Monday, June 30, 2014

Update from South Thailand

For us, the week can look a bit crazy. We spend our weekdays on a local island near the border of Malaysia.  We teach English at the island school. This is our "job." In the afternoons/evenings, our opportunities for sharing the Message begin.  Many doors have been opened so far, and we pray that He will continue to break down the language barriers for our team.
Our transportation to the island
Arriving at the island dock
The view from our school
Islam is the primary religion on the island
On the weekends, we spend time back in the city with our supervisors involved in other ESL projects and rest time.  It also gives our team time to reconnect with the other Southern Thai team.
Islam, along with Buddhism is found in the city
Connecting with the local church in the city
Motorcycles are the common mode of transportation in the city
Please keep our friends on the island in your prayers this week, as we hope to share the JC Film with them. We pray that He will give open hearts that are hungry for the One True Father.

Personal notes from Impact Cebu

Hanging out in Cebu
Its now just past the halfway of my time here in Camotes, Cebu. I'm starting to feel more at home now after a while. Such a great time meeting the people and working with the students. So much fun. Keep praying for us as we continue our stay in the Philippines for another month.
-Caleb

God is doing amazing things in my life here in Cebu, Philippines. He has opened my eyes to so much and I'm excited to be part of his plan. Growing more and more in His word and as a follower of Christ. So great. Keep praying for my team and also the people we are sharing the word too. God is so great all the praise and glory to Him. He is our father and the great I AM. Seeds are being planted and the word is being shared. Halfway is point is now and happy to see what the second half is going to be like. Thanks everyone!
-Luke

It's been a great week. If the gospel is preached, hearts WILL be changed! Praise God, He has allowed us to share over 30 Bible stories and have had 2 house churches begin to take form. Now we are now talking to them about baptism, please pray that they will open their hearts to this outward profession of Faith and not be scared of persecution from their family or friends. God is good, keep praying kingdom sized prayers and that things will happen that only God can do.
 

Oh, and jungle snails and pig tongue aren't as bad as they sound. And!!!! My nephew believes Jesus Christ died on the cross for his sins, and that he wants him to live in him!! So, as you can tell, I'm super excited about that. Have a great week everyone, talk to ya next Monday.

-Jacob

Open Opportunities

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Traffic in the city- part of daily life
Much of the time, I feel that I have no idea what I am doing here.  I am torn back and forth between excitement and sadness that our trip is almost half over.  We have struggled through many things, most of which have been minute-by-minute living to get through.  Obedience is key, and when we are obedient, God shows up.

 Both of us have overcome sickness in the past week, we have spent more time walking than I want to think about, and I am simply overwhelmed by the amount of people we have met and come into contact with.  Yet, I remember that when I am weak, maybe a bit discouraged, He is made perfect. Because of this, I am all that more willing to admit my weaknesses.
As we were out shopping earlier today, one of the vendors asked if we were participating in Ramadan. This brought up an awesome opportunity for a conversation, and we asked why he was participating. He told us that he knew that if he did enough good things to please God, then he would be allowed into heaven. We asked if he was sure that he was going to heaven when he died, and he said that he hoped that he had done enough good things. We told him that we knew for sure that we were going to heaven, and it was not because of any of the good things we had done. We could do nothing to please God. Please pray for this man as we plan to go back to talk with him again about the differences between his religion and our faith.
Several prayer requests:
–Pray for the discouragement on some days when we don’t feel productive in our work
–Pray for the 12+ teams we have encountered here (from several different organizations) to be faithful and strong in their work as well
–Pray for the millions of lost souls in this city to be open and have an opportunity to encounter the truth of the gospel
–During the month of Ramadan, people tend to be more vulnerable and even more open to talk about their faith. Even those who are not fasting understand it is happening which can lead to great conversations. Pray that we will be faithful in sharing when there are open opportunities.

Surgery by flashlight

Rural Healthcare Team: Maibu
15 circumcisions: In very warm room with headlamps because if we opened the windows the whole village would watch. Never a dull moment!

Evidences of God's Grace

One day, we were in the offices after the day's events. Everyone was very tired and discouraged; it did not seem as if God had been at work around us. One of the guys said that he had something he wanted us all to do. He called it, "Evidences of God's Grace." We would go around the room (in no particular order) and say how we have seen God at work around us. It all began kind of slow; we were new to the game. However, after the first few went, things got going.


New people had been met.
Children had heard the Gospel.
God had given wisdom.
Children had been physically healed.
We had found a church home for the summer.

God had definitely been at work around us! Over a week later, we find ourselves sharing random evidences of God's grace throughout the day. We learned that we tend to focus on what God is not doing, rather than what He is doing. God is always at work around us. As Jack on Adventures in Odyssey once said, "Life moves in rhythms and cycles and we all go through periods when it seems as if nothing is happening. But things are happening, Connie. All the time. We just have to stay in tune enough to see what they are, how they fit together. So that even in times of quiet and boredom, God's handiwork is shown to us."

Jesus says in John 5 that He works where He sees His Father working and that He can do nothing apart from the Father. God is working all around us. Let's join Him in the work. We should all take time to notice the evidences of God's grace in our lives.


Please pray that we would keep a God vision during the rest of the week. We do not need to be focused on earthly matters, but on our Father and what work He is doing around us.

HIS Faithfulness

Because of the LORD's faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! (Lamentations 3:22-23)
As the occasional rain showers dispel the sun's heat here in southern Thailand, so our great God brings us refreshing joy each day, driving away our worries and shortcomings. God brings us this joy in many different ways - sometimes in the quiet when we read His Word, sometimes in the smiles of our neighbors as we greet them with "sa wat dee kha!" but most recently in the faces of the school children on a nearby island about a 40 minute boat ride from out city. The island is home to about 100 families, and most of those families live a basic life centered on the fishing industry. Our team, supervisor Tracy & her daughter Emily traveled to the island one day to teach at the school. There were around 70 children, and we spent the day teaching basic English lessons and playing games and music with them. The kids were sweet, smart, and attentive.
Our favorite part of the day came after school was out. We were waiting for a boat to travel back home and decided that it would be fun to jump into the water off the dock. Our team of crazy Americans jumped in, and then many of the island's children followed. We swam around, laughing and playing with the kids, and finding many reasons to rejoice. We hope that Christ's love shines through our actions, and we pray that those we meet will see that light, and that it would give them a craving for the one true God.
As Ramadan has begun, please pray specifically for the families in southern Thailand - that they would realize their need for Jesus Christ, that they would hunger for the Bread of Life, and that they would accept the gospel and God's purpose for their lives.
In Christ's Love,
-Rachel

Hmong Village Update

I've been doing good everyone! It's not as hot as you think it is because it's the rainy season. I've been helping to strengthen the faith in the church. God is truly amazing and good. This upcoming weekend, I'm going to preach!  Pray for me! For strength and that may the Word of God speak through me!

-Peng

Not called... Commanded

If there is one thing that God has been teaching me since I have been here it is that no one is exempt. Exempt from finals, exempt from chores, exempt from punishment, but NOT going to finish the great commission. Isaiah 44 says:

For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
    and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring,
    and my blessing on your descendants.
They shall spring up among the grass
    like willows by flowing streams.
This one will say, ‘I am the Lord‘s,’
    another will call on the name of Jacob,
and another will write on his hand, ‘The Lord‘s,’
    and name himself by the name of Israel.”

This has been our prayer as a team for our community of Maibu. And God is doing it. He is pouring water from the sky and from us and from the Holy Spirit. The kids listen, the adults listen, and we are seeing fruit. At the halfway point we are beginning to see fruit! How good our Savior is! My team and I have made promises to each other, to ourselves and to God, to help to finish the Great Commission in OUR generation. So I am going to put a journal entry up to show you a little of what those promises look like. 

I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit Power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. the decision has been made. I am his disciple. I will not look back, let up,slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap diving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotion, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, or praised. I now live by faith, lean on his presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the face of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I’ve stayed up, prayed up, stored up, and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go until He comes, give until I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own He will have no problem recognizing me. My banner is clear. I am a soldier of Christ.

I am a soldier. I am a warrior. Am I taking this seriously? The Lord has convicted my heart. As much as I love America and the dreams it gives me, I will not let my love for it or want for marriage or a family stand in my way and keep me from forsaking all for the Gospel. WE ARE NOT CALLED WE ARE COMMANDED. I will run the race laid before me with a smile, never looking down, keeping my eyes on my Savior. I will begin to trust him with more than just provision for money or joy or grace but for all plans in my life. I will imitate the faith and life of those before me, like Joseph Hagan, Judy Norris, and Rhonda Collier. Generations that love the Lord. I will wear out the toes of my shoes before the soles. I will take everything to the Lord in prayer. Though trials may come, the testing of my faith produces perseverance. I will not doubt the Lord. I will not ever leave the presence of my Father. I am a vessel. I am to be used to catty the Good News to the NATIONS. When every tribe hears the Gospel in their own tongue the end will come. And the Lord will know me because my flag will fly white and pure.

Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel
    and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts:
“I am the first and I am the last;
    besides me there is no god.
Who is like me? Let him proclaim it.[a]
    Let him declare and set it before me,
since I appointed an ancient people.
    Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen.
Fear not, nor be afraid;
    have I not told you from of old and declared it?
    And you are my witnesses!
Is there a God besides me?
    There is no Rock; I know not any.


From the times of the ancient people in Isaiah 44 until now, GOD HAS COMMANDED US.
WE ARE WITNESSES.

What is your excuse?

Obedience to the command of Christ nearly always costs everything to 2 people, the one who is going, and the one who loves that one.

-Grace

Sunday, June 29, 2014

A New People Group

God is doing some amazing things! Last week, the team was doing outreach in an apartment complex. Through this outreach, we met a woman and her three small children. They arrived in the USA about a month ago. The mother was very overwhelmed with American life and really needed a friend. The next day, we met a father and son from the same country who had been in the USA for about a year. Wednesday, we met three more families... from the same country... who had been here anywhere from eight days to ten months. Before too long, we were connected with this group of 50-75 people, all from the same country, most from the same city. How were we to help these people?

The Community Outreach Director set up a meeting with these people for Friday to explore their needs. They need ESL for children and adults, jobs, childcare services, English practice, schooling, business launching advice, and so much more. We are now exploring ways to reach out to them. All of the needs are legitimate; however, we know that their spiritual needs are of utmost importance. We want to share the Gospel with these people who do not know about Jesus.

One of the things that surprised me the most about the night was how open and welcoming the women were. From the moment I arrived, I was not playing with the children, but visiting with the mothers. The women do not know much English, so most of the time I was listening to the native tongue (occasionally, one of the women would translate for me). However, it also saddened me to realize that a language barrier could potentially be a barrier to sharing the Gospel with them. I am very excited to begin learning about their culture and to help with their needs for holistic change in their lives.

Please pray...
That language would not be a barrier when opportunities open up to share the Gospel
For wisdom to help meet their needs
For the beginnings of new friendships
For local Christians to volunteer with meeting some of the needs of these families (because we know that we will not be here for the long term)

Thanking Him for the Harvest

The week has been busy meeting students, but we're excited everyday for what will happen.
Over the last three days, we have been able to have class with many different people that we have met. While some were not very open to what we taught, we did gain two new Brothers and one new Sister when the three of them came to the Father!

We are also meeting with a student from last year and a girl that introduced by our coach here. We are meeting with them to train and for practice... and to challenge them in teaching others.

Continue asking HIM about us, to give us wisdom & strength in all of HIS work. And for safety we plan to leave 3 days for vacation on June 30-july 2.

Thanking Him for the harvest

-K & E

Bearing the Fruit of Patience

Between the rain, the courtesy calls, and public events, at times we have felt as though we were not able to do the task the Lord has called us here to do. This week was on of those weeks in the midst of John the Baptist Day, meeting the Vice-Mayor, and prenatal observance we fear our purpose was not being fulfilled. Little by little though, we see the Lord proving His perfect timing while He is teaching us patience. Despite all of these events that we were afraid of eating our time away our week has been amazing! 

For the first time this week we were able to connect with some of the mothers in our mothers class. The Lord blessed our first house church on Sunday with 23 national adult attendees and we had about 60 very excited kids at Vacation Bible School who got to learn the story of creation. God is slowly revealing the beauty in patience and trusting in His perfect timing. Building relationships is everything here. It's not always easy because of the language barrier but it's how we are best able to share the love of Christ. We have faith in Isaiah 55:11 that says "So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." 

We pray in all things that we will show Jesus and only Jesus.
We pray in all things that we look to our Guide to go exactly where He wants us to be no matter what it takes.


Let's Get Uncomfortable

"Satan is so much more in earnest than we are-- He buys up the opportunity while we are wondering how much it will cost."   -Amy Carmichael

I'm sure many of you have heard of the International Justice Mission. About the End It Movement. You've "blacked out" your Facebook for 24 hours, posted the hashtag on Instagram. If you're really dedicated you may have bought the bracelet or t-shirt. We're a generation on fire for giving a voice to the voiceless. Release the captives held in sex trafficking! Spread the word- something must be done; human's are NOT for sale! So one day a year I will put a red X on my hand because sex slavery MUST be ended!

But is that it though??

What about sitting at the bar with the prostituted woman, asking her about the child she never gets to see, because she feels she has to work at this bar to support her family?
Have you ever felt the need to share a Coke with a ladyboy as you try to shout over the rap music about the God who created them?
Have you ever imagined watching your friend wave goodbye to you as she leaves with the man who purchased her for the evening?

Sex slavery is real. You know that. You've heard the stories, watched the videos that brought tears to your eyes. But is that it?? Is that all that we, as Christians, think we can do? Pray someone helps them and put an X on our hand on a certain day to spread awareness? Do we really think this alone will accomplish anything??

That is a lie. A lie straight from Satan.

Christians, something must be done. Action must be taken. These people are BOUND by darkness. Not only are they being sold for their bodies, they are worshipping very evil things. Evil things that have such a strong hold on their hearts and minds that they fear to break free from it. Do we realize that by us only helping out in the easy, comfortable, convenient ways that people are dying and going to HELL??
These people will never receive freedom, earthly OR spiritually, unless God's people will go to them. Go into the bars. Go to the places they are prostituted. Become friends with the prostitute.

It's so hard. Trust me, my heart has never experienced such anger and hurt. My soul is in anguish because of the vast lostness of these people. Because of the men who use these women for evil.

But don't think it takes some super Christian to do something like this. Don't think God is looking for the perfect, bravest, super-est Christian He can find. I am NOT cut out for this. I've only been to a party with alcohol once in my entire life, and I didn't even try any of it. I suck at starting conversations with random people, especially if they're different than me. If my comfort zone was New York City, then bar hopping would be located somewhere around Mexico. I don't really have anything in common with these people except one thing- I also have a desperate need for a Savior. The only important difference between me and them is that I just happen to already know the Savior.


Doing this type of ministry is so hard, and honestly I don't feel comfortable doing it. I feel like I'm so out of place. But, God didn't call us to the easy life. He didn't call us to a life we're good at. He didn't even call us to a life we like.
And it doesn't really seem right for a Christian to bar hop with the prostitutes, and shoot pool with them in the bars--right? That would look bad, wouldn't it? Be a tainted witness??

Wrong. That's exactly what Jesus would do. Exactly what He did do.
 

Church, I challenge you to get uncomfortable. Think about these people that have no hope, but are desperately searching for it. But, don't only think of the prostitutes. Think of the normal, everyday people. The people all over the world worshipping Buddha, their ancestors, nature, Allah, or the people that are so hopeless they worship nothing. Who will show them?? Who will go to them and show them the unending hope found in Christ?? 
 

In this type of work, the harvest is so plentiful, but the workers are so, so few. Would you be willing to "stop putting an X on your hand" and get up and go--to the prostitutes, monks, atheists--and tell them of the Savior who died for them? Because until we're okay with being uncomfortable and doing the hard things, these people will continue to die and go to Hell.

I'm not asking you if you feel "called" to do this. I am saying that God gave the command to go a couple thousand years ago [See Matthew 28; also the whole Bible]. Once we are His child, our desire should become the desires He shows us are His in the Bible. What I'm asking is this: Are you willing to count the cost (which are great) so that God's will to reach the nations can be done? Do we think Hell is a bad enough place and God is a worthy enough God to stop simply LOOKING at what the cost are, and just be willing to do what it takes--no matter the difficulty, uncomfortableness, or the cost? It's time to WAKE UP church! Let's stop mumbling the Gospel amongst ourselves over and over at home. Let's get out, away to far away lands, and get the Gospel spread to EVERY nation, tribe, tongue, and people. Because until we see the emergency and desperate need to reach these people with the Truth, Jesus will not come back. He promised he wouldn't come until "this gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all [people groups/languages] and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14). This will not happen for a very long time unless we followers of Christ get going to the people who haven't heard yet.
 

Are you ready to stop living the easy life and start living the crucified life Christ desires for us to live??  Let's reach the nations. Let's get uncomfortable.
 

-Kristi

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Happy Birthday Lydia... Filipino-style


Celebrating birthdays are very special. It is even more special to see someone so humble about giving up their birthday to help others. Lydia was blown away when she woke to hear the sweet, sweet lulls of our fellow workers at the children's home singing to her, from the other side of her door. They woke up extra early (4:30 AM) to sing praise songs to her, ending in Happy Birthday. Her face was priceless! Even though she was unable to spend her birthday with family at home, the Filipinos weren't about to leave her hanging. It is a gift she will always remember & cherish. 

Thank you Lord for nationals you put in our lives to remind us we are part of a larger family.

A book within the Book

Right after meeting with L, we met three other guys, whom we named John, David and Mark. I talked one on one with John for a good bit and discovered that he knew the Story of JC, and believed it was good advice to follow so one could become a better person. I asked him what he thought about the after life. He said that he hoped to become good enough to get into Heaven. I explained to him that it was actually impossible to be good enough to get into Heaven, and that JC was the only way. 

I told him that there's a Book within the Book that bears the same name as the one we'd given him (he was completely thrilled with his new name). He got really excited. I told him that I could give him a copy of the Book in his local language as well as English. He was
thrilled and responded, "Yes, I want to learn more about this Book's stories." I told him to start reading the book of John and I would answer any questions he had about it. He was flabbergasted that I'd be willing to help him understand.


Please be asking the Father to continue to open his heart and eyes, and that the Spirit will guide me as I try to help him understand.

-I

Daily life pics from Mindanao Nannies


Eating durian

A fruit we were warned about- durian. You know that saying that curiosity almost killed the cat...well, it almost happened.

We have set quite a few challenges for ourselves to keep things interesting. This one is pretty funny. Sometimes while visiting places away from the children's home we have to find a place to brush our teeth. (Example: random corn field.)

Although many Nehemiah Teams live in rural situations... that is not the case with us. This is a picture of our first "real" rough sleeping. Bamboo floors straw walls and mosquito nets. A experience that will last a life time.

Village M

I am so selfish. I dream, in some aspect, of having the "American Dream." I dream of having the "fairytale life" and of "happily ever after" when those across the world are walking miles to find water, living off of a portion of food that would only last us a couple of days in the US, and living in concrete houses with thatch roofs that would be the equivalent to my dorm room at school. They are literally fighting for survival while I am living with plenty.

Village M is exactly what I mean when I speak of "those people." They used to live in the streets, until they were graciously given plots of land for homes. They struggle daily and on some, you can see their bones clearly from underneath their dark skin. Even the Pastor we traveled with, Pastor W, wonders how they stay alive off of the little food they are given. We arrived, not knowing what to expect from this place. We were told what to expect, but the reality still was more than I could imagine. Culture shock. 100% Culture Shock. 

All those people I had always heard about and seen commercials for on TV, they were real. But you know what is cool? The Lord loves them just the same as He does me. He is just as crazy about them as He was about Moses and Abraham. He protects them everyday from the harm that the devil tries to throw at them. Through the lack of water, food, the dangers of animals, and the high crime rate, HE PROTECTS THEM! He loves them. 

They have even begun to pick up trades like sewing and sell eggs for income. The ministry team from a local church goes in each week and loves on these people. They have a worship service each week. They teach them about Jesus Christ. The Christ who loves them, protects them, died for them. The Christ who can give them so much more than food and water. These people love like no one else. They welcomed us in like we belonged there. I immediately fell in love with these people. They were joyful and did not complain about what they had and what they didn't. They worked hard for what they had and the people of the church worked hard to give them what they need. What am I doing for them? God give me a love for these people and a boldness to tell them about who you are. Use me with them. Help me to love them and want to get to know them. Build in me a Kingdom Passion!

I am so thankful for the time that we get to spend serving these people. Every one of them! It can become discouraging at times for all of the team, but we have to remember that God is our encouragement! 

-Emily

Rewriting My Normal

How does one attempt to explain something that is simply indescribable? That is the problem I am facing as I am attempting to write down just a little piece of what God has revealed to my heart while here in Africa. Though I came on this trip with the mindset that we would be coming to help the nationals here, it is really them who have helped me. God has used their impact on my life to teach me so many things already.

In John, Jesus tell us that He has come so that we may have life and have it to the full. (John 10:10) Africans sure know how to embrace that verse. Everyone is so friendly and full of life & joy. Though they have every reason to get down and be upset as a result of the physical conditions they live in, they choose to embrace life and all its simple beauty. Living as Christ intended for us to and enjoying it on a daily basis. Greeting strangers as family, dancing, clapping, and lifting their hands all to worship the Savior of the world. Children who have been abandoned loving unconditionally, are just some of the norms here that are making me reconsider my idea of a normal life. Choosing to trade a mundane life where highs and lows are defined by circumstances for a life where every moment is cherished, every second is treated as sacred, and every day is seen with all the beauty it was designed to hold.

It isn't like the Africans have a secret formula for a better, more optimistic life; no this life can be lived by anyone whose ultimate hope is in the Lord. They simply look at each new day as a gift from God and embrace the trials, hardships, time of joy, and everyday situations as a blessing from Him.

We were told after introducing ourselves at church on Sunday that we talk so fast and just get in a hurry for everything. I believe that is so true and a source to one of our greatest problems in American. We are always in a hurry! Always rushing to do something we let our busyness and packed schedules come in the way of the enjoyment of life and all its beauty and fulfillment. We have a joke about whether someone we are meeting here is on 'normal time' or 'African time.' 'African time' is usually later than scheduled, but that's just okay here. If you are late, it isn't the end of the world. It just all comes down to priorities. When not missing your favorite TV show takes priority over cultivating and developing your relationships with family and friends or sleeping in is more important than your precious alone time with God, there's a problem.

I'm so glad that God is rewriting my idea of normal.Yes, I will take my lesson from my African brothers and sisters in Christ to heart & start living a life to the fullest; not being blinded by the depressing troubles life brings, but being captivated by the beauty of each moment. Truly embracing Psalm 46:10 and being still knowing He is God. With God's strength and guidance we can all truly embrace the life He so desperately wants each of us to have. 

I ask for the continued prayers for our team unity and that we would given many many opportunities to share the gospel and boldly proclaim His name wherever we go. Most importantly keep the precious people we are loving on in your prayers. May hearts be opened and lives changed through Him.

-Breanna

Encourage one another...



We were able to attend a small Bible study held in the back of a shop. The hearts these people had for the Lord was touching. They opened the stage for the birthday girl to preach the sermon and they also taught us a few new songs. Pray that we will be an encouragement to this group of believers.