P.O. Box 1894Gilbert, AZ 85299
Phone: (888) 799-2326
| Ministry Update |
Winter 2010Dear Friends, Wait! If you got this far—PLEASE read through to the end. I promise you it will all tie together. I had the privilege of returning to the Land of Israel for a too-quick, one-week trip in January. The main reason for traveling was to work on a special CJFM project. We’ll be sharing all the details as the project gets closer to completion, but we have a lot to accomplish before it’s done—so stay tuned. I am working on this project with Dr. Tim Sigler, our scholar-in-residence in Israel. We had a chance to work hard and to visit hard. Is that really the way to put it—visit hard? Yes, in Israel you do everything with all your might: work, play, and visit! We managed to see old friends in Jerusalem, and to make a few new friends. I also got to see some places I’ve never had the chance to visit while on tour. It was a nice trip. We went to a CJFM worker’s Saturday morning meeting/Bible study. Tim was teaching, and I was asked to do a story. I had some reservations, not simply because my limited language skills would not allow me to do the story in Hebrew, but there would have to be several translators for all the different people who would be listening. Imagine going to a play and after hearing every line, it would then be translated into four different languages. I thought the continuity, at the very least, would suffer. But I did offer to do whatever was needed at the service, so I couldn’t say no. That morning I decided to perform the story of the paralytic (Mark 2:1-12). As usual, God’s word came through. As I told the story I had to wait for translations into Hebrew, Spanish, Russian, and—for the first time—Arabic. In the audience were people from South America, the former Soviet Union, a Holocaust survivor, and a Palestinian. I noticed several people tear up as God’s mercy and power—shown through the Messiah—became clear to all of us. Several people spoke to me after the story. One man, in particular, said it was difficult to continue translating because the story deeply touched him. After 15 years I know I shouldn’t be amazed that God uses every opportunity—no matter how difficult it may appear from our perspective—to glorify Himself through His word. It is a real blessing to be used by God to speak to people from so many different countries and cultures. But that is the reason I began the ministry of 2nd Adam—to tell the stories of the Bible and let God work through His word. It couldn’t have happened at a better time. At home, it has been harder than usual to get into churches and share the stories of Scripture. Many churches, as I’m sure you know, have cut back on their budgets and the number of guest speakers. It’s very discouraging to call and hear “not this time” from church after church. I even started to wonder if God wanted me to move on and leave the telling of His stories to someone else. Then Israel. God used my opportunity to share at the study to remind me once again that He uses His word to touch people’s hearts; His word reaches all people, from all parts of the world. He doesn’t need a fancy building or sound system, or even the ability to speak the language. All God asks is that someone is willing. As you know, I am willing. With your help and prayers, I have been “Bringing the Bible to Life” for the past 15 years. People have come to faith, rededicated their lives, and been excited about the Scriptures. So let me tie it all together as I promised in the beginning of this letter. I need your help to get through this season. If the ministry of 2nd Adam has touched you, please take a minute and send in a gift to help me to continue in the work God has called me to do for Him. Better yet, forget that, let me ask this, please pray about what God would like you to do. It’s better to leave it with Him; He always does the right thing. PRAYER MATTERS
Please send your gifts to CJF Ministries Designated for Rob and Sharon Styler Thanks and shalom, Rob and Sharon Styler CONTACT INFORMATION |
