November Update

"This world is not my home, I’m just a passin’ through..."

These words are from an old Gospel song that I used to sing in the church where I came to faith in Christ. Some might say they’re hokey or cheesy, or worse, but things have happened lately that brought these words to mind.

I have some friends that are serving in Pakistan and the people whom they have lived with and loved have been devastated by the recent earthquake. My friends were on home assignment when this tragedy happened and rushed back to help those who have survived. As I have read e-mails from my friends and others who have gone to help, I am heartbroken over the devastation and loss of life. At the same time, I am filled with hope for the people in this region. God is opening doors for them to share His love, in very tangible ways, with those who remain. It is a daunting task, and they need your prayers, but they are trusting God to bring "beauty from ashes."

Why does it take tragedy - like the earthquake in Pakistan, Hurricane Katrina, 9-11, Columbine - to awaken us to what is most important? We are so easily "sucked in" to the values of the world in which we live. We waste so much of our life in meaningless activities and spend so much money on things that will not last.

Most of Spain is living in darkness. The people I pass on the streets every day look miserable. Most have forsaken the religion of their parents. Those who still practice their religion find no hope in it. Most live only for the moment, without the joy of knowing their sins are forgiven and they are loved. They live wasted lives. Pray with us that God will break into their lives with His truth and His love.

This month’s quote:
This is part of a weekly devotional e-mail that arrived just this morning. I thought it very timely. If you’d like to read the whole thing, you can find it in the previous blog posting.

You’ve seen people treat this world like it was a permanent home. It’s not. You’ve seen people pour time and energy into life like it will last forever. It won’t. You’ve seen people so proud of what they have done, that they hope they will never have to leave—they will. We all will. We are in transit. Someday the plane will stop and the deboarding will begin. Wise are those who are ready when the pilot says to get off.

-- Max Lucado, And the Angels Were Silent

Praises:
1. I had a great time visiting with some very dear friends from Colorado this past week. (They also happen to be Kathy’s parents.) My kids will be here in less than seven weeks!
2. Our first two courses for the online school are underway and we are receiving good response from the students.
3. My need for monthly support is down to $60.
4. My foot is doing much better these days. I only have occasional pain.

Prayer Requests:
1. Pray for Spain. Pray that God will open hearts to receive His love and salvation.
2. Pray for those who are currently enrolled in our online school. Pray that what they are learning will be used by God to bring the Light to Spain.
3. Pray for those working in Pakistan. They are heartbroken and exhausted and don’t have the resources necessary to help everyone who comes to them.
4. Pray for diligence in studying for my Spanish driver’s license. We have contacted a school within walking distance from my house and I will probably begin with them next week.