Witnessing miracles . . .

Despite severe persecution of Christians in many countries, indigenous ministries are persevering in sharing the gospel - and God is working through them in amazing ways.

For example, two people were raised from the dead in Pakistan, through God's power working through Christians connected with Pakistan Gospel Assemblies (PGA).

One of these people, a young Muslim, was admitted to a hospital - and died. The man's family were at the hospital, mourning for him.

"The doctors wrote that this man is dead," explains William Johnson, leader of PGA. "They called the ambulance to take away this dead body."

But, he says, "in that hospital, we had one church member [working]. He was a newborn Christian. He had received teachings about how we can expect miracles, and God can raise the dead. This young man, a believer from our church, saw this was his opportunity to lay his hands on this dead body.

He began to pray in the name of Jesus. The man came back to life. He opened his eyes.

Then doctors and nurses came back, and asked the Christian, 'What did you do?' He said, 'I just prayed in the name of Jesus, because he is able to raise the dead.'

"After that, persecution came against this young man. This man's job was finished because many people were turning against him. Since that time, he is still hiding himself sometimes, because some fundamental Muslims are watching this man," reports Johnson.

"The man who was brought back to life was discharged from the hospital. [Afterwards], that man - with his parents - came to the area where Christians were living. They were excited about what God had done.

"We are praying that God will touch this nation with signs and wonders, and that power will show through these miracles," asserts Johnson.

PGA is one of many indigenous ministries, in more than 50 countries, which Intercede International assists. In many countries of the world, such as Pakistan, Christians are few, poor or persecuted - sometimes all three.

Even so, indigenous missionaries within those countries are called by God to reach out to those around them with the gospel - and they do so faithfully.

Intercede International helps them out in several vital ways. We are their voice in Canada. We represent more than 65 indigenous mission agencies from five continents. Through our publications, such as Mission Gateway magazine and Prayerline, we raise awareness of and intercession for these groups among Canadian Christians, and encourage them to support the ministries with their prayers, donations and short-term mission visitations. Via our website, Christianaid.ca, and through regular Field Reports, we keep Canadians up to date on the ministries.

As Christians donate to support indigenous mission projects, Intercede International sends their support to where it is needed. As the Canadian home office, we also arrange for indigenous missionaries to speak at churches and conferences in Canada, when they travel here.

Instead of sending Canadians to foreign countries as missionaries, Intercede International concentrates its resources on assisting indigenous mission boards, which send their own missionaries within their own culture. This can be a real advantage in nations such as China and India, in which traditional mission work is now banned by governments.

Here are two reasons why indigenous missions can be very effective:

• They often operate on small budgets - a fraction of what it costs to send a North American missionary to another country. Many of these missionaries are able to live on $50 to $200 per month.

• Indigenous missionaries already know the local language, and are familiar with the culture.

Intrigued? Check out our website, or contact us at: 1-800-871-0882.

Mission Fields Spring 2007