Two Weeks

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.” – Psalm 46:1-3,7 

We’ve been back home for two weeks now, and it’s been a little rough going but I believe the break we had strengthened our resolve to stand firm and wait on God. And able to hold on to God’s promise to never leave us or forsake us.

There has been much trouble made by the man that we replaced. Even though he resigned he held bitterness and jealousy and it has festered and grown in his heart. Although he has tried to cause trouble and damage our name and our organizations name, God has surrounded us and protected us against the rumors and confusion that has been set against us. He has been our refuge and help. And though it would be easy to hate the person, we know the battle is not flesh and blood.and what the devil meant for evil has only strengthened our faith and our standing in the community. I pray that he can put his focus back on God and his heart be healed. Actions speak louder than words they say and that is especially true here. Even though this man tried to make us believe the people here are stupid, we have found that is far from the truth. People know when they are being disparaged and looked down on. It has been amazing to see what God’s love through us has done as far as relationships and changes we have seen in their hearts and character. To show respect and see one’s dignity restored is an awesome thing. And even though it may be a few at a time it has already begun a change in their community. I pray that we do everything we can as we work here to always point them to The One that has made it possible for us to love and walk beside them. Because of the hatred against us by one man,  a select few tried to rally the village to demonstrate and send us back to the States, the majority of the community stood behind us. And the root of all these human attacks has been removed and went back to the States. Praise God, this battle that has gone on for a year is over. And I believe that huge henderance being removed will allow so much more growth.

But there have been a few loose ends because of the last ditch efforts to discredit us. A few farmers were pressured not to honor their contracts. But when they came face to face with us they gave in. Cheated us, but also learned that Christian is not a man that will just lie down and take dishonesty.

Our bulls were stolen by a farmer that had been housing them. When he wouldn’t give his rice (still hasn’t) he was told to give them back but refused because he had been making money off of them. It ended with his arrest and the return of our bulls. What the devil meant to use to discourage us and cause confusion and anger with the village, again only strengthened our standing here.

Our truck has given us problems since two days after we got home, but with much prayer and Christian’s knowledge of vehicles and unwillingness to give up I believe he has found the problem and with the part fixed we pray tomorrow it will run again! Pray for it to be up and running!

We pray and believe that now we have a clean slate, after a year we have proven to be honest, have the best interest of the people here at heart and follow the teaching of Jesus Christ. It hasn’t been easy but this year has strengthened us physically and spiritually.

Now you are up to date with what we have been doing since we came home! Continue to pray for us daily, we know there will be many new challenges that we will face, but with God beside us who can stand against us?