One of those days where you just felt like a piece of whatever puzzle God is putting together in people's lives. From spending time in the morning over breakfast with a young couple from Georgia who are traveling in Turkey seeking God's direction for how he wants them to spend their lives for the sake of the kingdom...to a richly serendipitous conversation with a man whose wife is a strong believer in the Turkish church, we found ourselves at the intersection of moments in the lives of people in whom God is at work.
Tonight especially was a blessing for me. We were invited for coffee/tea and dessert at the house of the woman who translated the Parent's Guides for the two classes we are teaching. Her husband is not a follower of Jesus, but is open to the gospel. While we were there, Peggy (who had purchased a cute sweater and top for their 7-year-old daughter, Tuana...cutest thing!) essentially became Nana Pea to her by the end of evening - entertaining her, receiving a tour of her room, listening to her read, simply being interested in and loving her. That was a ministry in its own right, but it also freed up Ron to share with the husband his recent "coming to life in Christ" after a lifetime of pursuing other 'gods.' The wife translated back and forth as Ron gave witness from his heart of his love for Christ and how the gospel is really good news for those who want to be freed from the slavery of trying to live good enough to please God and earn one's way into his favor. I basically said very little to nothing and simply prayed that the Holy Spirit would use the sincerity, earnestness and compassion of Ron to add one more piece of that gospel puzzle he is forming in the husband's heart...and mind.
In between these two encounters, I reviewed my notes, made some new ones, and coordinated with Ron the flow of our next class session which will be tomorrow, and taught twice - once in the morning and once in the evening. This is the "big" one on teaching responsibility through discipline. It was this content, in a much briefer format, that I presented a year and half ago, and became the impetus for this return trip. This is the class where the translation issues present the greatest challenge to understanding, and will be the hardest to have a good question and answer session over specific issues.
So, I am praying that I will have the words to help people with their questions and concerns.
The sign outside St. Paul's Place - where we are teaching the classes.
My podium view of the class - before anyone's arrived.
Seeking to be faithful...and fruitful, by God's grace --
Charlie
