Running to Meet Jesus

Dear Friend,

The sun was setting as I looked out over a crowd of thousands on an old tarmac in Siem Reap, Cambodia. As a pilot, I had flown into the city’s former airport years ago. But in late January, the runway became something it had never been before—a landing strip for the Gospel!

In this ancient region where the vast majority are Buddhists, I was there to proclaim the life- changing power of God during the Love Siem Reap Festival. We give the Lord all the glory for what He did—for each heart transformed. And we thank Him for the many churches who invited us to come, prayed, and partnered with us for this evangelistic outreach.

The first night of the Festival opened with a traditional blessing from a group of Cambodian believers, followed by music from local artists. Many in the crowd of more than 14,000 joined them in praise to the Lord. Afterward, I preached a simple message from Luke about Zacchaeus, the tax collector who embraced the Good News that “the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10, NKJV).

It was something Theara really needed to hear. She lives with her sister, but ongoing conflict with the rest of her family had recently made her feel unwanted and unloved. Maybe God existed, she thought, but it didn’t seem like He could do anything about her family situation.

“I had a sad story, but I had nobody to tell,” she said. “I felt alone.” As she listened to Zacchaeus’s story, she had the same realization as the tax collector: Jesus was interested in her and wanted a relationship with her. Choking back tears, Theara prayed with a volunteer counselor to receive Jesus Christ. “After I heard the Gospel, it touched my heart and made me feel peace.”

The Holy Spirit worked powerfully, and hundreds of people like Theara surrendered their lives to the Lord—many even running to the front of the stage to make this decision.

New believers received Khmer-language discipleship resources—and their very own copy of God’s Word. Now, the churches there are following up with these individuals, helping them grow into mature followers of Jesus Christ. Will you ask God to strengthen these Christians and the congregations who are caring for them?

GOD LOVES YOU TOUR

This fall, I will once again return to the United Kingdom to preach the Gospel, this time in Manchester. Hundreds of faithful ministry leaders recently met to kick off preparations for the God Loves You Tour. Like the rest of the U.K., Manchester is home to thousands of people who don’t know the Lord—including many from nations where evangelism is heavily restricted.

I am deeply grateful for your prayers. It is such a blessing to know that faithful friends are committed to this Gospel ministry, and “I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus” (1 Corinthians 1:4, NKJV).

May God bless richly bless you,

REGINA LOOK UP CELEBRATION WITH WILL GRAHAM

EQUIPPING BELIEVERS TO LOVE AND SERVE

In the 16 years Sune has lived in Regina, she still remembers a time when the city felt weighed down with hopelessness. But in the months leading up to the Regina Look Up Celebration with Will Graham, that has all changed.

“People are looking for hope and for something that’s bigger than themselves. I don’t think they know they are hungry for Jesus and the hope that God can provide,” said Sune. “Living with Christ doesn’t make life all sunshine and roses, but it gives you hope for today and for forever. That’s powerful.”

In churches across Regina, dozens of Christian Life and Witness Course (CLWC) classes are being held to equip Christians to boldly share their faith in Jesus, and over 1,000 people have attended so far. During the first session Sune attended, she already saw God at work. A woman Sune knew, who occasionally attended her church, came to the CLWC classes. Since then, she has been coming regularly. “She also brought both her girls and one of her girl’s boyfriends, who is not a believer. I was just so impressed.”

As CLWC continues, believers are also being encouraged to pray for those who do not yet know God and invite them to attend the Celebration. Wade initially signed up as a volunteer with CLWC, but through the course, he’s excited to see many more lives changed. “[CLWC] is an incredible opportunity for newer Christians to draw closer to God. I hope that more people find the love of Christ and are just transformed.”

Wade—and so many others—are praying for God to move powerfully throughout Regina in the coming months, but one of his prayers is very close to his heart. He’s praying for his stepdaughter Tracy.* “When she was 12, she had a lot of faith. But now, because of some crushing experiences, she walked away. I’m praying all the time,” said Wade.

Ask the Lord to prepare hearts across Regina—including Wade’s stepdaughter—so that many will come and hear the Gospel message on June 12–13 during the Look Up Celebration. Pray that people across the region will begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

*Names and photos changed to protect privacy