These ladies are in charge of keeping a nearby park clean.  They were serving with joy as they walked through the park together – laughing and talking, picking up pieces of trash and helping small children play as they went by.  Not all of the people wear these orange vests (representing a job with the city) with joy, but many have embraced their jobs fully – happy to help.

A family from a partnering church recently came to visit our team and it was so fun to observe our 9 team children interacting with their new friends from the US.  They sat on the living room floor and played various games — a real mix of ages from 4 to 16.

There is nothing quite like a fresh baked loaf of Nazuki on a cold winter morning! Nazuki is the local sweet bread with cinnamon and raisins! The people of Green Mountains know how to make delicious bread– it truly is a staple of life here. Sadly, most of them do not know the One who is the Bread of Life. Please pray with us that their eyes would be opened to His truth and they would come to know the One who created them and loves them dearly. He is the Bread of Life who will satisfy them forevermore!

Our city is full of graffiti, a powerful art form used to express one’s thoughts and feelings. This mural displays the harsh reality facing children who live on the streets here. As the weather gets warmer we encounter more and more kids begging, and it breaks our hearts knowing they truly do not have a choice. In fact, they will not even receive the money they collect. Please pray that our community can find ways to meet the needs of these children and show them His love.

English classes at our center are thriving! Students have been inviting their friends because they have never experienced such a “comfortable and kind place to learn English” (Mariam). We are grateful for all the new students we are meeting. Our heart’s desire is not only to teach them English, but also to intentionally share why our center is different. We long to share our stories of redemption so that they too may find the hope and freedom we have! Please pray with us and for us, that we would have opportunities to speak truth and to be bold in doing so and that these students lives will be wholly transformed!

In the heart of the old city, a 4th century fortress is perched on a hill above the sulfur baths.  I have countless times climbed up on the walls of this fortress and looked out over the city.  I imagine Jesus standing above Jerusalem crying out for the people there as I pray for God to pour His blessings and His revelation upon the people.  This fortress is one of many stops on the city tour that I often lead for teams that come and visit our country.  In November, we hosted groups that partner with us from Iowa and Vermont.  It was incredible to share our love for the people, have them experience our life, and take them on tours of the country.  We trust that the trip was a blessing to them as it was for us.

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10

Pray that many people will experience the love and peace of God despite uncertain times.