Some of my fondest memories as a child involve our yearly treks to the beach. I would spend hours in the ocean. Often, when the surf was rough, over time, I would unknowingly be swept down the shore, prompting my parents to feverishly motion to me to return in front of them. Normally, the pull of the current would necessitate that I get out of the surf and walk along the beach.

Sadly, this is a fitting picture for many evangelical ministries today, having been “tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (Eph. 4:14). Willingly or, more often, unknowingly, the cultural tide with its redefined unbiblical definition of Christian love, and deceptive, interpretive gymnastics has washed them away from biblical orthodoxy, having been taken “captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Col. 2:8).

The solution for these ministries is three-fold. First, recognize how adrift you have become by heeding the impassioned calls for your return. Second, remove yourself from the current by assessing which siren calls of authors, associations, and admonitions have sent you awash. And finally, renew your commitment “to examine all things; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil” (2 Thess. 5:21-22). According to Francis Schaeffer, the result will be reformation, which is a return to the sound doctrine of the Bible, and revival, which is the practice of that sound doctrine under the power of the Holy Spirit.

Please continue to pray that EA would itself remain firmly anchored in Scripture and serve as an instrument of reformation and revival for God’s glory and the advancement of Christ’s Church.

And thank you for your continued prayer and financial partnership in this endeavor!

We are excited to have several visiting teams joining us in the coming months to both be a blessing, as they partner with the churches in the Dominican Republic, and be blessed, as they witness Christ’s Church at work, and co-labor with their global brothers and sisters in Christ.

• June 5-8        TruLife Church, FL
• June 21-27   Sterling Park Baptist Church, VA
• July 7-14        Apex Baptist Church, NC
• July 28-04     Immanuel Bible Church, VA
• Sept 25-28   Apex Baptist Church, NC

One of the gifts these trips afford Empowering Action is the ability to glorify the Lord by having individuals witness firsthand how God has graciously grown our ministry in the past 13 years. We can tell you how EA now serves Christ’s church in the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and the Latino church in Ocala, Florida. However, interacting with ministry partners and participants in person is far more compelling and reflective of God’s mercy on our ministry.

Acts 15:12 describes how Barnabas and Paul conveyed to the early Church leadership what “God had done through them.”

One theologian noted, “It was a report not of their successes but of how God had acted.”

In other instances in Acts, the same phrase refers to what “God had done with them” (Acts 14:27; Acts 15:4).  However, in Acts 14:3, the description includes the phrase “with reliance on the Lord,” emphasizing that these missionaries were not superhuman but mere men, pliable, willing instruments in the hand of the Almighty God.

Pray that EA remains similarly pliable, willing instruments in the hand of Almighty God to serve Christ’s Church.

As you feel led and are able, please consider partnering with us financially during these most critical months of our financial year.

For the believer it is impossible to exaggerate the importance this day represents.

“It is impossible to exaggerate the importance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection is the assurance that He is the Son of God. It is the assurance that He is the Messiah. The resurrection is the assurance that He will come again to judge and to reign. The resurrection is the assurance that our sins are forgiven and that all who are in Christ will be raised with Him.” (Zuber, 2021).

Today we celebrate that “He is risen…risen indeed!”

Reference:

Zuber, K. D. (2021). The Essential Scriptures. Moody Publishers.

Let the following commentary on the verse above by the Prince of Preachers, Charles Spurgeon, bring us a renewed gratitude for what Good Friday represents in the life of a believer:

Hear it, Christians. Hear this shout of triumph as it rings today with all the freshness and force which it had years ago! Hear it from the sacred Word and from the Savior’s lips, and may the Spirit of God open your ears that you may understand what you hear!

Dear friends, once more, take comfort from this finality, for the redemption of Christ’s church is perfected. There is not another penny to be paid for her full release. There is no mortgage upon Christ’s inheritance. Those whom he bought with blood are forever clear of all charges—paid for to the utmost. “It is finished”—finished forever. All those overwhelming debts, which would have sunk us to the lowest hell, have been discharged by the cross. And they who believe in Christ may appear with boldness even before the throne of God itself. “It is finished.” Your sins have received their death blow; the robe of your righteousness has received its last thread. It is done—complete, perfect. It needs no addition; it can never suffer any diminution.

This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world that we celebrate today and serve His Church together through Empowering Action.

Martin Luther once said, “The greatest and principal purpose of every church service is to preach and teach God’s Word.” Similarly, faithful biblical teaching is a thread that runs throughout all EA’s programs and efforts.

Earlier this year, we hosted the worship team from Immanuel Bible Church in Washington, DC, whose ministry included teaching the theology of worship.

Tom Pennington writes in Church Distinctives: Biblical Principles that Govern Faithful Churches:

“Scripture alone directs and informs the elements of our worship:

1. We sing the Scripture—we choose music rooted in the truth of God’s Word. (1 Cor. 14:15; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16)
2. We pray the Scripture—our prayers grow out of our response to the Scripture. (1 Tim. 2:1-8)
3. We read the Scripture. (1 Tim. 4:13)
4. We teach the Scripture. (2 Tim. 4:1-5; Titus 2:15)
5. We give our freewill offerings to see true scriptural worship supported and extended. (1 Cor. 16:1-4; Phil. 4:10-14)
6. We see the Scripture acted out in the signs or ceremonies of baptism and the Lord’s (Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 2:38).”

As we partner with you, our faithful supporters, to serve Christ’s Church, rest assured that the supremacy and sufficiency of, and fidelity to, Scripture are foundational to all efforts.

These two pictures from separate graduations in the Dominican Republic this past week represent God’s Word at work. In both cases, the graduates are celebrating three months of study in inductive Bible study and Christian leadership.

Our thoughts echo these words of encouragement from the Apostle Paul to the church in Thessalonica,

“And for this reason we also thank God without ceasing that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also is at work in you who believe.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

We praise the Lord for moments like these, which remind us of His kindness in permitting us to participate in the equipping of His Church.

Hudson Taylor stated, “I have found that there are three stages in every great work of God: first, it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done.”

The large-scale discipleship occurring today through EA’s four programs across numerous countries would have been unthinkable 12 years ago. Although it is often difficult, progress is being made by God’s grace and His provision.  

We thank you for your ongoing financial and prayer support of our all-important year-end campaign.

We are 15 days away and 21% toward our matching campaign goal of $100,000.

Costi Hinn wisely notes the power and perpetuity of Scripture upon which all of EA’s efforts are firmly planted,

“We live in a time when much of what you read and hear pushes against the grain of God’s Word. And yet, for ages it has stood the test of time, critique, science, civil war, and liberal assault. God’s Word is like an anvil that never changes as it wears down hammers that pound against it. When we give ourselves to know it, cherish it, and use it, our lives are continuously shaped into instruments used for the glory of God.”

For those who have already contributed to the campaign, please know that we cherish your support.

For those in a position to support, know that we will not waiver in our commitment to Christ’s Church, God’s Word, and proving worthy of your investment.

For those who are in a position to offer simply prayer support at this critical time of year-end giving, be encouraged by this quote from F.B. Meyer:

“The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer.”

The Apostle Paul states in Colossians 2:6-7,

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

As we celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow, let us consider for a moment that last phrase “overflowing with thankfulness.”

An attitude of ingratitude hardens our hearts and destroys our relationship with God and others. Nothing turns us into bitter, selfish, dissatisfied people more quickly than an ungrateful heart. One of the Bible’s indictments against humanity, which is as true when it was written 2000 years ago as it is today, is “although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him.” (Romans 1:21)

And nothing will restore contentment and the joy of our salvation than a true spirit of thanksgiving, so below are…

5 Ways to Thank God this Thanksgiving

1. Thank God for the Material Blessings That He Gives You

• “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:12)
• “Give me neither poverty nor riches — feed me with the food allotted to me.” (Proverbs 30:8b)
• Pray that God would bless you with just the right amount – not too much that you forget to acknowledge God as the source, and not too little that you might be tempted to dishonorably acquire more.

2. Thank God for the People in Your Life

• “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times;” (Romans 1:8-10)

 3. Thank God in the Midst of Trials and Even Persecution

• Why? Our view of God’s sovereignty
• “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:2-3)
• “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:18)

4. Thank God Especially for His Salvation in Jesus Christ

• Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)
• He did for us what we could not do for ourselves

 5. Thank God for His Continued Presence and Power in Your Life

• When we come to Christ, it is not the end but the beginning of a whole new life! He is with us, and He wants to help us follow Him and His Word.
• “…for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13)

Blessings celebrating today our incomparable God (Psalm 40:5)!

The various crises that Cuba is experiencing have accumulated over the last 20 years, and such vital issues as food, lack of medicines, hospital infrastructure, fuel shortages, and electric energy crises have made Cuba an economically unstable and unsafe country. Discontentment among the population is widespread; they are tired of slogans and speeches and want change. Children, adolescents, and young people grow up without aspirations or hope; for them, there is only one solution: to emigrate. The most vulnerable are the elderly. Many are victims of abandonment, malnutrition, and disappointment from promises never fulfilled.

On the other hand, we cannot ignore the destruction of the social and spiritual values ​​of a people that seem to be dying out after 60 years of humanist and agnostic propaganda. In short, this is evidence of the total failure of a historic attempt to build a “new man” that is “inclusive, resilient, and better” but without God.

The values ​​of the leftist ideology, initially social-communist and currently globalist, have not withstood the passage of new generations, causing an increasing number of people to reject, protest, and, in many cases, abandon their political and ideological loyalty and militancy. The disillusioned population takes to the streets in the face of the hardships in which they live, but the forces of law and order strongly oppose them. People are weary, but they fear repression. The authorities have lost credibility and are the object of ridicule, having lost respect in the eyes of the people.

The real problem of Cuba is spiritual and pervasive, and the solution does not lie primarily in a change of government or political system. Cuba demands a radical change in its worldview and socio-cultural roots. Ironically, the only solution for Cuba is a new man, but only the gospel of Jesus Christ can do that within a culture (Romans 1:16). The hope of the nation is in the hands of the Cuban church, as only the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and the foundations of His Word can transform the hearts of Cubans. A gospel movement in Cuba is the real need of the Cuban people, through biblical churches that grow and multiply, as leaders are trained in the Scriptures, and embody the Kingdom of God.

The greatest challenges for the church right now lie beyond physical needs and hardships (hunger, shortages of basic and essential products, transportation problems, etc.). The Cuban evangelical church needs to raise up a new generation of leaders, as they have experienced a loss of 68% of mature leadership in the last year and a half. The church needs these new leaders who are grounded in Scripture, with a passion for the lost, who can break with religious and denominational norms, as well as a generation of faithful leaders with a genuine interest in the Kingdom and not in their personal ministries.

The evangelical context is very diverse, but it offers opportunities to help churches in areas such as biblical discipleship, missions, mercy work with the neediest, work with children, and, above all, the healing of the family, which is one of the most critical societal problems. These are the main reasons for prayer, in addition to the indescribable economic needs of the brethren.

Despite everything, and although it may seem difficult to believe, God continues to work on the island through faithful men who continue to care for their churches and preach the gospel in this difficult time. Let us pray for these men as well. Let us pray that the leaders connected to the network of churches that EA serves continue to grow in their biblical preparation and in their vision for Cuba, so that they can receive help to do the work that the Cuban church so badly needs. God is faithful.

Prayer Requests:

• That the Cuban church can be a living church that worships even during adversity.
• That new leaders centered on the gospel and founded on the scriptures may arise.
• For the economic and social situation of Cuba.
• For the missionaries who are being trained and who are in the field in conditions of great scarcity.
• For the situation of medicines and medical services.
• For the printing of materials for discipleship and training of leaders.
• For new opportunities to equip and empower through the Word.
• Finally, let us pray that there will be national repentance and that Cubans turn to God in humility, lower their fists (raised for years against the sky), and fall on their knees before the cross, crying out for grace and mercy from the Savior.

Fulfilling Matthew 28:19-20, until we see each other in Revelation 5:9,

Raydel Riquelme

K242 Team – Empowering Action

EA Family,

I pray this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your generous support of Empowering Action over the years. As someone who has been with Empowering Action from its inception and witnessed God’s ongoing gracious provision and protection, I resonate with King David’s prayer, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house that You have brought me this far?” (1 Chronicles 17:16).

Witnessing our team in action in the Dominican Republic and hearing regular updates regarding ministry developments in the surrounding countries of Haiti, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Guatemala, I can assure you that your commitment to Christ, as exhibited by your partnership with Empowering Action, is having a significant impact on the lives of the thousands we serve monthly and furthering the cause of Christ.

As we continue our mission to equip the global church for greater biblical fidelity and ministry effectiveness, your ongoing financial support remains crucial. It enables us to provide biblical instruction and facilitate spiritual transformation in the communities and countries we serve so that individuals may “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10).

This summer, we hosted several visiting church groups, including my home church, Immanuel Bible Church of Springfield, Virginia. In such instances, it is an immense joy to recount the story of Empowering Action, update it, and invite others to join the ongoing story. This student ministries trip included hosting a youth retreat for 100 Dominican students along with the 35 students from IBC, during which timeless biblical truth was brought to bear on contemporary issues of the day.

I was reminded of the scene in Pilgrim’s Progress where Faithful and Christian are taunted by the merchants of Vanity Fair and questioned, “What will you buy!” The pilgrims respond, “We buy the truth,” based on the wisdom of Proverbs 23:23, “Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.”

Every day, we are unwavering in our commitment to faithfully proclaim biblical truth regardless of the cultural currents of the day. We are laser-focused on equipping more leaders and churches through our theologically-sound programs of K2:42, Abundant Life, Genesis Family, and Church Savings Groups.

Please join us by donating today to help us continue building on what Christ has graciously done over the last 12 years through Empowering Action. Your support is truly appreciated and is having a significant impact for Christ.

Finally, we will hosting a 4-day board trip to Santo Domingo from November 7-10, where you can join members of the EA board for a weekend of fellowship and first-hand exposure to the ministry. Those interested can contact me at mpullen@empoweringaction.org

Sincerely,

Mike Pullen