EGM TIMES
EXPOSING | ENCOURAGING | EMPOWERING
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How to Navigate the Waiting Season When God Is Silent When We Mistake Gods Silence for Permission
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The Art of Waiting
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What do you do in the Wait?
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How to Navigate the Waiting Season When God Is Silent When We Mistake Gods Silence for Permission
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The Art of Waiting
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What do you do in the Wait?
-Angie Vallejo
-Brianna Barrett
-Sarah Sisson Rollandini
-Lori Benka
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All Bible references are from the New International Version, English Standard Version, New Living Translation, King James Version. EGM Times is published by Elohim Gospel Ministries, USA & India. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. EGM Times has no subscription price and is supported through contributions worldwide. Because all EGM Times editions are preplanned, we are unable to accept unsolicited manuscripts. For more information or to sign up for your free copy of egm times, visit: elohimgospelministries.com | Image & content credits to moody.edu for Page 24.
President: Evg. Jacob Vilgi Oommen | Associate Editor: Gideon Pingkihan | Content Editor: Effie Ochago | Design: EGM Media
Angie Vallejo is a creative and lifestyle writer who motivates and inspires women to embrace their unique creativity. Through her blog, angievallejo.com, she emphasizes the importance of self-care for women and shares how creativity is crucial to mental well-being. Angie has a passion for Bible study and finds joy in writing and teaching about the women in the Bible, exploring their relevance to the lives of contemporary women.
Brianna is a Carolina girl who loves Jesus and her family. She enjoys watching the sunrise, photography, reading, writing, and paddleboarding. According to her teenage son, she’s a master chef in the kitchen. Her writing and photography have appeared in numerous publications, including Faith On Every Corner, The Christian Journal, Creation Illustrated, and Our Story Magazine, and she is a contributor to The Grit and Grace Project and Broken But Priceless Magazine, where she writes the column, “From A Homemaker’s Heart.” Check out her latest works at briannagrams.com and connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest.
Sarah is an author, speaker, and American Sign Language teacher at a public high school, striving to shine the light of Christ in dark places. Her writing has been featured in The Penasee Globe, christiandevotions.us, Focus on the Family Magazine, Unlocked: Devotions for Teens, and Staying Power: Building a Stronger Marriage When Life Sends Its Worst, as well as in her book Life After Infertility: A Story of Hope for Those Who Wait. Sarah and her husband, Mark, endured over a decade of infertility as they pursued their dream of having a family.
Lori Benka lives in a small rural town in Western Pennsylvania. She is a Pastor’s wife, Musician, Mom, and NaNa who loves to write, collect antiques, garden, and share the love of Jesus. You can find more of her writing on her blog at findjoyintoday.com.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I hope you are all doing well. In this edition, we discuss "The Art of Waiting." I hope and pray that these articles will encourage everyone to patiently wait for what they are praying for. Whether it's a job, a promotion, or whatever we are waiting for, may God give us the courage and patience to endure such longevity.
In today's fast-paced society, waiting has become infrequent. With the advancement of technology, instant gratification is just a click away, whether it's fast food, immediate information, or quick solutions to problems. However, the Bible reminds us of the absolute value of waiting and the goodness it cultivates.
The Bible contains numerous examples highlighting the importance of waiting. Psalm 27:14 says, "Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!"
This verse reminds us of the importance of patience and the strength that comes from trusting in God's timing. Isaiah 40:31 also encourages us similarly: "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint."
Beyond the spiritual perspective, waiting has a significant psychological benefit. According to a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, patience is associated with increased life satisfaction and lower levels of depression and anxiety (Schnitker, 2012). The research suggests that individuals who embrace waiting and exhibit patience tend to have a more positive outlook on life and are better equipped to handle stress.
Ultimately, waiting transforms us. It molds our character, strengthens our faith, and aligns our desire with God's purpose. It teaches us to be still and know that He is God (Psalms 46:10). In a world that constantly pushes us to rush and strive for more, waiting reminds us to pause, reflect, and trust God's timing.
Let us remember that waiting is not a punishment but a gift that allows us to develop patience, resilience, and a deeper connection with our Creator. Let us embrace waiting as an opportunity for growth and transformation. By understanding and practicing this art, we can find peace in the present and hope for the future, knowing God's timing is always perfect.
Enjoy reading. God bless us all.
In His service,
Gideon L. Pingkihan Associate Editor, EGM Times
Some mes, God uses you to bring breakthroughs to others while wai ng for your breakthrough.
-Evg. Jacob Oommen
-Angie Vallejo
It was a relaxing evening at home in late February when the anticipated phone call finally came after three weeks of hope and anticipation. Following a successful job interview and community meetings, my husband felt confident he had secured a long-sought-after position as a city police chief. As we waited for the answer, we dreamed of the possibilities, sought ideal neighborhoods where we could live, and even found churches to visit. It had to be the end of a long and tiring job
“IT CAN BE DISHEARTENING WHEN A PASSION GOD GAVE YOU IS NOT PROGRESSING, LEAVING YOU FEELING STUCK. TO BE OVERLOOKED AND TO SEE OTHERS RECEIVE JOB OFFERS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR WHICH YOU ARE EQUALLY QUALIFIED IS SIMILARLY PAINFUL”.
The recent rejection was not the first setback in an exhaustive job hunt. As my husband's retirement approached in March 2024, he was on a diligent quest for a new leadership opportunity in law enforcement. But there were setbacks. During the search, there was the unexpected passing of both his parents that was unanticipated. We felt that God intended for us to remain in Texas while we navigated through these periods of change and grief.
Months later, when there seemed to be no more obstacles, we were again denied. It can be disheartening when a passion God gave you is not progressing, leaving you feeling stuck. To be overlooked and to see others receive job offers and opportunities for which you are equally qualified is similarly painful.
Waiting is challenging; it's not supposed to be simple. It is often said that the period of waiting, or the "wilderness," is crucial for preparing us for when God advances us to the next stage. Yet, what do we do when we diligently follow God, pray, and continue in faith, yet nothing seems to shift? What do we do while waiting for God to move on our behalf? Here are five ways to navigate the waiting season when God is silent:
Give up control.
How often do we try to "help out" God in His plan for us? We must let go, trust God's direction, and entirely rely on Him. Proverbs 3:5- 6 reminds us to trust God completely, not just halfway. We might think we know best, but our plans are often not aligned with God's. Our thinking is in no way close to how God thinks! (Isaiah 55:8-9)
Anticipate unexpected change.
In times of waiting, God is setting the stage for what's to come. While you might picture a particular future shaped by your passions, abilities, and experience, God may have a completely different adventure for you. God promises that when you surrender to His will and trust in His direction, the purpose He has for you will reveal itself. (Proverbs 19:21)
Do things for others.
When unsure of the future, concentrate on doing good rather than focusing on ourselves. With so many needs to meet and the numerous ways to demonstrate Jesus' love to others, we cannot afford to be idle as we await God's direction. Often, it is through serving others that we encounter individuals and discover causes that are destined to shape our future.
Focus on thankfulness and joy.
Long periods of waiting are difficult, and doubts may arise from time to time. However, being positive, joyful, and grateful in all situations creates hope. Trusting in God's promises fills our hearts with joy and peace.
(1 Thessalonians 5:16, Romans 15:13)
Pray continually.
No matter what is happening in our lives, God calls us to pray continually and purposefully. Why? Because prayer is designed to build a relationship with Him. Not only should we share our requests and desires of our hearts, but over time, the more we pray, the more our hearts change and align with His plans for us.
Yes, the journey of waiting is challenging, and setbacks are inevitable. The road is often bumpy instead of smooth, and sharp curves aren't anticipated. Opportunities fall through, and what seems certain can vanish. But there are always lessons in these moments. They can be a call to grow closer to God, to let go of control, and to trust that He will lead us on the best path. Remember, our God is a loving Father who wants the best for us. (Jeremiah 29:11) He is always faithful, turning everything for our good. (Romans 8:28) After all, would any good father, especially our Heavenly Father, give us anything less than His best?
Today, my husband and I wait for God to reveal what is next. Though he is now retired, we remain confident that the passion God has instilled in him for law enforcement is not at an end. We believe in God's promise that when He begins a good work in us, He will always bring it to completion. (Philippians 1:6) That is something worth waiting for.
-Brianna Barrett
We were all in the same boat. Sitting in those hard plastic chairs, anxiously glancing around the small room. It was intended to be a calming place, but the decor only fueled the uneasy feelings. We were all waiting for the doctor to call our names, our escape from the waiting room. As we waited, every face held a similar look of dread or fear. The waiting is the hard part. Those moments when we have no control, anticipating the outcomes. We are praying but aren’t getting the answers we desire. It makes me wonder if I am mistaking God’s silence for permission to take matters into my own hands.
Are you waiting on God in your own waiting room?
Abram and Sarai waited 25 years for a baby. God promised them a baby, but then they had to endure a twenty-five-year wait. They had patiently waited, but their baby hadn’t still been granted to them.
They attempted to take matters into their own hands, and Abram ended up having a baby with Sarai’s maidservant, Hagar. That one became a huge mess.
Do I take God’s silence as permission to handle it?
It’s easy to look at Abram and Sarai and tell ourselves, “Oh, I wouldn’t do THAT!” It is sort of an extreme example of committing adultery because you grew impatient that your wife was not producing any heirs for you. But we are guilty of taking matters into our own hands. The story may be different, but the outcome is the same when we take God’s silence as permission.
Abram and Sarai weren’t the only people who waited. The bleeding woman waited 12 excruciating years, spent all her money, and was a complete outcast because of her illness. Her waiting led to her being healed by Jesus.
“WHEN YOU FIND YOURSELF IN THE WAITING ROOM OF LIFE, HOLD TIGHT TO THIS BLESSING. WHEN WE WAIT PATIENTLY ON THE LORD, IT GIVES HIM THE CHANCE TO WORK ON US THROUGH THE PROCESS.”
The Israelites were slaves to the Egyptians for 400 years. Their waiting lasted generations. David waited years to take over his kingdom. He was anointed as a boy but had to wait his turn. Lazarus was dead for three days before Jesus brought him back to life. Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha, had been waiting on Jesus. They even called Him out, saying their brother wouldn’t be dead had Jesus come sooner. They were waiting for a miracle, and then, in the middle of their grief, Jesus showed up and brought their brother back to life.
We have been waiting for Jesus’ return for more than 2000 years.
I’ve been waiting for healing for more than a decade since my diagnosis. I’ve watched others wait alongside me for their own healing and reconciliation. There is beauty in the waiting.
Had Jesus just automatically healed me, or had He not let me get through my experiences with chronic illnesses, then I wouldn’t have gotten to truly experience Jesus.
Through these trials, I’ve been at my weakest moments, where I can see God’s goodness and His blessings firsthand. By God’s grace alone I have been able to survive the painful procedures, the physical weakness, and the fatigue through these years.
Had I taken matters into my own hands, I would be taking away from the blessings that God is bestowing on me through these experiences.
Peter tells us, “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
(2 Peter 3:8-9 NIV).
What we humans think is forever is merely a second to God. He isn’t holding out on you because He’s punishing you or doesn’t want to give you great things. Sometimes it’s not about you. Sometimes, it’s about others needing to repent.
The next time you find yourself in the waiting room of life and are considering taking matters into your own hands, remember these three verses to help see you through those moments.
1.“Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God.” (Psalm 38:15 NIV)
2.“We wait in hope for the Lord’ he is our help and our shield.” (Psalm 33:20 NIV).
3.“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” (Psalm 37:7 NIV).
When you find yourself in the waiting room of life, hold tight to this blessing. When we wait patiently on the Lord, it gives Him the chance to work on us through the process. The waiting is the hard part, but God never leaves us. He is always with us, going before us and walking beside us. Remember not to take His silence as permission to take matters into our own hands. Instead, wait patiently while being obedient to Him, which pleases Him.
-Sarah Sisson Rollandini
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:14, NIV) I hate waiting. You too? Despite most people’s distaste for lost time, we spend many hours on hold. Consider the following statistics from a recent Timex survey.
On average, Westerners spend about:
7 minutes waiting for their coffee order
15 minutes waiting for a table at a restaurant
21 minutes sitting in traffic on a typical day
21 minutes waiting for their significant other to get ready
32 minutes waiting at the doctor’s office
13 hours annually on hold waiting for customer service
If these numbers weren’t enough, think about this one: We spend about 6 months of our lives waiting in line.
That’s a lot of downtime! Still, these figures pale in comparison to the amount of hours many of us spend waiting on answered prayer. Mothers waiting for their prodigals to return to God. Couples waiting for a positive pregnancy test and a healthy baby. Cancer warriors waiting for fully-restored bodies. Gen Z-ers waiting for a job opportunity that will make a positive impact and pay the bills. Struggling families waiting for a financial break that will lift them out of poverty.
My husband, Mark, and I spent 10 years struggling with infertility, waiting on God to give us the family for which our hearts longed. While stuck in life’s waiting rooms, there are not enough magazines, Tiktok reels, or binge-worthy shows in the universe to make these drawn-out delays feel short. Perhaps that’s because, as impatient believers, we’ve become quite adept at killing time and ill-equipped at using it.
1.Wait (Hebrew: Qavah) - Look for, hope, expect God to answer
We are tempted to despair when answers do not come on our timeline. Yet the psalmist reminds us that to wait is to hope expectantly, trusting that God will come through for us. We must bring our sadness and disappointments, our worry, to the Lord and allow the Holy Spirit to speak reassurance to our hearts. God is always working. Write down the blessings you enjoy now that are a direct result of past prayers you waited upon. The same God that showed up then is working now on your behalf. We do not wait like idle couch potatoes but as steadfast watchmen, hand raised to brow peering into the distance, ready for the Lord’s arrival!
2.Be strong (Hebrew: Chazaq) - To be firm, resolute, to grow in strength
See your waiting room for what it is: an opportunity to depend not on your own strength, but on the Lord’s. In these places, we often face the bewildering truth that we are not in control (and never have been!). Instead of wasting time trying to change people or circumstances, rely on God’s strength through the spiritual disciplines of prayer and fasting. Waiting is a true test of our dependence on God. Make time this season to get away by yourself. Whether you commune with your heavenly father under a beach umbrella, at a hushed monastery, or in a mountain cabin, take regular breaks from distractions and busyness to gain the strength that is rooted only in God’s presence.
But what if, like our creator, we were able to leverage these waiting times for our good and for His glory? What if, instead of worrying and grumbling during the downtime, we could wait with proficiency and purpose?
This artful waiting spoken of in Psalm 27 is anything but wasted time. In fact, the Hebrew word for wait, qal, means “to participate in.” So how exactly does one harness God’s creative process and partner with him in the art of waiting?
According to Psalm 27:14, the guidelines are simple:
“WE DO NOT WAIT LIKE IDLE COUCH POTATOES BUT AS STEADFAST WATCHMEN, HAND RAISED TO BROW PEERING INTO THE DISTANCE, READY FOR THE LORD’S ARRIVAL!”
3.Take heart (Hebrew: Amats) - To be brave and bold
One of the most effective ways to increase our boldness in Christ is to spend time with other brave believers. The devil will endeavor to exploit downtime by tempting you to avoid the very people who can encourage and uplift you. Don’t let him! Instead, attend weekly worship, say “yes” to invitations to fellowship, and track down believers who are hanging out in the same waiting room that you are. Folks struggling with specific waits, such as infertility, prodigal children, and chronic illness have a unique understanding of the suffering that accompanies these heartaches. What a blessing for us to receive a “boldness boost” from other 21st century disciples and to offer the same.
The writer of Psalm 27 instructs us to be strong and take heart. To make up our minds that, at the end of our wait, Jehova will prevail. Transforming our minds is anything but passive; it is a full- time job that requires constant attention. We must become the gatekeepers of our thoughts, which often flit through unnoticed and give rise to doubt and despair. Our job is to kick out the junk and lasso the truth. We rely on the promise that, whether in five weeks, five months, or five years, our God will take action. This active waiting revolutionizes the mundane routine of killing time into the art of waiting resolutely on the Lord’s sure deliverance. Better yet, it changes us into the likeness of our savior. As we confidently yield to his creative process, Jesus becomes the master of the wait, and we become his priceless, incomparable works of art.
-Lori Benka
Our society has developed a strong aversion to waiting. The convenience of drive-thru fast food, microwave meals, and grocery delivery services like Instacart has conditioned us to expect immediate gratification. As a result, the act of waiting has become increasingly rare in our fast-paced world.
So what happens when God asks us to wait? Just because we live in an instant society doesn’t mean God’s ways are subject to the demands of that society. We can throw a temper, get anxious, worry, cry, and complain that God doesn’t care because He isn’t answering our prayer the way we want it answered. Or, we can pick ourselves up, endure patiently, and confidently surrender to God’s perfect timetable because we know our growth can only happen in the wait.
Many times, I see Christians becoming weary of waiting. We are so accustomed to having instant gratification that we have lost the art of waiting on God. We need to realize that what we do in the Waiting determines what is in our hearts. There have been times in my own life when my prayers haven’t been answered as quickly as I’d like. This has caused me to lose my peace and become fearful. I often would revert to thinking God doesn’t care about my needs, or I may even pray harder, quote scripture more, and rebuke things, all the while becoming very weary because I forgot how to wait on God.
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines waiting as: To remain stationary in readiness or expectation. To look forward expectantly.
The Amplified Version of the Bible says in Isaiah 40:31 that to wait is to have renewed strength. “But those who wait for the Lord {who expect, look for, and hope in Him} will gain new strength and renew their power; they will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles {rising toward the sun}; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not grow tired.”
As we dive deep into this verse, we can see an action God wants us to take. We don’t get renewed strength until we wait on the Lord and expect, look for, and place our hope in Him. We need to surrender our problems over to God and rest in Him. Only then will our strength be renewed, and we can run and walk and not grow weary or tired. There is beauty in the art of waiting on God.
When we learn to patiently and eagerly wait on God’s guidance, He grants us peace amidst life’s uncertainties. Even when His plan is unclear, we can find comfort in His unwavering love and trust that He will act at the perfect moment.
We can look in the Bible and see examples of waiting from many great men and women of God. Abraham and Sarah were promised a son in their old age. In Genesis 17:2, God promises to make a covenant with Abraham and guarantees to give him countless descendants. In verse 16, God says, “I will bless her and give you a son from her! Yes, I will bless her richly, and she will become the mother of many nations.”
But what did Abraham and Sarah do in the wait? The promised child was not coming quickly enough for Sarah so she took matters into her own hands and gave Abraham her maidservant thinking maybe that is how God was going to fulfill His promise. This only caused heartache and trouble for all involved. Acting hastily and independently often leads to results contrary to God’s plan.
Abraham and Sarah became impatient during their waiting season. We need to remember that God will always keep his promise to us. It may not happen in our timetable, but it will happen. Abraham and Sarah had to wait 25 years for their promise to come to fruition. But during that time, Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. (Romans 4:20)
“WE NEED TO REMEMBER THAT GOD WILL ALWAYS KEEP HIS PROMISE TO US. IT MAY NOT HAPPEN IN OUR TIMETABLE, BUT IT WILL HAPPEN.”
Joseph is another person from the Bible who had to wait. After telling his brothers about his dream of them bowing down to him, they became mad and jealous and sold him into slavery to a caravan of Ishmaelites who took him into Egypt. While in Egypt, he finds favor with Potiphar but then becomes incarcerated because Potiphar’s wife falsely accuses him of rape after he refused to sleep with her. Joseph had to wait 13 years between being freed from prison and being placed on the throne.
What did Joseph do in his waiting season? Joseph endured his challenging season with unwavering integrity. He refused to let his circumstances define his future, holding steadfast to God’s promises even amidst life’s storms.
What should Christians do while waiting on God? As the Bible tells us in Acts 16:25, Paul and Silas found themselves in a difficult situation, yet they turned to worship and prayer. Similarly, when you are facing a season of waiting, focus on worshiping God. Trust that He is actively working on your behalf. Surrender your plans to Him and believe in His promise to fulfill His purpose in your life today.
“What is holding you back from saying YES to the call of God in your life? Say YES to the call of God before it is too late, and you won't regret it.”
We all live very busy lives. Commitments, chores, tasks, travel, family, friends, work dictate how we spend our days. Often it is running from one to do list to the other, trying to fit in as much as we can in a day. Though we have become very productive, I am afraid this frantic pace and style of life has imprisoned us and we have forgotten our ability to pause and notice God all around us.
Throughout the scriptures, specifically in Psalms we see God’s people in awe of who He is. They seemed to have taken time to be in nature and notice God’s finger prints and glory all around. “He who made the Pleiades and Orion and changes deep darkness into morning, who also darkens day into night, who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out on the surface of the earth, the Lord is His name.” Amos 5:8) God’s brilliance or glory in scriptures is often accompanied by a call to worship and praise Him. “Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding.” (Psalm 148:7-8)
Nature in very explicit ways point to a designer with a master mind.
Waterfalls and mountains reveal His majesty. Waves and winds reveal His strength. Gravity and water cycle show us His meticulous planning. Daffodils and sparrows show us His attention to detail. Tree barks and butterflies reveal His creativity. Rivers and seas show us His abundance. And rainbow shows his faithfulness.
God is majestic. His ways are indescribable. His strength is beyond measure. His wisdom is comprehensive. His creativity is beyond imagination. His knowledge is comprehensive. His plans are perfect. His resources are beyond match. He was God before He created time. His love is uncaused. His purposes always prevail. His ways are sovereign. His mercies are new every morning. And He is present in and all around us.
He does not need us to notice Him for Him to be God. But taking time to notice His works humbles us. His creativity inspires awe and hope. His perfect sovereign ways births praise and gratitude. And the result of our awe, praise and thanksgiving towards Him is -He enthrones on our praises and we get to be in His manifested presence!
I’m sure in your personal life God has done numerous acts worthy of praise and thanksgiving. But when it gets difficult to praise Him based on your life circumstances, make it a point to step out. Watch the Sun rise. Listen to the birds sing. Walk in the woods, notice some worms. And you will know God has always been God and He does not miss a thing. Indeed you and what you are praying for are on His mind too!
God bless.
Daya thinks it’s absolutely cool to be known by Jesus. She deeply appreciates nature, art and silence. Her dream is to fall in love with Jesus and humanity every day. Daya can be reached at dayaraja95@gmail.com
Dear friend,
Thank you for reading this edition. We hope it helped you learn more about the art of waiting.
If you are reading this and have not experienced the love and power of God, we encourage you to embrace His love – offered as salvation through Jesus Christ. In His unending affection for us, God has a lot in store for your life and longs to have you as part of His family.
We also encourage you to rededicate your life to God if you were born again but drifted away from the call. Make the following prayer and accept Jesus as your savior: "Lord Jesus, I come before you today. I acknowledge that I am a sinner, and my sins have separated me from you. Today, I believe that you are the son of God and that you had me in mind when you got crucified and died. I believe that you are resurrected and seated at the right hand of the Father. I accept you today as my Lord and Savior. Thank you for paying the price for my eternal redemption. I am now the righteousness of God in Christ. I now ask you to fill me with your spirit. Amen."
Congratulations on surrendering or rededicating your life to God. You are now a new creation in Christ. We encourage you to join a family of believers (church) in your area, and we pray that you get established in your faith through studying the word by the grace of God.
God bless you, and see you in the next edition!
In His Service Team EGM Times.
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