Home to delicious chocolate, waffles, pastries, ladies in fashionable boots, and the headquarters for the EU and NATO, also can claim the highest suicide rate in Europe, a statistic our group freshly appreciated today when our train’s delay was casually explained by a local to be due to, “oh, another jumper.” Such a culturally fascinating and rich but empty place this is!
I am encouraged to hear about all the ideas and activities that you and Kathy would like to put into action at the home. You are truly putting your heart into this work, God has blessed you with the patience, perseverance, desire, etc. to work in this place.
ReplyDeleteI understand when you say that their are so many needs that need attention at the home that it is hard to know where to start and also trying to be in the lives of 300 children. With the children it is especially hard to know how to go forward in ministering to them. God will direct you to the children that He has chosen to affected by your good work and ministry. Consider the children that you see the most often in your everyday adventures, the ones with whom you are able to have worthwhile and deep conversations, the children who seek you out and make an effort to learn and understand. These are the children that God wants you to start with and He will direct your path to other children as well.
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8
It is important for the life of your work at the home that you have some time to be away and contemplate your work, gain discernment, and refresh your body, soul, and mind for the upcoming months. For this reason I am encouraged to know that you have arrived in Belgium and will have some time away. I know that you understand these things as you have talked about them in your blog posts but as is the case with most truths we need to be reminded continually of those things which we have already learned.
We are praying for you back here. May you have a wonderful, worthwhile, useful, and profitable time while you are in Belgium. May you find comfort, peace, and encouragement that comes from the Holy Spirit as this will encourage you in your work.
Thank you very very much for this encouragement. As wonderful and spiritually rich a place the Children's home is, it has truly been a blessing to be away. The Lord has refreshed and strengthened my spirit so much already, and also brought clarity for how to respond to so many needs on the field while also maintaining my own spiritual and emotional health.
DeleteThank you for your words of encouragement and prayers. I couldn't do it without His people supporting and praying!