Next month we will have the privilege of hosting visiting pastors from the following countries for encouragement in Scripture and equipping in EA’s strategies:

– Cuba
– Haiti
– Puerto Rico
– Panama
– Mexico

This morning I came across the following passage in 1 Peter 1:1-2,

“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.”

Such a great reminder that ALL Scripture is given for our instruction and edification, even this portion where the Apostle Peter is addressing a letter almost 2,000 years ago!

As Jim George notes in his outstanding resource Bare Bones Bible Handbook,

“First Peter was written around the time Rome was burned by the emperor, Nero. The persecution of Christians had been steadily increasing, and its intensity will only accelerate as Nero spreads the false rumor that the fires were started by Christians. Peter writes this letter to Christians throughout the Roman Empire to show them how to live victoriously in the midst of the coming hostility without losing hope, without becoming resentful, and by trusting the Lord and looking for His second coming. Peter believes that if his readers will live obediently in the midst of a hostile society, they can be evangelistic tools in the hand of God.”

As I read the passage I thought of the visiting pastors coming to the Dominican Republic, who likewise are:

-Scattered throughout the provinces,
-Chosen by the Father,
-Set apart by the Spirit,
-For obedience to Jesus Christ.

What a privilege it will be fellowship and learn alongside these Kingdom Co-laborers!