Big World, God is Bigger

I am always reminded as I travel the globe on mission for Christ, that as large as the world might seem, and as small and helpless as I might feel, our God is big bigger and more approachable than I could possibly imagine. As I have looked up into the night sky in Wrightsville Beach, NC; across the United States; in Ubauna, Brazil; London, England; Edinburgh, Scotland; Larga, Moldova; Bucharest, Romania’ Tema, Ghana; and connecting countries between, I’m reminded that the same moon and constellations which light the night sky at home and abroad were hung and named one by one by the very same God who knows my name and has who has numbered every hair on my head. As I have often stood outside at night with those whom we have served, I’m quick to point out that our world isn’t so big after all. Whether encouraging an orphan in Romania, an adopted member of an amazing family in Moldova, hanging out with a crowd of beautiful children and families in Ghana, or serving children in Northern Brazil, I always share that I see the same moon and stars from my own backyard as I do in that very moment. It’s a reminder to me that our God is bigger than all of our problems and yet just as approachable as I am to the person whom I’m encouraging in that very moment. 

Isn’t it good to know that God is on His throne and that not one thing which happens in this world today, tomorrow or next year will change that? Psalm 47:8 reminds us of that very fact. 

“God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.” (NIV) 

In fact, not one sparrow falls to the ground without God noticing, so I know He’s aware of the tragedy people are facing around the world this very night. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 10,

“What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to 

the ground without your Father knowing it.” Matthew 10:29 (NLT)

As Christians, you and I hold the answer. We can’t keep it to ourselves. There is no plan B. In fact, Jesus has sent us not just to tell hurting people about Him, but to show them. How will you allow God to use you this week?

Moldova Response to Ukrainian Refugees

Long before daybreak this morning I had the privilege of joining John Miron, President of the Moldovan Baptist Union along with three other leaders from the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina for a zoom call to assess the needs of the Church of Moldova as they assist thousands of Ukrainian refugees each day. We have recently learned that the US embassy in Moldova was evacuated this past Saturday in advance of likely incursion by Russian forces. Should they take Odesa, Ukraine a next logical step in Putin’s strategy might be the defenseless country of Moldova which has no standing army. Moldova and Ukraine were part of the former USSR and, though the media rarely mentions this tiny little country, it is presumed that as goes one, so will the other. Russian troops have long been present in Transnistria – a rebel region of Moldova located just east of the capital city of Chisinau. Knowing this, it isn’t likely that we will be able to send volunteers at this time, but we are strategizing ways to best support the effort financially.

The most memorable and chilling comment on the call with the president this morning was in reference to Moldovan pastors serving now and after a potential take over by Putin. 

“All people are afraid right now. My greatest job now is to lead our pastors to inspire their 

people to remain strong as we share the gospel with hurting people. We serve together in 

death or in life.”  –  John Miron, President, Baptist Union of Moldova

Worship God, Love People and Make Disciples,

John McIntyre