I had a big update that I was going to post today with pictures and all, but it just doesn't seem appropriate to on a day like today. It can wait till this weekend. Right now I have something I need major prayer for.
This evening I will be going to the hostel tonight to give my speech to the high school and elementary kids there for devotions. Just like I always do every night. But tonight I am not just sharing a normal speech. This speech took hours to prepare and it’s long and deep. I will be telling Ian Hensel’s story and the encouragement he has been in my life. I have collected many Jon Piper quotes from his book "Don't Waste Your Life". That I recently read (one of the main things that showed me I wanted more with my life, in missions). Of course I have lots of scripture as well.
As I talk to these kids I’m basically I'm going to emphasize that even though I'm here to build relationships with them, I'm not here to just be friends, I'm here to share the honest truth about the gospel with them. I am going to talk about death, hell, serving earthly "gods", getting your priorities right, and living a life not mediocre for Christ, but one fire. I'm going to blunt with them, but I want them to see I'm serious and here for the purpose of sharing the Gospel. I need them to see that I’m not okay with them wasting their lives. I’m here to focus on the gospel. These aren't easy topics and I have a lot to say. This is a big night. I’m ready to cry. Chances are I will. But if a grown man, with a beard, ever has an excuse to cry it is because he is begging to give a gift,the Gospel, which WILL change your eternity forever.
Pray for the kids to receive this message well and for me to have the right words to say.
Also never stop praying for the Hensels. It’s easy to question God and struggle in hard times as these. Pray for the Hensels to have peace and comfort in this rough part of their lives. Pray that they see it all part of God’s plan.
This evening I will be going to the hostel tonight to give my speech to the high school and elementary kids there for devotions. Just like I always do every night. But tonight I am not just sharing a normal speech. This speech took hours to prepare and it’s long and deep. I will be telling Ian Hensel’s story and the encouragement he has been in my life. I have collected many Jon Piper quotes from his book "Don't Waste Your Life". That I recently read (one of the main things that showed me I wanted more with my life, in missions). Of course I have lots of scripture as well.
As I talk to these kids I’m basically I'm going to emphasize that even though I'm here to build relationships with them, I'm not here to just be friends, I'm here to share the honest truth about the gospel with them. I am going to talk about death, hell, serving earthly "gods", getting your priorities right, and living a life not mediocre for Christ, but one fire. I'm going to blunt with them, but I want them to see I'm serious and here for the purpose of sharing the Gospel. I need them to see that I’m not okay with them wasting their lives. I’m here to focus on the gospel. These aren't easy topics and I have a lot to say. This is a big night. I’m ready to cry. Chances are I will. But if a grown man, with a beard, ever has an excuse to cry it is because he is begging to give a gift,the Gospel, which WILL change your eternity forever.
Pray for the kids to receive this message well and for me to have the right words to say.
Also never stop praying for the Hensels. It’s easy to question God and struggle in hard times as these. Pray for the Hensels to have peace and comfort in this rough part of their lives. Pray that they see it all part of God’s plan.
It has been a sad day, and I am ONLY at peace because I KNOW that Ian is in heaven cancer free now. My guess is he is building Legos with Jesus. All I know is he is enjoying time with the heavenly Father. And that we will see him again someday. Already Ian is an amazing testimony that could change these kids’ lives for eternity.
In the end, God is good.
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| Ian Hensel. Your story will change lives around the world. |
Prayers continue for His Good Work being done by you...a bearded guy who looks like a clone of his Uncle Kevin...whom we've loved all his life...and now we are so delighted to share your adventure 'cause your Wolff grandparents (our dear friends for over forty years)shared your blog with us.
ReplyDeleteGod, touch the dear hearts of all those, children and adults, who hear Your Hope, Your Love, Your Promise from Mark's messages and from his life, there in India and here in America. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Hey Mark,
ReplyDeleteI will be honest and say that I've only read this post, and yesterday's, so I haven't been keeping up with how your trip has been going. From what I've read, it sounds like things are going really well, and that God is working through you to reach these kids.
I will be praying that your speech goes well, and that the message is brought forth, even through the tears and moments where you remember Ian. I also will be praying that you are able to minister effectively and, most importantly, as Jesus Himself did years ago when He walked the earth. That's what the Great Commission is all about, right?
Hope you're doing well, and all of us back home are waiting to hear how things go when you return. :)
Thomas