Today was full of one-on-one conversations with students
who've been most inclined towards Upward focused conversations. We had lunch
with a medical student we met who made a Decision back in 2012. We've followed up
with him as often as we've been back in the country, as well as over Facebook,
and we are excited to report that his Beliefs are still growing despite the
rigors of hospital life and the restrictions faced by local believers. He has
been meeting with one of our Ms here in the city but hasn't been able to
connect with a HC quite yet.
Please pray that our doctor friend will experience
incredible growth in the near future and that he will find a HC to plug into,
to be fed, and to be equipped to help others.
This evening we experienced unworldly hospitality as we
dined with 5 university students in one of their parents' homes. We got there
and they quickly assigned us duties to help finish preparing the meal of fresh
and fried spring rolls and something similar to crab cakes, except with
chicken. We all gathered on a rice mat on their living room floor and dove into
what our leader said was "one of his favorite meals in [this
country]," and that's no small praise! After finishing the meal up with
fresh mango and guava, we spread out and started talking more about school,
football, and their "stories." There's always a disconnect between
the importance of the Good News and good deeds, but we've found that every
conversation, no matter how "insignificant" is worth having. It's not
our responsibility to "make" things make sense. The Word is Living!
Please continue to pray for open hearts, ears, and eyes.
Day 11
We had the supreme joy today to visit a HC led by a
student-turned-teacher we met almost 6 years ago. He comes from a family of
Brothers and Sisters who have been treated very severely for their beliefs.
Thankfully he and his sister were able to graduate university and are working
as Shepherds of other university students and community members. Our friend
shared a Song he had written and we all sang a Song together in each of our own
languages. Please pray that the Brothers and Sisters in his Community would
desire to grow with Father and tell others about His Story, and not just be
satisfied with being fed each week. Please also pray for the Community as our
friend travels abroad to learn from another Shepherd that he might return to
his country and better teach and share the Good News.
Later this evening we got to share the Good News with over
40 university students during a student organization meeting one of our friends
invited us to. We shared about the differences in our respective country's
education systems and found many opportunities to steer conversations Upwards.
We got to continue these conversations with 2 of the friends from the meal the
night before over dinner. Even though there is still misunderstanding and
miscommunication on everyone's part, we have confidence that Father is working
and that He will continue to guide our words, and hopefully replace them with
His Word.
Please continue to pray for healing - the team is feeling a
little better every day, but sleeping through the night has still been
difficult for some of us. Please pray that He will be our strength as the days
are heating up quickly!
-Southeast Asia Team
