God has gone before us like He said He would and prepared the way.
The people are so eager to have Bible studies and learn about God. They
want a relationship with God but they are confused about how to get
one. There are so many lies of satan that have been promoted that
they are blind to the Truth. They have been taught for so long that
good works will earn them salvation and good intentions will get them to
heaven. I have learned while here that only God can change their
hearts and make known the mystery of the Gospel to them. All I can do
is tell them about it and trust that God will do the work in them.
The home Bible studies going really well. Pretty much everyone we have
talked to wants to come and we have set up four different Bible
studies. The problem we are having is not having enough time to have as
many bible studies as people want to have! And I’m glad that if we are
going to have a problem that that is our problem.
In other news, living in the village has been a great experience. I
am learning what I can live with and what I can live without. For
instance, we don’t have a refrigerator or a dishwasher or a washing
machine. But we are managing fine without them! And did you know
that eggs don’t need to be refrigerated? They don’t refrigerate them
here and I have eaten them and not gotten sick. Not having much
brings out the kindness in people. The grandfather that lives next door
always pumps water for us and brings it to the house and asks nothing
in return. That is such selfless kindness. And the barangay captain
has given up his home for us to live in it this summer. What a
sacrifice! I’m blown away by the hospitality the people have shown us.
Yes, I miss my family. Yes, I want a piece of fried chicken and granny’s
macaroni . Yes, I wish I could take a shower instead of a bucket bath
sometimes. But I would eat only rice everyday and take all the bucket
baths in the world just so that one of them could know the Lord. That’s
what keeps me going and motivates me to stay here and to love them like
God loves them.
-Lauren