by Aaron White, WEGO Storyteller
“To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Colossians 1:27
New Years always bring new hopes of glory. Goals achieved, weights cast aside, relationships won, sickness healed. We write our hopes down, we discipline ourselves, and we look to the horizon of our very own story to a happy end. Why does it always seem to elude us?
Even the happiest of outcomes carry on past the moment when credits should have begun rolling. We find out the hard way over and over that we aren’t the center of the story. Because yes, you lost the weight, but you found the same old insecurities waiting just on the other side. The long lost friend is back in your life, but forgiveness is a lot more work than you expected. Someone you love is dealing with a sickness that doesn’t seem to improve no matter how much you pray.
James 4:14 says that our lives are like a vapor that appears for a little while, an idea repeated throughout scripture. It is right to pray and work toward good things in our lives, but we have to humble ourselves to accept that the reason our lives don’t pan out the way we would write the story is because Christ and his glory is the center of the narrative, not our fleeting goals. In his grace, he makes a place for us, but the glory we hope to see, our happy ending, is his ultimate victory in his name, not our own. Even as we hope for glory, it is his eternal glory we await, not our own. And we do await the day we are clothed in it, because his glory will never fade the way earthly glory does.
So start this year with us praying that God will help you and each person in this guide to hope for God’s glory in their life and not their own, because only then can we begin to understand the path he is leading us down.
Join Us in Praying for Our Home Build!
Please join us this week in praying for the office/clinic of the new children’s home. A two-for-one, this room will not only be a workspace for our staff but also a place of rest and healing for children who are ill.
How You Can Pray
Pray this room becomes a place of deep nurture for our kids. Pray they come to know the God of all comfort here.
Tent of David – UB, Mongolia
About Tent of David:
Otgonbaatar is the pastor of Tent of David in UB. He has led the church for almost ten years. They have services for children, adults and young adults. Together their church vision is to grow in strength and fellowship, and to train and send out missionaries.
How You Can Pray:
1) For the members’ health
2) For Otgonbaatar and his family
3) For open hearts in the community
Baptist Church – Nicaragua
From Pastor Matute:
“I am from Managua where my church is also located. My wife’s name is Lorena, and we have a son, Ricardo, who is 12. I’ve been a pastor for 20 years now. We have 40 active members who gather 3 times a week. I am also in charge of other churches. I help them with evangelism, etc. Every month we’ve had 10 souls saved, praise the Lord. I live in my own house. In my free time I love hanging out with my precious family. I believe that the Lord is doing amazing things here, and we are a tool in God’s hands. I love serving the Lord, I thank you for praying for us as we pray for all of you.”
How You Can Pray:
1) For those who are suffering
2) For health to continue what I am doing
3) Protection for all the pastors and their church members around the world
Puje – Ministry Director, Mongolia
About Puje (center):
This month we’re praying for Puje. Puje is the director of WEGO’s Mongolian ministries. He is an extraordinarily humble man with talents galore. For instance, he is appreciated around the children’s home for his horse-head violin playing.
How You Can Pray:
1) For his health and family
2) For his ministry leadership and management
3) For his spiritual growth
Marcos Lezama – Math Teacher, Nicaragua
From Marcos:
“I am 36 years old, I am married. My wife’s name is Tania and is a stay at home mom. I have been working for WEGO for 5 years now. I also have 2 girls. One is 16 and the other is 7. We don’t attend any church. I love playing billiards and football in my free time. I thank God for allowing me to be a part of WEGO. I believe God has a purpose for each of us. I love the food we eat and I love sharing about God with our students.”
How You Can Pray:
1) For good health
2) For my family to be united
3) For WEGO’s ministry
Lyankhua – New Hope Children’s Home, Mongolia
About Lyankhua:
Lyankhua is the younger sister of another girl at the children’s home. She is 7 years old and in the 2nd grade. She has a laugh that can light up a room!
How You Can Pray:
1) Pray for her family
2) For her studies
3) For the children at New Hope Children’s Home
Norlan and Leonardo, New Hope School
About Norlan and Leonardo:
These two are headed to 8th grade when classes resume, so let’s pray for their transition! Both live and attend church in the Roman Esteban community with their families.
How You Can Pray:
1) Pray for them to have good health this year
2) Pray for their families
3) That they would do well this school year