All Are Learning...

We did survive! We invited those who who we feared to gather with us around God's word. We waited and fellowshiped. We brought extra chairs and the pastor was ready to give his testimony, we opened the door for them and they did not come in. They turned and went back home.

Glory to God! If He wanted them to come in, they would've.

They, the dealers, intimidators and haters of God returned the next day. I invited them to leave three times, they did not. The children were afraid and would not let me help them. But the young men did hear several verses recited. Psalm 25:4 "Show me Thy ways, O Lord, teach me Thy paths." Romans 6:23 "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." and several others. I was glad they heard, the seed was planted, but they insisted on interrupting and didn't receive the word.

They finally left after I had opportunity to share some from 1 John 4. I explained that God is love and if we don't have God we can't love. That love is a command, not a feeling. If it changes it is not real because God is love and doesn't change and He is most definitely real. They had been talking about falling in love with some of the girls in my home and didn't seem to like that although they did consider it. They weren't allowed in my home yesterday and didn't attempt to come today. I spoke with someone from my church who will talk to some men about trying to reach out to them. One young man did take a Bible. Pray he reads it and that God gets hold of them all. My priority has to be for the ones who will receive and those little ones God has charged to my care. I cannot manage those who would harm us in anyway or interrupt these kid's learning. It is not wise. I am still learning this ministry. God is helping me walk it out. I am reaching out for help from those who have more wisdom. Pray they school me in street knowledge.

Today was a sweet time with the kids. Several of the Next Door Bible Study Group came to see me to hang out and help with computer stuff. There was a little time before the others came. We had a very good time discussing verses and encouraging each other to learn them. We also had a very teachable moment. My older kids helped us to have a quiet time of prayer and reflection. We listened to music selected by the older and they led off in prayer. The younger kids bowed with us as we prayed for them each and their families and they in turn offered prayers as best they knew how.

I taught them that Jesus stole away to pray privately and that we should follow His example. They learned that God gave them each their own voice and that is how He wanted them to pray, in their own words and voice. We talked about learning scripture and praying back the promises God said we could have. We talked about meditating on scripture. We encouraged this small band of new believers to talk to God like you would your best friend. They seemed to take it all in.

What a sweet, unexpected and teachable moment! I know soon I will have to work out a schedule, it is going to be necessary. But right now, as exhausted as I am, I think I'll enjoy the ride. Please pray for The Next Door Bible Study as they learn to help minister and as they loose much time and fellowship with me to make room for others. I see their disappointment and I miss them as well. But I am proud of them for welcoming their new brothers and sisters. That is what I've been teaching them to do. Pray also for the little ones as they grow in their faith. We are making disciples. That's what we're called to do. To God be the glory!
In Christ,
Jamie