July 11, 2011

Summer Discipleship

Over the summer months the Lord has been good to bring several young women into our path here. Four of these young girls are from the United States and one a native to this location.

These young girls (American) have come to this location by way of a summer program with a prominent sending organization in the U.S.

Before their coming to this location, I had never met or known anything concerning them. When they arrived here they were to meet up with folks from this org and begin training/learning under them, however, through several circumstances outside everyone's control, they were all left without any leadership in discipleship and oversight. It has been such a rewarding time getting to know these young women deeper and have them within our home as we all open the scriptures together and discuss issues pertaining to our Lord's glory and their involvement in it.

This past weekend I took these young women to a village desa where two believing families (persecuted) reside in the midst of much hardship and difficulties. It was such a wonderful experience to watch how these young women reacted to the stories of these village believers. I was astonished at the raw emotion of our small fellowship that morning as we shared with one to another, read from God's word, prayed for each other and shared a meager meal together.

One young girl stated; "I never thought the Lord we give me such a privilege to meet such committed followers of Jesus Christ, these are heroes of the faith for me and I am honored." What a beautiful picture of God's family was represented and experienced on this day for these young ladies. They learned that with all their knowledge of the scriptures, within all their years spent in Christian activity, with all their being surrounded with church commotion that they still had so much to learn in regards to the faith and our calling to be disciples for Christ's glory here on earth.

I must admit that meeting these young women and experiencing this summer with them is only leading me deeper and deeper into humility. I am increasingly amazed at God's own grace being shed upon me and my home. Who am I that the Lord would have directed these young women my way? What a responsibility, honor and privileged. And who am I that they would even listen to me? The Lord is good and His strengthening hand is constantly before us here. I hope that in some way I will have blessed these young women in someway before they leave. However, I already see how the Lord has blessed me personally with having the opportunity to have met them.

Please continue to pray for Vira, Lauren, Sarah, Natalie and Jamie. Pray that the Lord would shape and continually mold them more and more into his image. Pray that they would receive further wisdom and knowledge into His leading in their lives. Pray for our dear brothers and sisters within this village. Pray for further strength and courage. Pray that they would grow deeper into God and His word as well. Pray for revival in this location and that the Lord will receive the glory do His name.