Thank you to everyone who prayed for us and reached out to us during Reitha’s surgery. We’re grateful that God was with her, and she’s recovering well.
God has consistently provided for our needs, often just in time. Looking over these last couple months we have seen spiritual progress in the lives of some of those who we are ministering to.
Reitha has had a couple more opportunities to witness to an elderly, Hindu lady who lives down the road from us. She recommended some Christian content to her on YouTube that is in Hindi, her native language. Reitha has prayed that the Lord would open a door to talk to her husband about the Lord as well. As she walked past his house one day he was outside, so she took advantage of the opportunity to talk to him, telling him there are many religions, but there is only one God. Jesus came and died for our sins. If we ask Him to forgive us of our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us. There is only one way to get to Heaven and that’s through Jesus, not through religion or good works. He listened to what she had to say, but he struggles with dementia, she is hoping he comprehended everything that she said. We are earnestly praying for this couple to be saved.
We have had several opportunities to witness to the family that lives next door to us. Recently, Reitha felt led to take the lady to dinner, to talk to her further about the Lord. She had a good conversation with her. She said she believes in God, but she does not understand why someone that is basically good will not go to Heaven, or how someone that has done really bad things can be forgiven. Reitha believes the Holy Spirit helped in answering her questions. She asked for a Bible. She said after I read it, I may have more questions. She is very easy to talk to and acknowledged the reason Reitha talks to her about spiritual things is because she is concerned about her spiritual well-being. We praise God for this open door, and we pray she reads the Bible and the Holy Spirit speaks to her. Her son who is seven years old was at our house one Sunday afternoon. He said I have a question. He asked if anyone has seen the devil. She responded and took this opportunity to tell him that we know there is God. She explained creation and that it proves there is a God. She was also able to talk to him about salvation and because of Jesus’ sacrifice, if we ask Him, we can be forgiven of our sins. We pray the Lord will save this family.
In previous posts, we discussed our former neighbor Roy, who is currently residing in a nursing home. During a recent visit, Shawn asked Roy about his spiritual well-being and if he was ready for Heaven, he responded that he wasn’t. When Shawn inquired if he was willing to take that step now, he said no. It seems as though he is waiting on his wife to make a commitment first. Shawn assured him that we are praying that his wife surrenders to God. However, Shawn emphasized that regardless of his wife’s decision, he needs to make a choice for himself. Please join us in praying for Roy and Jenny’s salvation.
Radio
Brother Kevin Webb and the members of Eastside Trinity Pentecostal Tabernacle, in Indianapolis, took it on their hearts to help us promote the radio station. They generously sponsored two bus billboards here in Auckland for two months. We are truly grateful for their support. Please pray that this effort will lead to the salvation of many souls.
Children’s Bible Class
Praise the Lord, another new girl joined the Bible class in August! Twenty people attended, not including our family. We are amazed at how the Lord is bringing these children in.
The story was about Lazarus. Reitha mentioned how Lazarus was physically dead, but many people are spiritually dead. A couple of the children raised their hands for salvation. We are thankful for what God is doing!
In September, Shawn and the girls did the Bible class, since Reitha was recovering from surgery. The lesson emphasized that nothing in life lasts forever—vacations, food, books, songs, parties, etc. all come to an end. Our lives will also come to an end one day, that’s why it’s important to be prepared.
August
September
Bible Study
We are thankful for the twenty people who attended the Bible study in August. The study for the adults was on the “Parable of the Sower.”
Reiawna talked to the children about God being our Father and that He answers our prayers, He either says yes, no, or wait. Sharei had the children memorize Matthew 6:9.
August
September
In September, 21 people came to the Bible study. For the adults, the study was about unity in the home. The story for the children was about God’s answer to our prayers are always best.
Youth Night
At youth night in September, Reitha talked about spiritual things that we need to “put on” and things we need to “take off” as mentioned in Colossians chapter 3. She mentioned how instead of letting the kids at school influence your life, you need to influence them. Later, she talked about Heaven and how wonderful it is. After the lesson one of the girls told Reitha, “I felt what you were saying right here,” as she pointed to her heart. Later, she texted Reitha and said, “When you were talking about what the Bible said of what heaven looked like and what we can do to go there. I had a feeling in my chest, I don’t know what it was, but I really felt like I need to try harder for me to get there.”
August
In August, Shawn spoke to the youth about contending for the faith.
September
Church Service
At the church service in September one of the ladies, who is faithful to come to Bible class with her children and Bible study, was at our home church service for the first time. After the song service, Reitha referred to the three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace. She told the children you may be going through something in your life, but Jesus is with you. Shawn preached a message about” hope.” After the sermon, the mother shared about the difficulties she is facing in her marriage. As she was crying, she told us how it is affecting her and her seven-year-old daughter. We believe the Lord directed the service in such a way to be an encouragement to this family. Our heart goes out to them. Please join us in prayer for this family that Satan is trying to destroy.
August service.
September Service.
Nursing Home Ministry
The girls were able to play ukulele at a couple of nursing home services in September with some friends of ours.
Food Bank
David, the man in the picture with Sharei, comes from a Mormon background. He has asked us a lot of questions about spiritual things and seemingly, has rejected a lot of the teachings of the Mormon church. Please help us pray for him that he will give his life to Christ.
Ethiopian Church
August
September
One of the young men raised his hand for salvation during a youth class in September at the Ethiopian church. We praise God for what He is doing in lives.