“Reunited and it feels so gooood”

“Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.” —Isaiah 44:8

We’ve had the blessing to meet up with our dear friends from the fellowship in America. It’s been awesome and a great burst of fresh air. It was also super great to see Liz and Meg after so long. It’s been quite an interesting week, getting to work alongside nationals on one hand as we had before, but also working alongside Americans in a formal training setting. We’ve been culture-shocking a bit because we’ve been in some touristy areas lately with a lot of white people (we joke that we’re in Asheville). It’s strange to be in a setting where all white people do some pretty unwholesome stuff and are trying to find enlightenment, and we’re roped into the same boat. It’s hard to not judge people for giving Westerners a really bad name and going before us, making our work significantly more difficult.

But this is the way He wanted it to be. It’s beginning to prepare us to be back home and share in our daily lives in America. I’ve been reading a really great book called the Heavenly Man, so I’ll let some quotes that have affected me hopefully do the same to you: “Brothers, before we believed in Jesus we were just like him (a demon possessed man). But Jesus rescued us all when our souls were about to die. We need to have mercy on this man and treat him as if he was Jesus himself.” Who are we to judge!? It is absolutely ridiculous to think this way and shows that Jesus still has much to teach me. We should be moved by love and this alone should rule our lives.

“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord is a sun and a shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in You.” —Psalm 84:10-12

“It’s not those in prison for the sake of the gospel who suffer. The person who suffers is he who never experiences God’s intimate presence. ” —Brother Yun, The Heavenly Man

We don’t have anything to fear. This is not only referring to our team, but for the readers of this blog as well. Our sufferings here don’t compare to anything like the sufferings of those who never hear the name of God. Be strong and courageous, my friends.

Soon, we’ll head off into some smaller areas and get into the “thick of it.” Please pray boldly, continually, and desperately for us and those we come into contact with. Pray for this nation and this state. Pray for us specifically, by name, for this has great power. Sorry if this post is spacey, but know that I love you guys…

—Wesley