3rd Quarter 2014 Newsletter

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Disciples are Storytellers BY SCOTT GRISWOLD

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ou are called to be a storyteller. Have you thought of that before? No matter your “ungiftedness,” or your introverted personality, as a disciple of Jesus, you have been chosen to tell His story. After a day of storytelling on the beach, Jesus turned to His disciples and said, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old” (Matthew 13:52 NIV). These treasures are stories. Do you feel like you have a storeroom full? Jesus mentioned old treasures. Old stories about King David, Daniel, and Esther. Old stories that now include Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Old parables that never grow old. What a wealth we have to share! Jesus spoke of new stories. Your stories are brand new things that have never been told in the history of the universe because your experience with God is entirely unique. These treasures must be brought out and heard! Do you need more convincing? “Our confession of His faithfulness is Heaven’s chosen agency for revealing Christ to the world. We are to acknowledge His grace as made known through the holy men of old; but that which will be most effectual is the testimony of our own experience. We are witnesses for God as we reveal in ourselves the working of a power that is divine. Every individual has a life distinct from all others, and an experience differing essentially from theirs. God desires that our praise shall ascend to Him, marked by our own individuality. These precious acknowledgments to the praise of the glory of His grace, when supported by a Christ-like life, have an irresistible power that works for the salvation of souls” (The Desire of Ages, 347). Our national missionaries have learned that storytelling is one of their most important roles. Chheav Srey works near the largest temple complex in the world, Angkor Thom in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Together, the temples have more stones than the Egyptian pyramids and much of it is carved. But Chheav is building something more important—the kingdom of God. He is using stories as one of his building blocks. Recently Chheav met a mother of two children. “My life is so miserable,” she complained. “My husband’s always drinking and we’re constantly fighting. If he doesn’t quit wasting all our money on booze, I’m going to leave him!”

THIRD QUARTER 2014

Reaching Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar & Beyond