Thank you Lord!

I am always amazed at the way our Lord works - He never fails to surprise me with the creative ways He provides for me and takes care of me - physically, spiritually and emotionally. He is such a good God.

I have been a little down lately and yes, missing home. Not being as involved in our ministry (outside our home) as I have been in the past, I have been feeling like I am not really all that useful here. Taking care of our home, Abigail, keeping the fridge stocked and putting 3 meals on the table keeps me hopping. I know that these "feelings" are from the evil one who desires to steal my joy and tramble me down - alas, sometimes those "feelings" can really get to me. Trying to be a godly homemaker IS a ministry in and of itself, especially in a country where that is a true rarity. I wish that head knowledge always won the battle with those insidious and powerful "feelings" that sometimes catch me off guard.

Yesterday, the Lord gave me a very special opportunity to share my faith - it came out of the blue and was truly an encouragement to me that I am indeed doing what the Lord wants me to do at this time in my life and that I am exactly where HE put me.

I was able to share the Gospel with an accquaintance that Oleg and I have known for years. She has known that we are Christians since we met her but has never really shown any interest in our attempts to witness to her. Last night, she initiated our conversation and literally bombarded me with questions - which the Lord graciously allowed me to answer from His Word.

The Lord reminded me that there are all kinds of ways to serve Him and that I don't have to be doing "formal" ministry to have a ministry. He reminded me that in trying to be a godly wife and mother - trying to help my husband be the best preacher and evangelist that he can be - trying to raise my daughter to serve the Lord - trying to be a kind hostess to the guests the Lord sends our way, that I am setting an example that people are noticing - setting an example that makes them want to know why I do what I do - giving me opportunity to tell them about my precious Savior.

Please pray for Tonya, that the Lord would use our conversation to save her soul. She heard the full gospel message and was very receptive. Pray that the evil one would not be allowed to steal the seeds that were planted in her heart yesterday.

I praise and thank the Lord for the encouragement I received from sharing my faith. What a wonderful and compassionate God we serve - in following his commandment to "go ye therefore and teach..." about Him, not only do we get to see others come to know Him, but we are rejuvinated as obey Him.
Thank you Lord!!!