https://www.rickbergen.net Help Plant 1,000 Churches Fri, 07 Nov 2025 23:01:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 169531157 https://www.rickbergen.net/?p=2721 https://www.rickbergen.net/?p=2721#respond Fri, 02 May 2025 13:28:11 +0000 Rick Bergen https://www.rickbergen.net/?p=2721

Since the Cristovão Retreat in February—when Clyde and Kelsie, along with Phil and Jen, came to minister—the Marabá Church has felt a fresh wind of the Spirit. New baptisms, the birth of small groups, and a rise in attendance are reminding us: the gospel moves in waves. It surges, pauses, and then surges again—like the seasons of life. Always changing. Always advancing to the next season. Hosea 10:12 (NLT) “Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord.”

Thank you Douglas, for this photo!

A Spiritually Dryer Climate

Dirk Willems – A Hero of the Faith

Dirk Willems: A Legacy of Costly Compassion  But what about the spiritually dry places?Not all fields seem fertile. Sometimes, the ground feels hardened, or the culture indifferent. But even there, God is at work…In 1569, Dirk Willems, a Dutch Anabaptist, ran for his life across a frozen lake. His pursuer—a thief-catcher—fell through the ice. In a moment of profound mercy, Dirk turned back and pulled the man to safety. The officer wanted to release him, but authorities intervened. Dirk was imprisoned, tortured, and ultimately burned at the stake for his faith.Today, a bronze statue in Steinbach, Manitoba, honors Dirk’s courageous act—reminding us that love for one’s enemy often comes at great cost.Now consider the contrast.In Dirk’s world, religion was used to silence dissenters. In Northern Brazil today, villages plead for someone to come and share the gospel. Europe built majestic cathedrals while executing quiet saints like Dirk. And yet, even in the darkest corners of history, God had His faithful—humble men and women who lived wholly for the Kingdom.Reflection QuestionsHow wholehearted is your walk with God right now? What distractions or detours have crept in quietly over time? What would it take to clear the way again?Where is God calling you to focus? It’s tempting to say, “Where the need feels greatest.” But in God’s Kingdom, there’s enough grace, calling, and power for both the hungry and the hardened. Take a moment to ask: Lord, where do You want me to focus right now?

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