NewLife is blessed to know Tom Zurowski, Director of Global Response Network. Tom has spoken at our company devotions on many occasions and never ceases to challenge each of us to “take up our cross and follow Jesus.” The following is adapted with permission from the “Life Thoughts” section of grnconnect.org.

Your Legacy

As I grow older, my thoughts seem to be focused not on what I have or don’t have, but what I’ll leave behind. Whose life will I touch? What kind of influence will I have on the next generation? Who will remember me ten, twenty or thirty years from now and what will they remember? Will I make history or simply be history? What kind of legacy will I leave?

Each one of us is an original. We have all been handcrafted by The Creator. The Bible says in Ephesians 2:10 that “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” We were designed with a purpose in mind. Destiny is written on our hearts.
Read the rest of this entry »

Jenny and I were whisked through the airport to quickly catch our flight home. Unable to sit together I found myself next to a middle age woman. Quite frankly I was too tired to want to enter into conversation so I began reading a book.

“Is that a Christian book?” inquired the stranger next to me. When I said yes, there ensued a conversation about her life and constantly finding herself complaining about everything in life. She even wondered out loud why her husband had remained with her all these years.
Read the rest of this entry »

In 2003, NewLife published two volumes of the “Lion of Judah” Christian comic book series dealing with the emotions of Anger and Guilt. More were planned, but the idea seemed to have missed our intended audience, and the sequels were cancelled. Almost 20,000 comic books sat in storage until this year. In August, we began contacting federal and state prisons, halfway houses, and special programs for juveniles to offer these comics free for the asking.

The response was astounding. Most of the chaplains who replied indicated there is little free Christian material available for inmates who are visual learners and for whom the King James Bible is hard to understand. So far, over 19,000 comic books have been donated to prisons and programs across the US. The feedback has been very positive, and there are requests for more comics, more editions, videos, and other material. We have heard testimony that many inmates were planning to share the comics with their families on visiting days.

We encourage you to find out how you can help your local prison ministry. Many prison chaplains have few resources for reaching those most in need of the Word. There are over 2 million inmates in our country. Much more can be done to minister to these people and give them the hope of Jesus Christ.

I have to admit - showing the Jesus film is one delight I never grow weary from doing. From desert villages in Mexico to the high Andes, there is still no greater satisfaction than just being there as an observer to watch the Almighty do what only He can do. What amazes you are the eyes - deeply drinking in every word coming from the lips of Jesus; they see His miracles, they watch Him crucified, and they witness the resurrection. Then there is transformation, much like watching a butterfly being birthed from the cocoon - Jesus truly is the Savior of the world, and how I need Him!

Watching the Master at work immediately humbles the soul, for who is worthy to receive such a special gift much less I. When God opens eyes, the light of His love shines immediately upon the face of the one receiving His amazing Grace. As always He knocks on the door of our soul - never pushing His way in, but patiently waiting, for whoever opens the door He promises to come in and sup with Him and be with him forever. (Rev 3:20)

The days are urgent, the midnight hour is drawing near and opportunity is knocking at our door. What can you do? Pray now more earnestly than ever that God raise up laborers. Be encouraged today to stand firm in your faith and keep your eyes on Jesus.

– Written by Larry Cochran of Go International on October 9th, used with permission.