And we almost did too! Let me explain…Over Easter weekend, I drove down to camp with Alejandra, Osvaldo, Caryl, and Gustavo. After waiting about 1 ½ hours to go through the tollbooth, I decided there would be less traffic on the “death road”. It was about 10:30 a.m. and a bit foggy and we were now getting to the “better”, wider part of the road. As I looked up ahead, I thought to myself, “the road looks a bit dark up ahead”. When all of the SUDDEN, I realized there was NO ROAD!!! I came to a dead stop about 12 feet from going over the edge! What you can’t see is that were we to have gone over the edge, we would have continued falling at least 500+ feet down to the river far below. Where the car is in the picture (my new Nissan Patrol Jeep by the way) is where we stopped. No warning! No road! Then we put up a roadblock a ways back, turned around, and warned everyone we passed.
Later, I used this picture with the youth group as an illustration. It was impossible for the car to get to the other side, just as our sin makes it impossible to get to God. The Lord made it possible for me to see that certain death lay ahead and it was He that enabled me to stop. Was it enough for me and my friends to think, “Wow, I’m so glad we are alive and safe!”? That would have been irresponsible, selfish and unloving, right? So we warned everyone if they continued down that road, they would be facing death. Responses were interesting some immediately turned around, believing what we’d told them, and others continued down the road, either unbelieving or just wanting to see for themselves. We were not responsible for how they responded, but we were responsible to warn them of the impending danger. As Christians, we have the responsibility and privilege to announce the Good News; whether or not they believe us is not our job. We know the Lord has His angels of protection around us, and sometimes He gives us a glimpse of His protecting hand! Praise Him!
Over the past few months, I’ve had some very exciting things happen and have faced some challenges, which force me even further to depend on the Lord. In May, a young woman, who some have been praying for, began to attend the Thursday evening Bible study in my home. Within just a few times of spending time with her, she confessed and it became obvious that she had a serious problem with alcohol. Shortly thereafter, she was hospitalized as her physical health was being affected. I knew the Lord drew her to us and gave her a sense of security, which caused her to seek me out. I have to admit, I was in an area far outside of my comfort zone. She has now been sober for over a month; she is seeking Christian fellowship, and her mother is now attending a Bible-teaching church regularly. Pray for her salvation as well as that of her entire family.
One of my great joys has been Daniela. She began attending Bible study and participating regularly in a variety of our activities. Last November, she was part of the group we took to camp, but after that I only saw her once or twice. I kept saying to myself that I need to call and get together with her. Well, the Lord had her call me and we set up a time to meet. She came to my home and after a good time of just catching up, she said, “The reason I wanted to see you is I want to become a Christian and I want to know how.” Pray for her spiritual growth as I start to disciple her.
Pray for: Mikaela, Alejandra, Joanna, Valeria, Grace, and Claudia. Since I began working with the youth group, ages 13 – 16, I’ve hoped to start a girls’ discipleship group. The Lord finally opened the doors and I have 6 gals in my home on Saturday mornings. I meet one-on-one with Jhoselyn; pray that she will be able to attend too. It was this age group, back many years ago, that the Lord placed on my heart. They are a joy to work with.
Thanks for your partnership, Kathy
