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MARCH 2007 MISSION REPORT
Representatives of the Venezuelan Union, Maruak village, Colgransa School, AMA Medical Aviation program and Union College IRR program, met a few days ago with high government leaders in Caracas. Though generally not supportive of private health-care initiatives and private education, the government leaders listened to the history of the church work in Venezuela and all received literature. We are thankful to God for allowing this opportunity and are confident that God will continue to protect the highly influential medical and educational work as He has always done before.
“BROUGHT BEFORE KINGS FOR MY NAME’S SAKE” (Luke 21:12)
They stared at the walls around them as they entered the room. The room was filled with computers, and the walls with large monitors and charts. It was obvious they were entering the inner headquarters of top military command.
“Have a seat here while I go and check on the rest of the group. It looks like they are a bit late,” the general said, motioning to some chairs nearby and headed for the door.
The small group, including representatives from the Venezuelan Union administration, Maruak village leadership, Colgransa school administration, AMA Medical Aviation service, and Union College’s IRR (International Relief and Rescue) program, sat down quietly, wondering why they were brought there and left alone.
“OK, all is ready,” the general said as he re-entered the room a few minutes later. “Please follow me.”
They followed the general down the hall and into a small auditorium. Nearly thirty people sat there waiting for them, representatives of the government ministries and different military branches. This was not to be a small, private meeting with the Vice-President as they had asked for
What followed next was somewhat of an emotional roller coaster. The general attitude of the officials was obviously not supportive of any medical or community work which was not sponsored and directed by the central government. Yet, this was clearly a God-directed opportunity as, for most, this was the first time they had really heard about the Seventh-day Adventist Church and its mission, or about the miraculous visions given to indigenous leaders which turned the village of Maruak into the model village it is today. Beautiful magazines on health and other church literature was given to every person present.
An important chapter in the spread of the Gospel throughout the world is being written right now in Venezuela. In the past, attacks against the educational and medical work among the indigenous peoples have only brought greater unity of support and greater growth of the work. There is every reason to believe that the same will happen again.
We are witnesses of an interesting phenomenon in this battle, which no doubt will soon be replicated on a global scale. - -
As the church focuses on its mission, it will face hostility from some quarters - Threats serve as a blessing as they create closer spiritual unity
- Open attacks bring open evidences of divine protection
- Those who honor God are the very ones who end up being honored.
- The greater the pressure, the greater the growth.
- Great couraùge and firm conviction were expressed by the Maruak village captain Alvaro and his assistant Donald. Though one general threatened them, another expressed great confidence in them. God’s work needs leaders today who are not afraid. Please pray for them.
- It is not a time to be afraid, but to stand bravely for truth, knowing that God is seeking to bring His people into contact with those who are in high positions of influence and power.
- Because of this difficulty, the Venezuelan Union is planning to mobilize church medical professionals to do a volunteer work within its own borders.
- Let us play offense, not defense. It is time for conquering and praise.
- Only those who are obedient to God’s Word and His prophets will be prospered.
THE DREAM: The Mountain, the Lighthouse, the Book, the Man in white and the Military
The history of the Amerindian peoples in Guyana and Venezuela is filled with God’s leading through dreams and visions. The location of the village, the school and the aviation program is not an accident, but directly ordained of God. Their dreams confirmed not only the location but also the fact that a great light would stream from this location to fill the entire country.
The most recent dream, however, came from a different source. One of the IRR students from Union College, Benjamin, recently recounted another amazing dream he had during the past year while in the US. The dream went unrecognized until he found himself on top of our mountain, praying with the other students for God’s leading and protection. He suddenly recognized the mountain as being the same one as in his dream. Below is Ben’s dream, recounted in my own words as I heard it.
THE DREAM
Ben dreamed that he stood on a small mountain from where streamed a powerful light emitted by a lighthouse on top of the mountain. Curious, he walked up to the lighthouse to look inside and discovered that it was coming from an open Bible inside the building. Stepping inside, he found that there was a man, dressed in white standing beside the book. Looking outside, Ben noticed that at the base of the mountain was a heavy military presence with men running around searching for something. Initially, he was frightened and sought to hide from them. However, the man in white calmed his nerves, telling him not to be afraid, and informing him that the military men were only searching for the Bible.
Understanding that God is utilizing this situation to expose the many military men to truth and the confirmation that the light from God’s Word will continue shining brightly from this place is a great has been of great encouragement to everyone. It confirms that once again God has a beautiful plan and that He is totally in control.
YOUR PRAYERS OF PRAISE NEEDED
Please join me in praise to God for this beautiful opportunity to reach the Venezuelan government. Pray that God will bless them with conviction and wisdom to make the right decisions that will protect His work. Pray also that divine courage and wisdom be given to our church leadership there and for spiritual and physical protection of those carrying forward this beautiful work of love in the jungles of Venezuela.
From the front lines,
David Gates
Assoc. Director of Communication & ADRA
Venezuela-Antilles Union
President of Gospel Ministries International ************************************************************
“Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:6-9
“Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper…And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.” 2 Chronicles 20:20-22
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