When Jesus sent out His disciples for the first time, He instructed them to go to the "lost sheep of Israel," their own people, before they went to the Gentiles and the Samaritans (Matthew 10:5-6). We have many ministries right here in Manitoba that are answering this same call. "Hear the Music" is one of them.

Once a month Jon Buller and friends share their musical talent with people. But it's not really about the music—they use music as a vehicle to praise and worship Jesus our Saviour. People of all ages and from all walks of life show up to have a good wholesome time. "Hear the Music" is open to non-believers and believers, grey heads and semi-grey heads, pink hair or dread-locked hair or, in some cases, no hair at all! For the most part it is a young crowd, and in a world where the popular culture trivializes marriage, the church and Christians, "Hear the Music" is like a tall glass of water for thirsty souls.

The need for missionaries in Canada has never been greater than it is today. In Matthew 10:6, Jesus warned the disciples, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. "Hear the Music" is a time of praise, prayer and fellowship, essentially what normally happens within the confines of a church building, but many of those who attend are unfamiliar with the traditional church setting and therefore might not come to a church service. Hopefully, through this ministry, they are drawn into community and will eventually attend church.

LifeLight Ministries distributes Bibles with testimonies of inner-city teens, sports people, bikers, truckers, and many others. They come with attractive covers, and many are written in contemporary easy-to-read English. This catches the eye and interest of those who might never pick up a traditional black leather Bible.

Part of being "shrewd as snakes" is acknowledging the culture in which we live. The fact is that the popular culture in Canada is successfully breeding hostility towards anything Christian. We need to be able to adapt and change the way we present God's Word and how we live out the Great Commission. Just as the snake must regularly shed its skin in order to adapt to its environment, so must we.

"Hear the Music" and LifeLight have a common purpose—to proclaim the gospel of Christ. On May 31, at Rainbow Stage in Winnipeg, they joined forces. The turnout was even better than expected, with about 1700 in attendance. Jon Buller and band were joined by Jolin and well-known country singer Amanda Stott. They had the huge crowd jumping for joy and raising their hands in worship.

Although most of the excitement was happening on stage and in the crowd, in the hallway LifeLight representatives joyfully gave away 600 copies of the How to Find God New Testaments. We did not ask for money, and in return we received looks of astonishment and gratitude, but we treasured in our hearts the knowledge that our real reward will probably not be seen this side of heaven.

This turned out to be a fun-filled and spiritually uplifting night for those who came, and many left with a new Bible and/or a stronger relationship with the Lord.

The writers of this article are Lil Brosowsky and her daughter Jennie. Lil and her husband, Ernie, serve on the board of LifeLight Ministries.

We Are Running Out!

LifeLight Ministries published 22,000 copies The LifeLight New Testament about eighteen months ago. We thought we had enough for years to come! Now they are almost gone, and we need to order more by fall. They have gone into the homes of our native friends in northern Manitoba and into the homes of kids in the inner city. Others are being used by people who are learning English. Lives are being impacted.

The LifeLight is easy to read; it is geared to those who have a Grade 3 or higher reading level. It is excellent for ESL classes, kids' programs, and for distribution in schools. LifeLight Ministries is soliciting funds for a second printing of The LifeLight, and we invite your participation. Of the $800,00 needed, $42,000 has already been promised, leaving us with a need for another $38,000.

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