Global Talk

Jesus said "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life."

I was sad to see that He didn't mention grandchildren! 'Cause that's where we're "counting the cost" of going to Venezuela! Tayvan will probably be walking by the time we get back. And, truthfully, grandkids are probably the reason we didn't sign up for a longer stint.

Having said that, though, I want to be clear that I don't believe Jesus is talking about Betty and me in the quote above. When he speaks of leaving one's family for the sake of the kingdom of God, I don't think he means going away for a couple of months. I believe He's talking to the many believers who have been forced, in many cases, to leave their families because of their belief in Christ, or who, like the Apostles He's talking to in this passage, have physically left their families to devote their lives to following Him.

In our short previous trips to Venezuela, however, we have indeed found that the principle of receiving "many times as much" is alive and well. For a small investment of our time, we've been blessed with a growing "family" who we are excited to visit whenever we can. There are some who call us "Mom" and "Dad", and many others with whom we have a spiritual connection that transcends our differing cultures and languages.

We thank God for the devotion and dedication of the workers in Venezuela who are presenting the gospel and nurturing the new believers. And we thank Him for letting us be a small part of relating the gospel to people who are spiritually ripe and ready to receive it.

Tom and Betty Berglund