Mar 15 2007
“I Will Bend You, but You Will Not Break!”–March ‘06
"I will Bend You, But you will not break!"
Do you know where this verse is found in scripture? It is there actually, just in different words. This is my paraphrase. The words and image above are in my mind this week as I write my monthly “prayer & praise” list.
I think of the lives of Austin and Oliver in my recent post, separated from their families and working for a wage far below their earning capacity. Yet they don’t have another option and they don’t complain. I think of most immigrants from Latin America here in Spain, many of whom have escaped horrible conditions only to find another set of challenges here. I think of the woman I met last Saturday from Italy, a heart surgeon who is part of the Esparcidos cell group. She is trying to break-in to a male dominated profession with two strikes against her. She is from another country and she is a woman. I think of our focus friends who land here looking for work, refuge, a new beginning. Lastly, I think of my own journey and family, with some of the challenges of living on different continents, health issues and the “testing” that comes to anyone wanting to follow God and do his will.
• Praise God for a very fruitful trip to Malaga last month for Carol and I, for several meetings with North African Partnership people. My post on “Missionary Care” gives a full report on what happened. Carol and I were also able to have some fun over Valentine’s Day. That was very good! Pray for what comes next, for follow-up opportunities and coordination of resources to minister to those serving our focus people.
• Praise God for the building of trust with Oliver and Austin, new friends from Pakistan, and for making connections with Miguel [several previous posts talk more in detail about progress on this front]. Pray for Oliver as he travels back home to visit his new wife and plan their future and for pieces to come together for this emerging opportunity.
• Praise God for my first pass at the study of Arabic. My class is done, but pray that significant relationships go deeper, for trust in friendships and a way to share the Gospel, especially with my teacher. BTW, his trip to DC went well and his brother is recovering. The last day of class, my teacher extended an open invitation personally to me, “come back to visit us, please. Don’t break the circle of friendship that has started!” Continue to pray for Mr. M. He has a name but I'm not sure he'd like to know 100's of Christians are praying for him. Pray for an opening for the Gospel and boldness mixed with wisdom in sharing.
• Pray for our upcoming Europe staff retreat in Spain in two weeks, for a time of refreshment for everyone, and discussions for the future direction of all Covenant World Mission ministries in Europe. Pray especially for John and Letha Kerl, former colleagues in Mexico, as they assimilate to their new role as Regional Coordinators for Europe and make plans for their transition from Mexico.
• Pray for our children’s transitions in the coming year. They all anticipate significant changes and need God’s guidance, vision for their future, patience as they wait for details to unfold, and joy and health in the journey.
BTW, did you know this tree above is stronger because of the high winds it has endured? The winds force the root system to go deeper and become firmly grounded. This gives it a greater capacity to "weather" the storms and a high altitude life. Hmm.
“Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! Thou hast relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer….Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and new wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for Thou alone, O Lord, dost make me to dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:1, 7-8.
