Waking up in Nepal

What I need is a calendar! What I have this morning is electricity and time, both rare commodities. We are well, by the grace of God, truly. Thank you so much for all of your prayers. One thing I am understanding all the more is how much it means when people tell me they will pray for us. And I must say, I’ve recently noticed (before I left), that I can almost be certain, if a person really means that they will. If you’re like me, sometimes I’ve said it with no follow thru. I’ve also come to value as even more precious the prayers of those who love me (us). I can feel the love and earnestness in their voices, and in that knowledge comes an immediate peace. We, God’s people are not in this struggle alone. We have a Father and a forever family! I (We) love you all.

Now, for an update. We sent the older teens off with a prayer for their final exam to complete high school (their version), which is a completion of 10th grade. John, Anita, Smiley, Shristi and Esther have been studying very hard. Please pray for these dear young people that they will have God’s direction in decisions concerning their future and His grace to keep them strong in the faith.

We did a big shopping trip last Thursday at the old Salesway Dept. store. That is where we got our towels. The lowest price we could find was $7. We have a couple that we had left here (courtesy of the Coxs). We bought 3, and Kirk suggested that we each have a different color for easy identification. It is amazing how much confusion a little idea like that saves! I brought an over-the-door hanger for our towels because when one showers EVERYTHING gets wet! The shower head is in the middle of the bathroom, so water (hopefully hot) goes all over. We hung the hook on the outside of the door. I can assure you that one needs a dry towel when one steps into  50 degree (if your lucky) temp. We agree that the cold is the hardest thing to contend with. Thank God we brought lots of layers! I have become a believer in scarfs. I’ve realized that in the past when I’ve scrunched my shoulders up, it’s my neck that is cold! (brilliant conclusion, huh?) In America, we just turn up the heat! But I hear that warmer weather is coming. My hopes are set on that!

Also, after church last Sunday (loved being here!), Samson (Hi, Samson!) stayed and asked Will to help him with his English. I made them p,b&j sandwiches, Pramita ate one, too. Samson asked Will if he had ever heard of Scrabble. Ironically, that was the only game we brought, and Will had just gotten it for Christmas! Samson came over yesterday afternoon. It was actually raining (a rare thing this time of year), and the power was out. They played Scrabble all afternoon. I am quite sure it was helpful for English (Samson), as well as for spelling (Will).

Didn’t mean to write a novel, but I haven’t even scratched the surface.

Liz

Kirk here…

Yesterday (Saturday) was church day in Nepal. Under the Hindu monarchy Saturday was the only day the believers were allowed to meet and that is still the traditional day for church. We had an awesome day! I preached on the Sovereignty of God in every facet of our life. From our very formation in the womb (Ps.139), to when and where we live (Acts 17:26) and most importantly to our Salvation in Christ (Jn.6:44, Phil.2:12-13, Ro.9:16). Finally, we looked at God’s Sovereignty over our circumstances and our enemies (Job, 2Chron.20). The presence of God was very strong and many wanted prayer when we were done. One Hindu woman was present and came for prayer weeping. She wanted prayer for her son who is (I think I understood correctly) on drugs. We prayed for her as well that God would open the eyes of her heart to understand the Gospel and receive Christ as Savior. Please keep her in your prayers that God would do just that.

All in all we are doing great other than being a little cold at night. Well, a lot cold actually! However today it is raining and everyone says that is the sign that almost immediately it will warm up quite a bit. Like tomorrow immediately. Something to do with a jet stream shift. Please pray they are right!!!

The children are all doing well and Will is fitting right in. They have worn him out playing football (soccer) for two days straight. It is so precious to be with them. Every morning early and every evening they gather in the basement to have devotionals and worship. Amit the worship leader at CCF usually leads, as do others, and the sound of their little voices comes all through the building. It is a little taste of heaven I think.

On the Bible school front we are gearing up to start probably the last week of January.

Well I will go for now. I hope to post some pictures soon. Please keep us lifted up in prayer. We sense it every day!

Kirk

Kirk here hijacking Liz’s blog…

We will be meeting in a day or so to lay plans for this semester of Grace Bible College. Please pray for Vic Connell and myself as we get ourselves and our material ready. Also pray that the Lord would bring us the right students and that the funding for them would be there. We need at least 1000 per month to run well. If anyone would like to help contributions can be sent to Jacksonville Christian Fellowship, 654 Quail Trail, Cabot AR 72023.

We already have many people calling wanting to come so we need the Lord’s wisdom on which ones to accept. Also pray for the overall ministry here of Covenant Christian Fellowship. There are many, many needs and very few resources. Not to sound to dire however as there is much joy here even in the midst of the need. The Christians here have given up everything in many cases to follow Christ and God in turn pours out His very evident love!

Love to all in our Savior,

Kirk