Church tidbits

Last week we began the official process of purchasing land for the new
church in Bendele. We have been looking at a certain piece of land that
seems to be very well-placed, yet the price has been way too high.
Finally, the owner has came down to about 20% of the original price and
if the paperwork goes well, that land should become church land. We have
been praying for months about this, and we are excited to see progress.

Last Sabbath at Dabgue, a lady was walking down the road and happened to
hear us singing. Curiously, she came in and sat down. Afterward, she
told me that she believes that God brought her to hear a message from
Him and thanked me for sharing. My talk was on studying the Bible:
1) First, we recognize that Scripture is the source of truth. It is truth.
2) We ask the Holy Spirit to give us understanding. Since people wrote
Scripture under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, it makes since to
ask Him for help in understanding what we read.
3) We compare spiritual things with spiritual and build truth on a
foundation - not just on one verse.
4) Before we read, we commit to obedience to whatever God asks us to do.
Then, whether we find the change in our lives to be easy or hard, we
have already decided the path of happiness: complete surrender and
obedience.

In another village, Kasire PahKoulieng, a small minority group had a
meeting and decided that we were not welcome in their village. Yet, we
have been asked by others to be there and to continue sharing and
teaching. With prayer, we made an appointment to meet the village chief.
Upon arrival at his compound, we were given a seat on a palm log under
the mango tree. Many others gathered around to witness the outcome of
this meeting. As I explained our project and what we could bring to his
village, the old man seemed a bit gruff at first. But soon he smiled and
turned out to be a pleasant man. "The doors are open. You may come to
this village any time you want. And if you have any news or something to
share, please come by and visit me."

All around us people are hungry for truth. Often we face challenges, but
truth always moves forward with opposition because the devil knows his
time is short. Be courageous. Share your experience with Jesus with your
friends and neighbors. When you face difficulties, double your efforts,
knowing that even though our time is short, it is truth that triumphs in
the end.