“From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:2) In times of uncertainty such as this, we are clearly reminded of our personal need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and to find our refuge in Him. Then, with the strength that He gives, we can seek to take every opportunity He gives us to serve Him and share Him with others.
It has been good to be able to resume most of the regular church and Bible Institute activities. One of the blessings this month was participating in two funerals at Emmanuel Baptist Church for two long-standing members, one week apart. Both of the men had left behind a legacy of love for the Lord and for others. The most exciting news was that there were three family members that trusted Christ as Savior after the first funeral.
The French service started up again this month, and some people that had not been venturing out with the pandemic and regulations have been back in church. The family (mother and one son) from Ivory Coast that we mentioned hearing from last month showed up for the French service the Sunday before last. They seemed glad to connect and participate in the service, but with little English vocabulary didn’t last very long in the English service that day. We proposed the use of the transmitter/receiver equipment the church had purchased for this purpose, so we could interpret the English service the next week (yesterday). They returned and stayed through the English service. M helped with translating the first half of worship service (his first time translating!) as I was singing as part of a quartet for the special music, then I took my turn to interpret for the message. Caleb was a big help in looking up various Scripture passages so they could be read directly. As we anticipate the removal of restrictions, we are seeking wisdom in connecting with the francophone population here, including a new flyer, logo, website, etc.
Classes are going well with the Bible Institute and I am especially enjoying having all of the students in my class on Missiology. It is encouraging to see some of the students showing personal interest in missions, especially in regards to showing an openness to God’s call and a willingness to be directed and used by Him as He chooses. At least one is seeking God’s guidance concerning a missions trip even for this summer.
The student from Quebec that is studying at the French Université de Moncton also returned this month and began weekly discipleship Bible studies with Cherith in French. D’s family is originally from Congo (DRC). She came to church last semester after having gotten saved through personal Bible study and search. She was baptized the end of November before the Christmas break and hasn’t been back for very long. Her lack of biblical grounding is beautifully compensated by a deep hunger for spiritual things.
Another blessing has been the opportunity to open our home again and begin to have families and small groups over. Though our dining area is a little tight, it is a joy to share and fellowship and encourage one another.
We are anticipating the increased removal of restrictions during the month of March. Lord willing, Cherith’s sister Hannah and her family will be travelling up to visit us all the way from Indiana. Adrianna plans to meet up with them on their trip so she can come too. We are very much looking forward to having them with us, even though it would only be for a few days.
No comments:
Post a Comment