Many exciting and challenging things are happening these days that I had to write a second email of the week. Crazy right?!!!
My parents arrived last week and are busy greeting the wonderful people in Sisaalaland. It is a joy to have them here. One of the main reasons that they have come at this time is to be here for Miriam's wedding.
On February 15th, Miriam and Pastor Abel will get married. In the midst of all the planning, Satan has not stopped his own planning. Last week, a relative of Miriam's tried to steal the land and house that Miriam and Pastor Abel have just made to live in. In an amazing testimony to God's protection, He used my dad to notice something fishy about 2 men who had come to visit the house. This led to finding out about the whole situation and then being able to stop it. Then 4 days later, Pastor Abel's older brother was arrested and Abel had to go to the jail to sort out the confusion. Thankfully, by the amazing grace of God, they were able to sort through the difficulties and move ahead with wedding planning.
Each day seems to come with some new challenges and yet yesterday Miriam called me with 3 items of good news. One of the best ones was that her father is coming to the wedding and going to get a matching wedding shirt with my dad. Please pray that on February 15th both Miriam's father and my father will walk Miriam down the aisle of the church. This will be a miracle straight from our Heavenly Father. Please also pray for God's continued protection over both families. This is a wedding that is a testimony in all of Sisaalaland of two people who love Jesus and have waited for each other through the years. Pray for the many people who come who don't know Jesus, that they would have open hearts to hear about the love that He has for them.
Today my good friend and former language helper Rashida, called me to tell me she is also getting married on February 16th - the day after Miriam. She has been living with a man for a few years and has a child with him. They will have a Muslim marriage which will be quite a contrast to Miriam's wedding. This one comes with far different emotions as my deep desire is for Rashida to walk in freedom as a believer. I don't know where her heart is right now, but the Lord does and I continue to pray for her.Pray that my parents and I would be a witness to the family of God's love. Pray for opportunities to share the Good News with them as we visit them. There is not an official wedding ceremony but we will go to them at her family house to greet them.
My next update which will come through as a Mailchimp will be filled with pictures of my parents visit, weddings and lots of joy.
Thanks so much for your prayers in the full season of life.
Charity
