One morning, driving my children to school, we witnessed a great reminder of God’s faithfulness.  This beautiful rainbow stretched across the sky throughout our commute.  In today’s world, people wonder if God still speaks, but God’s message was clearly on display, “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.  Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” Genesis 9:13-16

We are praising God for the opportunity share “Thanksgiving Pie Night” with our students. From apple to pumpkin–and several varieties in between–everyone enjoyed tasting this traditional, American food. However, the BEST part  was a time of thanksgiving. Each of us took a leaf,  wrote down what we are thankful for, and then some in the group shared.  Our “thanksgiving tree,” was full of life by the end of the evening–praise God!

I recently had the opportunity to go to a vineyard where we could pick grapes off the vine, then take what we gathered and stomp them to make our own fresh juice. Later as I sat and sipped the sweet juice it produced, I thought of how sometimes the sweetest moments come after we have endured what can feel like we’re being “stomped.”

God is doing some amazing things in the lives of our students here, and I believe our enemy is feeling threatened.  I personally have endured some pretty intense spiritual warfare lately. But in His goodness, He drew me back to His promises that “we are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair…..” Therefore we do not lose heart…for our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all!”  2 Corinthians 4

Every first Friday, our team hosts a university event at our Center. This month, we had an egg theme complete with egg games, an egg drop, and the chicken dance. Take a peek, and mark your calendars with a reminder to pray for our next even on December 1st!

On a recent trip to the junk yard for a car part, I was struck by the reality that nothing goes to waste in this country.  Mechanics strip old cars to fill their stores with  parts for people to buy.  I searched from store to store holding out the part I needed until one worker brought me to an old car, and stripped it down in front of me to get the right part. It was a new experience at the car market!

In a country that has experienced invasion after invasion, it’s easy to understand the anxiety that abounds here. Unsure about the future, people often don’t believe that they can be certain of anything—including their eternity.

Prayer Points:

—Pray for protection for this place. That despite terrorism all around, it will stay open and free.

—Pray for true Peace to reign in people’s hearts, and for the spirit of anxiety to be crushed and replaced with Hope.

—Pray for protection for our team and our children as we serve. 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27