Our team recently had a “Strategic Review” which means various leaders came and met with our team. Together, we looked at where we’ve been, where we are now, and where we need to be heading. Praise God that we are a part of an organization that takes the time to invest in our journey and discern with us where God is leading, so that we can have an effective impact for His kingdom!

This tree caught our eye as we drove home from teaching one afternoon. The embedded metal railing has formed a cross-shaped marking in the middle of the trunk, and aside from cutting the tree down, there is no way to separate the two. What an amazing reminder of the way that the power of the Cross should affect our daily lives–at home, at work, at school, and at church.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9

Join us in thanking God for a great student turnout at “Thanksgiving Pie Night.” While pie was enjoyed by all, each student also had the opportunity to share in English what they’re thankful for this year, and hang a leaf on our Thanksgiving tree. Some of the students’ responses included: “family,” “friends,” “my parents,” “you all, because when I meet you, my life has gotten better,” “God,” “health,” “the Center.” We are thankful for the opportunity to share with our students a little more about the One to whom we are thankful! Please keep praying for the seeds being planted at events like this one. AND have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

Take heart, friends–the church is still under construction! Please join us in praying that the truth of Christ will be the foundation for revival in hearts and churches both here and where you are today!

” For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:9-11

Though the “Green Mountains” are now dusted in snow, it is feeling like they are ripe for the harvest! In our most recent Community of Faith meeting, one of our students who has never read scripture on her own before, said she was “speechless” after we read key passages in Romans. Pray for her heart to continue to be softened & ready to receive Him as her Lord & Savior!

One of the local universities we have been teaching in for the past 3 years has yet to renew our contract for this year. Our students recently signed a petition on our behalf pleading with the Rector to invite us back. Please pray that if we are supposed to still have a presence on this campus that the door will open for us to return.

Meet Thoma, who was keeping my language skills “sharp” today. He was asking me where I was from while he was sharpening my knives, and as I explained I am from America, he went on to say how beautiful a country America is. So I asked him where he had been, and he said he’s been to New York, LA, and a small town in the south somewhere. When I proceeded to ask him if he had gone to visit family, or for work, he simply grinned and responded—“I have never been there.” At first I assumed I had misunderstood him, but then he went on to explain, “I have traveled to America in my books you see—and I just know it must be a beautiful place!” My new friend, Thoma the traveling knife sharpener—I wonder where his books will take him next?

As you travel around GM, makeshift tables and chairs pop up in the most interesting places (you’ll even find them in cemeteries). We spotted this one while walking along a fortress wall in a nearby region. The table is an important symbol of community and hospitality in this place, and it’s a great reminder of our human need and desire to be in relationship. Please join us in praying that God will draw many to His table to feast on the bread of life!

As we walk the streets, it’s easy to get focused on the negative–the dirty sidewalks, litter, harsh voices, honking horns…. However, if we choose to look over those things, even allow our eyes to linger here and there, there’s so much beauty and bounty in this place. Our lives are much the same way–if the eyes of our heart only focus on the negative, we will miss out on the opportunity to be grateful and gracious. What can we look past today? Where can we linger and enjoy His beauty?