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Update from the Barkleys
Thank you to our partners. Couldn't do it without you!
"But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew..." Exodus 1:12
Because of fear, jealousy and ignorance, the king of Egypt did his best to destroy the people of Israel. He was afraid that they would take over his country. This fear lead him to do unthinkable things to people who didn't deserve such treatment. His ignorance was in the fact that he didn't understand that Egypt wasn't the Israeli homeland. They were just passing through. They were of another kingdom.
In the same way, the ruler of this world, through ignorance, jealousy and unbelief is doing his best to erase these strangers, called Christians, from his kingdom. He thinks that he can oppress them and thereby limit their impact. What he has forgotten is that these people (the church) are not of this world. His unbelief and pride blind him to the fact that their King CANNOT be defeated and will rise to their defence. And so, "the more *he afflicts* them, the more they *will* multiply and grow!"
I awoke yesterday morning with an old song by Dottie Rambo, turning over in my mind.
Troublesome times are here, filling men's hearts with fear
Freedom we all hold dear now is at stake
Humbling your hearts to God saves from the chastening rod
Seek the way pilgrims trod, Christians awake!
Jesus is coming soon, morning or night or noon
Many will meet their doom, trumpets will sound
All of the dead shall rise, righteous meet in the skies
Going where no one dies, heavenward bound
The enemy is trying, but can't stop the church. Services all over the world are being restricted or prohibited, but the church is rising to the challenge. Online conferences are being conducted, services are being conducted in the parking lots, small groups are meeting, Bible studies are being taught online and God is moving!
Recently, in a zone conference here in Chile, there were as many as 2,500 viewing and, while the final results are still being tallied, seventeen people have decided to be baptized in Jesus' name, at least four people were filled with the Holy Ghost and there were several healings reported.
Thank you Brothers, Eugene Dominguez, Miguel Quintero, John Hopkins and Bruce Howell for your powerful contribution to this effort. God bless you all.
As of right now, all of Santiago is under quarantine. Travel is severely restricted and the active cases continue to rise. Several of our people have tested positive and are undergoing treatment. At least two of them are in very critical condition at the writing of this newsletter. Please pray for them, their families and the churches that they are a part of.
I believe this will be the church's finest hour. If we will do what we can do, God will do what HE can do.
Thank you to our partners, family and friends. We think of you every day and are grateful for your faithful support.
God bless all of you.
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