"What is this?" a young Somali girl asked me, pointing
to my necklace.
"It's a cross!" I answered.
"What is that for?" she questioned.
"It's to remember Jesus who died on the cross for us,"
I responded.
"I will never believe Jesus is God!" She exclaimed.
"Never ever ever ever."
Those words have been ringing in my head all week: "I will
never believe Jesus is God! Never ever ever ever."
Here is this young girl who I have grown to love. We go into
their home at least twice a week to work on reading and math. She and her
siblings are so fun. They each have smiles that light up the room. They love to
make up jokes and laugh. They won't let me be greeted or say goodbye without
the biggest, most genuine of hugs. Their mother is kind and welcoming. I have
truly grown to love this family. Yet the tough reality has begun to set in:
they pray to a god who does not hear them. They are devout for a religion that
is not truth. They spend hours a day at a school learning and memorizing a Holy
Book that is in many ways contrary to the Bible. If they were to die today, I
would not see them in eternity. Ouch. 
Along with this deep burden, this week has been a really good
week. May we not forget our call. We have been invited into homes, mosques, and
shared meals around many different tables with many different people this week.
It has been so good. However, it must not be taken lightly. Relationships
continue to be built and Bible studies continue with our friend, A. There are
also more potentials of Bible studies that we will continue to pursue this
week. We are bringing light into thick darkness and at times we become weary.
But God is faithful. What comfort it brings that he hears us when we call on
him!
These verses have been constant in my mind and brought much
comfort:
2 Timothy 1:7. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of
power and of love and a sound mind.
1 John 4:4. Little children, you are from God and have overcome
them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
Please pray that Bible study continues and that we have open
opportunity to share the life saving news of the gospel.
-Hannah