Our God is Good

What a week! I don't think I can share with you all what all the Lord has done this week. I would be typing for hours. So this will have to suffice.

Let's see.. I'll start with last weekend. Monica, Josh, and I traveled to Birmingham for Secret Church. (if you don't know what this is check it out online- just google it) It's basically a night for believers to gather and join hearts with the persecuted church in other countries. For six to seven hours we went through the Word and spent time in prayer for our brothers and sisters around the world who meet at the risk of their LIVES to read the Word and worship together. We studied about the Body of Christ. I learned what the Bible says about the church (which is pretty far from what America says) and basically just fell more in love with Christ for the way He set everything up. The Body is such a beautiful thing! I can't tell you all about it- but the podcast from the night should be online soon. It's lengthy, but it's well worth it. I won't look at the church the same.

Now for this week..Tuesday, Peter Abungu (our brother from Kenya) came to spend the afternoon with us again. He shared pictures of his wife and two children as well as some of his other family members and fellow believers sharing the love of Jesus with other Africans. Please pray for Peter as he will be away from his family for another 5 weeks (8 weeks total). Our time with Peter was surreal. He encouraged us about PRAYER. He shared that during his time in America he has noticed our lack of prayer. We meet and eat and talk and strategize but rarely do we pray. But prayer is the force behind our work. Jesus Himself took time to pray to the Father; seeking His will. Do we really think we can do God's work without praying over it?? I was so convicted by Peter's words. Our Lord is worthy of our trust. God is power. And I must seek Him constantly, asking in power for Him to reveal Himself and His ways to me. As Peter asked what he could be in prayer for for each of us, the Lord broke my hardened heart. I have been placing such a burden on myself. My school work is a challenge for me- it has been since I got here. I had grown to feel that school was keeping me from doing the work the Lord prepared for me. And I felt ashamed for spending so much time doing school work and not spending more time with people-sharing the gospel of Jesus. As I shared my heart with the group, they (acting as the Body of Christ) encouraged me, reminding me that God is not as concerned with my activities as He is with the attitude of my heart. Each time is necessary for its own work and during this time of my life God is preparing me for what is ahead. School is preparation. And I must learn diligently. God is not condemning me for not being super spiritual. He desires a pure heart for me. Ahh! It was so freeing to give that to the Lord and remember how much He loves me

Tuesday nights we spend time at Chris and Christy White's house. This Tuesday Peter joined us. We ate together and then spent time in prayer. We repented of our sins and asked the Lord to reveal Himself to us and just praised His Name. The presence of the Lord was truly felt in power and truth. We worship a Living God!

Ok, this is a lot, I know. But the Lord is doing great things! Today we met at Benny Proffitt's home. (the founder of First Priority). We met there with Benny and Peter and Heather Mercer and her husband Mohaned. You may have heard of Heather. She is a missionary to the Middle East. A few years ago, Heather was arrested and imprisoned in Afghanistan for sharing her faith. She was sentenced to death when the US Army (by the Lord's grace) redeemed her. Heather has since returned to the Middle East, building a "freedom center" to use for ministry there. She has also married a brother in Christ, Mohaned. Heather and Mohaned are in the States raising support and taking care of other logistics. We got to sit and listen to them and hear how the gospel is advancing in Iraq. Her boldness and complete surrender to the Lord was humbling, as was hearing a former Muslim proclaim the love of Jesus.

Josh, Peter, Mohaned, Heather, Me, Monica, and Chris 

I cannot comprehend God's power. His presence in this world is unbelievable and my finite mind can barely grasp it. His love is overwhelming. His mercy and grace are full. He is perfect and eternal. He is a healer and comforter. He does NOT need me, yet He chooses to use me. He has a purpose to fulfill and is letting me come alongside to see if fulfilled. Praise His name! Our God is Good.

"Look among the nations and see; wonder and be astonished. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if I told." Habakkuk 1:5

Sorry for the long windedness :) God Bless You.