Sorry for the lack of updates these past few months...We've been adjusting to a new "normal," as teaching jobs have picked up (praise God for His faithfulness!) I, Michelle, now work at three different jobs--a vocational school, a Christian high school, and a language institute. It may sound like a lot, but it's usually around 10 hours in the classroom a week (plus 10 hours of classroom prep at home). It's a blessing to be able to work part-time....to earn some money while having time to do ministry prep and household chores=)
Daniel has started his second semester of college. He's still enjoying his studies. One of the cool things is that he's able to have spiritual conversations with some of his school friends.
Speaking of spiritual things, we've both seen God work and move in some pretty amazing ways these past few months.
If you've read our previous blogs, then you might remember a time when we wrote about rain. The idea was that ministering in these neighborhoods (or in this culture) is tough. Many people are really hardened towards the Gospel--like cracked, crusty soil that has been parched from years of sun. We kept planting seeds. And praying for rain. And then we'd plant more seeds. And pray for rain, again. And now, it's begun to sprinkle.
A few months ago, a couple of Muslim boys from our Kids Cafe prayed with one of our leaders to accept Jesus. At the end of the prayer, one boy said, "While we were praying, I saw light." Another boy said, "I could feel my sins going away." Just thinking about this brings tears to my eyes. At Kidsfest (our outdoor Sunday School), one of the girls who accepted Jesus came with us to church last Sunday. At the Youth Cafe last week, two teenage guys stood up at the alter call to accept Jesus. Directly afterwards, one of them (who had a hurt leg) was prayed for, and his leg was healed!
OK, I know what you're thinking. "What? This isn't a sprinkle...this is a full-out rain storm!" Yes and no. Although the Muslim boys accepted Christ and experienced Him personally, they live in an environment where Christianity is forbidden. Even though the two teens stood up, accepted Christ, and then witnessed a miracle...they came back this Tuesday with questions and doubts.
Lately, we've been reminded of the parable of the good and bad soil. Some accept Jesus with joy, but then the snares of this world choke them. Others fall on shallow soil. Others are snatched up by the birds. Others accept Jesus and persevere.
We've been praying for the seeds. Ironically, it's Spring time and new life is spouting green buds all around us. Each new growth reminds us to pray for the spiritual seeds that have sprouted in our ministries.
A healthy, growing seed is the greatest enemy of Satan. He will do everything possible to destroy the potential of a passionate, world-changing Christian. The only way to fight is to pray. With every word proclaimed in the authority of Jesus Christ, Satan loses ground.
Please join us in prayer. Pray for the seeds. Pray that this sprinkle turns into a rain storm.
