(Photos: The English conference in full swing; Our son enjoying water out of the tap)
Our team leader was walking down the street, carrying his umbrella in case of more rain and making his way around some of the huge puddles that form on the island roads. Suddenly a man came up to him, a friendly stranger. The man greeted our team leader and went through the customary questions about his health and family. Then the man told our team leader that he had our holy book and that he had been searching without success for someone to explain it to him. Would he explain to him what it says?
Tom was in the middle of teaching his weekly English Club. There were about 15 students sitting before him asking questions about things they have heard in English. One of the students raised her hand and asked, “What does it mean to be born-again?” Tom explained that this is a religious term and asked if the class was okay with him explaining it. They all eagerly agree. They wanted to know the answer.
Zani sat before our group on a team day. He had wanted to see us all. He had something to say. Zani had been gone from the islands for more than two years. He left as a new brother, not very strong and scared of what others thought. Now here he was sharing with us all he has learned about God and the Word. He shared his hopes for his people, for the other brothers and sisters. He’s told his mother who he really is. He wants to help and encourage. He wants to see people change and grow.
Sometimes we are reminded that things are happening of which we aren’t aware nor responsible. Islanders are asking, seeking and knocking independent of us. None of us can take credit for these three people: the stranger on the street, the student with her question or Zani. But we know whom to thank.
PRAYERS ANSWERED
Our son turns 1 today!! We thank God for a beautiful little boy. Our short-termers finished their homestay and are now settled into their house. They have maintained great attitudes and are good learners. The leadership seminar went well, one woman attended! (a first) and Zani taught a session. We are very thankful for the unexpected encouragements that God gives us in our life here. Our family had a stomach bug but thankfully it was short-lived. We had a team debrief on Sunday and had a good time reminiscing and making recommendations for future teams.
PRAYERS REQUESTED
Our team leaders and their boys leave early Friday morning, pray for these final moments they have with friends before going home for the next 5 months. The recording project only has one more person to record. They hope to finish Saturday. Pray that it would all go smoothly. Our short-termers begin work at the main island hospital on Monday—pray that they could transition easily and have good interactions with their colleagues.
