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Cornerstone Communications
China
April 16, 2007

Dear Friends & Family,

Greetings from Beijing, China! The weather here in Beijing is just beautiful, and you can tell they’re right in the middle of Spring! This was as much a surprise for me to be here, as I was not expecting to come here! You’ll hear more about it in the video report. I hope you enjoy it.

VIDEO MESSAGE

Ready for the Battle

I enjoyed my time while in Korea, as I loved the beautiful scenery, and the people are wonderful. However, Korean Christians are like other Christians around the world. We know we’re called to be in a spiritual battle, but our flesh doesn’t like to “war”, it wants to live in peace. So, we go about our lives quietly, and we are faithful to go to church every Sunday and hear the latest platitudes on how to be a “nice” Christian.

My friend, do you hear that sound? It’s called the sound of war! I’m not talking about the war between the U.S. and Iraq (although my prayers are that it will somehow come to a quick end, and I pray for our servicemen/women and for their safety) . I’m talking about the spiritual battle. Slowly and stealthily, the enemy is advancing! However, “if we’ll ignore him long enough, he and his minions will go away….”

Matthew 11:12 says, “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” What?! That can’t be in MY bible! I’m a “nice” Christian! In our mentality, we have come to the conclusion that the church is a “feel good” kind of place, where we’re lulled to sleep, and we have the right to complain when the temperature is too hot, the seats are too hard, the sermon is too long and the music not appealing enough. Is this you?

We have come a long way from what the bible says a Christian is. I Peter 4:16, 17, and 19 says, “Yet if any man suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and it first begins with us, Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.”

Now, I’m not talking about being a wild-haired radical, spouting out Christian verbage to passersby. No. We can be humble, and godly men and women who seek the Captain of the Hosts for direction. Direction to do what? To pray. “But Richard, I pray before my meals”. Do you spend time in prayer praying for the Kingdom of God, for your church, your church leadership, missionaries, and other workers in the Kingdom? We have to develop a warrior mentality.

Are you on the offensive? How? Through holiness. Allow the Lord to come in and search out your heart. Is there hidden sin? Only you… and the Lord know about it. You can’t go on the offensive knowing you’ve got these sins holding you back. Get free once and for all, and enjoy a freedom as you bombard the gates of hell! “The effectual fervent prayers of a righteous person avails much” says James 5:16.

Part of our maturity here on earth is to understand the very reason He has made us a part of His Kingdom. Not just for the blessings. No. For us to help expand His Kingdom! I want to help Jesus fulfill what’s on HIS heart! Is this your prayer? Ask Him how you can help Him accomplish what He wants to do. Not the other way around! What’s on His heart lately? The world! He wants to see those people living around you saved! Give them the opportunity to meet Jesus!

Do you feel like you’re the least person ready for that kind of battle? Congratulations! You’re in the right place! Of course, you can’t do that in your own power. Only the Lord can give you the ability to live that kind of life. Daily, give your agenda to Him, and ask Him to grace you to speak the words necessary to lead a hurting world to Christ. Don’t be surprised by the incalculable damage you will do to the kingdom of darkness as you simply live a quiet, humble life … ransacking the enemy’s camp! Charge!

Sheh Sheh!

That’s Chinese for “Thank You!” I want to thank you who, through your prayers and support have made the Korean ministry outreach a success. It’s a blessing to be here, and to be able to spend a little down time before my next production. Thank you for all your prayers. Please know you’re in my prayers as well. If there’s anything specific you would like for me to pray about, please let me know. Take care, friend.

For the Kingdom,
Richard Montez