::GOD is FAITHFUL::

Meet my friend Peter. A teacher, Pastor, father, Evangelist and persecuted believer. Craig and I had the privilege of meeting Peter at the Slum schools we have visited and taught lessons at. During our last visit I asked him to share His testimony and for the next 45 minutes or so, he shared with us his journey of coming to faith and of the many struggles he has had along the way. In Christian circles we always say, "GOD is Faithful" with belief and conviction. But that phrase has so much power when it is seen through someone's testimony or through personal experience. I myself have seen GOD's faithfulness in my own life over and over and over again. I find it hard to believe (knowing my own heart) that GOD would love me. It is honestly, really shocking to think that the Creator of the Universe would love me so much that He did not even spare His own son to be a ransom for me so that I could have a renewed relationship with Him. It is amazing and it is the greatest gift that I have ever received. GOD's love is not like our love here on earth. It reaches as high as the heavens and as deep as the depths of the sea. As it says in Ephesians, may we 'have the power to understand, as all GOD's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.' Our friend Peter came from a Hindu background, worshiping idols and frequenting temples to somehow appease the gods. One day during a christmas festival he received a track which was to be the start of his journey with Jesus and which later led to his conversion. Once he finally understood the good news and accepted it he received much taunting and persecution from his family. He slept on the streets having been kicked out of his home for his faith. Yet, in the midst of such pain and suffering GOD always provided for his needs. He was able to receive a bible education, his formerly baron wife was blessed with a child and he is now the pastor of a church. As we were chatting during a break in the mobile school he shared with us a piece of bread that they distributed to the children. He said, 'Please pray that we can feed all the children some day'. They have their own bakery which they use to supply the mobile schools in Kolkata with bread...wow. It brings tears to my eyes to see a generation of kids who are still treated by society as undeserving outcasts. They have such beautiful smiles and they are very much loved by GOD yet those like peter who are actually doing something about this are very few. But in the midst of the darkness GOD is powerfully at work. Praise His Name. There are many who are deciding to follow Jesus like Peter. These schools are being used to teach these children who live in a country where 33 million 'gods' are worshiped that Jesus is the ONLY way to the Father and that it is in Him alone that true peace, hope and love can be found. There is hope in the midst of the darkness. I ask you to pray for Peter. Pray for him to be bold to preach the gospel in a place where it is offensive. Pray for these kids to come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior and for this mobile school ministry to be provided with all that it needs to impact the Kingdom of GOD in the greatest way.
Pray for Craig and I as well. I wish I could express to you the extent of GOD's faithfulness in our lives and in the world around us. We are un-deserving. In fact, over the course of the last few months I have seen over and over again how desperately I need Jesus in my life. Anyone who knows me knows that I slip up. But GOD is so good to us. He forgives us and helps us to keep moving forward. Pray for Endurance.
Currently we are in Thailand helping to lead a group of 10~12 year olds for a Mission Conference. Pray for these children's lives to be impacted in a positive and GOD exalting way.
May the Love and truth of Jesus guide us all into maturity in the faith and into the truest and most sincer e love.