THE FIRST YEARS

Act 1

To Bargain with the God of Dirt

From God’s call to crossing the first threshold, Dave faces the trials of overcoming fear, spiritual resistance, the fundraising gauntlet, and the heartache of unanswered prayers for loved ones. Act One causes him to reflect on his motivation to proclaim Jesus and present the gospel to those his subculture deems his enemies. Near the center of the act, he is buried in a parable that echoes Jesus’ call to die to oneself, and from that point forward, he experiences the consequences of accepting this call.

Act 2

Hearts Cry in the Desert Night

As Act 2 begins, Dave finds conflict within three cultures: the Muslim people group, the missionary team, and the school community. Zalaam is a spiritual desert in which the enemy’s presence is easily tangible, while the Spirit of God is not. Dave’s prophetic gifts emerge, yet the first battleground he faces is his own heart, for he must deal with the sin he has brought onto the field and the damage it has caused.

Weapons Found by Desperate Hands

Act 2 continues to present Dave with personal grief and spiritual ordeals. Yet, as he learns to serve leadership, stand on God’s promises, and pray in unity, the team begins to heal, and he is granted a few spiritual victories. He sees his relationships with Muslims take shape. He asks for and receives hints as to when God will plant His church among the people of Zalaam. And while he explores multiple methods of evangelism, the Holy Spirit leads him through his children.

Grasping at the Promised Keys

Act 2 concludes the descent to Dave’s lowest point. Throughout the stresses of renewed team conflict, spiritual attacks, and the threat of international war, he has sought Jesus, and now, in his broken state, Jesus meets him. Dave receives the keys that were promised in Act 1 and which he must use in Act 3: a deeper understanding of the need for unity among the team, for his prayers to be supported by scripture, new perspectives on fasting and hearing from God, and an interactive vision of Jesus Himself.

For an overview of The Last Years, contact Delgado.