The past two weeks I have started going through sections of scripture with my language helper. It has been amazing! In French I have to furiously listen to every word to make sure I completely understand the meaning, but this has made me realize that it has been a while since I have done that with scripture. It is amazing how many little things have popped out at me that I would have probably overlooked in English. It has been fun to fervently study scripture with new eyes. Not to mention that sense of accomplishment I get from studying language and scripture at the same time 🙂
Joel preached at our church for the first time this past Sunday. Over the past two months he has walked the adult Sunday school through Colossians. After they finished he was then given two Sundays to preach on what they studied. He really enjoyed his time teaching Sunday school, but was a little more nervous about preaching. However God enabled him to clearly and effectively communicate this past Sunday. It was one of those moments that God confirmed for me that we were right where we were supposed to be and that he was working even through our weaknesses. Joel taught on unity in the church and it was a powerful message. I continue to be amazed as God directs, guides and works in our life and ministry here.
Ways you Can Pray This Week
Pray for Joel as he prepares to preach again this Sunday
Pray for perseverance in our language sessions
Pray for us next week as Joel will be traveling for the week
Wow. I hadn’t thought about trying to study Scripture IN the new language. Thanks for sharing and I am praising God that it was NEW to read. Don’t be hard on your progress Andi. God knows where you are each day and all the challenges in your path, and even they are not an accident! Love you guys.
Perhaps we should all of us read the scriptures as if they were written in a language not native to us. We would then have to diligently think about each word, and pray that the Lord would reveal the true meaning to us as we endeavor to understand His word. What a wonderful idea. Thanks for opening our eyes one more time. Carolyn G
Fantastic brother! Unfortunately we are in Dakar this weekend. Be blessed in the preparations this week and when you preach on sunday!
Thanks for sharing God’s faithfulness and leading!
You are right where God wants you! Praise Him!
I thank the Lord for your service!
Thanks once again for sharing from your heart. We’d love for you to share Joel’s sermon with us–in English–that is.