Prayer without faith is futile.
When you pray, do you believe God is listening? Do you believe that God answers prayer? Do you know that God has your best interest at heart?
God has blessed our family in more ways than we can possibly list. We know that we have many people praying for us, and we believe that God smiles upon corporate prayer.
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. (Matthew 18:19 NIV)
Over the past two years and even the prior months leading up to our relocation to Guatemala, we have been the recipients of overflowing love of our brothers and sisters in Christ. This love came in the forms of spiritual, financial, physical, and emotional support. Whatever God "blesses" us with, we believe he wants to know, "Now what are you going to do with it?". God blesses us in order that he may receive the glory. God blesses us in order that we may be a blessing to others. I remember a song from when I was a child that went something like this;
Love is something if you give it away,
Give it away, give it away.
Love is something if you give it away,
You end up having more.
It's just like a magic penny,
Hold it tight and you won't have any.
Lend it, spend it, and you'll have so many
They'll roll all over the floor.
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NIV)
In thinking of how we can share the love that has come our way, and thinking of the experience we have gained over the past three years, we have developed a heart for missionaries. We have been given a unique insight into the needs, and circumstances missionaries deal with. We have been shown the resources available through those that have come alongside of us. We have a desire to harness the love of friends families, congregations, classes, groups, or anyone to support missionaries needs. Our experience has shown that missionaries feel that their supporters only want to hears positive reports. This thinking causes them to carry around burdens that they feel they cannot let go of.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1 NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)
In the Bible Barnabas was known as the encourager. Let us all be encouragers to those that are sharing Gods love around the world.
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. (Acts 4:36, 37 NIV)
if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. (Romans 12:8 NIV)
Please pray as we seek Gods direction. May God be glorified in our works, words, and actions.
Fred, Dusty, and Tyler
The Dixon's
Still on a Mission!
It's all for Jesus!
