NLDC BACKSTAGE: APRIL 2009

A New Commandment

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. As I have loved you, you should also love one another.” (John 13:34 NKJV)
We all have a past, some worse than others, but that doesn't matter to Christ. He just wants to be with us so bad that He gave His life for us, and this was the one thing He asked us to do; “Love One another.” Your family, your friends, people you’ve never met, your enemies, people from your past, the list goes on. There are people that need to know about this God that loves them so much! Like, maybe the people from your past.

Sometimes I feel like saying, “God would you please find someone else!” But then I remember that God chose me, so I know that I can do whatever I need to.

And who am I to say no to God anyway? Too often we turn our backs on people from our past. Why? We're not any better than they are and God doesn't love us more than them because we have a relationship with Christ. We look at past relationships and hear God tell us to go and talk to these people and share the love of Christ with them, and we say "sorry God I don't associate with sinners anymore." I thank God every time I get to talk to someone from my past, and I get to share with them about Christ, and they listen and actually carry on a conversation about Him. Though I haven't seen any of them saved they have become more open to Christ and have asked me to pray for them. I can tell by their voice that they are thankful someone had the courage to witness to them. These people deal with extreme depression, divorce, years in prison, and anger; but that doesn't matter when they talk about Christ they have a sense of peace in their voice.
I want to encourage you to not hold back. Open your heart, and your mouth, and share what Christ has done in your life. Share His love for them; you may never have another chance, so do your best with what you have been given.

Mark Farrow – Team Coordinator

Testimony from the Road

One Tuesday we found out we were ministering at a youth service last minute. We weren’t as prepared as we usually like to be, but a lot of times, God likes to show up at the last minute. We ended with a skit called “I Surrender” which is about giving everything in your life over to God and surrendering to His will for you.

After we finished the service, the youth pastor talked about needing to surrender ourselves to God so we can be His hands here on Earth. When he finished we gave an altar call and several kids responded. We got to pray for kids who wanted more God in their life and many others who wanted to know what more they can do for Christ. The best part, though, was when three different kids came up and asked us to lead them in the prayer of salvation. The presence of God was so powerful in the room; many kids were touched and ministered to that night. It was an amazing experience and we were privileged to be a part of God ministering.

~ Zach Stallings