As much as we miss celebrating back home, we're even more excited
be celebrating with our new friends here SE Asia. With the help of our new
friend Peter, who spent 6 years studying in California, we were still able to
have an amazing Independence Day! He took Des, Allison, Charley, and I to a BBQ
restaurant (Asian BBQ that is) where we were greeted by 15 other friends of
ours!
After passing out 4th of July stickers, taking pictures, and
munching on some delicious meatballs, we heard the Star Spangled Banner come on
over the restaurant's loudspeakers! Naturally, we Americans sang along with
immense patriotism and belted out "O’er the land
of the free and the home of the brave!" Even though we aren't great
singers, everyone in the restaurant erupted in applause. We were so grateful
that our friends were willing to help us celebrate our nation's independence.
After dinner, we went out for ice cream and played games in the
upstairs lounge. While some of us were playing games, Des and Allison were able
to get insight on the beliefs of our friends there. They also were able to
share a little bit of the hope that we have. One guy, Anthony, particularly
stands out to me. Some of the conversation made him upset enough to leave the
room for a brief time, but he continues to still want to hang out with us.
Please pray for him, because I do think the Father is stirring in his heart.
Also be praying for Peter. While in America, he hung out a lot
with American believers. One of them even gave him a Matt Chandler book before
he returned to his home country, so that he could learn more about the love of
the Father. In America, a seed was planted and I believe that the Father is
using us 4 to water that seed.