The Unbound Bible

On Thursday morning we have many seekers and non-believers attending our Bible study and  most of them do not have a Bible in their own language. Most of the students are Chinese speakers, but we also have an Islander, a Russian, a Congolese, a Japanese, and a few Koreans.  As you can imagine, it is very important for us to provide the Bible passages in the many languages of our students. “The Unbound Bible” is an online Bible translator that has hundreds of translations available to cut and paste. If you ever have the time to check this resource out, please do. It is user-friendly and it may come in handy for you and the internationals that you know!

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Quick Update

Just a quick update on our lives here.

1. According to the allergist, Micah has no allergies…. BUT Toby and I are keeping him away from peanuts because of some skin reactions he’s  seemed to have after eating peanut butter. We are also using free and clear substances like soap, shampoo, and detergent to help. His adenoids are inflamed and the doctor has recommended surgery, we will be praying about that. Thanks for your prayers too!

2. Last week we carried on our normal English classes and Bible classes as well as hosted a tiramisu class. About 17 Chinese women gathered at our house to learn how to make tiramisu. It was great, not only because I like to eat tiramisu, but we also met some new Chinese people. We invited them to our upcoming Fourth of July Party.

3. Tomorrow, we are presenting the Easter story as a “culminating Bible study” to our Thursday morning International Women’s Bible study. The Bible class is designed for seekers and this particular Bible study series has taken us through the major stories of the Bible that lead us to the story of Christ. I am very excited to be presenting this Bible study to the women and I fervently ask for your prayers for the unbelievers and seekers in our group.

4. This Saturday is our Fourth of July Party for our students! If you are in town, please feel free to join us and bring a dish! =)

Thanks for your prayers and let us know how we can pray for you!

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Brian’s Baptism

Brian's Baptism

Luke 15:7

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Yesterday, Brian was baptized into Christ’s family. For most of us, a child’s baptism is normal, and unfortunately, almost mundane. We sit in the pews and smile, waiting to see if the child screams as the holy waters pour over his forehead. We forget how miraculous and blessed this event is.

Huei-wei (Brian’s mother) does not feel that way. The baptism of her son was a high point of contention in her husband’s family. Brian’s grandmother was against it. Brian’s father did not approve. You see, for the Taiwanese, baptism is not a harmless religious ritual. Even as unbelievers, they understand the power and the significance of the Holy Spirit’s gift of baptism. For them, once you have been baptized, you no longer participate in the folk religions of the family. In a real sense, you are denying the family. This was no easy decision.

Three weeks ago Brian’s father granted permission for Brian to be baptized and even happily attended the event. We will continue to pray for Huei-wei and Brian’s family members. That they too would come to a saving relationship with Christ. We also pray as Brian, Huei-wei, and her husband return to their home this summer. Pray that they would remain strong in the faith. Pray that the Holy Spirit would continue to help little Brian as he grows up in the faith.

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Chocolate: Here today… Gone tomorrow!

Nothing is conclusive, but the preliminary allergy blood test that Micah had two weeks ago just came back positive for milk, soy, peanut, wheat, and egg allergies.

Unbelievable.

I think that takes out every one of his (and my) favorite foods: chocolate, chicken nuggets, cookies, cake, chocolate, cereal, pancakes, chocolate, everything. Just two days ago, I  completed a huge shopping trip to the grocery store and bought just about everything he can’t have. Of course, I am so relieved to find out what causes his itchy skin and his swollen sinuses, of which he has had no relief in his two short years of life. I am excited to start a new diet for him, one that will make him better. But man! I’d like to see you try to withhold chocolate from this little man!

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What’s up?

Last week we hosted international women’s playgroup for the first time since February. There were approximately 50 women, children, and babies in our house! Praise God! We enjoyed a birthday cake (in honor of all the children), strawberry shortcake, and quiche. The kids played here, there, and everywhere while the mom’s got reacquainted with each other and our volunteers. It was a lot of fun.

International Playgroup was started about 5 years ago with 1 Chinese woman and her son Jonathan. It has since expanded and become a great place for women to meet and talk to other women in their same circumstances. It is also a place for us to invite people to our women’s Bible study. Please pray for our women’s ministry. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will move in the hearts of these precious women and that the Holy Spirit would equip us to speak to them.

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50/90/90

And you thought my older brother was big...

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