Greetings from Portugal,
Before we head out again, I wanted to give you an update on two fantastic trips to Morocco. This North African country has been in our hearts for years. Since 1991, we have gone to Morocco every year, (many times more than once a year). We have sent missionaries there for a number of years and have crisscrossed the land, praying, declaring the Word of God and ministering as opportunities arose. Because it is a country restricted to the Gospel, and because of the persecution of Christians, our relationship with the indigenous Church has been minimal. We have built many bridges with other foreign workers, and have helped meet needs during the earthquake of 2023 and the Covid pandemic. But our primary work has been in the area of prayer walking and strategic intercession. I say this only to emphasize that our investment there has been consistent and extensive.
In May we went once again with the intent of interceding in strategic areas of the country. We met with local leaders and sensed the Lord was opening the hearts of the people like never before. Changes are happening on the national level and new laws have been passed making it legal for a person to change his religious status. (before, this was impossible). There is still persecution in the workplace and among families, but has loosened up officially. More and more people are open to reading the Bible and conversing with believers. It is a new day for Morocco.
Last week I returned from another short trip to Casablanca, where I spent three days teaching 12 Moroccan pastors. I was scheduled for just two sessions, but they were so hungry for the Word that I ended up teaching for 7 hours on Saturday and again in the morning on Sunday. These pastors were so interested in learning more about discipling than anything else. This is so needed if we are going to fulfill the Great Commission. I have found that many talk about discipling, but few actually do it. The persecuted Church knows that this is the only way they can grow the church.
Two more of these retreats are planned for other groups of pastors in the South and North of the country in August, and they want me to participate in those as well, but it doesn’t look like I will be able to go this year. Given the restrictions of the past, this is my first time to minister into the national leadership on this scale. (Before it was just one or two that we felt connected to.) I was so well received and I know that many more opportunities will follow. Like I said, this is a new day for Morocco.
Next week, Helen and I will travel to Angola. We will be ministering at two Bible school graduations, in various local churches and a national conference. From there we go to South Africa in which we will host a week-long retreat for pastors from Mozambique and Eswatini. Seth and Silva, and Lara, will join us and be a part of the ministry team. Just think, three generations ministering together. In the Fall, I will be doing the same in Pakistan and Thailand. By bringing pastors out of their local settings to have an uninterrupted time together, I have found this to be quite effective and life changing. Pray I can do this more.
When we get back from Africa, I will send out another letter to let you all know how it went.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
In Christ,
Jim and Helen