Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Opportunities to share the love of God

Below, is a brief testimony of something God used to open my eyes. I thought I would share this with you.

  • Yesterday was a busy day. As I entered into a fast food restaurant to get a cheap lunch, I saw a homeless looking man outside. I didn't pay too much attention as I went inside to get lunch. After lunch, on the way back to my car, he called out to me asking me for help. He had a pretty bad limp in his step, and mostly leaned on and pushed a shopping cart to get around. As I came closer, he asked if I could help him get some food. I decided to buy him some lunch, and use that as an opportunity to tell him about the Bread of Life. After I got his food, I told him about the Trinity Rescue Mission, which could help him. As we stood in the hot sun, we talked for quite a while, and I got to hear a little bit about his story. He shared with me how many people turn away from him, or act like they don't see him (as I first did). He told me how he is unwanted in most areas of the city. Eventually, I began to tell him about Jesus, who he claimed to know. After a while, I offered to pray for him, which he gladly accepted. I asked what things I should specifically pray for. He told me he needed a home, a means to make a living, and then he thought for a moment and asked me to pray for "somebody that will love me." This opened the door for me to tell Him of Jesus, who loved us, died for us, and will never forsake us. I prayed together with Him that God will give Him exactly what He needs and to help him get out of this state of life. After we finished praying, he pointed out all the spots where he "lives" and gets by in case I ever want to see Him again. God used this to open my eyes to what I've been missing. How many opportunities we pass every day to show somebody the love of God...
I want to encourage you to sieze every opportunity to share the love of God with this world. I did not lead that man (Maurice) to the Lord, but I was obedient to show him the love of God and give him the Gospel. Some plant... Others water... But God gives the increase. May we strive each day to sieze every opportunity to share the love of Christ and His Gospel! Please pray for Maurice. I hope I will one day see him again.

June 2011 Prayer Letter

Dear Friends and Family,

We hope and pray that you are doing well! God is good, and we cannot complain!
Last month was a busy month for us. Between field conferences, mission
conferences, and meetings- We have been in Guelph, Ontario, Cleveland, GA,
Gainesville, GA, Pinellas Park, FL, Cumming, GA, Rustburg, VA, and Tampa, FL.
At one point, we realized that we had been on the road for 25 of the last 30 days!
We have been blessed, and God is teaching us many things during our time on
deputation:

Trust- God is teaching us to trust Him, despite the circumstances. “...all things
work together for good to them that love God...”

Patience- We must keep doing good, even when we don't see the immediate
results: “let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if
we faint not.”

Love- We have seen the love of God demonstrated by those who have
sacrificially given so that we may bring the Gospel to Nicaragua. “... because
the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost...”

As we enter into Summer, we strive to stay busy and get opportunities to share
our ministry and share Christ. Please pray that we will be able to book meetings
and mission conferences throughout the Summer. Pray for Michelle as she is
entering the third trimester of her pregnancy. Also, please pray for us as we seek
to finish up preparing our future deputation home in a reasonable amount of time
before our baby is born. Thank you for your prayers and support!