The Following Takes Place Between 26 June and 2 July, 2009

So, have you been thinking about how to make this a CELEBRATION of what the Lord is doing to reach the nations through ministry to International Students in New Zealand?

We should continue to come before the Lord in prayer as we daily reach the nations at our doorsteps. Lorne Sanny once remarked to Dawson Trotman, founder of The Navigators, "You impress me as one who feels he is a man of destiny, one destined to be used of God."

Dawson replied, "I don't think that is the case. But I know this: God has given me some promises that I know He will fulfill."

"During earlier years Dawson spent countless protracted times alone with God, and out of those times the Navigator work grew - not by methods or principles, but by promises given to him from God's word." (Lorne Sanny)

One thing Dawson used to do was retreat to a hillside with a prayer partner every morning. Under a tree on that hillside was buried a small tin box that contained a world map. The men would pray that God would use them to raise up labourers to go to every nation, and specifically pray for each nation. Today there are over 4,000 people from 61 nationalities serving in over 100 nations with the Navigators!

Thus is the blessing of a heart focussed in prayer. Just as Dawson prayed according to the will of God, so we at ISMNZ can pray with expectation that God is doing something amazing to reach the nations through our mission field. We can pray according to God's will - that many international students in New Zealand will be transformed by believing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray He will bring us disciples to reach and equip who will return to their home countries - thus reaching the world for His sake.

Let us pray fervently. This week, next week, and all the weeks leading up to the conference. Pull out a map of the world and begin to ask God specifically for disciples from whatever nations He puts on your heart at that time.

Keep track of your prayers and how He leads you, and lets REJOICE in the work God is going to do in answer to prayer. We will have so much to celebrate with Him during Labour Weekend.

God Bless your time in His word and in prayer! His mercies never cease! His love endures forever.