International (MNN) — Newsfeeds relay conflict. Screens display war. In the midst of global unrest that devalues life, LIFE International’s Dr. Okongo Samson says believers are called to be life givers.
“As we read from John 10:10, the thief comes to steal and destroy and to kill, but Jesus came to give life. So the mandate he gave us is for us to give life,” he says.
In our homes, churches, and communities, valuing life can look like anything from celebrating a baby’s first steps to respecting an overlooked person. At LIFE International, it looks like bringing awareness to the value of pre-born life. To that end, LIFE has developed a training program to equip Christian leaders in matters of life and expose areas where their communities are cheapening it.
“Because some of them are not aware that they are devaluing life,” Samson says. “They think they are helping, but actually they are hurting.”
Courtesy of Ben White via Unsplash.
He says addressing heart issues with heart transformation is an approach that resonates with trainees.
“Ultimately, they go back to their community and their country, and they become part of changing life – bringing life – to the people they are serving.”
Since matters of life are Gospel matters, LIFE International primarily works with believers.
“The Gospel can only be given by the church of Christ,” Samson says, “but we train even Muslims because if we can really reach them through equipping them, and lives could be changed, restored, and dignified, we give God glory for that.”
In restrictive countries, LIFE seeks governmental permission before working with citizens. Samson says this approach usually secures the investment of high-level officials.
“Ultimately, they own that vision to really value the life of their citizens and bring life,” he says.
Trainings are typically held over four days, from morning to evening. The format is a mix of teaching, listening, contextualizing, and conferring ideas. Please pray that these trainings would be effective. Pray that hearts would be transformed by the Gospel, and pray that many lives would be saved as a result.
Samson says the intrinsic value of life need not be contextualized.
“This is not a new message. This is our Father’s heart.”
Featured photo courtesy of Volodymyr Hryschenko via Unsplash
