Quote of the week

"Rome was not built in a day, nor will the work of building up a strong, well-instructed body of Lisu Christians in the Tengyueh district be the work of a day either … God has brought me to the point of being willing for it to be in His time as well as in His way. I am willing … not to see the fullness of blessing in my lifetime." – James O. Fraser

I talked to a young man recently who had been into the hill regions of China recently. He mentioned that he had held in his hands the song books that the Lisu people were using. Written in those song books was the name "James Fraser." These were the songs that Mr. Fraser had translated for the Lisu people to sing. Today almost a century later, they still use those books.

It is amazing to think that the efforts of Christian missionaries long ago still have an impact today.

a James Fraser quote on prayer

"Ask God to lay the burden on you, and that heavily ... that it may press you down upon your knees. My prayer for you is that God will work such sorrow with you that you will have no alternative but to pray." - James Fraser

a James Fraser quote on prayer

"I believe it will only be known on the last day how much has been accomplished in missionary work by the prayers of earnest believers at home" - James Fraser

a James Fraser quote on prayer

Just as a plant may die for lack of watering, so may a genuine work of God die and rot for lack of prayer. – James O. Fraser

James Fraser and prayer

James Fraser came to realize in a greater way the importance of prayer by watching D. E. Hoste who was general director of China Inland Mission at the time. Although CIM had hundreds and hundreds of missionaries spread throughout China, Hoste spend huge amounts of time in prayer, both individually and praying with other missionaries. Fraser was amazed at the length of time that Hoste would spend in prayer. Hoste quickly pointed out to Fraser that his time and energy were always saved by prayer and wasted without it.

It reminds me of another quote I once wrote down: "Everything vital to the missionary enterprise hinges upon prayer." Think on these words.

a James Fraser quote on prayer

James Fraser is a missionary whom I encourage everyone to read about. A good student with prospects as an engineer, Fraser left England to work in China and eventually ended up with tribal people in the mountains of south China. People whom I know personally have had the opportunity to visit these tribal people and witness their continued Christian testimony. Like Adoniram Judson in Burma, Fraser left behind a lasting ministry with results that continue to this present day. Even though he ministered before international telephone service and instant e-mail, James Fraser believed that keeping people in England informed was a worthwhile use of his time. He would write detailed letters to his supporters that might take months to arrive but that assured him that they would be praying intelligently for him and specifically for the requests that he would mention.

He once said referring to I Corinthians 3:6-7, "Paul may plant and Apollos water, but it is God who gives the increase, and this increase can be brought down from heaven by believing prayer, whether offered in China or in England" (emphasis mine). I too believe that people who live in North America and pray for us have a direct impact on our ministry here in Mongolia. That is why I take time to update the blog and why I include the names and pictures of individuals. We need your prayers!

In the coming weeks I hope to post a few more of James Fraser's quotes and thoughts on prayer. I know that many of you pray diligently for us and for those to whom we minister. May God bless you for your faithfulness in prayer.