By Pastor Ron Ward
Remain in Jesus and Bear Much Fruit
As our headquarters mission journey team (Ron and Dervilla, David and Joy) travels through western Europe, we have seen many vineyards. As the bright sunlight falls upon the vines, and they draw water and nutrition from the rich soil, they produce an abundant supply of delicious grapes–so much so that Europe provides 60% of the world’s wine. We were reminded of Jesus’ words in John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Jesus is our true vine. He supplies the life-sustaining nutrition and power that enables us to grow and bear much fruit. As we simply remain in him, by remaining in his word, we will bear much fruit. In Jesus, Europe can be a great source of blessing to the whole world. We have seen how Jesus’ life is spreading in the UK, Switzerland and France thus far on our journey.
When we arrived in London, Paul and Joshua greeted us warmly at the airport. In the evening, after a homemade pizza dinner, we had a time of open discussion, which focused mostly on how we can experience spiritual revival. About 30 people were present, and nearly half were next generation leaders. David and I testified how the Holy Spirit is working mightily among young people all over the world. We learned that in London, young leaders are voluntarily sharing Daily Bread at the center early every morning. After our discussion, we had a short but dynamic Bible study on John 15.
While spending time in London, we saw how Paul and Joanna are practicing beautiful servant leadership. National and missionary leaders work together with joy, mutual respect and love. The families of James, Darren and others are spreading Christian influence in major spheres of their culture. Ian’s family carries out a vibrant ministry at Oxford and continues to show a good example to all coworkers.
The Lord blessed our Sunday worship service by sending coworkers surrounding chapters including Bristol and Glasgow and working graciously through a message from John 15. After the worship service, we had a meal together. London coworkers provided a special cake to celebrate Dervilla’s birthday and our 40th wedding anniversary.
Leaving London, we traveled to Geneva, Switzerland and were well received by missionaries there. Our first stop was Paul’s office from which he runs his business. Paul and his wife Sarah shared a touching impromptu praise song. It was possible because Paul recently began to learn the guitar and Sarah the piano. We prayed for student ministry in Switzerland and for Paul’s business. We heard how God’s power has been working through Sarah’s prayer and Paul’s messages. Their children and Bible students are growing in faith and love.
Later, we traveled to Mont Blanc in the Alps, together with Bern missionaries, Johannes and Susanna. Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in Europe. At the top of the mountain, Sarah and Suanna shared tearful and powerful poems testifying to Jesus’ saving grace and love. We all sang praise to God with loud voices and prayed for the spread of the gospel all over Europe. We could renew our vision in God. Returning to our hotel, we shared the words of John 13-16 together. The Holy Spirit worked among us powerfully. We deeply realized that Jesus wants us to remain in his love and to love one another as he has loved us. He wants us to depend on the Holy Spirit and pray. Johannes and Susanna shared stories of God’s grace to forgive others and love them during times of great difficulty. Their family has become a beautiful testimony to Jesus’ love and is bearing much fruit, especially through their three daughters.
After our fellowship with the Swiss missionaries, we traveled by train to Aix-en-Provence in southern France and met Jean and Jeanne. Simply speaking, there is a great work of God among young people through the ministry of God’s word, especially Bible reading in groups. We visited a Marseilles University campus, met two students who just began Bible study, and saw the Spirit work to lead one more student to Bible study. In the evening, six young people attended our group study on John 15. They listened to the word of God from their hearts and shared personal and meaningful comments. Jean and Jeanne care for them with all their hearts, much prayer, and the word of God. Their two sons Isaac and Yohan are among them and are growing spiritually.
The Aix-en-Provence chapter is known as the “Amen” chapter. This is an acronym of Aix-Marseille (university), Eglise (church), and Nouvelle (new). It is a new church for Aix-Marseille University students. Indeed, God has used Jean and Jeanne to make a new beginning in campus ministry in France. It is part of a new beginning in God’s work throughout France.
From the Amen chapter, we went to Paris and met Bruno. God has raised him as a source of blessing for France, Europe and the world. As we shared a typical French dinner together, he testified how God worked through the Encounter Conference. Many young people met Jesus personally and deeply. He also shared how God has worked to establish Paris UBF. After experiencing a painful and prolonged leadership issue that ended five years ago, Bruno dedicated himself to the word of God and prayer. With support from Isaac and Marie and other missionaries, a new vessel has been formed. God has established a loving community that prays together for campus mission and world mission. By God’s power through prayer, Marie is teaching Korean to students at a university and prays that the university may renew her contract as it is about to expire.
God’s work is so much more than I can share in this short report. Let’s praise God for his mighty work in Western Europe. May the words he has planted in his servants continue to bear fruit and make this region a source of blessing to the whole world.
Pastor Ron's message on John 15 is attached below.
