By Zach Dodd, Director of WEGO
“I have become its (the church) servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is…”
Colossians 1:25-27a
I once had a bad idea. OK, OK, I’ve had a bunch of them but this one stands out. It all started when I moved in with my grandparents during college to save up money for an engagement ring and immediately started dreaming up Carlie’s dream proposal. I wanted to put my crazy love for her on full display. I wanted a proposal story for the ages. I wanted her to know the lengths I would go to show her my love, now and forever. Unsatisfied with the clichés of fireworks, hot air balloons, and sky-writing, I dreamed big….
A surprise wedding.
I mean, I literally considered asking her to marry me with the whole ceremony, attendees, and reception ready to go in the wings. We’d get hitched right then and there, just a few moments after the ‘Yes’. I knew Carlie didn’t want to mess with all the stresses of a big wedding so I thought I’d take care of it all for her. My wise dad quickly talked some sense into me. I settled on another beautiful, yet ceremony-less, proposal that I was still able to surprise her with. We were married four months later on a hillside in Italy surrounded by our family and a setting sun. I didn’t get to pull off the surprise I originally wanted but I still bet she would have loved it if I had.
Here’s the deal, some surprises are pretty fun. They work out best when they are worth the wait, mystery, and all the arranging behind the scenes. Like a love-sick boyfriend planning a surprise proposal to sweep his girl up, God was working out his plans in secret until the time was right. Paul tells us that beautiful mystery, kept hidden for ages, was finally and fully unveiled in Jesus. All the longings for a messiah, all of Israel’s hope and dreams were made known to the whole world in the coming of Christ. The Bridegroom showed up in crazy love to pursue and surprise His Bride. What a beautiful day when the mystery was over and God revealed Himself in Love. This mystery is no longer a surprise to us either. Paul writes it out clearly in the final words of Colossians 1:27. It is…drumroll…‘ ‘Christ in you, the hope of glory’. What divinely beautiful words these are. This is the mystery we’ve been waiting for. Even better than a surprise wedding.
We will be taking a slow crawl through these seven profound words over the next few months. We hope to gain an even better understanding of this once-mystery, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” For this month, thank God for His secrets revealed and that we are no longer left wondering or wandering in the dark. Pray, too, for the beautiful people throughout this guide that they may walk freely with unveiled faces towards the goodness of God waiting for them in Christ.
Join Us in Praying for Our Home Build!
This month, pray with us for the entryway in the new children’s home. In frozen tundras, enclosed entryways are just as important as bathrooms. This room is where shoes are kept and how the cold is kept outside.
How You Can Pray
We long for our home to not just be a shelter but a launching pad for missionaries. Pray Isaiah 52:7, that beautiful feet walk out these doors to proclaim peace and salvation.
Forever Light Kingdom – Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
About Forever Light Kingdom:
Forever Light Kingdom first opened their doors on December 29, 1991. They are led by Pastor Batsukh.
How You Can Pray:
1) Pray God would bless Pastor Batsukh and his family.
2) Pray that God will grow their church as they disciple and evangelize in their community.
3) Pray for them as they have a committee meeting on the 27th, that the Holy Spirit would guide it and their ministry.
Faith Baptist Church – Nicaragua
From Pastor Martin Lopez:
“I have been a pastor for 10 years now. My wife’s name is Ileana. We have 2 girls and 2 boys. Claudia, Vitia, Martin Junior and Jordan. Our church is located at El Quebracho, near the ocean. We have services on Mondays and Sundays. Our goal is to serve God and rescue souls for Christ. We live for Jesus. Thank you for praying for us as we do for you all.”
How You Can Pray:
1) Pray for our spiritual growth.
2) Pray God would provide a church building.
3) Pray for all the hopeless.
Sonomjid – Caregiver, Mongolia
About Sonomjid (right):
Sonomjid has been a caregiver for New Hope Children’s Home for several years now. She and her husband have 3 kids and 3 grandkids. In her free time she enjoys reading. She is sweet and maternal with the kids, a welcoming presence in the home.
How You Can Pray:
1) Pray God would bless her family.
2) Pray for her health, especially her leg, which has lately given her trouble.
3) Pray that her husband would receive Jesus as his savior.
Miriam Lopez – Bible Teacher/Communications Coordinator, Nicaragua
From Miriam:
“I am now 37 years old. I have one daughter named Ariana who is 3 years old and 6 months, and one on the way. We are hoping for a little boy. My husband Hugo is 38 years old and works as a driver. I attend Oasis Church in Diriamba City, plus we have a youth group at home where we do games and Bible studies. I thank the Lord for allowing me to be part of the WEGO staff. All I want is to serve and follow the Lord’s heart. I love the students and the teachers. I also love the chicken and vegetables that the ladies cook.”
How You Can Pray:
1) Pray for all those who think there is no hope.
2) Pray for peace in all the nations.
3) Pray that God would keep my family healthy.
Gantsetseg – New Hope Children’s Home, Mongolia
About Gantsetseg:
Gantsetseg just recently came to New Hope Children’s Home. She is 9 years old. We are already looking forward to getting to know her!
How You Can Pray:
1) They are trying to get her enrolled in school, but are having trouble locating her school records. Pray God would help them resolve the issue and get her enrolled.
2) Pray God would keep her healthy and show her his providence.
3) Ask God to bless her family and show them his goodness.
Maryling Lopez – After School Program, Nicaragua
From Maryling:
“Hello, I am 11 years old and in the 6th grade. My mom is Mirta Esteban, she is 28 and a stay at home mom. My dad is Wilber Lopez. He’s 32 and works at the police station. I love reading and helping my mom with the house work. I am in the after school program. I love being here because I’ve learned so much. Most importantly, I’ve learned about Jesus. Not only am I getting help with my classes, but with my spiritual life as well.”
How You Can Pray:
1) Pray that God will keep my family healthy.
2) Pray for my studies, that I would get good grades.
3) Pray God will keep my dad safe.