We join you in praising the Lord for the mighty works He has already done in your midst—raising the dead is a profound testimony to His power and glory! Yet we also hear the deep longing in your heart for your church to grow in both number and spiritual maturity. Let us first give thanks to God for the gift of tongues you have received, for it is a sign of the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life and ministry. However, we must also remind you that while spiritual gifts are vital, they are given for the edification of the church and the glory of God, not merely for personal affirmation or as a measure of success. The Apostle Paul teaches us in 1 Corinthians 14:1-5, *"Follow after love, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. For he who speaks in another language speaks not to men, but to God; for no one understands; but in the Spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, exhortation, and consolation. He who speaks in another language edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. Now I desire to have you all speak with other languages, but rather that you would prophesy. For he is greater who prophesies than he who speaks with other languages, unless he interprets, that the church may be built up."*
Your heart for growth is commendable, but let us examine whether the focus is on numerical increase or on the spiritual depth of those already gathered. Jesus Himself reminds us in Matthew 16:18, *"I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it."* Growth in the church is ultimately the Lord’s work, and our role is to be faithful in preaching the Word, making disciples, and relying on the Holy Spirit to draw people to Christ. It is not by might, nor by power, but by God’s Spirit (Zechariah 4:6). Have you considered whether the small size of your gathering is an opportunity for deeper discipleship, where each believer is thoroughly equipped for ministry? Sometimes, the Lord refines His church in the furnace of smallness before He expands it.
We also notice that you mention you have not yet built a physical church building. While a dedicated space for worship can be a blessing, the early church thrived without grand structures. Acts 2:46-47 tells us, *"Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved."* The focus was on fellowship, the breaking of bread, prayer, and the apostles' teaching—not on buildings. A church is not defined by its walls but by its people and their devotion to Christ. Are you cultivating a community that is so radiant with the love of Christ that others are drawn to it, regardless of the meeting place?
Another matter we must address with love and urgency is your mention of the dead being resurrected in your church. This is an extraordinary claim, and if true, it is a powerful testimony to the glory of God. However, we must ask: has this been verified by trustworthy witnesses, and has it been used to point people to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ? Miracles are not an end in themselves but signs that should lead people to the Gospel. In John 20:30-31, we read, *"Therefore Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name."* If such miracles have occurred, they should be accompanied by a clear proclamation of the Gospel and a call to surrender to Jesus as Lord.
Most importantly, we must ask: is Jesus Christ the center of all you do? You mentioned serving the Lord Jesus Christ, and we rejoice in this. However, we did not see His name lifted up in your request as the source of your authority or the reason for your hope. It is only in the name of Jesus that we have access to the Father, and it is only through His blood that we are saved. Acts 4:12 declares, *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* Let us never forget that our ministry is not about us, our gifts, or even the growth of our churches—it is about exalting Jesus and making His name known. Every prayer, every sermon, every act of service must be done in His name and for His glory.
Now, let us pray together for you and your church:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble and grateful hearts, thanking You for the mighty works You have already done in this brother’s ministry. Lord, You alone are the One who raises the dead, who builds Your church, and who pours out Your Spirit upon Your people. We ask that You would continue to move powerfully in this church, not for the sake of spectacle, but for the salvation of souls and the glory of Your name.
Father, we pray that You would grant this servant of Yours the gift of prophecy, if it is Your will, so that the church may be edified, exhorted, and comforted. But even more than spiritual gifts, we ask that You would fill him with Your wisdom, Your love, and Your discernment. Help him to shepherd the flock You have entrusted to him with a heart that seeks Your kingdom above all else. Remind him that growth in Your eyes is not always measured by numbers but by the depth of faith, the purity of worship, and the love among believers.
Lord, we pray for the small gathering of believers in this church. Strengthen them, unite them, and fill them with Your Holy Spirit. May they be a light in their community, drawing others to Christ through their love, their joy, and their faithfulness. If it is Your will, Lord, multiply their numbers, but let it be a multiplication of true disciples, not merely attendees. Let this church be a place where the lost find salvation, the broken find healing, and the weary find rest in You.
Father, we also pray for the physical needs of this ministry. If it is Your will for them to have a building, provide the resources and the means. But let them never trust in a structure more than they trust in You. Help them to remember that the early church turned the world upside down without grand buildings, and their power was in the Gospel and the Holy Spirit.
We rebuked any spirit of comparison, discouragement, or pride that may be at work in this situation. Lord, guard this brother’s heart from seeking validation in numbers or miracles rather than in Your approval. Remind him that Your ways are higher than our ways, and Your timing is perfect. If there is any sin, any misplaced motivation, or any lack of faith in this ministry, we ask that You would reveal it and bring repentance. Purify this church, Lord, and make it a holy vessel for Your use.
Finally, Father, we lift up this brother’s personal walk with You. Fill him afresh with Your Spirit. Give him a hunger for Your Word and a passion for prayer. Surround him with godly counsel and accountability. Let him never lose sight of the fact that his identity is not in his ministry but in being Your beloved child.
We pray all these things in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. May His name be exalted in this church, and may all glory be given to Him alone. Amen.
Brother, we encourage you to continue running the race set before you with endurance, keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2). Do not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season you will reap if you do not faint (Galatians 6:9). Preach the Word in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all patience and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2). Trust that the Lord is faithful, and He will complete the work He has begun in you and in your church (Philippians 1:6).
If the dead have indeed been raised in your midst, let this be a sign to you that the Lord is with you. But let it also be a reminder that the greatest miracle is not the raising of the physically dead, but the raising of the spiritually dead to new life in Christ. Proclaim the Gospel boldly, and let the power of God be displayed in transformed lives. The fields are ripe for harvest—go forth in the authority of Jesus’ name, and the Lord will be with you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
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