Global Outreach Foundation
PO Box 2190 Abbotsford BC V2T 3X8
Resurrection – Lockdown.
Matt. 27:64-66.
Dear Mission’s Partner,
At this special Easter season, Shirley and I wish you a blessed time, rejoicing in our Saviour’s resurrection.
At Christ’s crucifixion the earth quaked when His work was finished, (Jn:19:30) and the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom. (Matt.27:50). After Christ’s entombment the chief priests and Pharisees implored Pilate to set a secure guard at the tomb – Lockdown. (Matt.27:64-66). When He rose from the dead there was a similar earthquake. (Matt.28:2). The Gr. word for earthquake includes quake, trembling or shaking.
When God speaks in scripture, He uses various shaking methods. In the sin of Noah’s day, He used a cataclysmic flood. (Gen.6:13-18). To bring the children of Israel out of Egypt, he un-leashed ten plagues. (Ex.7-12). At the giving of the law on Mt. Sinai, the whole mountain quaked greatly. (Ex.19:18). Scripture speaks of “The mountains quake before Him, the hills melt, the earth heaves at His presence, Yes, the world and all who dwell in it”. (Nah.1:5). The Psalmist David lamented, “You have made the earth tremble; You have broken it; Heal its breaches, for it is shaking”. ( Psa.60:2).
In addition, the Bible speaks in (Hag.2:6,21) of a yet future ‘end-time’ shaking. “…Once more…I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land”. The things that can be shaken are being shaken, that the things which cannot be shaken will remain. (Heb.12:27). The believer has an eternal kingdom which cannot be shaken and will remain. “Once more…shaking”. (Heb.12:26). The Fathers word to His child today is: “Be still and know that I am God…”. (Psa.46:10).When we have applied the blood of Christ to the door posts and lintel of our lives, His word to us is, “…The Lord will pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to come into your houses to strike you “ (Ex.12:23). We are further assured, “…Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling…”. (Psa.91:10). Be encouraged; “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage. and He shall strengthen your heart; wait. I say, on the LORD. (Psa.27:14). Also. “… My peace I give unto you, not as the world gives do I give to you, let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid. (Jn.14:27).
Throughout history there have been cataclysmic events, many times the nations have identified them as God’s divine shaking. This generation appears to be witnessing similar and frequent devastating shakings. To list a few: Hurricanes, prolonged uncontrollable fires, deluges of rain with extended flooding, earthquakes, tsunamis with massive loss of life. On the human side, various prolonged stock market crashes, governments in disarray, international espionage, germ warfare, cyber crime, devastating multiple aviation crashes with mega loss of life; to say nothing of human trafficking, child slavery and the list seems endless. Artificial intelligence development is in its infancy and is hatching its own unimaginable future benefits and horrors. Make no mistake, these represent end-time ‘shakings’. For God speaks once, yes twice, and the heart of man pays no attention”. (Job.33:14).
Now the world is basically on lockdown with the latest ‘plague’, Covid-19. Another shaking! Where will it end? Presently, governments are being stretched to their limits and beyond, scrambling to get a handle on the unseen destroyer. Financial commitments are being made in the trillions, far beyond the expectation to balance budgets in the foreseeable future. The global economic loss is incalculable; the loss of human life and devastation on families and their future is beyond comprehension.
For Christ there was no lockdown; death could not hold him. “…But God raised Him from the dead, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was Impossible for Him to be held in its clutches”. (Act.2:24). By the same token Christ himself assures us, that, “…Because I live you shall live also”. (Jn.14:19).The apostle Paul affirms, ”Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord”.(1.The.4:17).
Global happenings
On Global’ s total prayer support base around the world the records show many intercessors are praying many levels deep, each day of the year. This is a wonderful encouragement for us, and we invite you to please add your name to that list, by e-mail or phone.
This is a very interesting year of ministry and there are various projects being undertaken. Please keep us in prayer as we work toward seeing each one through.
The following are some:
COVID-19
Resulting from the present COVID-10 disruption, even our immediate schedule is on hold. What the future months have in store remains to be seen. In the meantime, all of Global’s other projects continue to move forward, subject to donor revenue continuing smoothly on a monthly basis. Given the last several months figures, this has not been the case. Donations have trickled to an almost standstill. We desperately need our prayer warriors to intercede at this critical time. The ministry needs a miracle; to see the floodgate open and enable the monthly commitments here and overseas to be honoured. Please stand with us now, as the Lord leads, and you are able.
GOF Annual Banquet.
In view of the above COVID-19 disruption at this time, Fri. Oct. 15th. is presently confirmed for the Global Outreach Fellowship Banquet. With the COVID-19 epidemic uncertainty, if this date is not possible, you will be alerted later in the summer. As before, the location will be Garden Park Tower, Clearbrook Rd Abbotsford, commencing at appox.6:30PM.
CHURCH PLANTS
There are SEVEN different church plant in various stages of completion. These are long term projects and need faithful regular monthly support. A total project may be underwritten in memory of a loved one. Please contact me for a specific church location and budget sizes The total donation will go to that particular church plant and carry the name of the loved one. The land for these buildings is already purchased and construction is well advanced. Some just need completion.
UNIVERSITY STUDENT RETREAT
A large College and University student conference retreat for several hundred will enable us to teach and train them in the Word of God for four days. This is an incredible opportunity to develop strong Christian leaders to reach their own and future generations. Global contributes a sizable portion of this project. In past years many have given their lives to Christ, have been healed or delivered, or received their Holy Spirit anointing.
BIBLE COLLEGE OPPORTUNITY
We are trusting the Lord to lay it on someone’s spirit for this most important ministry project. We have a completed and fully functional Bible College ready to operate. The land and building capital cost has all been met – CLEAR TITLE , NO DEBT. From one or several sources, the need is ONLY to fund a modest monthly operating budget. We are in desperate need of graduating students to fill existing pastorates and supply ministry to the new church plants. We have students with one or two years already completing and they need to continue to Grad. I have all the financial summaries and will be glad to discuss the program with you in fullest confidence. This is one of the greatest long term, kingdom building projects, which will graduate students, future pastors, evangelists and workers until Christ returns. Please intercede for this great burden that is on our hearts. You, or together with several others may be part of God’s solution for this unique opportunity.
OVERSEAS EVANGELISM & SEMINARS
For our next overseas trip in July (DV) for evangelism, pastors’ seminars, together with the many other aspect of ministry beyond what is presently planned, we also need funding. In keeping with GOUKL’s financial commitments, wherever possible we endeavour to remain debt free. This is not always possible, as ministry cost overseas may on occasion exceeds the proposed budget. Therefore we are trusting God for pre-departure funding of around $11,500. Please make this trips’ budget need, a matter of serious intercession.
NEW CANADIAN HOME BASE
As of March 1. 2020, Shirley and I have now arranged to have a stronger presence in Canada. In a wonderful way, (nothing short of a miracle) by the hand of God, we have secured a small apartment in Abbotsford. This will allow us a private corner here to call home and a base to work overseas from.
HOMEGOING OF MAJOR PARTNERS
Resulting from the ‘Homegoing’ of a large number of our long-time monthly donor Partners, over the past eighteen months, there is a significant shortfall in monthly donations. This shortfall causes us deep concern. May I please encourage you to pray about and stand with us in this monthly support way? However much or little you are led to give will be what God will supply for His ministry through you and us together. This would be a great answer to prayer, helping to fill the support void of those who have gone to Glory. Thank you in His Name!
A SPECIAL WORD FROM SHIRLEY
A few thoughts to add in closing. Many have blessed this ministry, which brings tears to my eyes when I think of the faithful ones who have given and prayed daily over many years. Several were professional ladies, some of whom I had known as a teenager. These ladies were always safe ground for my friendship and an important part of my life. They loved missions and made it possible for Global to minister on the ‘front lines. My own dear brother and his wife seldom miss a Global banquet and support faithfully.
The seasons of life change, and old age is one of them. Many are now unwell or unable to attend or support in this season. Many have been up lifted to their final reward. In the past month we have attended three funerals of those special Generals of Missions. I have been blessed to honour their lives by being a faithful, caring missions’ messenger on their behalf.
Changing seasons also applies to us. Ours is the challenge to fit into His call and receive His enabling to honour Him in ministry until it too becomes our ‘uplifting’. You have been an important part of everything He has achieved in these years. Many of the projects John has mentioned above are ‘heavy on my heart’ and I pray God to see them through, even only a new roof on a jungle church.
John is much better and is looking for total recovery. Many around the world are praying for us. Many also write about his last book and how it is being enjoyed – and expecting his new one soon. Thank you for loving us, for praying and for your support as you are able.
John and I stopped for a lunch snack recently at Denny’s. We were chatting as I looked around us in and almost empty restaurant but saw no one I knew. My heart was heavy, and we needed some answers to prayer. Living by faith can often be a trial. As we talked happily about this and that, life’s joys and His blessings, favour and surprises. Most of the time we were practically alone in the coffee shop- no one within fifteen feet of us. When it came time to pay the bill, the server looked a little sheepish and said, “The couple on the other side of the room paid your bill before leaving.” We serve a faithful God. Its never been easy but He’s always with us in victory.
MAY WE HEAR FROM YOU?
To discuss any of the above projects confidentially, to ask any questions, or express your ideas or leading of the Holy Spirit on any of the above, please be free to contact us. We would love to hear from you. Your continuing support in reaching the lost and ministering into critically needy lives as a faithful team Partner is deeply appreciated and necessary, to continue having the victories we see.
Our email address is still : Email: johnabraham@shaw.ca & shirleyabraham@shaw.ca
HIS BLESSING TO YOU
At this Easter time, our love and prayers are with you and your families. We wish you good health and His favour in every area of your life. Thank you again for this past year of your investment in His kingdom work. And for the many years of faithful support in reaching the lost with us. Your continuing partnership with us is so important. God bless you!
In His love & Service.
John & Shirley Abraham 260320