Hola!
A different format to (hopefully) keep you engaged!
NAMES
I know last week's prayer request list was a barrage of names, and mean more to me than to you, but I appreciate that you use their names in your prayers. I'd like to send photos but haven't had/taken the time to do individual head shots. Ironically, here are more names...
UPS
"I pray to God but I never ask him for things; I only thank him for what I have."- Alejandro, my daily student who asked to attend the men's meeting yesterday morning. A practicing Catholic, he had not been to a time of prayer (specifically for one of the men that morning) and it was an opportunity to share about having a prayer life and how God desires us to be thankful, but also to be "approach his throne of grace with confidence to find grace and to receive mercy in our time of need."
"I was brought up agnostic. I don't know if there's a God to believe in, but I would possibly if I knew more about Him." - Jose Luis, who also shared about his relationship with his wife Stella- living together for the last six years, married the last four months, hoping to have children but racing her biological clock and the new businesses' successes for financial stability. Please pray for an opportunity to share the bridge-to-life illustration with him.
"If you need physiotherapy, come to my work and I will have someone look at your problems."- Carlos who is in my advanced class and is the doctor for one of the city's major soccer teams. We met after last night's class as he wanted to learn more about Canada... was my city close to where his daughter lives- Montreal?
"I know this story (Adam and Eve) is from the Bible; my family use to go to church when I was young. Since my father left because of his drug problem, and we moved 11 years ago, we have not found a new church."- David, my 17 year old private student who travels 90 minutes to get to my class. I have pulled him from that class and he meets with me for 2-3 hour private lessons twice a week, to make it worth his while.
"My (24 year old) son in China is having problems. I don't know what to do. He is a stubborn boy. He won't listen to me. I pray but he will not change." - Gloria, who meets with me twice a week and lately it's been more personal counselling than English.
"I am so glad you talked with my son. He is so spiritually lost. Will you meet with him again, and many times before leave?"- Pilar- a Christian who by God's grace, I first met in 2011 and "accidentally" met her last week. I was at her home on Tuesday and spent quite a bit of time talking with her son 17 year old son Felipe and his thoughts on spirituality. Again, please pray for an opportunity to share the bridge-to-life illustration.
Yesterday morning was my third morning speaking to the mens' group. Well received, lots of questions and discussion... I wish I had the language to do individual follow up with the keeners.
DOWNS
"Sorry, I cannot come at 12:30, I will come at 5pm... sorry, I cannot come at 5pm, maybe later.... sorry, I am home now, I am too tired to meet you." -Juan from 2011... he says I'm his "international spiritual father" but how hungry/ committed is he to meeting? He's cancelled the last three times. Is there a message in here? I've decided to stop initiating to see if he will.
Technology
What a difference technology makes! from my last visit to my years in Hungary- 1997-99. Besides connecting with you, having background music, streaming options for the odd down time show or movie, and learning what I am missing at home (thanks CBC Edmonton), the iPad has been an invaluable, portable, big screened (no searching for my glasses) tool for conversations around photos, Google maps, Good Search with images, FIFA (so I can appear informed and engaged HA HA), Google Translator- an essential sometimes, and other great apps.
Sorry, no photos this week, just haven't had time.
One prayer request for me- I have a lot of swelling in my legs and feet. It's uncomfortable but not painful. I've read up on possible causes- not pregnancy but maybe the heat and humidity, change in diet, and home solutions. Pray the swelling will go down with more disciplines of the things I can do at home and if I can arrange it, I'd like to take Carlos up on his offer of physio at his work place.
Thanks! Just under three weeks left!
