At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, an account of which I am in prison- that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
Colossians 4:2-4
As always, thank you for continuing to be faithful and pray for us here. Your prayers are moving God's heart to answer us in powerful ways here! I am so thankful for you.
God answered our prayers and brought a full house of people to our Hallergia Outreach event last Friday. It was amazing seeing so many new faces and families enjoying themselves in Oasis (our community center). We had karaoke and lots of games, but even more importantly...Bob was able to give a short message, in which the Spirit totally spoke. We are praying that God rooted his message in each heart that was present and that he'll continue watering and growing the seeds.
Lately, God's been teaching us all about his harvest- how he's the only one who can grow and produce fruit. We're just his workers, following his lead. He is the Harvester. We must be patient and wait for his perfect timing. He's been giving us pictures of him handing us the fruit. He's holding SO much for us. He just wants us to keep asking, seeking, wanting and persevering and he'll hand it to us. He is an abundant God and Giver!
Beckah and I have had days when the attacks of the enemy are extra hard. Some days we feel drained and without joy, but we know that God is fighting for us and all we have to do is surrender and let him do his thing. He mounts us up on eagle's wings, all for his glory. I've been amazed at how faithful he's been in giving us more hunger for him. His presence is so rich, full of abundance. All we have to do is ask him for more and he answers.
The past several days, I've asked him for specific things such as giving me loveliness, purifying my past (full of lust) and helping me seek him above all...
Would you believe it! Each day I've opened my devotion book to find him literally, word for word, promising me these things! God is so real and living. Here's just an example of what he said yesterday:
I am working my ways in you; the divine Artist creating loveliness within your being. My main work is to clear out the debris and clutter, making room for My Spirit to take full possession.
- Jesus Calling
Let this encourage you to ask, ask, ask in Jesus' name. His name literally contains so much power.
He's been faithful in bringing two girls my age to church...I've been so blessed seeing him work in them. One already knows him and the other is curious. We're asking him to keep them coming and to keep watering these seeds- especially so they'll stay connected to Oasis after we leave.
Those of you that have prayed for God to continue giving me specific pictures and words for people, and also for boldness to share them, THANK YOU!!! He's growing my trust in him, to rely on him entirely whenever he gives me something to share. Last night during our prayer time, I tried to step out more and ask him for a picture/word for my friend who doesn't know him. He answered (not a surprise!) and though I was so afraid for the awkwardness of sharing/not knowing how to explain in Spanish to this girl that I hardly know, he gave me the courage. He even touched her heart as I told her what he said . I'm praying his words stay with her and that he makes her thirsty for more.
He has also continued honoring me in dreaming big. I honestly never thought my sweet Mama Barber would ever be able to see my life here and understand that God made me specifically for this country. I love my mom to death, but God's obviously made us different and I'm not really sure where I get my sense of adventure. Nevertheless, this dream that I've had for some time...for her to know and see me here, is coming true! Like I learn over and over, God has no limits! My parents and sister are coming tomorrow until Monday to help us do much needed construction at Oasis. I've never been more thrilled and thankful!
Please continue praying:
- God would open more doors for us to share his truth with all of our students, especially as our time is coming to an end. Beckah leaves next week and I leave in 6 weeks. Also that he would make what we share clear and give us creative ways to share with our younger adolescent friends.
- For all of the relationships we've made with our friends who are not believers. There are many: Luis, Rosa, Janet, Ricardo, Santana, Chava, Diogenes, and several more. We are so hungry for them to know Jesus. Especially the one household of Jehovah's witnesses that we love. Only he can bring them to himself.
- For his Spirit to continue speaking and leading with dreams, visions, and words for these people. Also, more boldness for us to share these with whoever he tells us to.
- Perseverance, physical and emotional rest, refreshment, wisdom, peace, joy, discernment, compassion, gentleness and ALL the fruits of the Spirit for us to display for his glory.
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