For the past couple of months, we have had a leak inside one of the walls of our English center.  We didn’t see the leak or hear the leak, but as time went by the water, the water started to seep to the surface.  This leak was a reminder to me about the importance of being sure to examine the inside of our lives.  Jesus challenges the pharisees in Matthew 23:26 by saying, “Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.”  May our prayer be like the song of David where he says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).

Instead of Walmart we have street markets.  This is a distinctly different city:  exotic sights, sounds and people.  But there is still one Truth, one Hope, one Savior.  Pray that hearts will be open to the Gospel. 

I have come to appreciate the true meaning behind the phrase “pencil it in” these days! I am one who likes to make a plan, put that plan on the calendar, and wait with expectation for it to occur. However, this tiny virus seems to keep spoiling my plans! As I crossed off our Youth Family Picnic that had to be canceled and put a big question mark over the start up date of our new fall courses at our Center I felt very discouraged. I know the truth of God’s promise, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) BUT some days are easier than others to find comfort in that truth.  I am once again reminded to hold it loosely, and know He is in control and I can trust Him!

***Praise update: The Center is slated to open as scheduled this week!

I love our little lemon tree! Our son grew it from seed during quarantine for a school project, and we continue to check daily for signs of new growth. It reminds me that God’s faithfulness and our relationship with Him create the conditions of our daily growth as well. When we are rooted firmly in Christ Jesus, we grow in strength and our assurance rests in Him. May we choose today to overflow with gratitude at all that the Lord has done and continues to do in our lives!
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Colossians 2:6-7

Sleep is important! One of our friends recently moved into a different apartment, and her “new” mattress was so uncomfortable she could barely rest. We’ve been in the same situation, so we took her to look at the local equivalent of a mattress topper. Stuffed with cotton fibers, we’ve found these to be an inexpensive and effective way to get a few more z’s each night.

We are seeing the negative impact that the COVID-19 virus is having on the economy locally and worldwide. Jobs have been lost, businesses closed, and many people are suffering financially. It shocked me to see this once bustling cafe, where many of our team members have sat studying this language, or chatting over a cup of coffee with friends, has been closed down. Pray for us as a team as we seek meaningful and impactful ways to come alongside our local friends and help them through these difficult times.

This summer, a few of our team families went out of the city to a nearby swimming pool. We felt very welcome as we enjoyed time together, fresh air, and a chance to relax and enjoy this beautiful country.

It has been too long since we welcomed you to Green Mountains! While it was necessary to cancel upcoming short-term team visits, those decisions were made with heavy hearts. Our team anticipates the day when we can once again welcome visitors to this place.

Please pray for our team kids who are in Green Mountains, and for those in the US, as school is back in session! For some that means online school at home, and for others it means returning to their teachers and campus. Either way, there’s never been a school year like this one. Please pray protection over each child’s heart, mind, soul, and body as they study and encounter new opportunities and challenges.

“Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “ ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come.” Revelation 4:8

I don’t know about you, but I mutter a lot of things during the day out of frustration and tiredness–especially in the last several months. My prayer for myself and for you, “Dear Jesus, may the cry of my heart and the words on my lips be these, ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.’ Thank you that you hear my cries of lament. Turn my heart to you in all things and in all situations. Amen.”