Missionaries Provide Listening Ear, Lifeway VBS Preview Events & Our Savior Lord Jesus

It’s the listening ear. It’s the soap and shampoo, the fuzzy socks, the melody sung by a compassionate Christian. It’s the prayer for God’s protection and healing that means so much to the men, women and children staying in a medical shelter in Bogotá.

It’s these things and more that International Mission Board missionary April Byron and her national partner, Salomé, provide when they visit the shelter each week.

April and her husband, Donnie, minister to university students, the displaced and people seeking medical treatment in Bogotá.

April and Salomé visit a shelter that hosts between 35 and 70 guests. Every time they go, they take hygiene kits containing soap, shampoo, deodorant. They also provide infant formula, wipes and diapers for mothers.
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While Christmas is days away, some are focused on summer activities. According to Lifeway Research, 6 in 10 Americans say they attended VBS growing up, and 7 in 10 parents say they would let their child attend VBS at someone else’s church if they were invited.

That’s why Lifeway will host five VBS Preview events in four cities in January 2023. Each preview will include both English and Spanish breakout sessions to provide ministry leaders with opportunities to develop their volunteer team, gain valuable training and build momentum and excitement for “Twists & Turns” VBS.

Learn more at lifeway.vbs.com.
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Good News for Today is sponsored by The Voice of the Martyrs

Good News for Today is made possible through our friends at The Voice of the Martyrs, a nonprofit organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM is dedicated to inspiring believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and to fulfill His Great Commission — no matter the cost. Find out more and sign up for their free monthly magazine at vom.org/goodnews.
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In John’s Gospel we find seven signs, or events, that point to Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. The first sign is found in John 2:1-11 when Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding. John explained that Jesus changed water into wine as a sign that revealed His glory. The disciples believed in Jesus as a result of witnessing this miracle. Following the wedding, Jesus spent time with His mother, family and disciples in Capernaum.

While in Jerusalem for the Passover, Jesus encountered merchants doing business in the temple. A place intended for worship was now anything but worshipful! Jesus crafted a whip and drove the people out of the area, declaring that His Father’s house was not a marketplace.

At this, the Jews challenged Jesus by asking for a sign to validate His authority. Jesus’ answer was anything but clear to them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it up in three days” (v. 19). This statement confused the Jews who thought He was talking about the literal temple, which had taken 46 years to build. But Jesus was pointing to His death and resurrection (vv. 21-22). He would be put to death, but three days later He would rise to life.

Jesus’ actions gave evidence of His identity. Only the Son of God could do what He did. Christians today can recognize His authority over all things and give Him the worship He is due. How can we recognize His authority in our own lives? What changes can we make that demonstrate His lordship in our work, families and community? As the Son of God, Jesus is our Savior and Lord!

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