Scott Jackson

Firstly I want to start by encouraging you. In Hebrews 12:1-3, we read...

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Regardless of our circumstances, let's be reminded that our hope is in Christ, that if our trust is in Him and His sacrifice, then our destiny is eternity with Him in glory. In honesty, it's very easy to become so fixated with either our life situations, or on how ministry is going that we lose sight of our goal, and I'm sure that we all do that. And I wonder if the Lord might be challenging any of us to better hold things in balance, to keep our eyes set on eternity, whilst at the same time to be present in the here and now. So if things are hindering us, whether sin or other things, let's throw it off, that we might become more effective in our race and keeping our eyes on Jesus.

Time in the UK....

I want to give thanks for the month that I was able to spend in the UK in February. It was great to see many of you, and apologies to those I was not able to meet with. It was a fantastic time to refresh, to see family and friends and visit churches.

Below are a couple of photos of my time in Anglesey and in London.

Young Life

This latest season has been 'action packed' in Young Life. The Discovery Bible Study that I am leading for the young lads is continuing to grow, with up to around 11-12 lads regularly in attendance. It truly is wonderful to see them growing in understanding of the Lord and in their desire to know Him more.

The end of March saw Young Life go to the town of Gevgelija in the south of the country for a discipleship retreat. We had just under 40 kids sign up for the weekend, and we took them through the topics of prayer, fasting and giving. We had some great times where we all went off individually to spend time with the Lord, and on the opposite side, where we would come together in small groups to discuss and process questions related to the topics. And much fun was had throughout, with games, sports, campfires, and even multiple kids went swimming in the local river. (I know, it's hard to believe it was warm enough for that, but it really was).

For this time of year, things are now being organised for the summer camp, and already we have 9 kids signed up for it, which is fantastic. We have booked the entire site at the Krani hotel this year, so we are praying for 60 kids.

The photos below are from our time at the Discipleship Retreat in Gevgelija.

Novo Lisiche...

Since my last newsletter, I have been able to increase the amount of time that I can partner with the Moore family in helping them reach their local community of Novo Lisiche. In addition to the Discovery Bible study that Ian and Katie lead on Mondays, I am also a part of their Bible study that they lead on Tuesdays that's aimed towards kids, and help out on Thursday afternoons with some prayer and evangelism in the community.

Prayer...

It's amazing that the amount of prayer that is taking place around the church is increasing, with more prayer groups becoming established. John Piper says this...

"History testifies to the power of prayer as a prelude to spiritual awakening and missions advance."

When we read the Scriptures, and also look at past moves of God, we know this to be true.

Within Oaza Church now, we hold prayer meetings every Thursday evening, and one of the wonderful things about them is that a different family / home has been hosting the meeting every week.

Visa...

As I send this to you, I can say that my visa renewal has been approved. Glory to God! I'm just waiting now until I can collect my new ID card, which hopefully should be next week.

Thanksgivings:

• For the time at the discipleship retreat in Gevgelija for Young Life, and the hunger within the Youth for more of God in their lives, which is also seen increasingly in the Bible studies as well.
• For the increase in the amount of prayer that is taking place, both within our local congregation, and also corporately across the churches.
• For my Visa renewal approval.

Prayer Requests:

• For more team members within Young Life. As Jesus said that the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, so we know this also within the youth ministry. Please pray for more workers and leaders to be raised up to help us reach and disciple more young people for the Gospel.
• For the work in Novo Lisiche, for the Lord to open more doors in the local community to gospel conversations, and receptivity to the message.
• For the work in the Albanian ministry. Again more workers are required. Over this last Ramadan, there has been an increase in the number of Albanians open and asking questions about Jesus. This is a big answer to prayer. But people from across the church are needed to help disciple them.

Thank you for reading my latest newsletter and being a part of this journey. May God bless you in every work.

With much love and every blessing in Christ,
Scott

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