Average Joes
We had the INSANE privilege of attending a Clippers game at the end of the NBA regular season. I (Luke) am a huge basketball fan and was going absolutely nuts as Kawhi Leonard steals the ball on one end of the floor and slams a dunk on the other with ease. I am amazed at the skill and insane levels of athleticism that professional basketball players have; they seem almost another species as they perform feats that I consider unattainable. However, when I roll up at a pick-up basketball run, no matter the skill, I look at these guys as peers; as equals. I may still see a dunk or shooting streaks that seem impressive, but rather than awed I feel inspired. I am inspired that I may be able to perform something similarly as awesome in the right circumstances or with dedicated training or smart decision making. The professionals seem another class entirely. The average Joes, while impressive at times, by nature of their non-professional status, are not seen as elite, but typical.
We have heard people say things like, “I am so impressed with your work,” and, “That is just truly amazing what you guys are doing.” Though it is not spoken, it seems like people view missionaries as professionals; as somehow a class of their own, with powers unattainable to the common man.
The enemy, in his cleverness, would have us to settle for being in awe, rather than being inspired. Being in awe gives the idea that a person is a mere inactive bystander, wondering at the marvel set before them. Someone inspired is affected to make change or labor further. We are here to tell you, that we are just normal Christians that happen to be in a different environment. We are a lot more similar to the regular pick-up basketball player than any of the professionals. We hope that as we have many speaking opportunities that many people, rather than be in awe, would be inspired to serve the Lord with the same intensity whether near or far. What we desperately want people to know is that the same Holy Spirit that is inside of us, is inside of them as well and can empower them to do just as gnarly of things as any missionary might do!
Paul shows us the importance of those who are faithfully praying as a part of the ministry of the gospel in 2 Corinthians 1:11,
“You also must help us by prayer so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.”
For many of you who faithfully remain in the US, you must help us by prayer. Without your work in prayer, our work is weakened to the point of near futility. As you pray, the Lord will work and many, many people will rejoice at the blessing granted us through your faithful and frequent prayers.
As we travel to many parts of the nation, connecting with those who partner with us in ministry and to inspire the next generation of missionaries. we are so grateful for the abundance of prayers that many of you are praying on our behalf. You have a truly necessary role in the victories that we get to see all along the way.
We are over halfway done with our travels around the US! We have encountered nothing but blessings and are deeply grateful to the Lord for this time. It has been a joy to see many people and we look forward to seeing many more. We will be back in California mid-july and will wait for our baby to come. Thanks for checking in.
Prayer and Praise
Praise the Lord for sweet fellowship with many who have supported the Uruwa work for many years!
Praise the Lord that he has decided in His grace to allow safe passage thus far in our travels.
Pray for Adrian. I (Luke) had the opportunity to share the gospel with him in Monterey, California and it seemed like he was truly affected and trusted in Christ.
Pray that we would take hold of each moment during this season to capture it to be used for the kingdom.
Pray for Jess and baby Thek to remain healthy and for a smooth delivery in September and for us as we adjust to becoming parents.
Thank you for praying for our marriage. The marriage conference was great and our bond has been strengthened.
Pray for our co-workers the Weavers and the Brendles. The Weavers will be having their second language evaluation next week. Pray for this to be an accurate reflection of where they are at. The Brendles are moving back into Uruwa soon and will be adjusting to full time language and culture learning. Pray for strong relationships to quickly be formed!
Want to receive more frequent updates and prayer requests? Join our prayer group via Facebook or e-mail using the buttons below. We haven’t been sending much of these out lately, but we plan to as we begin our travels this summer. And as always, please let us know how we can be praying for you as well!
Luke & Jessica Thek
Luke:
US phone: 8054236830
whatsapp: +18054236830
email: luke_thek@ntm.org
Jess:
US phone: 8165207474
whatsapp: +18165207474
email: jessica_thek@ntm.org
