Our women’s Bible study has been meeting the last two weeks to explore the topic of prayer. When I started writing the Bible studies (there will be 4), I realized that while prayer is simple, it is also overwhelmingly complex.
Some ladies and children from our Bible study group
Our group of ladies is evenly split between young Christians and non-Christians. The first week we discussed the Lord’s Prayer, this past week we discussed Christ’s prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane (not my will but Yours be done). Some of the questions that have been raised
over the course of two weeks are: What IS God’s will? Can I pray in my head or just out-loud? If God knows our needs, why do we need to pray? Why do people pray privately in churches? Can I make any request to God?
As you can imagine, it has been amazing to study prayer in the eyes of new Christians, seekers, and internationals. And it has definitely deepened my understanding of prayer.
Another new thing going on in our ministry is a summer writing class. We have added Bible studies to our schedule, but thought that it would be helpful to add an academic class. Academic classes appeal to new students and to men. So far we have about 6 students (almost all new) attending each evening, 4 or 5 of them are men. They take English and their work very seriously. Please pray with us that this class will initiate a deeper relationship with us and the God we serve. We want them to desire to know God.
Diane enjoying last year's Fourth of July party
Next Saturday is our Fourth of July BBQ and fireworks social. It is one of our favorite events because it brings out the whole family! And it brings together American Christians with Internationals. We will eat lots of yummy food, BBQed chicken, and hot dogs. We will spend time playing yard games and getting to know old and new international friends. And finally, the evening ends with a small fireworks display.
As you think of us during your week, please pray with us the following prayer requests:
- Please pray for the women’s Bible study, that the women would have the Spirit of understanding, they would seek His face, and that they would grow in their faith.
- Please pray for all new students to our program, that they would continue to get to know us and the God that we serve.
- Please pray for the Fourth of July party, for good weather, for many people would come and that those people would see the love of Christ dwelling in our volunteers and that meaningful relationships would be formed.
- Pray for one of our internationals, Ainura, who is seeking religious and political asylum in America. She is a Christian from Kazakhstan. She will hear the judge’s decision this weekend. Pray for God’s peace and a good outcome.
Thank you all some much for your prayers and interest in our ministry. May God also bless you this coming week as you bless Him.
Cup Overflowing 