Here’s an update prescheduled post! Normally I travel alone to teach but this time a deacon from my church accompanied me! Here’s what he wrote of our progress with this trip.
It is my joy to share to you an update on our trip thus far. First of all, praise God for being very gracious to me and Jimmy throughout our long journey here: our trip has been complicated by deadlines and delays, but we have nonetheless arrived safely to our destination.
The pastor came early in the morning to pick us up for church. The church gathering started with a prayer meeting, and then followed by the regular service that lasted about 2 hours. After that, people were split into groups for Sunday school and discipleship, while Slimjim, the pastor and I chatted until we were invited for lunch upstairs. After a brief lunch, we then had the opportunity to see the kids that our church has been supporting. I can see the joy in the kid’s faces, as they introduced themselves one by one. Apparently the kids are pretty talented: they have won gold medals in sports, and some can artfully sketch the whole human skeleton in detail and name the major bones in English. From the looks of things I know they have been taught well to work hard and in excellence, and have received loving care at their home, and I praise God for such kind and generous people in caring for these kids.
Sunday was the first day of the training on the topic of biblical marriage. I had the pleasure to meet some of the dear brothers that have been faithfully serving the Lord, and those who have great desire to learn more on biblical truth. Because of limited resources, people here travel from afar, and even by means of walking (for hours!), just to listen to SlimJim preach from the word of God for 6-7 hours. About 200 people attend the conference, and everyone diligently takes notes, and attentively listens to the sermons. The level of attention from everyone in the room puts me to shame, considering they must be tired from all that traveling. That alone ought to make us (and me as well) reconsider how we have taken many privileges we enjoy in the States for granted (such as driving comfortably in nice cars on well-paved roads, listening sermons at the comfort at your own home).
I also have many opportunities to learn from local brothers in Christ on their harsh lives and challenges they have to face because of the clash of values and differences between local traditions and scriptural truth. Please pray for them for the following:
– Pray for all local church growth in sound doctrine: there are many so-called Christian churches that don’t preach the truth, and even leaders falling away from it. This impedes the growth of every individual, and also an increasing hardship in finding spouses. Pray for godly spouses (and potential ones) in growth of like-mindedness
– Pray for protection from government harassment: Christianity is not straight-out a forbidden religion, but because of the strong presence of the local religion, churches are constantly facing harassment from extremists and even government officials. I believe the sowed seeds from all the missionaries are leading to an overall growth and hunger for the Truth, but Christianity remains a minority and locals often look down on such belief. I’m thankful to see that the brothers and sisters here remain hopeful despite the trials and tribulations.
– Pray for their travel safety: there are local churches and missionaries that venture deep in extremely harsh terrain and road conditions are extremely poor. People getting hurt happens even with locals.
Many prayers!!
God’s blessings upon your faithful service. J.
Praying for the work the Lord has ahead for you Pastor Jim and for the power of Holy Spirit to reach into the hearts and minds of those who gather to hear His Word being taught!
God has really been working powerfully the last 24 hours and I think its God working through prayers like that of yourself. Thank you so much, let me know if there’s anything I can pray for you
Praying… beautiful and precious!
Thank you! I hope you understand that I’ve not been visiting your blog lately because of this trip but plan to visit your blog again when I come back! Thanks for your prayers!
Most important work you are doing in the Name of Jesus and for the glory of God…visiting BHM is a true minor in your assignments of majors 🙂 May God continue to open doors and minister thru you and your deacon. Praying…
So glad SlimJim had some one with him this trip.Safety always counts.
Yep I’m so glad for that this time!
Blessings to you for delivering the great message of our King Jesus.
Thanks! Hope its ok with you I read your blog later after I finish doing my training overseas and get back to the states! Been preaching long days!
Understand completely. Praying for God’s power to be with you. Blessings.
Will be praying! So exciting to hear about your trip! God Bless you and your ministry! 🙂
Aww sister thnk you for your prayers sister!
Thank you for the update and letting us know some specific prayer requests! Lord bless you all on this mission trip!
Thanks! When I get back it will be back to my regular blog viewing again!
Praying for your safe return!
Thanks for the update great to hear things are going well. Praying for all of you.