Sunday, July 26, 2009

Last Village, 4 days til Home!

Wow, how do I even begin?!?!

My time of ministry on this island is officially over... and I can't help but praise the Lord for the many ways He showed that He IS at work here!! My team stayed in a mountain village the last 3 weeks, and there were more openings to share in this village than the past 2 combined! Would you rejoice with me in the salvation of one soul, the grandfather of the family we lived with?! He is one of those people you would think of as "unreachable"- 96 years old, only speaks the local language, practically deaf and apparently blind. (They say he's blind, but he can totally see me.) What seems impossible to man is definitely possible with the Father! PRAISE HIM for that! We have a light shining in the darkness in this village!

We were also able to share with a man named Ruke- please be lifting him up; he is so close to fully accepting the Message and actually laying his life down for the sake of the Father. He is very very very curious about the story of Jesus, and the only thing holding him back right now from being a "living sacrifice" is the fact that his entire village is Hindu and he would be an outcast. Already, his wife has scolded him for not attending all the ceremonies. Praise Him for this wonderful open door! We are so encouraged, and can't wait to hear more as the long-term workers here send MORE people to that village in the future. We celebrate the upcoming and glorious salvation that we pr fervently will come!

The Lord has been teaching me so much about selflessness and patience through the children in this past village. Every day we taught English through stories from the Word, and the kids LOVED it! We were able to hand out lots of books and things for them to read when we're gone. My entire team will miss those kids a lot; they are so curious about Jesus and about what we believe in. We met SO many kids, and as a result of that, we were invited over for dinner several times. Needless to say, I have not gone hungry here- last night we had 3 dinners, mmmmm. I've had my fair share of rice for a while!

This village really opened my eyes to the reality that many places around the world are just like people in America, in that they just go through the motions of their religion. We went to several ceremonies and witnessed people pring to their ancestors, but not really understanding why or caring at all. How often do we go to ch on Sundays and simply go through the motions without experiencing the love of the Father and genuinely worshipping Him?! This morning we were able to go to ch for the first time in a month & 1/2, and I couldn't help but tear up as I was singing praises to my Father in Heaven. Fellowship with other believers is so sweet, and is something I take for granted so much in America!

Well, I'll be seeing you people VERY soon- 4 days, to be exact! I am so excited to hear about your summers and share some of these great coffee grounds the people so graciously gave us- coffee was their LIFE. Pr for you, and we all appreciated your prs so so so much! His word did not return void this summer! (Isa. 55:11)

3 comments:

  1. Em, I can't wait to hear all about the trip. I have been pring for you and your team. I love you and hope your travel back home goes smoothly and safely.

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  2. I can't wait to see you!! I have so much to tell you. :) :) :)

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  3. Emily - Such exciting news from far away! It was refreshing to my soul tonight to read about a new brother, and such an old one at that. :) We will be thinking about you as you travel and can't wait to see you soon!

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