Hi again!
Yay, we found some time to come to the internet cafe! Woohoo. Coming here is definitely a luxury, and we are so grateful. The first week is over, and it's been really amazing. Words can't describe how much we are being challenged, stretched, touched, and blessed by the Spirit.
The week of studies and lessons went well. I had a chance to have the students in my class that are Christian share with the others how they became Christian and how others can become saved. Zaya, who is not a Christian, got a chance to listen. On Friday, we asked for their prayer requests, and Zaya shared that she wants to believe in God. HELLO! Praise God! Please pray for the Spirit to really work in her heart this week.
Friday night we made hamburgers and coleslaw to celebrate 4th of July with the students. Granted, the food wasn't exactly the same, but you woulda never seen some of our team members so overjoyed to be eating a hamburger. =)
We spent Saturday out in the countryside up in the mountains. It was a little piece of heaven. So beautiful, and being with the students out in the fields with the mountains covered with green, lush trees and the bluest of skies.... God's creation is breathtaking.
At night, Sophey and I spent the night at Odko's home. Her older sister is an FCS staff worker, and one of her older bro's is a Christian, but the rest of her family is not. Her oldest brother was killed 7 months ago, and her father drinks a lot of vodka and spent most of our time there sleeping. Even though Odko's home was large in size (compared to other's homes) the facilities were certainly near 3rd worldish. I kept on thinking, "What would these kids think if they saw the way we lived in the States...."
This morning we attended service at Hope Church. The worship/praise time was awesome... really passionate worshippers and people who are on fire for God. Several people accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. I sat next to Odko and was broken by how lovingly she praised our Lord. I thought about her trials, especially her older brother being killed and her father. I pray that the Lord continues to heal her and her family... and am encouraged that, despite her struggles, her love for God is so genuine and passionate.
We had lunch with the kids and it started to rain outside. So we rode the microbus (a van where they squish about 24 people!) home. We spent the afternoon resting and then we just went to the marketplace to buy some souvenirs. While we were sitting around, we talked about how one of our handbags (for some) could buy 4 village-type homes (called "geres"). We are humbled.....
Prayer requests:
-This week we will continue with our regular schedule and also visit an orphanage. Please pray that we will pour out Christ's love and compassion on these children.
-That Zaya (the non-Christian) will be stirred to receive the Gospel. And that she connect with other FCS students so that she'll continue to attend the fellowship when we leave.
-Strength and sustained patience through this next week. Week 2, I anticipate, will be hard. Pray that God give us Christ-like patience.
-That we will begin thinking and praying about our return... what fruits this will bear to GrX and the kingdom at home...
THANK YOU for praying for my voice-- woohoo. It's definitely sustained and I can sing in key. ;)
We're praying for you, Team Thailand!
Women's Group-- I miss you! I'm glad yall are having fun!
We want to plant seeds and water them... but it is God who makes it grow. Please pray that He will grow the students we're serving, that he'll grow our team, and grow GrX and the Bay Area.... All Glory to God!
Love,
Esther