Ford Plant Brings Growth to Stanton, Street Evangelism in East Asia & What Pastors Think When They Preach

A small town in west Tennessee received some overwhelming news this year. Stanton, a town of 414 souls, was awarded the title of a Blue Oval City by the Ford Motor Company. That means Ford will be building a plant there and other support manufacturers will follow. Estimates reveal the city will grow to a population to over 90,000 in the next 10 years.

Some small towns might shrug off the offer. Not Stanton. They’re embracing it.

Even more, believers from the state of Tennessee are leaning in to help welcome new residents from all over the world. Churches are partnering together to make plans to welcome the residents and plant churches to share the hope of the Gospel with them when they arrive.

Outreach efforts have already begun to reach construction workers building the facilities.
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Markus and Mary Feirer are taking the gospel to the streets of a major East Asian city. Even though some told the gospel workers that approaching strangers and striking up conversations about the gospel wouldn’t work, they tried anyway.

What they’re finding is encouraging. The Feirer are focusing on street evangelism.

A question as simple asking someone if they’ve ever been told God loves them is helping to begin conversations at busy street corners while people wait to cross the street.

Now a local church in the city is joining with the Feirers. Would you pray for them in their efforts to share the hope of Jesus?
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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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Maybe you’ve wondered what your pastor is thinking as he preaches. In a Baptist Press article, a few pastors share some observations you might find interesting.

First, I don’t notice who is getting up. I learned a long time ago not to get upset when someone leaves during a worship service. It could be a bathroom break. It could be that a person received an emergency text from a family member.

Second, I’ve always got something on my mind, even when I’m mid-sentence. Like the people listening, I’m fighting a spiritual battle to stay focused. Sometimes, I say a concise prayer, asking God to keep me on task.

Third, I don’t always see your face with the way our lights are situated. So, it’s not often that I notice someone sleeping. However, when your wife violently jabs you in the side with her elbow while you’re snoring, and you jar awake quickly, I do notice it. And like everyone around you, I chuckle inside.

Fourth, I probably heard your child crying, but it doesn’t anger me. In fact, I believe it’s a beautiful sound. A church with no children is dead. The sound of a baby is as powerful as a choir anthem. It means the church is alive.

Fifth, every week I think while I’m preaching how much I love the people who are sitting and listening. It’s a privilege to preach. I don’t take it lightly. I come prepared after much time in God’s Word, prayer, and research. I know you prepare your heart to listen.
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