Sunday is here. I have been up much of the night praying about what to speak on. We load up in the vehicle and drive to the first church. Jeff is going to preach at the first church we stop at. He is a very gifted communicator and he speaks with such ease in the pulpit. The church is a small building with the pastor, his wife, two other ladies and 4 children in attendance. We later found out that there was a funeral where many of the church members were attending. We left to go to the second church. I was the preacher. We were running a little behind which was a relief for me. Most of you know how short I speak anyways. So hurrying up was not a problem. It was a packed room with about 30 people attending. They wanted to take lots of pictures with us after the service. The third church we went to was the largest there were 60+ people in the service. Jeff and I each spoke and brought greetings (a big deal in most every service we have been in) Then Brent preached. After Brent we had the Lord’s Supper. It was one of the highlights of my trip so far. It was extra special because I knew that in just a few hours Eastside would also be celebrating the Lord’s Supper. Next they collected the offering and I was asked to pray over the offering. It was an awesome service. We returned to the main church where we are staying and learned some of the plans for the rest of the week. I was asked to teach the youth service tomorrow night. I guess I will be up late tonight studying and searching for the right message.
Tomorrow we will be going to the village about two hours away. We are leading a pastor’s conference for 40- 50 pastors. I know I will be teaching, but I am not sure what the topics will be. I think we will get a feel for where they are and what questions they have and then pray for wisdom and guidance to teach.
The end of our day today was special. We went to Silas and Elizabeth’s house. Elizabeth taught us to make Briyane tonight. I am anxious to try and cook it when we get home. The time was also good to get to talk to Silas in his home with his family. He is an incredible person and has such a heart for God. My heart broke for them as they shared about trying to have children and seeing doctors. It has been five years. We talked about Mother’s day and God’s timing. I was happy to encourage them, but greatly missed Sherry tonight. She has such a heart for that area and I know she would have been able to minister to Elizabeth 100 times better than I was capable. It is amazing how God brings people together even from different sides of the world.
I am so glad that you have enjoyed your Sunday! It is amazing that God placed you with Silas and his wife, and that their struggle is the same as something you and I have been through. I am so sad for them but I know you have encouraged them far more than you realize. I am making homemade soft pretzels tonight. We were in the car on the way to church this morning when we realized the gate was left open and the dog was gone. The kids got out and went into the woods, and then THEY were gone. I drove around and around and couldn't find ANYONE or the dog!!! So I had to come home, put on some long pants and tennis shoes, and trek through the woods myself to find our children. They were on the OTHER SIDE trying to get Sasha, and one of the neighbors way over there had to help them. By the time we got everyone home and safe it was 11:21. Not the best way to spend a Sunday morning, but you know how I worry and when I couldn't find the kids I was having a panic attack. I am so glad you are enjoying your trip and ministry! We miss you here but are excited to see how happy you are in the pictures. You look very handsome and I love it.
ReplyDeleteYou should plan to make that for us for Thanksgiving! (except maybe not with lamb?) lol!
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