Dear Family & Friends,
“Little children, guard yourselves from idols.” I John 5:21 NET
The translation above is the usual translation and very literal. Most of us think of something carved or molded into an image to represent a deity as an idol. We would next include things like money, position, or power in our definition. The New Living Translation has chosen to define what an idol does instead of just using the noun. “Little children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your heart.” This just makes it so clear, too, that almost anything could become an idol in a person’s heart. Yes, it might be a false deity or a false representation of whom Jesus is. It might also be our time, job, family, life plans, … There are so many good things that we as people allow to be more important than our relationship with our Lord and Savior. Anything that we desire more than Him is an idol in our heart. This week join us in looking truthfully at your life to see if you are giving Jesus first place in your heart. If Jesus really is first place then your life will be drawing people to Him!
While visiting the Home of God’s Love recently, a Christian lady gave us the name of her niece, Tina Lai, who lives in Taichung. While growing up she often attended Sunday school and church services with her aunt. We have made an initial contact with Tina. She is willing to meet with us and possibly study the Bible. We ask that you pray for us to have wisdom as how to proceed and for Tina to have a desire to know God personally.
Cheryl was asked by friends who will be returning to the US this summer to help disciple a mom of one the boys in Andrew’s class. Her name is Tina. Her son is Jonathan Lin. Jonathan is a part of a Christian and a part of a student led group on campus. Tina will be joining the Pagel family and us for worship today. Join us in praying that the Holy Spirit will give us wisdom how to continue to disciple Tina to a life changing relationship with Jesus.
Our friends, Jeff & Charlotte Burris, in the States who have supported us in many ways through the years have a son named Jared who is now on life support, fighting pneumonia and a very drug resistant super-bug. Jared’s wife’s name is Chantelle. The last update we have is that his vital signs were improving, but he is still on a ventilator. Pray for God to strengthen Jared’s body to be able to overcome the pneumonia and whatever else is attacking his body. Pray as well for his family, especially his wife, parents, and Grandma.
We ask that you continue to pray for Sports & English Camp. Everything is coming together for a great week. Pray for the students to have open hearts and minds to receive the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Thank you for your prayers.
God Bless,
John & Cheryl
1. Please pray that we will truly guard ourselves from anything that would take God’s place in our hearts.
2. Please pray for us to have wisdom as we begin to seek to disciple Tina Lai.
3. Please pray for Cheryl and our simple church as we begin discipling Mrs. Tina Lin.
4. Please pray for Jared Burris as he fights pneumonia and a drug resistant type of flu super-bug.
5. Please pray for the hearts and minds of the students who will attend Sports & English Camp this summer.
Posted on April 23rd, 2016 by dunns
Filed under: Uncategorized