This past week I asked Archbishop Ben Kwashi, a Christian leader from Nigeria, about the preaching challenges in his country. He mentioned typical stuff we all face—helping our people grow as disciples, learning the craft of preaching, relying on the Spirit, preparing solid expository sermons. But then he mentioned one challenge I didn't expect: "Our preachers in Nigeria," he said, "know that they might get killed for preaching the gospel. In Northern Nigeria the Muslim extremists keep killing off our preachers, but God keeps calling new preachers. For some reason, they keep coming to our seminary. Sometimes I don't understand it, but these young people are so courageous and committed."

Brother Kwashi's matter-of-fact statement moved me in two ways: (1) to pray for other preachers, especially preachers around the globe who have it far worse than I do; (2) to pray for Christ's power (because I honestly don't have it) to preach with courage and conviction, knowing that I'm secure in Christ. May you experience his power and courage this week.

This week to encourage and equip you in your ministry of preaching we offer:

• Featured Illustration: Creation Surrounds Us with Beautiful Music
• Skills Article: "Weaving on Back to the Big Idea," an interview with Dr. Olu Peters about the big idea with insights on preaching across cultures.
• Video: Masks. Masks are everywhere before Halloween. Is it time to take yours off?

In Christ,

Matt Woodley
Managing Editor, PreachingToday.com
mwoodley@christianitytoday.com

P.S. Don't forget to check out the final sermon in our Preaching on Faith & Work series—a brilliant biblical theology of work and the mission of God by Amy L. Sherman

Matt Woodley is the pastor of compassion ministries at Church of the Resurrection in Wheaton, Illinois.