We still have much to be thankful for
It has been more than twenty months now that the world is grappling with the pandemic and the end does not seem to be in sight at all. Everyone’s lives have changed, and many have fallen into total despair. We often hear of people who have lost everything, and consequently also of suicide cases. The frequent reports of Covid-19 diseases and deaths discourage us. Yet, we are daily reminded that during and despite the pandemic and its aftermath, we still have much to be thankful for. Yes, these are bad times in which we live, but daily we are also reminded of God’s mercy and His omnipresence. We also know that no hair will be removed from our head without His knowledge. It brings comfort in difficult times…
In these difficult times it becomes important that we continue to cling to our faith, and this is exactly where I have failed miserably for a very long time. For years I have been searching for the truth around faith; and how I can continue to believe with no doubt in my mind that He will provide for what I have asked of Him. After years of searching, I finally found my answer in Matthew 28: 18–20, and since then the pressure is off my shoulders and I feel much lighter.
I am referring to the passage where Jesus explains to the disciples that all power in heaven and on earth has been given to Him:
“Jesus came near and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Many readers may not see in these Bible verses the connection between faith and what Jesus revealed to his disciples, but for me it was a “light bulb” moment. For the first time, I understood that faith and ministry really have nothing to do with me. After all, all power to change the world was given to Jesus alone, not to us. The power and ability to believe and to minister does not lie with man, but with Jesus. I simply have the ability and privilege to receive all that is necessary in gratitude, to go out to all the nations (or wherever your calling lies) and to trust that He will carry out His will through me. So, my certainty of faith is no longer in the outcome, because how can I know what is going to happen? No, my certainty is now seated in Jesus’ presence with me to carry out His will. Believing in that way is easy! And since then, I do daily what He expects of me, and I leave the rest to Him!
My work at FEBA also taught me to place all my trust in Him and not rely on my own ability. The mission is to go to all the nations, and this is where FEBA makes the difference and has an impact. FEBA is a member of FEBC (Far East Broadcasting Corporation International). FEBC communicates in more than 50 countries, in 130 different languages for more than 3,000 hours daily. We use radio broadcasts and various technological aids to communicate the Good News. The more than 10 million direct feedbacks annually is proof that we are successful in carrying out our mission.
Despite the pain and suffering around us, there is still much substance for gratitude and appreciation. It is now spring, with all the beautiful splendor that accompanies it. At FEBA we regularly receive beautiful testimonies where our radio and internet ministries bear fruit and win precious souls for His kingdom, one soul at a time. The thousands of feedbacks we receive each year from around the world empower us and inspire us to keep doing what we do. It also strengthens our faith and reminds us that we can only trust in Him, and everything will work out. He has all the power – in heaven and on earth. And that’s what it’s all about…
Good luck with all the challenges and I look forward to our next visit.
Dr Jurie Vermeulen
National Director: FEBA
Feedback highlights from FEBC listeners
We receive feedback from millions of listeners with inspirational messages from around the world every year. We like to share some of the highlights:
“I listen to FEBA’s broadcasts daily. Every program gives me peace of mind.”
– listener from Kachenga, Malawi.
“I have been listening to your program for almost 2 years. This is a good program that broadens my insights, encourages and helps me to know more about God”
– Mr W Nakhon, Thammarat Province, Thailand.
“I regularly listen to the radio station, KanuYah FM Sollo, and have gained more knowledge of what it means to be a Christian. I know for sure which path to follow if I want to be saved. I know Jesus is the way and the only way…”
– Broulay, Mali
