Your Statutes are my Delight; They are my Counselors (October 2018)

                                             Grandpa and Ezra  and snack time at the park
There are some amazingly beautiful passages of Scripture and at times when I read them (though I have read before) I stand in awe of our glorious God.  What an encouragement and comfort they are to those who know and love the Lord Jesus!
Psalm 119:9 "How shall a young man keep his way pure?  By living according to your Word."
Psalm 119:18 "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things from your law."
Psalm 119:35 "Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight."
Psalm 119:89 "Your Word, O Lord, is eternal, it stands firm in the heavens.  Your faithfulness continues through all generations."
Psalm 119:105    "Your Word is a light to my path and a lamp to my feet."

Our women's Bible study began again this fall, and it is a delight every year to study the Word together as women from different backgrounds and cultures.  This week we mentioned Hebrews 11:6 as a part of our Believing God study--that "the Lord rewards those who diligently seek Him."  So, we earnestly study and seek the Lord together and "as iron sharpens iron," we sharpen one another spiritually.  I am blessed by these women and know we have much to teach each other as we study God's holy Word together.  I am continually reminded that we are each called to this particular place at this particular time and that more than likely, our paths would never have crossed.

                                         Beautiful September flowers on our morning walk

In our Bible study this week, we studied Ephesians 1, and I was reminded afresh of what a treasure trove of promises this passage is--it should encourage us as believers immensely.  So, throughout the blog, I want to remind and encourage us with these wonderful truths.

Paul, an apostle (sent one) to the saints and faithful in Christ Jesus.  May such an address be given to us--that we are the saints--sanctified people made holy by Christ and living faithfully in that holiness.   Paul was sent by the will of God--not by his own efforts or design.  (Galatians 1:1) "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." 

                                                  What an adorable little guy!

 We are very thankful to continue ministering together with the body of Christ here in our international church.  We are grateful for health and strength to do so.  Our church ministry and accompanying hospitality keeps us very busy.  Yes, I love to cook and bake, but all of it is a bit more of a chore here.  We continue to love meeting and interacting with many from different places.  Several weeks ago, we had a group of 25 visit our service while attending a conference here.  We often have teams come through--but this was an especially large group.  For several weeks, it has been good to have a pastor from another country--we were happy to confirm and encourage him in his ministry.  Dave was actually using an illustration for his message one Sunday, and he was able to confirm with this man the truth of his illustration.  We continue to struggle with people coming and going. Several families that we have come to know and appreciate will be leaving or have already left.  The Jacobsons have already left us, but they were a tremendous help in the ministry here, and we know that God will continue to use them.  Another family that we have really enjoyed will be leaving soon for a new ministry--and we will miss them as well.  However, as we are sad for one family leaving, a new one arrives, and we get to embrace them and hopefully encourage them spiritually.  Please pray that we can effectively minister during the time each person or family is with us.  We had a church dinner after services in September in the hotel where our church meets.  It was a good time of fellowship for all.

                                                 Jacobson Family

                                                             Fellowship in our home

                                                 
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." (1:7)

                                          Getting balloons for Ezra's 2nd birthday-- Iwasn't 
                                               expecting to have to have my picture taken

"We are made blameless by the beloved son, chosen and accepted in Him to be adopted as God's sons and heirs." (1:4)

Our church is excited to be partnering with Faithful Heart Foundation--the foundation that Matthew works with--to host a retreat for local pastors and their wives.  We always struggle to do more for the local people--whose beautiful country we enjoy.  Being an international, English-speaking congregation, it is often difficult to bridge that gap.  FHF did a retreat last year for these pastors, and it was a huge success.  The pastors and wives have few opportunities to be fed and grow themselves.  It is October  20th-22nd.  Some of our church leaders will be sharing in the seminars--including Matthew and Dave.  We are also desiring as a church to help provide funds for this.  Please be in prayer for this.

"His incomparably great power is available to us who believe." (1:19)  "In accordance with the riches of God's grace that He has lavished on us--and we are the beneficiaries of a great and glorious inheritance." (1:9

                                  Lunch with The Gathering Worship Ministry Director

                                          Sunny, my Korean neighbor practicing English
The Pound family in Thailand is eagerly awaiting the arrival of a baby girl very soon.  Please continue to pray for Audrey's health and strength in these days and for little girl Pound as she is in the final stages of being knit together by her creator.  Pray for Ezra's transition to a baby sister and to no longer being the center of all our attention.

"Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of His glory." (1:13)

Please pray:
                      

• For our continued ministry at The Gathering--for strength and good health.    
• For our witness and testimony with everyone with whom we come into contact--that we might reflect our Savior
• For each woman who comes to the Bible study to grow and learn more about God and His Word
• For Audrey's health and strength in the coming days and for baby girl Pound--for a smooth and easy labor and delivery  For Ezra's transition
• For the Pastors' retreat in October--that these men of God would be refreshed and renewed as well as strengthened for ministry
• For wisdom and discernment in ministry--and for Dave to be God's instrument in preaching              

A dear family in our Gathering church family