November 2008

Dear partners in the mission

Do we have reasons to be thankful at the end of this year of Grace 2008, in the middle of a most severe financial crisis hitting the world globally and all kinds of international turmoil?

As for me, as I look back after ten years of radio ministry (and twenty years of life in South Africa), I realize that God’s plan is carried out regardless of the weakness and insufficiencies of His servant.  A rewarding experience albeit certainly a humbling one.  On the one hand I wish of course that much more had been achieved; I wish Reformed Faith and Life was on the air in many more places, broadcast through many more radio stations in Africa and elsewhere.  On the other hand, I can see the results of the proclamation of the Gospel of life, via letters and emails received on a weekly basis.  A recent report from Antsohihy (north of Madagascar ) testifies that RFL is followed and appreciated by its listeners.  In the Kivu region (Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, presently the heart of a destructive conflict between governmental troops and armed rebels), a message of hope amidst dire circumstances feeds many people who otherwise have lost hope that political and military leaders can bring anything else to them than chaos, misery and sufferings.  They seek my prayers and specifically ask me to invite you to pray that our gracious Lord would grant them peace, security and stability.

Over four hundred radio programmes produced by RFL announce in many different ways that our God is a God of mercy in Jesus-Christ.  The Gospel is a power of healing when accepted in faith and obedience.  For many hopeless people, proclaiming that from there He will come to judge the living and the dead also brings hope that there is a justice: the evil ones will be punished, God’s children will be comforted and restored.  A new heaven and a new earth are being prepared. Waiting for the Second Coming does not mean remaining passive though, but rather filling our lamps with oil, so that the bride should be ready when the bridegroom unexpectedly comes.  RFL’s programmes are a constant call to our listeners to make sure that their lamp is filled with the proper oil.  Mercifully enough, for that we are not dependent on the fluctuations of crude oil’s price… 

After a blessed trip to North America in September-October earlier this year (which took me to Kansas , Indiana , Michigan , Ontario and Quebec ) I am getting ready to visit my home country, France , as well as Switzerland : the book project I mentioned to you in my previous newsletter is one of the items on my agenda. Renewing or establishing contacts with some radio stations and Christians who could become partners of the radio ministry in some other way is also part of my program.  After twenty years of life in South Africa , it is imperative to keep in touch with France , last but not least for linguistic reasons.

There are indeed many reasons to be thankful at the end of this year, if only for the privilege of being still able to serve our Triune God while He grants us the means and  the energy, as well as the glorious vision of His eternal Kingdom. The timing is His, He opens or closes doors. As for us, let us not forsake our calling.  Thank you for your continued support and your prayers.  To all of you who have been faithful supporters of the radio ministry of Reformed Faith and Life throughout the years May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.  May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus-Christ.  The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it (1 Thess. 5:23 -24).

In His name

Rev. Eric Kayayan