Hafa Adai from the beautiful island of Guam.
Micronesia is referred to as “Typhoon Alley.” Typhoons usually form in the east near the Marshall Islands and gain strength as they head west toward the Marianas Islands, which includes Guam. Recently, another powerful typhoon threatened our tiny island, but the Lord was good, causing it to only graze Guam and veer northwest. We only experienced strong winds and rain, thankfully never losing power or water. Through the stormy years, the Lord has been so good to us, keeping us unharmed, with minimal loss and destruction.
“But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.” (Romans 10:20) This verse reminds me of soul winning. The great majority of people I talk to about the Gospel were not actively seeking the Gospel when I approached them. “The Gospel found them,” and then, “They found the Gospel.” Since my last update, the Lord has used me personally to lead 21 people to Christ.
One evening, I came across a sleeping security guard. I decided to wake him and ask if he knew for sure he would go to Heaven. The guard was surprised when I woke him, though not embarrassed, and with a look of concern on his face, said he did not know where he would go when he died. He allowed me to explain the Gospel to him and then prayed to receive Christ as his Saviour. He thanked me and told me he had been on the job for more than 24 hours, through the typhoon weather, waiting to be relieved of duty. After we parted, I thought, He waited just long enough for the Gospel to find him and relieve his concern of the afterlife.
Thinking I was the only customer in a store, I asked the cashier if she would go to Heaven when she died. She did not know. As I began to explain the Gospel to her, a customer entered the store and approached the register area. I let the customer go first. He wanted to purchase something that required an ID. When the cashier asked to see an ID, he did not have one and left the store. Before I could begin a second time, the same customer came back and asked the cashier to sell him the item and he would show her an ID “tomorrow.” The cashier directly told him that she could not serve him. He then left the store, not to return. As I made a third attempt, the cashier began counting the money in the register like she was getting ready for a shift change. A different person entered the store and came to the register area. Offering for him to go first, the cashier said to me that he was an employee, so I asked him if he knew if he was going to Heaven. He said he did not know and looked very concerned about it. Both allowed me to explain the Gospel, as the cashier kept counting the money. When I finished the explanation, both acknowledged they understood and believed it and then prayed with me to receive the Lord Jesus Christ into their hearts as their Saviour. When we finished praying, the cashier continued counting, but the other employee said sincerely, “Thank you, Pastor,” and then fist-bumped me with a big smile on his face. The disruptions delayed the Gospel presentation for the one who seemed to want it most.
Island Baptist Church is doing fine. Our church folks remain faithful, growing in the Lord, and seeing the Lord work in their lives on their behalf through answered prayer and amazing circumstances. One of our elderly ladies was told she needed an amputation. She was scared, and we were concerned, so we besought the Lord earnestly for her one Sunday evening after church. As we continued to pray concerning the matter, we were informed recently that she no longer needed the amputation. God is good!
Thank you for praying for us. Please continue to pray for our health and safety, Island Baptist Church, Guam, and Micronesia. Thank you for supporting our ministry financially. The Gospel still saves, and preaching the Word still changes lives.
In His harvest field,
Dan Rothwell and Family
