Missionary

Oh my goodness! So much has happened in the last few weeks that the task of writing it all down almost seems like too big a job! Where do I start? Prayer.

Over the last semester, and especially the last few weeks, Bethany and I have been really praying for our neighbors. All last semester we were not sure how to reach our neighbors, and unsuccessfully attempted many times to get to know them. As the semester passed however God brought an Indian family to us. They moved in below and to the left of our apartment.

I was so excited!! They seemed very shy and hesitant, mostly due to the language barrier, but a relationship began to grow between us. I am sure you have read some of my other posts about Sujetha, little Roshni and Joslenda. What you probably don't know is that, as we have been learning to pray these last few weeks, our prayers have become bold in asking God for a deep relationship with them, in hopes that we might reach the ever-growing Indian community in our neighborhood.

Last week, Beth and I went downstairs to invite Sujetha and her family (her husband, mother and father-in-law included) over to dinner some time. We were having a hard time understanding eachother, but learned that Roshni was turning 4 that Saturday. That night we pleaded with God to get us into that party because we knew that all of their Indian friends would be there.

The next morning Nagesh and his father-in-law waved Bethany down as she was about to drive off to work. They said, "Our daughter is having a birthday party today, you must come at 5!!!"

How is that for a direct answer to prayer!!!

Beth had to work till 7, but I was able to go over at five, and got to spend hours 'talking' with the women that came over, playing with the kids, and taking pictures with everyone! The door to the hearts of our beautiful Indian community started to open that night. Here are some of the pictures....

This is Roshni. She has just turned 4yrs old. She is VERY outgoing and friendly, and adorable beyond belief! Every time she sees Bethany or I now she shouts out our name and shows us with excitement whatever little trinket she has on her, from stickers in her hand to new shoes. Pray that God would not let Satan keep have her heart!

Here are a few of the Indian ladies in our neighborhood. Most of them do not speak english very well, but they are very friendly. They are a Bible study waiting to happen!! Beg that God would allow us into their hearts that one day we might be able to share the gospel with them!!

This is Sujetha's father-in-law and new daughter Joslenda. The father-in-law does not speak english, but is always very willing to 'converse' with us, and is very reserved, yet friendly. Joslenda is now about 2months old, and absolutly beautiful!! Pray that God would somehow allow us to plant a seed in the father-in-laws heart before he and his wife leave for India (soon!) and that God would again not let Satan have Joslenda.

This is Lavanya (Laurenyah), one of the most beautifully joyous people I have ever met in my life. She has taken a special interest in Bethany and I, inviting us over to her house, offering to help us learn their culture, and even teach us how to cook Indian food! Her heart is in desperate need of friends, and Bethany and I are delighted that she would entrust her friendship to us. Of everyone I have met, her heart seems to be the most open, and ripe for the gospel. Prayer for her is DESPERATLY needed. I really love her... so much. She already is a dear, dear friend to me, and has taken a very special place of love in our hearts.

This is Madree and her little boy. She is very friendly, and her little one is adorable! Please pray that God would open doors with her and that we might be able to form a friendship with her.

This is Sujetha's mother-in-law who has come to live with them for a few months. She dosen't speak any english at all, but requested a picture with me, and is always very friendly and engaging. Please lift her soul up to God.

This is Jodee. Pray that she would become more confidant in her english and that we might be able to then build a friendship with her and her family.

And this is Sujetha. Sujetha has a special place in our hearts. She has a very gently shy, yet radient soul. Her physical beauty is captivating, and there is a loveliness about her that is absolutly charming. Sujetha has been the object of many tear-filled prayers. I love her with a strange passion, and desire more than anything to bring the good news of Jesus our King to her. I beg of you to plead with God for her soul. She is very reserved, but has been appreciating our attemts at friendship much more than we thought (we learned this through Lavanya) but feels bad because she cannot speak english. Please pray that our visits would be stress free for her, and that she would be able to open up to us, despite the language barrier.

Thank you so much for taking the time to catch a glimpse of the ministry that has just been starting in Meadowood apartment complex!! I could go on and on about different things that have happened just today, but that would take FOREVER!

I will let you know though that Bethy and I went over to Lavenya's house and spent a wonderful couple of hours with her, establishing a friendship that will hopefully one day carry the gospel.

Pray that God would continue to give us the grace to pray.
~em (and bethany)