Across the world, seasons are changing. Those of you who are in the Northern Hemisphere are in Spring going into Summer. We are in the Southern Hemisphere in Fall going into winter. The signs of winter are upon us, the trees are changing and losing their leaves. As we see the changing seasons of nature, we realize that there are seasons in life as well. You may be going through a difficult season in your life at this time, we want to remind you that this will not last forever. Psalms 30:5 says …”weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Even though seasons change in our lives, God never does. He is an anchor we can hold on to, who is steadfast and true!
During the month of April, we dealt with a lot of sickness in our family. Sharei was sick with Covid, then Reiawna got sick with a cold and Shawn was sick with a cough for about two and a half weeks. We are thankful that the Lord gave us strength and helped us during this difficult time.
Thank You
Thank you for your continued prayer and financial support while we have been here in New Zealand. You will never know what a blessing you have been to us! We pray the Lord’s richest blessings upon you for the sacrifices you have made to help this ministry continue.
Radio Ministry
We are now broadcasting the UNSHACKLED program daily. For 70 years Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago began producing UNSHACKLED, which gives testimonies of lives that have been transformed by the power of Jesus Christ. They also produce a 1-minute daily devotional based on these true accounts. We are able to broadcast these as well. To listen to UNSHACKLED, tune in to Grace Radio daily at 12 Noon and 8 P.M. EST at graceradionz.com. Please pray with us that souls will be drawn to Christ through the ministry of this radio station.
Children’s Bible Class
This month’s Bible lesson was on the baptism of Jesus. We explained to the kids that baptism does not save us, but it is something we do after we get saved. It is an outward expression of us dying to ourselves and being raised again in Christ. At the end Reitha asked if anyone would like to give their life to Christ. One of the girls raised her hand. Praise the Lord for this! Also, there were three new kids who came and they are all from Buddhist families. Praise the Lord for this answered prayer!
At the end of the class it started to pour the rain and the kids had to run into our house. Most people here remove their shoes at the door. Here is a pile of shoes from these precious souls at our door.
Ethiopian Church
Bible Study
For the Bible study this month we looked at some of the people that hand encounter with Jesus during the time of the crucifixion and resurrection. There were different reactions to their encounter with Christ. Some believed, such as the thief on the cross, and others rejected such as the religious leaders. At times we all have been in that place where we have rejected or disobeyed Christ. What is important that we repent and return just as Peter did. We celebrated four birthdays in this month.
Street Outreach
While we were passing out tracts a woman took a tract from Reitha, she asked if we had any more. She said I will read anything you have. This was an encouragement, seeing that so many others will not take anything.
In our last post we mentioned Eugene, a young man we met on the street. He has tried to find a job, but he has not had any success. He has been really discouraged and even dealing with depression concerning this. One day while on the phone with him we encouraged him to give his life to the Lord and cast his care upon Him. He agrees with us that God has allowed our paths to cross for a purpose. Please continue to help us pray for him.
Church Service
Our second church service was in April. As Shawn was getting ready to preach a couple that lives close to us, came walking up with their baby. We were very excited to see them come. Apart from our family, we had 6 adults, and 7 children attend the service. We are praying that souls will be saved through this ministry.
During the church service Reiawna and Sharei taught the kids about Joshua and the walls of Jericho.
