Last Saturday, the weather was not nearly as cold as it has been, so our visits were nice. All seem to be doing well. Met some new friends at one of our camps. As we open the tailgate of our truck, it is heart warming to see our longtime friends helping our new friends with God's gifts to them. Basketball practices continues as well. We hosted a garage sale, helping students from one of our elementary schools raise funds for a trip. A busy morning!
Monday and Wednesday, we hosted our afternoon tutoring activities. Tables and chairs are set up with each table having a different color of table cloth. The children come in and go to their table, with their name tag and snacks waiting for them. They stand, waiting to say their prayer, then sit down and enjoy their snacks. For a few minutes, their table leader, shares a Bible story and talks how God works in their lives. Then one of the leaders comes into the dining hall, telling each table to go with their tutor to their private area to begin their learning session for the afternoon. At 5, a bell is rung, the children line up in the hallway waiting to get on their bus. Another snack or treat is given them as they leave for the afternoon. An amazing experience to see it happening every week. Hugs, smiles, conversations about "their" child is awesome to hear!
Tuesday evening the men of the community gathered for a delicious meal and conversations about God working in their lives. Brother Rickie led the discussions from Isaiah 43: 1-7. God saying to the people of Israel, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine!" Wow, we are His! How awesome is that!
Tuesday evening, we also had a basketball game going on! As Coach Chuck said, with the help of the Charger cheering fans, the Chargers came back from a deficit in the first half to win their game! Chuck said, it was great to see all the fans in the stands, supporting them. Thank you all for being there.
Thursday evening, was a blessing as always. We had a big crowd in chapel as Brother George shared the Word and Ms Abbie played the piano! Our community choir got into one of the songs and wouldn't stop singing! What a blessing! A delicious meal was prepared by Z and Ms Abbie. Lots of helpers served and cleaned up afterwards. We had many servants helping in the clothing room and the Market. It was great to see our friend Ms Pam back in the Market from a 3 month absence! You were missed Pam!
Next basketball game for the Chargers is Tuesday, January 31st at 7:15 at AB Palmer. Then there is another one on Thursday February 2nd at 7:15 again at AB Palmer. The boys and the coaching will appreciate having a cheering section in the stands!
Monday night in another men's Bible study, we read Psalm 139. King David is singing his praises to God, "Lord you have examined me and know all about me. You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know my thoughts before I think them, You know thoroughly everything I do. Lord, even before I say a word, you already know it. You are all around me, in front and in back and have put your hand on me". Isaiah tells us in verse 2, When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you".
Two reminders this week, God is with us. God knows us. God is there for us. Life presents challenges to us everyday. We live in a world of corruption and deceit. Half truths and bickering. Sometimes it feels like there is no way out. We take one step forward, then something happens, we take two steps back. I try to do it my way, and things mess up! We get frustrated. We get angry at people. We get mad at the world. How can we possibly go on?!
The life God has chosen for us to be in community has obstacles and challenges. Often things don't go the way we think they should go. People don't act the way we think they should act. Decisions are made in ways we don't understand. But there is a way we can get by. There is a way we can understand and lvoe.
In the first part of verse 4, God tells Isaiah,"Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you . . . " God lvoes us. We are precious to Him. He will not let anything happen to us that is not of God, as long as we are focused on Him. In Deuteronomy 31:8, says, "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged". God is there with us, in our times of trouble and misunderstandings and in our times of joy and blessings. God knows our challenges and has already worked a way out for us. God won't let our obstacles overwhelm us, for He loves us too much. We must trust Him. We must obey Him. We are precious to Him! Hallelujah!
Have a great week. Blessings to all. God is mighty! God is true! God is good!
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