Uncomfortable...

...Is what we are most of the time here in our city. No, it's not because of the weather. We've gotten used to that. It's not because of our house, a lack of good food, or lack of a nice vehicle to drive. All of these things are wonderfully provided by many of you through your gifts to the Cooperative Program and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering - and we thank you.

No, we are often uncomfortable because we live in a place of spiritual darkness. Our spirits are heavy. We are burdened for the people of this city who are following a religion that has twisted the Truth. Therefore, the ruler of this world has free reign. You can definitely see it as people are so jealous of one another, fearful of curses being put on them, and unsure of what will happen to them when they die. They are worried about appeasing God so that He won't be angry with them and do terrible things to them. We see hundreds of people every day who are lost and have no hope.

As we go out each week, we actually place ourselves in awkward and uncomfortable situations. In an effort to befriend our neighbors, we attend baby naming ceremonies, weddings, holiday celebrations, and neighborhood get-togethers where we don't know what to say or what to do or how to fit-in. We are constantly looking for an opening in a conversation to share the truth of the Gospel. You would think that we would finally get comfortable - but we don't. You see, there is a lot at stake. Our enemy does not want us to succeed because he wants everyone to stay deceived in darkness. We are bringing light and he is doing every thing he can to snuff it out. He distracts people. He makes them deaf. He scares them.

However, praise God that He helps us through every conversation and every situation. His Spirit has gone ahead of us and is preparing the hearts of people to receive the Truth. And here is where you come in. We need you. We need you to pray fervently for us and our co-workers. We need you praying for the people we have listed in newsletters. We need you praying that we can hand out materials (cassettes, DVD's, Bibles) and share the Gospel at least four times per week. Please pray that barriers would be removed and that they wouldn't be afraid to listen to what we have to say. Pray that their hearts would be open to hearing the Truth.

Thank you so much for praying for Mariah and Shaun last week. Crystal's time with them went well. Our boys behaved amazingly well (truly a miracle!). Mariah has been "devouring" the Word. She had questions about creation and fasting last week, and we had a wonderful discussion. She said she had more questions, but she had forgotten them. She is going to start writing them down so that we can discuss them. We have been praying in their home and for their housekeeper. They say they have a greater peace now. Please continue to pray for this family because there will come a time of crisis in their belief system. Pray that they will desire to follow Christ.

Last, but certainly not least, please pray for our family February 18-22. Crystal will be traveling to Abidjan for a conference, and Chad will be staying at home with the boys. He will work half days at the office while Chase is in school. Please pray that all goes smoothly.

His Word Shall Not Return Void

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-12

We hope you are doing well. We want to thank you so much for praying for us. We have a couple of updates and prayer requests to share with you today.

First, several of you were praying for Cheikh's son. We praise God that the boy has fully recovered from a very severe strain of malaria. Cheikh was so touched that we would care about his son. Please pray that Cheikh will realize that it is Jesus who heals and desires us to follow Him. Pray that we will have more opportunities for spiritual conversations.

Also, you have been praying for our non-believing friends, Mariah and Shaun, and their baby. Well, we are seeing the Lord at work! Last week, the woman confided in Crystal that her housekeeper has a "spirit" who often visits her at night. This opened the door for us to share with this precious family. We gave them a Bible in Arabic, and Mariah began to read it immediately! Chad was able to pray in their home and for the housekeeper. The housekeeper is afraid of what will happen. Mariah is afraid for her baby daughter. Please pray that this family will come to know the ONE who casts out all fear!

When Crystal called to check on Mariah yesterday, she said she has been reading the Bible every day, and she has many questions. She wants to meet again to visit. Please pray for us as we meet Wednesday to discuss the Word. It is so exciting to see the Spirit of God moving! Pray for Crystal to have wisdom in her responses to Mariah's questions. Also, please pray for Shawn, as he does not seem to be as interested in spiritual things.

As we work here, we are humbled and see how inadequate we are. We realize that we are completely dependent upon God. Not only do we not have all of the answers, we often don't even have one answer! We take comfort in knowing that you are interceding for us, and for those with whom we are sharing. We thank you!!!