Monday, August 07, 2023

What did the multitude know? Verse 10 explains it: Jesus had taken His disciples into a retreat location in a deserted place to debrief them and be alone with them. The multitude followed. What did Jesus offer to those who came to Him? He spoke to them about the Kingdom of God and healed those who were sick. We need to know that this is still what God expects of us as believers. When people locate us wherever we are, our first call is to talk to them about the Gospel and then meet as many physical needs as the Lord empowers us to offer. Several years ago we set up Jesus Kitchen Free Feeding Pantry in our area of Nigeria. We offered a free breakfast to all who walked in by 9 a.m. each day, Monday through Saturday. Then on Sunday morning we served breakfast in the church. It was amazing the number of people who walked in to partake of what we had to offer. They came in and a pastor prayed and shared encouragement from the Scriptures, and then food was served. The joy flowing from both those who were served and those serving was enormous. As believers, I believe this pattern still works, and we are encouraged to take a cue from our Lord, even as we reach out to end Gospel poverty.

The Haggai ministry has helped me build relationships with other believers in Nigeria and outside Nigeria. So the network has been beneficial in so many ways as I have a better understanding of cultures and customs when sharing the Gospel.