There is not day that passes that both Carol and I don’t think about all the friends we have supporting and praying for us. It is not just a platitude to say “we could not be here or do the things we are doing without you”. Thank you for all your prayers and support! Certainly, the Great Commission is not a calling for a few in the church. It is calling and mandate for all followers of Jesus. We each are to play the role the Lord has given us and it is together that we best spread the fame of our King, Lord and Savior. May we be driven with a Pauline passion and eagerness for our Savior which compels us to preach the gospel to all.  We are under a joyful “obligation” to proclaim the same gospel which has saved and set us free (Romans 1:14-16). It is a privilege to link arms with you, to lift Jesus up among groups of people where there are very few worshipers of our Lord.

May we have  “….a vision that sees every market woman, every religious teacher, every child in Qur’anic school, every old man sitting in the village square playing dominoes having a chance to hear Jesus calling to them. And to hear not just from the mouths of foreigners, who garble their words and use strange ideas that don’t quite connect, but to hear from their brothers and sisters, their mothers and fathers, from their neighbor who has been set free from an evil spirit. A vision that sees new believers unable to keep the good news to themselves, uncowed by threats of beatings or prison, of losing their jobs or being thrown out of their homes. A vision that dares us to do more, and dares us to pray for the impossible!” (Amy *****) Let us press on together for such worshipers!

Here are some updates since our last newsletter. We are continuing to enjoy Pastor Ron Zeiner’s time with us. I first met Ron in 1978 and he has been a great friend in the many years since then. The 50 church leaders we hosted here at the past two RAU retreats and others who were served in various outreaches have been greatly blessed through his teaching. Sadly for us he is leaving us for Texas on the 30^th. He promises to come back again!

Our first three weeks with Apiku Emmanuel (Emma) is going very well. Words cannot describe how grateful these leaders are for his agricultural expertise and hands on instruction nor how grateful we are to be benefiting from and getting to know him. We are partnering with M.A.R.S. (Missionary Agriculture Resource Services) which is founded by Doug Neel. Emma’s primary goal is teach church leaders to be more effective in their gardens and, in turn, having the leaders instruct their congregations.  Gardens are the main means for most all in the West Nile to provide for their families. The goal of RAU and MARS is to equip the church so that they can be more effective in spreading the fame of King Jesus.

Sunday, the 16^th, we all traveled to Obongi to be with Pastor Godfrey and Obongi Town Church. Instead of meeting in our rented location everyone picked up their chairs and we went to the main street of the town where we had our worship service. The vast majority of those that live in Obongi are Muslims. At first, the congregation was a bit timid in their worship because of onlookers but after a great exhortation from Godfrey their worship became very passionate. Godfrey said, “The town people have nicknamed me ‘Ecu opini ni’ (Praise the Lord). Let us not fear to praise the Lord!” With many Muslims joining us, Ron preached from Genesis 12:1-3 and I followed up with Mark 2:1-12. After the service we gave out the booklet Adha in the Injeel which is in both English and Arabic to the Muslims in the crowd. Among them was the head Imam and Sheikh of Obongi. I was able to visit with both them as well. Each successive conversation I have had with them I sense greater openness to the gospel. Pray for them, all the Muslims in Obongi, Pastor Godfrey, and Obongi Town Church.

Many times, Carol stays here at Reaching Africa’s Unreached while I go out for ministry, but not this last Tuesday and Wednesday. I had to stay to resolve issues with our well and Carol went with the RAU team (Ron Zeiner, Zorah, Sam, and Joseph) to Aya for conference organized by Pastor Tobias where believers have been added in the Metu Mountains new village church plants. Carol had been pouring over the scriptures for weeks in preparation, primarily targeting the women. The reports I received are that all were blessed and received great encouragement from her as well Ron and Emma who also taught. I have received urgent invitations for Carol to come back again to teach! What a joy, honor, and pleasure to be united to such a woman of God…thank you Jesus!

Our solar-powered, submersible water pump quit working at the end of our last retreat. I had hoped it was just a switch problem but it turned to be the submersible pump. A technician came to help and we had to have one sent up from Kampala. It has been an unexpected major expense. Having a steady and good supply of water is important, especially in light of the Leader Retreats and other visitors we frequently host. We ended up fetching water via jerry cans from a government bore hole nearby. Having running water and electricity in this remote bush, all via solar, is a great blessing not only to those we serve but also to us. We were able to pull the old pump and install the new one. Saturday afternoon we, once again, had running water via our gravity flow tanks. Sadly, it caused us to miss ministry Friday and Saturday in the Metu Mountains.

On Wednesday Carol, Ron, Zorah and I will travel to Arua to pick up David Jones, and Eric and Kara Williams.  They will arrive Thursday morning and then we will return to RAU by late afternoon. There should be awaiting us at RAU 1,680 Aringa New Testaments! Through the generous gifts of God’s people we were able to purchase these first edition NT’s (Less than 1% of the Aringa are born again).

“The Word of God is like a Lion. You don`t have to defend a Lion. All you have to do is let the Lion loose, and the Lion will defend itself.”

Charles Spurgeon

On Saturday we will all go to Gbari, Arapi, Duku, and Oyo in the Metu Mountains for ministry. Works continues on the building of the Gbari/Arapi Community Church sponsored by Amazing Grace Baptist Church Seguin Texas. Sunday morning Zora will escort Ron back to Kampala for his flight back home on Monday. The rest of us will travel to Obongi to worship with Obongi Town Church. Then, on Monday through Thursday we will have a group of Moyo church leaders here for a retreat. David and Eric will help with the teaching while Kara will be in step with Carol. Carol is especially thrilled about Kara being here! Then on Friday, the 4^th, we take the threesome back to Arua for their flight back to Tennessee.

Lord willing, the RAU container will arrive at Mombasa by August 31^st and begin its overland journey to us.  Be in special prayers that the Ugandan Revenue Authority will be kind and send it our way without delay. Please be in prayer for the containers safe arrival to RAU.

I am continuing be burdened to establish a Bible School to be a part of training faithful shepherds for the new churches being planted. I envision many new churches being planted not only in Metu Mountains, but in Obongi sub-county, and among the Yumbe Aringa’s. Please pray and believe God with us for the construction of two classrooms. We have a bid for $25,000 to complete them. We are especially thankful for you who are our monthly givers. Through PayPal it is easy to give reoccurring monthly donations of any size. Through these gifts we are able to press on with the ministry the Lord has given us….thank you!

Let me close with something near my heart. As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ we must never abdicate our responsibilities to our King with such words/thinking: “My purpose in meeting you is not any sort of conversion. I respect you and your beliefs. You’re not going to change, and I’m not going to change.” (A pastor speaking to an Imam in a small American town). The following statement better reflects the believers commission–“I respect you as a person made in the image of God. I respect your right to hold to any faith that you choose. I would never coerce you or force my religious beliefs upon you, as such a practice would detract from the truth that you, like me, are made in the image of God. And yet, as a follower of Jesus Christ, I am commanded to share the gospel. When the time comes for me to seek to persuade you to follow Jesus, it is not out of a heart of oppression or desire for control, but out of love and concern. Since I truly believe the gospel offers hope for all humanity, I cannot keep it to myself. The gospel is too precious and you are too valuable for me to keep silent.” (Article with quotes here)

In the last months I have had opportunity to walk out the last quote with over 30 Imams/Sheikhs. While the popular belief is that the first quote is less offensive and more appropriate, I believe the opposite to be true. I have sought to winsomely urge these Imams and Sheikhs (many of them on several occasions) to place their faith in Christ alone. In my desire to understand them I have been studying the Qur’an, Islamic beliefs, and their culture. They respect me for the belief/conviction which has brought me to them. They not only have listened (I did a lot of listening, too) but took Aringa New Testaments and Christian literature to read and they continue to invite me for more discussions. I have not seen any say “yes” to the Jesus of the Bible but I am patient, knowing the Lord’s Word will not return void! In the mean time I cry out to the Lord to open their eyes, as He did mine, so that they too say with Apostle Thomas and all true worshipers of Jesus, “MY LORD AND MY GOD” Please be in prayer that I will boldly proclaim the “mystery of the gospel.”

Love and Prayers,

Jacob (Carol) Lee

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Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReachingAfricasUnreached

For those who have asked, small packages and letters may safely be sent to:

Jacob & Carol Lee, PO. 55, Moyo Uganda, East Africa

Our “wish lists” may be found at Amazon (Click on the “Wish List” link and type in our name or email  address)

The greatest evil is having the gospel and not doing everything within our  power to get it to those who do not have it. May the Lord grant each of us His followers the wherewithal to be obedient disciples!  Jacob W. Lee

Tax deductible  charitable donations may  be made via PayPal.  PayPal also has a way to make reoccurring monthly gifts. To do so  please click the PayPal link. PayPal deducts  a small amount from each gift as a processing fee. All gifts given through PayPal are now tax deductible as Reaching Africa’s Unreached has 501 c3 tax exempt status as a charitable organization.  If you wish to write a check you may write it out to R.A.U. and mail it to Lifegate Missions, 395 Lifegate Ln., Seguin Texas 78155

Here is an update on my efforts to raise funds, specifically for Aringa New Testaments. At the end of August I will send my co-worker Zora to buy as many NT’s as we have money for. As of today, August 2nd, we have funds to purchase 595 Aringa New Testaments (at the current exchange rate). For $2.40 a piece Reaching Africa’s Unreached (RAU) can purchase them, transport them to RAU from Kampala, and personally take them to Yumbe District and place them into the hands of a seeking Muslim or give them to a believer who does not have the Word of God in their own tongue.

To those who have already given, I say a big, “THANK YOU!” To those who have not, would you prayerfully consider doing so? I know there are many worthy places to give and no doubt you receive many appeals. In the midst of these appeals I unashamedly ask you to help purchase Aringa New Testaments! Why? Consider the following things as you ponder the privilege of being a part of distributing God’s Word in Aringa.

1. On the ground estimates from”people of the soil” are that the Aringa are 99% Muslim fitting them into the category of an “unreached people group”.

2. The first ever complete Aringa translation of the New Testament has only been out since June 2014.

3. The greatest gift and wisest investment is to give God’s Word to people in their own language. This is MOST especially true when they have NEVER had it in their own tongue! These New Testaments, bought and delivered for very little, bring about divine dividends ( Matt. 6:19- 21).

4. It is evident that the Lord is drawing the Aringa tribe to Himself. Their Imams and Sheikhs as well people on the streets and in the markets are listening to the gospel and ASKING for New Testaments. You can read about these “open doors” in earlier posts below.

5. I, along with RAU co-workers and fellow Aringa believers, have an open door of access to Imams, Sheikhs and to Muslims in their homes, on the streets/markets in both rural villages and the towns of Yumbe. Recently an Imam ask me for a New Testament and I had to tell him I had no more. I pray this door remains open, but it may not always be. We must work while it is day!

6. I personally commit before you and the Lord we will do everything in the power the Lord gives us to distribute these New Testaments to Aringa’s. Reaching Africa’s Unreached can be your hands and tongue in the midst of the Aringa.

“From Every People, Nation, Tribe and Tongue:  The Aringa”

On Sunday, July 26th, Mindra, Zorah and I traveled to Yumbe and met up with Charles and the Youth/Choir from Pilgrim’s Church of Uganda.  Charles had written earlier in the week to say he had received an invitation from Muslims in Kulikulinga to come and preach the Gospel in their market place.  That was an invitation not to be turned down!  It was an experience not to be forgotten, either!  We, along with Charles and Pilgrim Church, had a fruitful and blessed time of ministry in this rural Yumbe District community and it was very evident that many intercessors heeded my urgent plea to fervently pray.

When we arrived we found we had been pushed to the edge of the center, which was not acceptable to us. The Lord blessed our efforts for a location change and gave us a great spot in the middle of Kulikulinga trading center for the open air preaching. This put us nearer to the Mosque and to a more busy spot. The Kulikulinga Mosque is huge and there are very few Jesus-followers in the community. There has to be a lot of outside money coming in to build such a  large Mosque in Kulikulinga.

The one-on-one we did before the open air went well, for the most, part with the Muslims. We used Aringa and Arabic gospel tracts in our interaction. Surprisingly, I met one of the Imams from our past two dialogues with Yumbe Imams and Sheikhs. The Lord used that “per chance” meeting to cause hesitant Muslims to listen to us! We invited each and everyone to attend the preaching later in the afternoon.

My text was from Mark 2:1-12 and it was proclaimed from a top the Land Cruiser. I used a number of Qur’anic texts to bridge into the Scriptures. Anything I had to say could not have had an impact apart from the help of a skillful interpreter and Charles did a most excellent job in interpreting. Those listening were well engaged in the message and all of us, as believers in Christ, sensed the presence of the Lord.

Afterwards, we showed the “Jesus” film for the first time in such a public setting in the native Aringa language…I still have chills as I think back to the very large crowd (estimated at 500+) that watched and listened attentively and interactively, (i.e. clapping, gasping, etc.). The Jesus film in the native tongue has been an effective tool in enabling people to have a clearer picture of who Jesus was (in history) and is. Thank you for your faithful intercession!!! According to Charles and other Aringa believers, less than 1% of Aringas are Christ-followers but the Lord is changing that!  He stated that this open air was the best ever he has been a part of.

Please continue in prayer that the Word planted in hearts would bear fruit! We gave out all the Aringa New Testaments we had with us.  We could have given 100 or more as the people wanted to be able to read the scriptures in their own tongue.

I am making an impassioned plea for help in buying more Aringa New Testaments!  Hebrews 4:12 states, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”   It is powerful and there is no substitute to getting the Bible into the hands of people to be read.  If you would like to help us buy more Aringa New Testaments (we have to buy them in Kampala) you can help via our donation page: https://reachingafricasunreached.org/donations/ Please make a notation the gift is for Aringa New Testament’s. Thank you!
May the Lord continue to make Himself known to the Aringa!

Jacob Lee

————

Blog: www.ReachingAfricasUnreached.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReachingAfricasUnreached

For those who have asked, small packages and letters may safely be sent to:

Jacob & Carol Lee, PO. 55, Moyo Uganda, East Africa

Our “wish lists” may be found at Amazon (Click on the “Wish List” link and type in our name or email  address)

The greatest evil is having the gospel and not doing everything within our  power to get it to those who do not have it. May the Lord grant each of us His followers the wherewithal to be obedient disciples!  Jacob W. Lee

Tax deductible  charitable donations may  be made via PayPal.  PayPal also has a way to make reoccurring monthly gifts. To do so  please click the PayPal link. PayPal deducts  a small amount from each gift as a processing fee. All gifts given through PayPal are now tax deductible as Reaching Africa’s Unreached has 501 c3 tax exempt status as a charitable organization.  If you wish to write a check you may write it out to R.A.U. and mail it to Lifegate Missions, 395 Lifegate Ln., Seguin Texas 78155

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places….praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, …. that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)

One of the great joys and comforts that Carol and I have as missionaries is knowing that we have many faithful intercessors. The real work of missions is prayer. Because missions is God’s work it is a prayer work. Prayer says, “I need you Lord“. This is especially true when taking the gospel into areas where there are very few believers and churches. Jesus tells us in John 10:16 that He has “other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.” 

In Carol’s last newsletter she mentioned yet another invitation from Yumbe Muslim leaders, this time the invitation is to come to one of their their trading centers (open market) and “do open air preaching.” This trading center is located near a large Mosque. The invitation comes on the heels of two previous dialogues with leading Yumbe and Northern Ugandan Imams and Sheikhs where these men had opportunity to hear the clear message of the gospel and receive Bibles. May I encourage you to faithfully remember to pray for these men that they will be given eyes to see and ears to hear and hearts to obey! My continual prayer for these men:  that “Saul’s,” in regard to their learning and zeal, will become “Paul’s” who love the true Jesus and have a passion to spread the gospel!

Late this coming Sunday afternoon (remember we are 8 hours ahead of EST) we are heeding the invitation that is as clear as Paul’s Macedonian call in Acts 16:6-10. Zorah, Mindra, and I will leave RAU Sunday morning and will meet Charles and the Pilgrim Church Youth choir in Yumbe. Then we will travel to the center where some of the youth will begin to set up while the rest of us walk throughout the market and engage in one-on-one witnessing and sharing gospel tracts written in the native tongue of Aringa. Once the sound system is set up the choir will start singing. There is only one volume setting for all music here, including our gospel music, i.e. rock concert loud! Then there usually are some testimonies from local brothers and sisters in Christ. In the past, after the testimonies, the local leading political figure (in Yumbe it is most always a Muslim) welcomes us, citing that there is freedom of religion in Uganda.Sunday, we hopefully will also have a leading Imam welcome us to preach. Then… the glorious privilege of proclaiming the gospel that saves (Romans 1:16)!  I will preach while Charles interprets (all from the roof rack of the Land Cruiser.)

When it gets dark we will show the Jesus film in the Aringa language about 100 meters from where we preached. As  most of you know it is a direct account of the gospel of Luke. It’s translation in Aringa just came out so this will be a first for many viewers. Our own Charles is the voice of Jesus and several others that I know have voice parts. Pray,pray,pray!

“If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go un-warned and un-prayed for.” C.H. Spurgeon

As we have mentioned before, the dominant tribe in Yumbe District is the Aringa. According to Charles and other Aringa believers, Christians are less than one percent of the tribe. In the West Nile, Yumbe Muslims can be found as leaders in other towns and Districts. That includes our Moyo  and our own Afoji. The Imam next door to RAU is from Yumbe.  Please implore the Lord of glory to bring many Aringa to Him. Surely they are some of the “other sheep ” Jesus speaks of in John 10:16.

Please also be in special prayer for our protection and the protection of all, especially Christians. It has been reported that just last week three Somali terrorists were arrested in Yumbe. A new day has arrived in Yumbe and the Aringas’ hearts are are being softened. I have seen this first hand. Pray that the Lord would have His way and many Aringas, from leaders to those in streets, would worship at the feet of Jesus!

Please also pray for Ron Zeiner’s upcoming trip to visit us. He will be joining us for two pastor’s retreats in August, our 14th and 15th. We will also take him to various places for ministry. He is great friend and fine Bible teacher. It is his third time to be with us! Pray also for the container which currently is on the seas traveling to us.

We are praising the Lord for a bountiful soybean crop. Just today we have gotten it all bagged and ready for sale. According to calculations a good profit has been made. All that profit will benefit the ministry of Reaching Africa’s Unreached. Along with a good profit, many neighbors had jobs which, in turn, has helped their families. Our second season crop is now being planted. We are putting into the ground g-nuts (peanuts), soft lentil beans, onions, and upland rice. May the Lord bless the second season as He did the first.

“The prospects are bright as the promises of God.”

Missionary Adoniram Judson

Thank you for all your prayers and support!

Jacob (Carol) Lee

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Blog: www.ReachingAfricasUnreached.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReachingAfricasUnreached

For those who have asked, small packages and letters may safely be sent to:

Jacob & Carol Lee, PO. 55, Moyo Uganda, East Africa

Our “wish lists” may be found at Amazon (Click on the “Wish List” link and type in our name or email  address)

The greatest evil is having the gospel and not doing everything within our  power to get it to those who do not have it. May the Lord grant each of us His followers the wherewithal to be obedient disciples!  Jacob W. Lee

Tax deductible  charitable donations may  be made via PayPal.  PayPal also has a way to make reoccurring monthly gifts. To do so  please click the PayPal link. PayPal deducts  a small amount from each gift as a processing fee. All gifts given through PayPal are now tax deductible as Reaching Africa’s Unreached has 501 c3 tax exempt status as a charitable organization.  If you wish to write a check you may write it out to R.A.U. and mail it to Lifegate Missions, 395 Lifegate Ln., Seguin Texas 78155

Ready – Set – Go!!!

By Carol Lee

Jacob and I are warming up our muscles – physically AND spiritually – for a flurry of happy ministry activity.  (Really and truly…I am doing exercises – safely- to try and strengthen this old body for the rigors of the Metu Mountains.)

First, Preston and Laurel Sink are on their way and we will be picking them up shortly!  We love this couple and their desire to serve and love the people of the West Nile Region.  They are from Seagrove Baptist Church in Florida.  How blessed we were on our last visit to the States to finally meet, in person, our beautiful family in Christ from Seagrove Baptist who have been amazing partners of Christ’s work in this region.  We have quite an itinerary prepared for Preston and Laurel in the triangle zone of our ministry efforts – Metu Mountains, Obongi and Yumbe.  May the Lord strengthen us all for the plans he has laid on our hearts and may the Lord bring Preston and Laurel safely here and return them safely to their home in Florida.  (They will be with us for close to two weeks.)

Second, this coming Saturday, on the 4th of July, Jacob will be heading to Yumbe for a second meeting with the Sheikhs and Imams with whom he met previously.  He hopes to continue a friendly dialogue with them.  Please be praying for that meeting.  The goal is to win people and not an argument.  Pray that Christ’s love for them would be the overarching message and that it would be displayed to them in Jacob’s life and in the lives of those who live and work there.  Also, pray over the outline which is below and which he will be using during his part of the dialog.  Jacob’s topic is “Who Is Jesus?” answering a specific question which they, themselves, asked of Jacob the last time they met.

Third, the land issue in Obongi is taking some positive moves forward as negotiations have happened for a different piece of land nearby the other one, but which is more agreeable to some who were opposed to the first plot of land being sold and developed.  Thank you to everyone who prayed!  Please continue to pray because it’s not a “done deal” yet!  The tentative agreement with all the appropriate signatures is being reviewed and discussed today.

Fourthly, not long after the Sinks return to the States, our dear friend, Ron Zeiner, will be returning (for the 3rd time) to help us in ministry.  During his stay we will have 2 Leadership retreats and some outreaches to outlying areas.  One of the retreat groups will be from the D.R. of Congo.  Now that Lydia’s House is completed we will also be able to host women along with the men.  This was previously not possible because the facilities were not conducive to mixed groups.

In anticipation of this flurry of activity Jacob has been very busy getting things ready on the campus.  His brain has a file somewhere which keeps a running “to-do” list of projects.  As you can see from the photos, it is a very effective list and the results could not be more beautiful!

I have been doing a few “nurse-y” things in addition to being the Photographer/bookkeeper/manager and Jacob’s chief encourager.  I am restricted from doing hands-on nursing care, but I am seeing how important a part education plays in helping people understand the cause and therefore the cure and prevention of many common problems.  Just today, I met with a beautiful woman who had just lost her husband, a pastor, and who was suffering from severe back pain which was induced by the heavy lifting she had to do while her husband was ill.  Praying for her, caring for her personally and spending time teaching her about the things that worsen AND help back problems seemed to her more of a benefit than I had imagined.  It was a mutually encouraging encounter.

I also,as you can see, am overcoming my own resistance to a beautiful cultural practice which displays the humility of Christ.  As is evidenced by the smiles in the photo, it was a highly entertaining moment.

Once again, Jacob and I are immensely thankful to the Lord for this calling and for your partnering with us!  We are all tangled up in this together!  Thank you for loving, giving, praying and sending – and, in some cases, going!  Please let us know how we can work in a time for you to personally “come and see!”

Carol (Jacob) Lee

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Who is Jesus? What True Followers of Jesus Believe and Preach
By Jacob Lee

Below are my notes for my Yumbe Sheiks and Imam Friends for our upcoming meeting. One of your questions to me when we last met was “Who Is Jesus?”

Thank you for your hospitality! Salaam Alekum!

Mark 4:35-41 “And they (the disciples) were filled with great fear and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and sea obey him?” (Verse 41). This same story can also be found in Luke 8:22-27.
*This account of Jesus calming the sea sets the context for the following three gospel stories in Mark 5 (Also found in Luke 8:26-56)
1. Demon possessed man-Mark 5:1-20
2. Woman with the flow of blood- Mark 5:25-34
3. Raising Jairus daughter from the dead- Mark 5:21-24 & 5:35-43

A very important principle when one reads and studies the Bible is “context”. One cannot understand or interpret the Bible if one does not follow this fundamental principle. Bible Verses and Bible stories fit and work together like the different parts of our bodies fit and work together.

I. Today I would like us to look at the common themes God is teaching in the three gospel stories found in Mark 5
A. Theme 1 – Jesus is at the center of each of these stories
B. Theme 2 – The hopeless situation of the people and how Jesus is the answer out of utter hopelessness
C. Let us read together Mark 5

II. Look at individual accounts
A. Demon possessed man
*Man with many demons (“legion” = 6,000 Roman soldiers)
*Long time without clothes
*Lived among the tombs – wanted to be in the place of death
*He would be bound with chains but would break them to go into desert
*Slave – demons “drove” him
*Crying out, cutting himself with stones
*Outcast in society; separated from family and friends; abandoned
*John 10:10 – “The devil comes to steal, kill and destroy, but I have come to give abundant life.”
*Unclean – physically and spiritually – lived among pigs and death; demons  “unclean spirits”
*Picture of torment, despair
*Truly without hope

B. Jairus
*Religious leader and respected in Jesus’ day and time – “ruler of the synagogue”; comparable to a Pastor or Imam
*Desperate – “little daughter” dying
*Imploring – fell at Jesus’ feet; begging for help; knew about Jesus’ healings
*Loved his daughter – clearly seen
*Feeling of hopeless – he knew death was near
*Death comes to us all, but especially painful to see a child die (“little girl”)
*Death is the result of sin in the world and no one is able to stop it
*It is the ultimate display of our helplessness
*We are unable to contain or control death – I will die…you will die!
*On the way to Jairus’ house we meet the third person in the story – another picture of hopelessness

C. Woman with the flow of blood
*we are told she suffered for 12 years without relief–12 YEARS. (The same age of Jairus’ daughter)
*spent all her money on doctors (doctors’ abilities are limited, even in America)
* “Unclean” – in Jesus’ day such a flow of blood made a person unclean; such a person was unable to attend prayers               and was NOT suppose to associate with others in public
*Separated and in a situation of great shame for her and her family
*Hopeless

D. We can all relate to each story: evil, uncleanness, and death
1. Evil spirits – they are here to kill, steal and destroy and to torment us all
*What has been destroyed in your life? How have you been stolen from?
How has death come into your life?
*Jesus says, “BUT, I have come to give life and life more abundantly.” (John 10:10b)
2. Death
*How many burials have you been in the last year? Six months? Weeks?
*The Old Testament prophets talk of life as a “puff of smoke” or like a flower which is here today and gone tomorrow
*Death will grab and squeeze you! And ME!!!
*What is our hope/confidence after death????????
*On Judgment Day do you know if your sins will be paid off? Pardoned?
3. Uncleanness: all sin makes us filthy/unclean before a HOLY God.
*Outward filth is only a representative of inward filth
*We have ways to clean the body, BUT what can cleanse the heart and remove the inward shame? What              proceeds from one’s mouth reveals the contents of one’s heart. This is the corruption that makes one                  defiled/unclean in God’s sight –         SEE: Matthew 12: 34-35)
*Jesus says that what flows out of the mouth is what makes us unclean
*Matthew 15:11 “And he (Jesus) called the people to him and said to them, “Hear and understand: it is not what goes            into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” Then the disciples came          and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” Jesus answered, “Every      plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind          lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” But Peter said to him, “Explain the parable to us.”And he said, “Are you also still         without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? But     what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts,     murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. But to eat with                   unwashed hands does not defile anyone.” (See also: Mark 7:14-23)
*Every single American, African. Person in the world is in a state of hopelessness and is defiled by sin.
*We ALL need divine rescuing and deliverance from: evil oppression; from uncleanness; from death. We                cannot rescue, deliver, and cleanses our inward heart ourselves. We ourselves cannot remove of our shame        before a holy God and live honorably before a HOLY God.

III. Jesus is at the center of each of these stories

 A. The demon-possessed man (with many or “legion” demons)
*Demons fear and recognize Jesus’ authority and power
*The demons recognize who Jesus is
*Just earlier – the boat was in a raging sea; Jesus says, “Peace! Be still!”
*This man had a legion (a great number) of demons
*No man of God or prophet today or in history has ever done what Jesus had done! What Jesus did was beyond human        giftedness.
*Demons say to Jesus through the man (vs. 28) “What have you to do with us, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg         you do not torment me.”
*Jesus gave the demons permission to leave; this demonstrates Jesus’ power and authority
*What is the result of Jesus’ power? Jesus power is motivated by LOVE.
-It brings deliverance and healing
-The man sits at Jesus’ feet; showing submission to Jesus’ Lordship
-The man was clothed and in his right mind healed of mental disturbance/cleansed/washed; and clothed.
-The people see and FEAR – they do not understand such power motivated by love; they want Jesus to leave (fear                and shame keep people from experiencing Jesus’ love)
-delivered man wants to stay with Jesus (a true follower of Jesus always wants to be with Him)
-Jesus sends him on a mission: “Declare how much GOD has done for you!”
-The delivered man obeys immediately and goes about “declaring how much Jesus has done for him.”
-One who follows Jesus obeys what Jesus has commanded: “Go into the entire world and TELL!” (Mathew 28:18-20)           These were Jesus’ last words before He bodily ascended into heaven where He is alive today in heaven praying for             those He has called to Himself!

 B. Jesus and the woman with the flow of blood
*Crowd – people were pushing in all around Jesus, touching Him
*Jesus sensed a different “touch” – a touch made in faith in Jesus’ power
*Jesus KNOWS someone touched him in “faith” and the woman KNOWS she has been healed.
*The woman was in a hopeless situation, unclean and no options left
*She acts in faith – she believes that Jesus is greater than human doctors
*Faith is like an electric wire which connects us to the Power Source
*Both, Jesus and the woman, knew – Jesus knows each person and his need; He knows YOUR need today; He                    responds in love to those who look to Him in faith
*Jesus does the same to those today who look to Him alone for salvation, deliverance, healing, hope, and a personal             relationship with God.
*Jesus is the answer to your hopeless need (it’s no greater than the woman’s)
*Jesus heals her, cleanses her…he will do the same for you! He has for me!
*Our need is deeper than a physical healing and cleansing. We all need inner healing and cleansing. This only Jesus can      give!

 <What can cleanse the filth in our hearts (our thoughts and attitudes) and release us from our separation/shame before a      Holy God????
<Scriptures teach us that a blood sacrifice of an innocent, pure, without defect being was needed to cleanse
-Garden of Eden – God made garments from slain animals
-Cain and Abel – made offerings but only Abel’s blood sacrifice was accepted
-Abraham and Moses – both were told to offer blood sacrifices. David and prophets made blood sacrifices.
-Jesus was announced by John the Baptist (Yahya) as, “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of world.”
-We all need the cleansing power of Jesus’ pure sacrificial blood to cleanse us of our guilt and shame and separation            from God
-Those who trust in and follow Jesus receive cleansing from sin and shame

C. Jairus’ 12 year old daughter
-Jesus arrives (messenger gives word)  “daughter has died”
-Jesus’ response, “Do not fear, only believe and she will be well.”
-He enters the home; crowd laughs when Jesus says, “She is sleeping.” The crowd knew she was dead
-But Jesus knew He would impart life back into her – something only God can do
* As followers of Jesus our hope is in Jesus to overcome death. Jesus said “I am the Resurrection and the life; whoever          believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” (John 11:25)
*What is your hope and assurance of heaven?
*My old bones are at rest and I am peace with God! My faith and confidence are in Jesus’ merit, His forgiveness and            resurrection
*I do not have confidence in my good works to bring me to heaven
*I trust in Jesus who loves me, washed me clean from my sins through His sacrificial death. His cleansing blood has              wiped my shame away and brought me into the presence of a Holy, righteous and just God
*Judgment Day is coming for us all.
*Place your trust in Jesus for your salvation
*Ask Him to reveal Himself to you – He will! Put your trust in Jesus alone for salvation
*I love you
*I will continue to pray for you!

Thank you for your hospitality! Salaam Alekum!

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The greatest evil is having the gospel and not doing everything within our  power to get it to those who do not have it. May the Lord grant each of us His followers the wherewithal to be obedient disciples!  Jacob W. Lee

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