Today was a great day. We were alive, safe and blessed with a good attentive audience.
At the end of classes yesterday Joseph said, “I know that change is not easy, but with His grace we can put changes into action.” What a wonderful declaration. The people of Freetown are hearing things that they have never heard before. They are searching Scriptures that they had never searched before. They are having their eyes opened to truths that they did not know existed. It is so refreshing to see their willingness to study and accept the truth. To witness their desire for and love for an un-perverted Gospel, bring tears of joy to our eyes. At one time or another, each of us have been a blubbering mess as we watch their reaction.
Today I taught a lesson on the silence of women and the role of women in the church. I did not know how it would be accepted. After the lesson, many of the ladies thanked me for the lesson that opened their eyes to truths that they did not know existed. Rather than being stoned, I was thanked.
Jimmy pounded a lesson on the gospel of greed and prosperity at the request of the Sierra Leoneans. He didn’t preach, he pounded. It was well received and appreciated. Even if he had “Benny Hill”, rather than Benny Hinn preaching such error.
Steve taught the 2nd lesson on elders continuing to draw a contrast between what the NT calls pastors and what men call pastors. Several of the “pastors” acknowledged that they need to cease using that term.
Several are on the verge of being baptized. Some dozen or so have spoken privately about their consideration. May God be patient and give them time to come to repentance and obedience. Even though we are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean baptizing someone is not as easy as in the states. There are no baptisteries in Freetown. Arrangements have to be made to transport people to the Ocean where they can be baptized. We have started setting those plans in motion just in case that decision is made.
[Steve just got off the phone with his dear wife, Connie. Her mother has passed on to be with the Lord and all those righteous saints who have gone on before. Steve is confident of her soul’s salvation, but the reality of the loss and inability to hug his grieving wife is a terrible burden. Please make a special point of remembering Steve and Connie in the time of grief.]
Questions continue to come on the role of the Old Testament, the existence of revelation through dreams and visions and other such things. But, their questions are not frivolous or silly, but come hearts that are sincerely trying to understand the truth.
I wish I could communicate the joy that we are experiencing seeing the people soak up the truth like sponges. It’s true that some are struggling to hold to the current beliefs, but we can see them struggling and agonizing as they try to reconcile what cannot be reconciled – their false beliefs and practices with the truth. Elmer is one such man. He has such a good heart and studies with passion. Please say a special pray that the Gospel might breakthrough Elmer’s good heart and bring him to repentance and obedience.
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Again we are so glad to hear how well the gospel is being recieved. We praise God and pray for the baptism of many souls and for thier understanding that their life must change. (On a personal note please let Steve know we will take Connie in our arms and be with her as much as we can.)
ReplyDeleteKeeping you all in thought and prayer. We are lifting up Seth and his family, Tad and his family, Rhonda Newton and Carolyn Krueger at our congregation. We of course will keep Connie and all other families in our thoughts and prayer for comfort and safe travel to the services.
ReplyDeleteThis song came to mind:
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?
Refrain:
Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?
Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?
(refrain)
Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks—
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?
(refrain)
He sees, dear brother, He sees.
Hugs and prayers to all of you. So happy to hear of the work that is progressing!
Faithful Men of God...
ReplyDeleteOur God is the God of Salvation! His mercy and power are AWESOME and so GOOD! Thank you for going to the lost. My prayer is that I will seek and GO to the lost instead of passively waiting for the lost to come to me. I pray I can teach this to my children as well. I know God needs all of us not just you men! Thank you for your active example.
Gentlemen, we will pray for your continued stamina, boldness and patience. We will also continue to pray for your good families, their safety and their peace of mind while you all are away from them. Praising God always and thanking Him for all of you!
The Walker's
todd, tammy, ryan, jenna and lindsey
Steve,
Our thoughts and prayers have especially been with you yesterday and will continue these next few days. We are so sorry for your loss as well! I talked with Connie yesterday. We will do whatever we can to help comfort her and take care of her. You and Connie were such a help and comfort to Todd, Sandra and the rest of the family during Ronnie's illness and passing. We thank you and Connie both for your faith and encouragement you gave us during our time of loss. We will try to be the same for you during your time of grief.
Things at Greenwood are good but we miss you so much. We are complete when you are with us. We are so thankful for the prayers the Lord answered when you came to work with us at Greenwood. Thank you for seeing the opportunity at Greenwood and seizing that opportunity as well. God is so good! We appreciate you and Connie more than you will ever know!
Praising the God of Salvation,
todd, tammy, ryan, jenna and lindsey
You all have been in our thoughts and prayers and will continue to be. Thank you for going -- Steve, we have been keeping you and Connie and all of the family in our thoughts and prayers especially during this difficult time. We are very fortunate to have the two of you working with us at Greenwood. Thank you so much and please know that we will do whatever we need to do for Connie while you are away.
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