Defining Moment
Brother Andrew's encounter with Communism behind the Iron Curtain led him to a defining moment of determination to strengthen the remaining believers with God's help.
Brother Andrew shares a pivotal moment from 1957 when he attended a Communist youth conference in Poland, feeling overwhelmed by the strength of the Communist youth. Despite his initial feelings of despair, he found hope in a verse from Revelation that urged him to strengthen the remaining believers in Poland. This realization became a defining moment for him, igniting a commitment to support and empower the oppressed Christians behind the Iron Curtain. He recognized that even in the face of overwhelming odds, God could use him to make a difference. This experience shaped his mission to bring hope and strength to those in need.
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In 1957 Andy went behind the Iron Curtain to a Communist youth conference in Poland. He despised Communism but it was the only way that he could see for himself what Communism was doing to the church behind the Iron Curtain. He had 'smuggled' in some religious tracts and passed them out. He had even 'preached' at a few token churches allowed by Communism. He felt good about his trip until the final day when he watched the youths' 'Parade of Triumph' down the main avenue of Warsaw. They marched eight to a rank. Rank after rank, hundreds, thousands. The young Communists bristled with energy and determination. They seemed an invincible force. What could Christians in the western countries do? What could Andy do? Unnoticed in the clamor he sat down dejectedly on a bench.
He opened his small Bible. A breeze whipped the pages to the Book of Revelations.
Andy's eyes were drawn to a verse in chapter 3. He read, "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die."
The meaning hammered him. The remaining believers in Poland must not die. They must be strengthened. This was surely his sign. He wasn't sure just how he would do it, but with God's help he would do it...
Sermon Outline
- The Power of Observation
- The Call to Action
- The Birth of a Mission
- Andy's determination to strengthen the remaining believers
- The role of God's help in Andy's mission
Key Quotes
“They marched eight to a rank. Rank after rank, hundreds, thousands.” — Brother Andrew
“Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die.” — Brother Andrew
“He wasn't sure just how he would do it, but with God's help he would do it...” — Brother Andrew
Application Points
- We can all be motivated to take action by observing the needs around us and seeking God's guidance.
- With God's help, we can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges and make a positive impact in the world.
- Our determination and willingness to act can be the catalyst for significant change in the lives of others.