Dear Family and Friends,
“Moses returned to the Lord, and said, ‘Lord, why have you caused trouble for this people? Why did you ever send me?’ … Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh, for compelled by my strong hand he will release them, and by my strong hand he will drive them out of his land.’” Ex. 5:22 & 6:1
Many times in the scriptures people cry out to God with questions that start with the word why. People become overcome by the situation and question God’s intent and character. God most often responds with patience and understanding. Sometimes he begins to act immediately to show His purpose, and other times it necessary to still wait until the time is fulfilled. In the case of Moses calling out to God having just begun to call for Pharaoh to release Israel He speaks to Moses about His purpose, but it is still a long time before the people are released or even feel better about their situation. You may be in such a time where your prayers often start with, “Why.” You may feel like you don’t understand why God has brought you here to this place. You may feel as if you have been forgotten. There is hope. It still may be awhile before you see how God will use this situation, but for those who stay faithful there will always be a blessing. Eventually, the Israelites were released from slavery. They were able to go to the land promised to their ancestors. Hang in there. God is still with us all!
This week John went with Chad & Derik to present the same lesson as last week to three different high school English classes. Again the response was very good. After the lesson about how real friends are dependable we shared examples where we needed to depend on God, because no one else could help. One student, Miss Chen, having been inspired by hearing Chad & Derik’s stories sought John out on Facebook stating that she hoped the next time she could hear his story as well. God is working in the hearts of these students. Pray with us for ways to connect with these students outside of school that will lead to the formation of discipleship groups.
Please continue to pray for the situation at the Home of God’s Love. This week one the social workers resigned. His mother is in failing health and he needs to be able to care for her. This leaves another position to be filled. Our mission will be having our annual Thanksgiving/Christmas gathering at the Home on Thursday & Friday. We hope to be able to join together and encourage the Skiles and the rest of the staff at the home.
We ask that you lift up prayers for the safety of the children on our team. This year there have been several injuries. In just the past two weeks three of our children have had injuries. Zach Pagel twisted his ankle badly in basketball practice. Kylea Messimer broke her arm on the playground. Just yesterday Andrew hit the floor hard in a basketball game and is having neck pain and some dizziness. We are all grateful that no one has been hurt severely, but we also hope for everyone to heal well and to stay healthy. These things steal energy and time from our lives and ministries.
Thank you for standing in the gap for us in prayer.
God Bless,
John & Cheryl
1. Join us in praying for everyone to remain faithful even when we are asking, “Why?”
2. Please pray that God will provide us with opportunities to develop discipleship groups among the students we are meeting.
3. Please pray for the Home of God’s Love to be able to hire the needed personnel and make other necessary changes.
4. Please pray for the safety of our team’s children.
Posted on November 22nd, 2015 by dunns
Filed under: Uncategorized