We have palm fronds on our roof. This might not sound like a big deal, but it is. Our house is made out of cement. During the day the sun shines down on the cement and heats it. Our house becomes something of a brick oven, trapping the heat and slowly heating throughout the day until it is unbearable in the early evening. The walls radiate heat and the only relief is from running fans. If the power goes out, life is miserable.
At least, that is how it used to be. Now we have palm fronds on our roof. The palm fronds shade the cement and act as an insulator. The result is a noticeably cooler house. We are so thankful for it.
We had heard about the palm fronds trick and have wanted to try it out for months. The problem was finding someone who knew how to do it. That’s when we found out that one of the brothers, Reme, from a town nearby was looking for work, and knew how to do it. God had provided and now we were able to support Reme and cool our house at the same time. While driving in the truck with a payload full of palm fronds, we got to talking.
We’ve mentioned in some of our prayer requests about some exciting things going on among some of the brothers here. One brother in particular has been very bold in talking about his new life. He was asked the “big question”. And as we’ve mentioned he was very bold. He did not deny his change. He did not shrink from the truth or pretend not to hear. As a result he has faced some opposition from friends, family and the community, but he continues to remain strong. In his town, there are a few other brothers. Some new, but a couple of them have walked longer but nervously and secretly. We have been much concerned for all of them in light of their bold brother. What will they do? How will they react? How will they respond? It seems as if they have a choice. They have two examples of how to live set before them. Will they choose to be bold or to remain secret? Reme was of the opinion that the bold brother was not using wisdom. I challenged him on it. Sometimes we are called to be bold, and if God calls us to be bold, then it is not unwise.There a brand new brother witnessing all this—what way will he choose? He is more impressionable than the others in some ways. Everything is new to him. What choice will he make? Chris had a chance to talk to him and the new brother told him this:
“I walk around town with my [special book] under my arm, and people are asking me about it. It’s great. You know, [our bold brother] got the chance to answer [the big question]. They asked him [the big question] and he got to answer. Maybe, if I carry the book, I’ll get MY CHANCE!”
PRAYERS ANSWERED
Tom turned 32 yesterday! He is looking forward to a week full of celebration as he has been promised a special date night with Megan (a teammate watching the kids) and a team celebration on Thursday. Peter has been doing really well. He is healthy, happy, laughing and eating well.
PRAYERS REQUESTED
Continue to pray for the brothers. Tom has a number of new English teaching opportunities. Pray that these new classes would go well, and that he would be able to make some decisions about which opportunities to accept and which to reject. A number of our teammates will be hiking up the volcano. Pray for a good trip with no rain and safety for all. Megan’s back is hurting her. Pray that she would be healed.
