Hello Friends!
In John 5:17 Jesus said, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working." This has become the theme of my last few months and every Friday night at our group fellowship, we take time to tell each other the ways we have seen the Father at work throughout the week. Invariably there are awesome stories; in fact I have come to expect that there will be many stories of people who have believed, been healed and are sharing the good news with their family or friends. A few months ago, I can't say I had the same attitude. Although I knew He was capable of amazing things, I didn't wake up every day expecting to see them or be a part of them, and I am so thankful that He continues to grow my faith in this area. I would like to encourage you that this promise, that He is always at work, applies to you too: your city, your neighbors, your friends. Ask that the Father will give you eyes to see where He is already at work and that He will give you boldness to join Him in that work!
Here is one of the major areas we are seeing the Father work in:
About a year ago, two women came to our Thursday clinic with severely malnourished children. Our team began giving them milk and food supplements and praying over their children in addition to providing quality medical care and nutrition education. Word spread that the children were getting well! Now we are supplying nutritional supplements to an average of 15 families each week that are struggling either with malnutrition or a financial crisis.
For the last three weeks we have invited all the women in our feeding program to learn how to make jewelry beads from paper. Our desire is that future jewelry sales will generate enough income that the women will have more financial security and independence, reducing the numbers who need assistance with food. So far we have been encouraged by the response among the women: most have come to at least one lesson and six have already given us beads they've made. (Even though many of them had never used scissors or a ruler before, they are doing excellent work!!) Please ask that the Father will give us wisdom for every step of this new adventure, and that it will truly lead to women's lives being changed.
One of these women, Joy, is also a key contact who the Father is using to reach many! After believing, she came back the next week to tell us she had shared with 3 more… Since that time her group has grown to 16 people regularly meeting to pr*y and learn together. Each week she comes back full of excitement and eager to hear more stories that she can take back to her group. (As a side note, Joy, who has six children, has by far produced the most paper jewelry beads; she is just amazing!) Ask that Joy will continue to be encouraged and that those she is shepherding will be encouraged to reach out to others that they may eventually form their own groups. Also ask that we would have wisdom on where and how to provide further training to Joy in a way that will be secure.
More things to lift up:
-Last month I mentioned a friend, Asha, was going through a hard time at home. Unfortunately the situation got worse and as a result she is no longer in this city. Ask that the Father will give her continued joy and peace and even more and greater opportunities to spread His story in her new location.
- Beth, one of the women who takes part in our feeding program and is 7 months pregnant, also has a two-year-old daughter, Ifrah, whose condition has been worsening in the last 3 weeks. As a result we sent Ifrah to a local hospital for more extensive treatment. We have visited them twice and Ifrah is getting better but she still has a long way to go. Ask that the Father will completely heal Ifrah and give Beth the strength and resources she needs to care for her family.
- Ask that I will persevere in language learning; I still have so much room to grow!
- One of my roommates is finishing her 2-year term this week, and I'm so sad to see her go! Ask that the Father will comfort her in this time of transition. (and that He will provide what is needed to fill the gap she leaves behind.)
Thank you, thank you, thank you for friendship and partnership in this work. The time you take to lift up the people and work here is invaluable.
Thanks also for your emails and sending news this way; it means a lot to stay connected with that side of the world!!
blessings,
leigh
- below is an attachment with some fun photos, most of which are provided by a short-term volunteer who was one of many visitors in the month of March.
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