May 12, 2011
The following is adapted from a recent update by Tim and Penny Iverson, who serve among the working class in Taiwan.
Most of our updates center on what God is doing in Taiwan. But this time, we want to focus in a different direction. Recently, Tim and I finished up our tour ministries in U.S. churches, and we want to share some of the ways we have been blessed by the time spent with Alliance people.
Tour Stories
Two sisters, ages seven and four, collected and sold recycling materials to earn money to give to international workers. Theirs was “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18).
A low-income family pressed $3 into my hand as they left church. Their sacrifice reminded us of Jesus’ words about the widow’s mite: “‘. . . she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on'” (Mark 12:44).
A man told me that he had already decided to give to the Great Commission Fund to support missions but then determined to give beyond what he could afford-by faith in God’s promise that “my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). This man was unemployed!
People joined me at the altar, committing to pray for us and the people of Taiwan. “On him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many” (2 Corinthians 1:10-11).
We were prayed for by a mentally challenged individual with pure, childlike faith—a powerful prayer warrior! “At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure'” (Luke 10:21).
People came to the altar to commit themselves to serve God wherever He leads, whether through short-term mission trips or a life of service to God. “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it'” (Matthew 16:24-25).
New friendships have blessed our lives, and we “thank our God every time we remember you” (Philippians 1:3).
Thank you to all of you who have hosted us in your churches this past year and in previous years. Thank you for upholding us in prayer and supporting us through your giving!
Living the Call Together,
Tim and Penny Iverson
What You Can Do
In your prayers, thank the Lord for the outpouring of love that Tim and Penny received from the Alliance family during their tour ministry. Pray that God will bless His people for their kindness to His servants.
Give to Alliance Great Commission Ministries. In doing so, you partner with Alliance international workers, like Tim and Penny, in bringing the goods news of Jesus to the ends of the earth.
Learn More
Read about Alliance work in Taiwan.