The Power of the Word

I just got back a few hours ago from my monthly visa run. This one was much shorter and easier than the last one for which I am very thankful. The Father was so gracious to open doors for His Word to be shared. I went with my teammate and another guy from our group. He is more advanced in the language so he was able to share the Good News with several of the men God placed in our path. While we were waiting for our train at the train station, he shared the story of Zaccheus (Luke 19:1-9). A large crowd gathered while he was telling the story. It was quite the scene and drew the attention of the guards who came and chased everyone away...but not before he finished telling the story and handing out tracts. :)

Yesterday, marked the ninth year since I came to know Christ. You can read about it here: http://livinlifeinromans7.blogspot.com/2008/03/o-praise-one-who-paid-my-debt.html.

The Lord has been so gracious in helping me adjust to the culture and language. Getting used to a completely different culture should be a lot harder than it has been, but like I said, God is so gracious. My ability to communicate continues to grow by God's grace. I still cannot say much in regards to the Good News but I am working toward that goal. I thought of a few ways today how I can learn a short way to present the Way to others and I am so excited to talk to my language teacher about them.

Jesus has also been gracious in allowing me to sense His presence and nearness. When I hear about and see the things He is doing, it is like watching the Scriptures come to life. A few weeks ago, we had a volunteer team visit us at the Center. We invited the girls' moms to hear them talk about health as well as share the Good News. Several of the mothers came. As the volunteers shared the Way, the air was thick with God's presence. He was working mightily through His Word! A few of the women said they believed what they heard and all of them said that they would ask God to give them wisdom about what they heard. Some of them have been attending the weekly fellowship at the Center to learn more. Please lift up these women and ask the Father to open their eyes to the glory of Christ!

God's Word has been working mightily in me personally as well. The Holy Spirit has helped me see things and make connections in Scripture that I never had before...and it is so exciting! Most of all, the Father is helping me to grow in my love for Christ more and more. Anything I might have to endure here is nothing compared to knowing Him. Oh how I want my life to display His glory!