December 2014

Dear Friends, 

Below are two recent prayer requests shared at my Bible study group.

1) To have the boldness and the confidence to use the name "Jesus Christ" and talk about my relationship with him when asked. Don't be shy. Don't avoid the issue.

2) To talk with my roommate (name) about faith and what it means to be a Christian ("Preach the Word".)

text: (587) 855-4125

•  I liked the analogy of being a farmer. I want to learn more about what it means to be a spiritual farmer, and to sow and reap the spiritual harvest. 
•  I'm challenged by the idea that we as Christians need to be different by what we don't do, as much as what we do do. 
•  I need to be more bold in sharing my faith. I've never really learned how to do this. 
• Actions are not enough. Everyone does good things. I need to share the reason why I do what I do, that I'm compelled by the love of Christ.
• "Preach the word" is not something we talk about growing up in the "Christian bubble." I'm not in the bubble anymore. I need to learn how to share my faith.
• I need to pray more consistently for the people I live with in residence and be bold to talk about Jesus. 

And* this past week, I've had two others ask to learn tools to share their faith- so back to the classics of the "Bridge to Life" illustration and personal testimony. 

Aren't these precious reflections of a heart for others? I have NEVER seen this movement for evangelism in my six years with King's University students.

WHAT IS HAPPENING!?!?!?

"God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things in the lives of others."

"God transforms people's lives as people bring his Word to others."

 Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands- Paul David Tripp

My prayer is alongside those above- that we be bold and confident to share faith and what it means to be a Christian during this great season of natural opportunity to speak of Jesus. I also pray that God will continue to transform the students' lives as they continue in the Word. 

The students will end their classes Monday December 8th and the last day of exams is December 17th. My meeting schedule will go amok as I work around their exams, be sensitive to their needs. My goal is to keep a weekly meeting for encouragement, accountability and prayer until they leave town. 

Blessings to you in this Advent season.

Bob

*yes, I'm well-aware of my overuse of the word "and" :-)