Rock Standing: Finding People of Peace

Dear Friends and Faithful Partners,

 

Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it.

 — Matthew 10:11-13

 

Recently, while discussing this scripture about worthiness with a group of men during a Bible study, I made an offhand comment: "I hope I am worthy."  I viewed it through a personal lens—wondering if I was worthy enough, faithful enough, or capable enough for the work God had placed before me.

 

As our meeting ended, one of the men pulled me aside. He said, "For the last five years, you've led this Bible study, guided our discussions, and faithfully shared the Gospel. Hearing you say you hope you're worthy surprises me. I hope you're joking, because your life and ministry have impacted all of us because of your worthiness."

 

His words stayed with me.

 

What struck me wasn't a reminder of my own value, but a reminder that biblical worthiness isn't about personal achievement or recognition. It's about faithfully following Christ and allowing Him to work through us. The people Jesus instructed His disciples to seek were not perfect people. They were people whose hearts were open to God—people of peace who welcomed His presence and His message.

 

As I reflect on the history of Heartland International Ministries, I see this principle woven throughout our story.

 

Over the years, God has connected us with faithful partners in more than 20 countries. These relationships were never built on convenience or personal gain. They began when God brought us together with men and women whose hearts were committed to Him—people who opened their homes, shared their lives, and created places of peace where the Gospel could flourish.

Long before they became ministry partners, school leaders, pastors, caregivers, or community leaders, they were simply faithful servants saying "yes" to God.

 

I recently witnessed this again while exploring new ministry relationships in Malawi. Amid tremendous challenges and widespread poverty, I met believers who are courageously serving their communities and sharing the hope of Christ. In places where many families face impossible choices simply to survive, these leaders continue to bring hope, dignity, compassion, and the love of Jesus to those around them.

 

They remind me that God's work has never depended on human strength, resources, or status. It depends on faithful people who are willing to be used by Him.

 

As I prepare for what will be the most ambitious mission journey of my life in the fall of 2026, I find myself returning to the words of Jesus in Matthew 10. God did not call me to lead for recognition or position. He called me to serve faithfully, to seek out people of peace, and to be an example of Christ's love wherever He sends me. That same calling belongs to all of us.

 

Thank you for standing with Heartland International Ministries through your prayers, encouragement, and support. Together, we are partnering with faithful men and women around the world who are bringing hope, sharing the Gospel, and transforming lives for the glory of God.

 

Please continue to pray for our partners, for the communities they serve, and for the opportunities God is opening before us.

 

To God be the Glory.

 

Byron Whetstone

Executive Director

 

Feeding the children in Malawi