July 26

God Working

Stop and Celebrate

“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one
sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to
repent.” Luke 15:7 (NIV)

At the end of a typical Sunday in our Ugandan church, one of our members
stood up to introduce her friend. As she explained who the guest
was, the visitor stopped her in midsentence and whispered something
in the member’s ear. A huge smile erupted on the church member’s
face. She said, “My neighbor has decided to get saved today.” It was no
longer a typical Sunday.

The entire church became quiet. No one moved or made a noise—
not even the children. We stood quietly as the guest moved near one
of the prayer team members and was led in a prayer for salvation. As
the prayer leader said, “Amen!” in a loud voice, we all began to applaud.
Then the crowd burst into spontaneous songs and joyous laughter.
The ladies began dancing in a circle around the new believer as drums
banged in the background. We carried on as if this was the first person
ever to come to Christ in our church.

I was reminded of Luke 15:7 and thought about the party going on
in heaven at that very moment. Our church was celebrating so much
for this sheep who was found that it’s hard to even imagine the bigger
celebration going on up above.

I prayed right then that God would continue to give Japadhola
(chah-pah-DOHL-lah) Christians a tender heart for the lost. It also
made me wonder, are we ready to stop everything, at any time, for anyone
who wants to get saved?

—David, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa

Father, I pray that I would continue to have a heart that is tuned to God’s
heart, rejoicing in each one who is saved. Give the Japadhola Christians tender
hearts for the lost, and may many in this people group be saved. Amen.

Next day