REST

Monday, Sept. 12 –

Rest – not the word I expected to hear much today, but that is what resonates after listening to many deeply emotional testimonies today.  But out of chaos, fear, hopelessness, there was so much praise for the REST they have in their souls!  It is hard to comprehend the depth of gratitude each one has to the Lord for not forgetting them, for the true life line this center has been and continues to be for them, their families, communities…..the ripple effect as people observe them and wonder what is different about them, especially in the current national situation.  They share about death, abandonment, starvation, physically and spiritually – BUT they have been spared, sustained, discipled, healed and STAND as confident examples of the power of Jesus to meet every need – and more.  They declare, “I am strong!  I am at peace; I can forgive those who have abused me; I am at rest!”  And I wonder… do I feel at rest?  Do I know as these how to truly rest??  How I and others are challenged to examine and live out His truth as we see it lived out in these dear ones – to live a life of gratitude, deep gratitude, for all His blessings, and declare VICTORY as one of the ladies urged us to declare today – because of Jesus.  How much we learn from one another!

There is so much excitement and thankfulness for WATER – clean water!  They feel rich to have clean water available to them, their children, and their first desire was to share it with those around them.  One lady talked about inviting her neighbors to bring their dirty water and make use of her filter.  Although she lives in an area predominately of people from a different faith, most of them came and enjoyed the clean water; all but one man who refused.  When his son became ill with a high fever, he conceded to come for water; his son became well.  The father said that there must be medicine in the water, but she said no, just the blood of Jesus! 

John shared about the grow bags that we want to make available to them so that they can grow nutritious crops anywhere, even on top of concrete.  You should have seen the awe and delight on their faces at the thought of growing their own food, having a “garden” at the center; they cannot wait to begin!  We will start the first batch Wednesday.

When so many ministries and aid groups had to close their doors once the conflict started, this amazing Homecare family has never closed or turned anyone away because of the ongoing response to God’s prompting to pray and support the work here.  They are still truly amazed by that!  They can’t stop saying “thank you, Lord!”  And neither can we.

So at the end of this very full day, we pause to take deep breaths, thank God for His goodness …and seek to find His rest.