“And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” Matthew 12:32 

Let us embrace the Holy Spirit with respect and gratitude, allowing His presence to transform our lives. May we speak words of kindness, live with purpose, and seek forgiveness through Christ. In honoring the Holy Spirit, we find strength, peace, and the unwavering love of God. 

Rock Standing

By: Byron Whetstone

The type of church described in the New Testament Book of Acts is a model where believers meet "house to house". This has led to significant growth of Christianity in countries like India, China, and Russia.

Last week, during our house church meeting, we studied Matthew 12. The verse above reminded me of the vital role of the Holy Spirit in our daily relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son. The concept of the Triune God is particularly powerful when we understand that the Holy Spirit is the helper Jesus promised us (Acts 2:1-4) after He ascended to heaven.

Churches in Pakistan are being burned down!

A family in Pakistan freed from debt slavery by our partner.

Last Sunday was Pentecost, and Jesus' words highlight His Divine Authority. He says that speaking against Him can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, who lives within us, cannot be forgiven.

Recently, we learned about the terrible actions against Christians in Pakistan and India. People are forced to work in brick kilns to repay their families' debts. The agreement is to make a certain number of bricks each day to settle the debt. However, while the family works, the kiln owner often violates the wife or children. This horrific abuse is a crime against the Spirit.

A family’s debt was recently paid by our partner, freeing them from this cruel situation and violation of human dignity. What emotions do families feel when they are finally free from such enslavement? Their healing can only come from the power of the Holy Spirit, who can bring peace to their mind and heart.

We recently met another non-profit focused on providing clean water to underserved and impoverished areas worldwide. They were impressed by our recognition that access to clean water is the first step toward improving many people's lives. They were also excited about our efforts in the rural villages around Kaduna, Nigeria, where 30,000 people now have access to clean water.

As a result, people are getting sick less often, their hygiene has improved, and, most importantly, they can now grow crops, start businesses, and find hope in their new situation. We are praying that this partnership and others will help us reach our goal of providing water to 100,000 people by the end of 2025.

As I prepare for a trip to India in a few weeks, I'm excited to share some great news. The livelihood business funding we started in 2019 has made significant progress. Recently, the "Hope for India" organization awarded us a grant to help fund additional businesses, continue training pastors, and expand our bi-vocational business and pastoral work.

HIM Mission: 

We prevent child exploitation, prostitution, and abuse by providing humanitarian aid, business funding, and educational opportunities as solutions to global impoverishment.

We are praying for an end to human exploitation driven by greed. We are praying for the women and children trapped in prostitution, with nowhere to turn for help. We are praying for clean water, as it is the first step toward economic improvement. We are praying for resources to start and fund businesses that can employ pastors and their families.

Will you join us in prayer?

Will you share your resources to help support this work?

To God Be the Glory!

Byron Whetstone