she knew ones who are, but she was quick to add that she didn’t want to get into a theological argument.   Neither did I, but I did want to at least ask her if the Protestant Reformation meant anything to her. 

I’m glad I was able to go so that I could learn more about Christian schools.  It grieved me greatly, though, to see how ecumenical and worldly these schools are.  Students may come from conservative homes and churches, but by the time they walk out of these school doors, they are much more at home in the typical contemporary church, where demoninational differences are minimized and where the services are catered to felt needs.  One rep came crom a conservative Christian Missionary Alliance church but now attends The Father’s House, where they serve you water with cucumbers or lemon (as she was proud to note).  According to her, the worship has all the smoke, lights, and noise.  Surprisingly, the pastor preaches for around 45 minutes. 

I’m glad I got to say a few words to the students in the van on the way back.  One girl was wanting to go to Regent because they have nice rooms to stay in, but I strongly encouraged her to reconsider.  Thankfully, a girl asked me if I would recommend BJU.  Without hesistation I said “Yes!”  They are already familiar with BJU through LINC.  I also recommended the schools I mentioned at the beginning. 

What a blessing that there are still fundamental schools that have not compromised with the changing face of Christianity.  We definitely need to pray for God to lead good students to these schools and that He would continue to keep their doors open.

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Schedule Filling Up Again

October 6, 2009 by proftroy

Here I thought I’d be in Butler, PA, with very little to do for two weeks except for speaking at the chapel for First Baptist Christian School on Fri afternoon.  But today, my schedule just increased with four new events.  Tomorrow evening I’ll be presenting my ministry at Perry Baptist Church in Hadley.  On Thurs I’ll be speaking in the Spanish class at FBCS.  On Tues of next week, I’ll be attending an event at Slippery Rock Baptist Camp so that I can meet a pastor or two.  On Wed of next week I’ll be presenting my ministry at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Edinboro.  Three of these four new events are thanks to Pastor Maitland here at F’irst Baptist.  He sure knows how to get people connected!

Now I need the Lord to help me know what to do this Sunday and two Weds in October (21 and 28).  We’ll see how the Lord works all that out! 

The greatest part about how things developed today is the fact that I was pretty discouraged at the lack of success I was having with calling pastors.  In most cases, I just got an answering machine or someone to take a message.  In one case, the secretary said the pastor looked at my brochure and had no interest in scheduling a meeting.  Quite discouraging!  But the Lord so graciously lifted my spirits by helping me to get two new meetings and two other events, all only hours after getting no where on the phone!

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Lincoln Highway

October 6, 2009 by proftroy

On Saturday, I had the privilege to travel on America’s first transcontinental highway.  In PA it is Highway 30.  I stayed in Chambersburg over the weekend and had to travel to Butler, PA, for a Sunday of ministry.  I decided to take a day off on Saturday, so I took the more scenic route to get across the state, rather than taking the Turnpike.  Though I drive all the time, it was very relaxing to drive once again down the highway, but this time on the Lincoln Highway.  It took me over two mountain peaks and rarely had a straight or level section that was more than half a mile long.  As I traveled across, I stopped at Shawnee State Park to enjoy the beautiful fall day and spend some time with the Lord.  It was truly a refreshing experience!

As I sat at a table on the top of a hill overlooking a lake, I read some pages out of To the Golden Shore, a biography about Adoniram Judson.  I was struck by the great difficulties he faced as he tried to enter the closed country of Burma.  Though he considered going to a different country, what compelled him to stay the course was the fact that Burma, a land of 17 million souls at the time, had no Bible.  Courtney Anderson writes,

What caught his fancy as much as anything was the fact that the Bible had never been translated into Burmese….  There would have to be a Burmese Bible before Burma could become Christian.

Nancy shared the same sentiment.   Anderson describes her thoughts as follows:

They should at least attempt, with Felix Carey, a mission among ‘a people who have never heard the sound of the gospel, or read, in their own language, of the love of Christ.’

She expresses the true missionary spirit when she is quoted as saying,

… The poor Burmans are entirely destitute of those consolations and joys which constitute our happiness; and why should we be unwilling to part with a few fleeing, inconsiderable comforts, for the sake of making them sharers with us in joys exalted as heaven, durable as eternity!

Though I as a modern-day missionary experience only a small slice of the difficulties they faced, I pray that I will be able to share their sentiments as fully as they did. 

It’s been a privilege to share my ministry of Bible translation with the churches here in Pennsylvania.  I had a great day of ministry a week from yesterday, as I presented my ministry at Grace Baptist Church in Kittanning, PA.  Pastor Kaminski and his people were very responsive to what I presented.  Then on Monday of last week, I traveled east to Lebanon where I took part in a missions conference at First Baptist Church.  Pastor Mackey and his people treated all of us missionaries extremely well.  Yesterday I spoke at First Baptist Church in Distant and then at First Baptist in Butler.  Though I had a few logistical difficulties, the Lord helped me to present my ministry clearly. 

Now I’m “camping out” in Butler until I travel back across the state for another missions conference, but this time in Enola.  You may wonder why I didn’t schedule my meetings better so that I wouldn’t have to keep traveling back and forth across the state.  The short answer is… I did!  But when meetings get rearranged or postponed, the final product isn’t always as clean as it was during the planning stages.

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