“A man’s mind plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
This week we were reminded once again this that we may make plans, but in the end, we must wait on the Lord for His timing and guidance.
This week turned out to be less than what we had planned for and expected. There were funerals on three of the four days of teaching. The first on Monday, was in a different area and so even though we taught the lesson, fewer people than normal attended it. The second and third were close friends and neighbors. One was an older man who had been slowly deteriorating in health since our arrival here. His funeral on Wednesday was VERY large and attended by many. Then, on Thursday morning, a neighbor and friend of Phil’s died and his funeral was that afternoon.
Both men had been following the teaching with the media players since their poor health prevented them from getting to the teaching site. Even though they weren’t able to hear the end of the teaching Phil had been able to share the Gospel with his friend individually. We are not sure if he ever believed but the truth was explained to him. The other older man died unexpectedly and so we were never able to share individually with him besides what he heard on the media players.
So, we were only able to teach two days this week and have had to move the other lessons up to next Monday and Tuesday. The response for both the lessons this week was good. They saw that just like the blind man, we are incapable of healing and saving ourselves, but must fall on the mercy of the Savior! On Tuesday, Francois taught showing the multiple prophecies that were fulfilled through the betrayal, arrest, and trial of Jesus. The people are anxious to hear the final lessons that they know contain the Truths for escaping the grip of Satan and entering into the loving hands of God. A LOT of people have been coming for machines and are using these extra days to review the past lessons.
Pray that the people that are listening to the machines and those who know the story line so far, will indeed be convicted of their sin and will come to hear the final lessons.
PLEASE KEEP PRAYING!! God ordained that these funerals take place when they did and we know He has a plan. A lot of people that would not have been able to come to the teaching this past week for multiple reasons (not just the funerals) are going to be able to attend and hear this coming week. Already we can see the Hand of God at work!
Here’s the new schedule (Lord willing :)): On Monday we will teach the death and burial of Jesus. On Tuesday the subject will be His resurrection and ascension. Wednesday and Thursday will be review days. We will be going back over the lessons they have heard so far and show how they point to the work of the Savior.
Pray for a positive response and understanding of the lessons this upcoming week and that many will attend and believe!
Praise the Lord, Phil and Francois have recovered from their colds. Continue to pray for health and strength for us all especially for Phil during this last intense week of teaching.