IN TOUCH IMPACT TEAM
The Blessing of Ceaseless Prayer

    Do you sometimes feel worn out or defeated by life's struggles? We all go through circumstances that leave us weak and even immobilized. What can Christians do to combat adversity when it arises? Is there a way to remain joyful during difficult times? The answer is yes! In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Paul says to "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." These words of wisdom were written even as the apostle was chained to a Roman prison guard. Paul was able to rise above his circumstances because his focus was precisely where it needed to be—on the Lord Jesus Christ.

    We, too, can know victory in defeat. Through constant daily prayer and the reading of God's Word, we can learn to trust Christ just as Paul did. When we commit to know Him more intimately each day, cry out to Him in times of distress, and seek His will for our life, He will reveal Himself to us and supply our every need.

    As we pray without ceasing, we learn to share our concerns, fears, and hopes with the only One who can offer genuine peace in the midst of strife. We are able to overcome hardship victoriously when we:

• Focus on Christ instead of circumstances. This is a choice we must make.

• Focus on the sovereignty of God rather than the will of man. When we do this, we will have peace.

• Focus on the positive results, not on the personal pain.

 

    Adversity afflicts us all. But an intimate relationship with Christ that includes prayer without ceasing and daily Bible reading will help us focus on the Burden-bearer rather than the burden.

    As you lift In Touch in prayer, God works mightily to spread His Word and to impact countless lives. Thank you for joining the Prayer Team—your prayers are making a significant difference. If you have not yet joined, please don't wait another day. God can and will use you to influence individuals around the globe. Please see the insert in the center of this magazine and check the box indicating that you would like to partner with us in prayer.

—Robert J. Schipper, Chaplain/
Executive Assistant to the President

In God We "Trust"

    The Schrocks were a nice Mennonite couple who made their living from the family farm. Although they and their six children were surrounded daily by literal illustrations of sowing and reaping, they had yet to be transformed by God's everlasting truths and liberating principles.

Led to Grace

    While dealing with a spiritual issue in their life, the Schrocks came across an article that related to their situation. They contacted the pastor who had written it, and he subsequently came to their home and shared God's Word with them. As a result, each family member living on the farm received Jesus Christ as Savior. Soon thereafter, they were introduced to Christian radio and started listening to Dr. Charles Stanley through the IN TOUCH broadcasts.

Led to Give

    The Schrocks had been operating the family farm for many years, but they were starting to think about retirement. As they were seeking God's direction in this area, they discovered the concept of using a charitable remainder trust (CRT) to leverage the sale of their farmland. IN TOUCH FOUNDATION was able to help the Schrocks retire with peace of mind. We assisted them in liquidating all their farmland without paying any capital gains taxes. Now the Schrocks receive an income for life and will give a significant gift to God's kingdom when they go home to be with the Lord.

"Stewardship Discipling"

    Mr. Schrock was very happy about his experience with IN TOUCH FOUNDATION. He recalls: "[The representative] went out of his way to help us. We felt blessed by the courtesy and personal care shown to us for long-term financial planning. It was like stewardship discipling." The Schrocks are also grateful for God's leadership of their family and His provision for them through the trust. According to Mr. Schrock, "The trust is based on scriptural principles of good stewardship. It is an eternal investment that saves a great sum of money to be used for charity, versus a big percent of it going into tax dollars. During [that] time as we obeyed God, He was leading us and we were blessed in the process. Now we are more conscious of the spirit of giving."

    Do you own appreciated real estate, securities, or similar property? If you're interested in liquidating it, avoiding capital gains taxes, receiving an income for life, and impacting the Kingdom, please contact us. We are available to assist you in a one-on-one discovery of God's plan for what He has entrusted to you.

IN TOUCH FOUNDATION
P.O. Box 620362, Atlanta, GA 30362
(800) 967-2200 • foundation@intouch.org