ZPCBlog

About the author: Maher Fouad is the Founder and General Director of AWEMA (Arab World Evangelical Ministers’ Association). Maher obtained a BA in Biochemistry from the Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University and did 2 years of theological studies at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo. Maher is married to Violet and together they have 2 adult children and 5 grandchildren.

In 1985 Maher established AWEMA with the help of other faithful Arab servants of the Lord. AWEMA is an indigenous ministry and its goal is to edify the church and reach out to the community with the love of Christ. This is done through training and theological education ministry, church planting, women’s ministry, refugees’ ministry, and community development.

Today's Scripture: Matthew 9:10-13, 36-38

Is there anything new in people’s lives since Christ was in the world in the flesh? My answer is: Look around you; in your home, your church, and your community. Aren’t people still sick with fear, anxiety, and inner void? People are now even more evil and cruel than before.

Then comes the question “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” And from Jesus’ answer we understand that he sees those “sinners” as sick people in need of healing. Notice also that we can’t identify the sickness without seeing the sick person.

“Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field:"

• A person who labors for the Lord is able to identify the sick who are “harassed and helpless.”
• He sees them and has compassion on them, otherwise his ministry is futile.

This reminds me of the Lord Jesus’ words to Peter, “Do you love me?… Take care of my sheep.” (John 21:16).

We need to have a shepherd’s heart that we may introduce to the troubled world the Great Shepherd, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Share