Sent to Serve: Transforming Lives Through Hope

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Our Divine Mission

As believers, we are called to be sent into the world, just as Jesus was sent by the Father. This calling is not about obligation but about recognizing the opportunities God gives us to serve and bring hope to others. The work of ministries like Bridge of Hope exemplifies this mission by providing education and resources to those in need. The story of a leader who was "kidnapped" by desperate parents highlights the deep desire for hope and opportunity in these communities. We are reminded that our mission is to be a light in the world, offering hope and transformation through our actions and presence. [07:36]

"As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world." (John 17:18, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life is in need of hope and encouragement today? How can you be a source of light and support for them?

Day 2: Holistic Transformation Through Service

The transformative work of Bridge of Hope demonstrates the power of combining practical help with spiritual hope. By providing education and skills training, such as teaching mothers tailoring skills, the ministry significantly improves the lives of children and their families, offering them a brighter future. This holistic approach to ministry is a testament to the power of practical help combined with spiritual hope. It shows that when we address both physical and spiritual needs, we can create lasting change in the lives of those we serve. [11:05]

"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?" (Isaiah 58:6, ESV)

Reflection: What practical skills or resources can you offer to someone in need today? How can you combine this with sharing the hope of the Gospel?

Day 3: The Spiritual Discipline of Prayer and Fasting

Prayer and fasting are essential spiritual disciplines that align us with God's will and empower us to accomplish His work. Regular prayer meetings and fasting are not just spiritual exercises but are vital for effective ministry. We are encouraged to use tools like Operation World and the news as prayer prompts, and to engage in regular fasting as a spiritual discipline. The idea is that prayer is the shortest way to get things done, and it aligns us with God's will. [13:59]

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." (Colossians 4:2, ESV)

Reflection: What specific area of your life or ministry needs alignment with God's will? How can you incorporate prayer and fasting into your routine to seek His guidance?

Day 4: Raising Up Godly Leaders

The rapid growth of ministries like Bridge of Hope highlights the urgent need for more qualified and godly leaders. We must pray for God to raise up individuals who are willing to answer His call and lead with integrity and passion. As the ministry expands, the need for leaders who can guide and inspire others becomes increasingly important. We are called to support and pray for these leaders, asking God to equip them with wisdom and strength for the journey ahead. [12:42]

"Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach." (1 Timothy 3:2, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your community or church shows potential for leadership? How can you encourage and support them in their journey to become a godly leader?

Day 5: Linking Lives Through Sponsorship

Sponsoring a child or a Gospel for Asia worker is a tangible way to make a difference. This act of linking our lives with others is not about guilt but about seizing the opportunity to be part of God's transformative work in the world. All resources go directly to the field, as the staff raises their own support to maximize the impact of donations. As we gather in groups to pray, we are reminded of the power of collective prayer and the importance of supporting one another in this mission. [15:27]

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hebrews 13:16, ESV)

Reflection: Consider sponsoring a child or a ministry worker today. How can this act of generosity deepen your connection to God's work in the world?

Sermon Summary

In John 17:18, Jesus says, "As the Father has sent me, so I send you." This powerful verse serves as a reminder of our mission as believers to be sent into the world, just as Jesus was sent by the Father. This calling is exemplified through the work of Bridge of Hope, a ministry that is making a significant impact by providing education and resources to children and families in need. The story of a leader who was "kidnapped" by desperate parents highlights the deep desire for hope and opportunity in these communities. This is not about guilt or obligation, but about recognizing the opportunities God gives us to serve and make a difference.

The work being done through Bridge of Hope is transformative, not only for the children but also for their families. For instance, mothers are taught tailoring skills, which significantly improves their livelihoods. This holistic approach to ministry is a testament to the power of practical help combined with spiritual hope. The rapid growth of this ministry underscores the need for more qualified and godly leaders to step up and answer God's call.

Prayer and fasting are emphasized as vital components of this mission. We are encouraged to use tools like Operation World and the news as prayer prompts, and to engage in regular fasting as a spiritual discipline. The idea is that prayer is the shortest way to get things done, and it aligns us with God's will. The ongoing prayer meetings, which started in a living room, have become a source of spiritual refreshment and engagement.

Finally, there is an invitation to link our lives with those in need by sponsoring a child or a Gospel for Asia worker. This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference without any pressure or guilt. All resources go directly to the field, as the staff raises their own support to maximize the impact of donations. As we gather in groups to pray, we are reminded of the power of collective prayer and the importance of supporting one another in this mission.

Key Takeaways

1. FDpF8HE&t=456s'>[07:36]
2. Transformative Ministry: The work of Bridge of Hope demonstrates the power of combining practical help with spiritual hope. By providing education and skills training, we can significantly improve the lives of children and their families, offering them a brighter future.

3. The Power of Prayer and Fasting: Prayer and fasting are essential spiritual disciplines that align us with God's will and empower us to accomplish His work. Regular prayer meetings and fasting are not just spiritual exercises but are vital for effective ministry.

4. The Need for Godly Leaders: The rapid growth of ministries like Bridge of Hope highlights the urgent need for more qualified and godly leaders. We must pray for God to raise up individuals who are willing to answer His call and lead with integrity and passion.

5. Linking Lives Through Sponsorship: Sponsoring a child or a Gospel for Asia worker is a tangible way to make a difference. This act of linking our lives with others is not about guilt but about seizing the opportunity to be part of God's transformative work in the world.

** [07:36]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[07:36] - The Call to Be Sent
[08:12] - Bridge of Hope's Impact
[08:54] - A Story of Desperation and Hope
[09:45] - Opportunities, Not Obligations
[10:24] - Transformative Ministry
[11:05] - Skills Training for Families
[12:03] - Rapid Growth and Challenges
[12:42] - The Need for Godly Leaders
[13:05] - The Role of Prayer and Fasting
[13:59] - The Power of Collective Prayer
[14:51] - Linking Lives Through Sponsorship
[15:48] - Group Prayer and Reflection
[16:21] - Transition to Closing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 17:18

Observation Questions:

What does Jesus mean when He says, "As the Father has sent me, so I send you" in John 17:18? How does this verse set the tone for the mission of believers?
How does the story of the leader who was "kidnapped" by desperate parents illustrate the community's desire for hope and opportunity? [08:54]
What are some of the practical ways Bridge of Hope is making a difference in the lives of children and their families? [11:05]

Interpretation Questions:

In what ways does the mission of Bridge of Hope reflect the calling of believers to be sent into the world, as mentioned in John 17:18? [07:36]
How does the combination of practical help and spiritual hope in Bridge of Hope's ministry demonstrate a holistic approach to serving others? [10:48]
Why might prayer and fasting be considered essential components of effective ministry, according to the sermon? [13:59]

Application Questions:

Reflect on your own life. How can you recognize and seize the opportunities God gives you to serve others, rather than seeing them as obligations? [09:30]
Consider the impact of practical skills training, like the tailoring classes for mothers. Is there a skill or resource you could share with someone in need to help improve their livelihood? [11:05]
How can you incorporate regular prayer and fasting into your spiritual routine to align yourself more closely with God's will? [13:59]
The sermon emphasizes the need for godly leaders. What steps can you take to develop leadership qualities in yourself or encourage others to step into leadership roles? [12:42]
Sponsoring a child or a Gospel for Asia worker is a way to link your life with others. Is there a specific way you feel called to support someone in need, either locally or globally? [15:27]
How can you use tools like Operation World or the news as prompts for prayer in your daily life? [13:22]
Reflect on a time when collective prayer brought spiritual refreshment and engagement to your life. How can you encourage this practice in your small group or community? [14:29]

Sermon Clips

"As the father has sent me so I send you, it's amazing to think how God is using a bridge of hope and moving in mighty ways there, a direct extension of believers Eastern Church so it's been as Paul prayed in Colossians I think pray that doors may be opened." [00:07:36]

"When we were getting ready to start a bridge of Hope Center in this particular area the parents kidnapped me and he kind of had a smile and I had a confused look but they were so desperate for their children to be enrolled into the bridge of hope." [00:08:54]

"I do want to say that none of this out of a guilt or twisting arm or pleading or begging you know, I just want to make sure that's clear because the things that God gives us, it's opportunity and if you know we don't see it that way then you know I think I think that's what God wants." [00:09:45]

"I was at a bridge of Hope Center in an area and the same center they that they had the children in the afternoon they would be teaching tailoring classes for the moms of the children they go through six months of training and then when they graduate we provide them a sewing machine and it incredibly increases their livelihood." [00:10:24]

"There are many times when so many people are coming to the kingdom that we cannot keep up and I feel like we're over our head in ministry which is good you know there's a handful of us that serve in the office there in the headquarters in Dallas and we're doing everything we can." [00:12:03]

"Our number one prayer request if you keep us in your prayers is request that God would raise up qualified and godly leaders the growth is it so going so fast that we need people we need brothers we need the Wright brothers to fill that call of God on their life." [00:12:42]

"We've encouraged at churches all around when different leaders from the ministry go to speak in churches we encourage to pray, use operation world use the news as a prayer letter so I know that we pray here and I'm grateful for that I think Matthew Henry says that God will begin a good work when he gets us praying." [00:13:05]

"We suggest that you fast for a group once a day and if you want to lose a pound maybe fast two days and for our prayer culture that we're where we say the shortest way to get things done is through prayer we have a non-stop prayer meeting once a week that it's not going to stop." [00:13:59]

"Brother Katie's living room putting maps on the floor praying for the nation's asking God to raise up and and so I say that not to sound spiritual I mean a lot of times for me I go to prayer meetings dragging my feet but I walk away clicking my heels I still that I stole that quote from another preacher." [00:14:51]

"If you're online you'd like to sponsor one of these children to link your life with one of them you can go to a gfa org slash sponsor and again no guilt no pressure you know all the resources you give goes to the field I've myself and all the staff at G FA has raised raise their own support." [00:15:27]

"If you want to link your lives with your GF a worker or a bridge of hope child you can do that and I have a couple profiles in the back and other resources so what I'm gonna do is ask you guys to gather in groups maybe if you guys could huddle in little groups." [00:15:48]

"The number one thing we would ask and covet and please pray for us so we're gonna have it because we're gonna have some prayer requests appear on the screen and I'm gonna ask you guys just to gather in little groups you can turn turn and face somebody and if you just maybe take a prayer request or to pray." [00:16:21]

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Sent to Serve: Transforming Lives Through Hope

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Our Divine Mission

Day 2: Holistic Transformation Through Service

Day 3: The Spiritual Discipline of Prayer and Fasting

Day 4: Raising Up Godly Leaders

Day 5: Linking Lives Through Sponsorship

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Sent to Serve: Transforming Lives Through Hope

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