How Can I Help?

How Can I Help?

*This is a reprint of an email sent on May 25, 2018

Hello Friends and Family,

So, much has gone on here that I don’t even know where to begin.  Since I touched down, it has truly been about acclimating myself to the surroundings and getting to know the people and the ministries the church here supports.  And after two weeks, I haven’t touched the tip of the iceberg.  This ministry is in need of so many hands and feet I cannot begin to understand how they do what they do apart from the work of the Holy Spirit.

In the past week alone I’ve had the opportunity to visit the Czech Republic, where they pick up food from a minister there to bring it back and share with the refugees in the Vienna community.  I got to meet with a young man, named Kelly, from Africa, who is doing ministry in one of the government housing projects to male refugees.  Just two hours a week to sit down with these men and share in their lives is a lot and it’s needed.  And after 4 years he was beginning to feel worn down from all the needs and concerns from these men.  The day I showed up was the beginning of Ramadan and none of the men showed up but that was alright because the Holy Spirit entered the room and we both were renewed in a time of worship together!

I also had a chance to experience life with the International Fellowship’s Youth Group, about 100 students of various cultures in this youth group who speak English and German and several other languages.  Pastors Tony and Anna lead them and a high energy group of leaders in great worship and sound biblical teaching each week, while developing them into today’s leaders.  And what blows my mind is that this goes on in the youth groups of each language fellowship of the church.  God is doing a powerful work here.

But with all the Lord is doing in Vienna, there is still so much more to be done.  There are still so many hearts to be brought into the light. Vienna has been voted seven years in a row as the number one city to live with its 1.8 million inhabitants.  Of its 1.8 million diverse residents about 60% are Roman Catholic, 24% Atheist, 6% Muslim, and 1% Protestant believers.  There is still so much work yet to be done.  As I ride the train and look out at the city, all I hear is,  “the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few, my son.”  And trust me brothers and sisters the Austrians are hungry for answers, but they’re seeking the wrong places for it.  Jesus is the only answer for this world today and all we have to do is be available to share the hope of Christ.

I’m not asking you to get on a plane and travel to some far off country, but if God is asking you to then obey his calling.  Now, I would like you to start off small.  Believe it or not I am not a gifted evangelist or even really as outgoing as many of you may think.  But I am very relational and that’s how Christ spoke to people by building a relationship first.

1. Pray for God to open your heart to be willing to share your life with someone who doesn’t know Christ.
2. Ask God to present you with someone who doesn’t know Christ and build a relationship with them.

Perfect example of number 2 is my dinner parties here in Vienna.  I’m renting from an Airbnb and sharing the apartment space with four other people.  So, I have been slowly getting them to come out and talk by leaving snacks out and then offering to cook for them.  And finally, I prepared a big dinner last night that got us talking into the late hours of the night.  That’s where it begins.

3. Ask the Lord to give you his words to say at his timing when speaking into their life.

That last one has been so crucial in my prayer life.  I don’t want to speak or step where your presence isn’t there Lord.  If I’m in the middle of it, then I know it will get messed up.  Lord I want your anointing on it and your glory to be revealed through all I say and do.

So as you pray, think of us on Sunday May 27, 2018 @ 10:30 am as we boldly share the gospel in the park to all of Vienna.  We want to see God honored and His name lifted high.  Continue to pray for good weather even though we’re experiencing rain right now.  Pray that God softens hearts to receive the Word.  Pray for laborers to be ready to answer the call of reaping the harvest.  Pray for protection over all involved as the enemy roams like a lion seeking whom he may devour.  Pray that the empowering work of the Holy Spirit to infect the new believers will be added to the body that day.  Pray that shackles and strongholds be broken in families.  Pray that addictions be squashed in the name of Jesus.  Pray for new life to sweep across Vienna.  Pray for God’s influence on the authorities in the government both locally and federal.

Scripture tells us that we are to share our prayer request with one another, so just as I share prayer request with you, I would like to hear from you as well.  Many of you have sent me requests and you know I love praying for you.  Please do not hesitate to send me prayer requests via email or Facebook.

Thank you for allowing me to come into your home and share with you as you join with me in this journey to seek the Lord’s will.  Be blessed.

In His service,

Nathan Graves