Week of February 16

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Update on the Lord's Move in Francophone Europe

Not Losing Heart in Sowing unto the Spirit

“And let us not lose heart in doing what is good, for in the proper season we will reap if we do not faint. So then, as we have the opportunity, let us do what is good toward all, but especially toward those of the household of the faith.” (Gal. 6:9-10)

In 6:9 Paul goes on to say, “And let us not lose heart in doing what is good, for in the proper season we will reap if we do not faint.” According to the context, “doing what is good” in verse 9 is sowing to the Spirit. Paul's use of the word reap in this verse connects it with the foregoing verse about sowing. We should not lose heart in doing good, in sowing unto the Spirit. Sowing to the flesh usually produces a quicker result than sowing to the Spirit. A higher form of life often grows more slowly than a lower form. In the same principle, what we sow unto the Spirit will usually grow more slowly than what we sow unto the flesh. This is the reason that Paul encourages us not to lose heart in sowing unto the Spirit. A brother who is an elder should not say, “I have been in this city for years sowing unto the Spirit. What do I have to show for my labor? I don't see any result.” Remember Paul's word that in the proper season we will reap if we do not faint. In working for the Lord, in ministering the Word to the children of God, and in caring for the churches, we should not expect that what we sow unto the Spirit will grow quickly. Like farmers, we need to be patient. Eventually, in the proper season, we will reap. The more precious are the things sown, the longer it will take for them to grow. While they are growing, let us be patient and not lose heart. (Life-study of Galatians, 2nd ed., msg. 29, p. 255)

Every detail of our living is important because it is part of our sowing. If we sow unto the Spirit in all the small parts of our daily living, we shall have a life unto the Spirit. The issue of this kind of life is life eternal. When our goal is the Spirit, we become a supply of life to others. (Msg. 35, p. 307)

ICSC

This past weekend, February 14 to 16, the International Chinese-speaking Blending Conference was held in Anaheim. The general subject was “Chapters 5 through 8 of Romans—the Kernel of the Bible.”

Chapters 5 through 8 of Romans can be called the kernel of the Bible, showing its entire theme in a concrete and detailed way; the words life and death form two contrasting lines through chapters 5–8, showing that man is in a triangular situation between God and Satan, life and death. (Key Statement 1)

As we enjoy Christ in our sufferings, we are being saved in His life for accomplishing the organic goal of God's dynamic salvation, which is the producing and building up of the organic Body of Christ expressed in the local churches, where we enjoy the rich grace of the Lord and where the God of peace crushes Satan under our feet for His glorious expression and for the display of His victory. (Key Statement 2)

All the saints are encouraged to review the archived conference messages; they are available to watch for free at lsmwebcast.com until March 18. Please pray for the reception and digestion of the word released in this first “feast” of the new year, regardless of language, so that the saints' living and service will be adjusted and governed by this timely speaking.

Unsearchable and Untraceable

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and untraceable His ways!” (Rom. 11:33)

The new administration in the United States is mandating many changes. The impact of these changes is hard to understand or foresee, but “who has known the mind of the Lord” (v. 34a). Let us beseech the Lord that in all these changes:

• The saints in the recovery would experience the Lord as their inner peace and gain subjective assurance that “out from Him and through Him and to Him are all things” (v. 36a).
• The uncertainty and turmoil would open people to the gospel.
• We would be emboldened by the Lord to go out with the gospel and the truths.
• The Lord would continue to strongly use the United States as a base for His recovery.

“To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” (v. 36b)

FTTA

The Spring 2025 term of the Full-time Training in Anaheim began this week on February 17. At least 40 incoming trainees are joining the training this term (this number includes first-term trainees and a handful of re-entering ones), bringing the total anticipated number to over 265. Please pray:

• That the Lord would shepherd each one He has called to be trained all the way to the FTTA, and that the enemy would have no way to distract them or frustrate their coming.
• That all the trainees would come with an open heart and an exercised spirit, consecrating themselves fully to the Lord to be trained in every aspect of their person and living.
• That the Lord would cover and preserve the safety and health (both physical and psychological) of all the trainees throughout the term.
• That the Lord would continue to call His young people throughout the United States and Canada to be trained, and free them from all encumbrance and entanglement that they might respond to His call.

FTTA-MA

February 25 is the application deadline for the spring term of the middle-age training, which begins March 17. Attendance in recent terms has been half or less of the pre-pandemic peak number. Ask the Lord to release many, especially from North America, whether young or old, whether new or decades in the recovery, to realize their need of training and to match Isaiah's willingness to declare, “Here am I; send me” (Isa. 6:8).

French-speaking Europe

A brief update on the Lord's move in French-speaking Europe is attached to this prayer list in English and in Chinese. This update was presented at the recent ICSC in Anaheim. There is a call for more saints to migrate in order to meet the long-term need. May the Lord send workers to match His present move.

Let us also continue to ask the Lord to supply all the saints who live in French-speaking Europe, and all who are there on “shepherding trips” for weeks or months, to labor diligent in ministering Christ to the seeking contacts so that these ones may grow in truth and life and be added to the church. Beseech the Lord to thrust out more workers into this harvest and to release the necessary long-term visas.

For all the latest reports of the gospel and shepherding trips, click here.

Germany

A federal election will be held on February 23 to elect the 630 members of the German parliament. Please pray that the will of our sovereign Lord would be done in these elections and that the outcome would be what is best for the furtherance of His testimony and the spreading of the gospel in Germany.

Announcements

1. Morning Revival: Week 6 of our reading through Galatians. Next week, we begin Living a Christian Life and Church Life Under the Government of God for the Economy of God (Thanksgiving Conference).
2. Memorial Day Conference: The 2025 International Memorial Day Blending Conference will be held in Phoenix, AZ at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown from May 23 to 26. Saints in LA who are considering attending in person are asked to RSVP by April 30 at tinyurl.com/memdayla. More details, including recommended hotels at discounted rates, is available in the information package on this site.
3. Wednesday Night Ministry Meeting: The ministry meeting will resume next week on February 26.
4. Junior High Conferences: At Oak Glen for sisters, March 7 to 9; for brothers, March 28 to 30 (registration due February 23).
5. High School Conferences: At Oak Glen for sisters, March 14 to 16; for brothers, April 11 to 13 (registration due March 2).
6. Bibles for America's recent blogpost, “7 Tips to Build up a Habit of Reading the Bible Daily,” is available to read and share at blog.biblesforamerica.org.
7. Ways to Give: Information about the church's online giving platform, Subsplash, and where to mail checks, are at www.churchinlosangeles.org/members/offerings.