Finding The Way Forward

By
Jacqueline
Dugas

    One of the most important elements of Mission 33 is a simple three-word phrase: Finding the Hope. This phrase is now well known as the title of the Mission 33 evangelism booklet we’re distributing from coast to coast. It has proven to be a powerful statement—one that speaks of a vital quest, a deep-seated need and a tremendous fulfillment. It acknowledges that people are searching and that hope can be found.

    As I reflect on the Finding the Hope campaign, I realize that much of life is spent searching for satisfaction. This isn’t the kind of searching that keeps us opening and re-opening the same desk drawers or cabinet doors. It’s the kind of searching intent on finding purpose, meaning and the fulfillment of our deepest longings.

    In Christ, God promises to meet our greatest need, quench our deepest thirst and form us into the persons we were created to be. He promises to help us find our way forward.

    To a great degree, this is what the Finding the Hope campaign is about: Helping people in homes across Canada to find their way forward for eternity and for the present. The message of the Finding the Hope booklet invites people to consider Jesus—the One who alone is the Way, the Truth and the Life. It is an invitation to make a life-changing decision: To commit the past, present and future into the hands of a loving Lord. It is in the process of repentance and forgiveness that the entanglement of sin and all its energy is broken over a person’s life. We are then free to let go of the past and move forward.

    Newness of life is simply not possible without Jesus. This is true for those outside the Kingdom of God and for those who know the Lord as well. When Jesus rose from the grave He opened the path to new beginnings for all of us. He forged the way forward for all humanity.

    As we reflect on our long list of tasks, projects and commitments at EHC, we realize more than ever that we need strength beyond our own strength and provisions beyond what our efforts alone can produce.

    There is no disputing that Mission 33 represents a monumental challenge. But we are convinced that it is doable with the Lord’s help and your partnership. We are absolutely settled on the priority of placing a message of the Gospel in every home of our nation—a country where, for the most part, people have lost sight of the Lord. We must show them the way forward.

    Moving forward requires real grit. It requires commitment, courage and constant reliance on the Lord. He is able to do immeasurably more than what we can ask or imagine. And He is able to increase our capacity beyond our dreams. He is able to help us find a way through the fog and help us move down the path of progress!

    The Bible abounds with stories of people who found the way forward through extraordinarily complex situations. Through faith and reliance on the Lord, they fulfilled the mission entrusted to them in spite of difficult circumstances. Time after time, these people faithfully turned to the Lord in prayer, asking for His guidance, responding in obedience and acting courageously to do the next thing.

    Abraham left his homeland and his father’s house for a place he knew nothing about. He trusted the Lord for a future, a destiny and a reward he could not see...

    Moses led Israel through the most crucial event of its history, the Exodus. He trusted the Lord to make a way where there was no way...

    David, in spite of his spectacular failures, believed that God would keep His promises and establish His throne forever...

    Paul battled against formidable obstacles, stubborn mindsets and fierce opposition. He planted the church of Christ amongst the Gentiles. He began his journey as a blind man with a clear mission from the Lord: To carry His name to the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel (Acts 9:15).

    In January we sent out a call to prayer for a divine breakthrough for 2010. Like many who have gone before us, we find ourselves entrusted with a mission greater than our strength. However, we are serving a God who is greater than our limitations and greater than the social currents opposing the Gospel. Because of Him, we know there is a way forward.

    Please keep praying with us for a divine breakthrough for the Mission 33 initiative in Canada and for EHC’s work around the world. Lost people need to be given direction and shown the way forward.

    I also want to encourage you to trust the Lord to help you find the way forward in your special circumstances. The Lord has not abandoned us as orphans. We can confidently turn to our Father’s great strength, mercy and love. Because of Christ Jesus, there is a way forward, whatever your circumstance.

    Let’s make this year a year of bold and courageous faith. Let’s find the way forward to the glory of His name. And let’s do all that we can to help many find the way forward for now and for eternity.