CEE Story From The Mission Field
Forward by Faith
December 9, 2003
The only way to move forward in CEE is by faith. We have been faced with the decline of the U.S. dollar, terrorist threats, fewer volunteers, CEE government resistance to missionary work, cuts in IMB jobs, budget reductions and a restriction on the flow of new missionaries. All of this has occurred while CEE still needs to enter more than 60 new peoples/cities, not to mention the global need for 3,500 more missionaries to reach ALL peoples with the gospel. Is there any other way forward but by faith?
On May 13, 1900, inventor Wilbur Wright wrote a passionate letter mentioning the fact that “for some years I have been afflicted with the belief that flight is possible to man. My disease has increased in severity and I feel that it will soon cost me an increased amount of money if not my life.”
Just four years after beginning his endeavor to fly, his afflicting belief became a reality that changed the world. That accomplishment is even more amazing when you consider the challenges that the Wright brothers faced. Neither of the Wright brothers was well educated, funded or respected. In fact, their critics’ constant criticism continued even after their first flight because of widespread belief that their reports were false. Despite these obstacles, on Dec. 17, 1903, the Wright brothers established their place in history.
The Wright brothers are not alone. Men and women with this kind of single focus have achieved remarkable accomplishments in spite of criticism and obstacles. Isn't accomplishing God’s commission even more possible for those who work by faith in God? In this edition of HOPE4CEE are great testimonies of God’s work through faith and His sovereign power throughout 2003.
What about next year? Simply put, in 2004 CEE’s budget guarantees only the basic support needed to keep our current missionaries on the field and administrative functions performed. All of the essential evangelistic materials, missionary orientation, training, spiritual retreats (AGMs), outreach projects, new church starts, leadership development of local/national believers, and compassion ministries will have to come by faith and prayer.
We in CEE simply do not believe that God is surprised by these obstacles. We do not believe He has provided His vision, incredible missionaries, key Baptist and Great Commission partners, and progress toward “Hope for Every Heart, a Church-Planting Movement for Every People” by 2010 in order for us to back up now. Henry Blackaby, author of Experiencing God, calls this a “crisis of belief.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 states that we must “walk by faith, not by sight.” Hebrews 11:6 declares that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” God gets glory for Himself, saves people and builds His kingdom through the exercise of obedient faith.
People told the Wright brothers that man could not fly. They did, and the world was not the same! Some say “faith” is no way to implement the 2004 IMB ministry in CEE. Hebrews 11:1 says that “faith is being SURE of what we hope for and CERTAIN of what we do not see.” We will see God work, and CEE will not be the same!
So, by faith we press forward! Will you join us in this journey of faith in 2004? To God be the glory!
Rodney Hammer,
Regional Leader, CEE
(Thanks to Troy Bush, IMB Strategy Coordinator for Moscow, Russia, for excerpts from his article “Afflicted with Belief.”)
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