Highlights.
- Megan went to church with us again! Her son is now going to a Christian youth group in EDH! Her cousin has just become a Christian and talked with her about it. More praise to the Hound of heaven! :)
- 7 new international students have arrived for this semester. One of them has already contacted us about our meeting times.
- FLC tried to help me raise money for the 2 Haitian boys to attend this semester by requesting $ from their emergency fund. It was not enough, however, but it still shows the good faith and healthy relationship they have with our club.
- A good friend of mine and previous VP of Intel, now retired, has agreed to speak to the international students at UC Davis. I guess I can share his name, it is Curt Nichols. God has certainly touched my life in many ways through this man!
- Had a wonderful time with the Lord and my wife's cousin at a men's retreat in Santa Cruz. Most of the men were older than me (is that even possible? ;) and they were very godly and wise. They all made a huge impact within my heart.
Lowlights.
- We did not come up with the $4,000 needed for the first installment of the tuition for the boys from Haiti. We came up $2,000 short. Although this was sad for all of us, I am seeing why it would be God's will. The whole thing was a mess from the beginning. The man that went and got them and sponsored them was directed by his church not do it, that it was not the right process, and now has entirely abandoned them leaving others to fix the mess. It is much harder than I realized. They are seeking asylum in the US now. They will not go back to Haiti under any condition because it is so poor there.
- All the international students in the club are quite upset and are venting many emotions about the current actions on immigration being implemented. From downright anger, accusation, to confusion and deep sadness and despair. It has been very hard for me to hold my tongue (especially when they say- "I cant wait to get out of this damn racist country"), but God is definitely speaking to me to just be there for them and care. I want to do so much more but I believe that is all I am to do for now.
Story 1 - Megan*
I believe this is my third story on Megan* (Nov 2015 and Nov 2016). It has been a joy to see God doing so much to win her heart beyond all that Jane and I are trying to do! I was at a Men's Retreat this weekend and my wife took Megan* to church again. Megan* went forward again for prayer for her husband who still has not been allowed into the US. She told us that she felt such a 'peace' afterwards in her heart for the first time. She also called me one night worried for her son who was at a church in EDH until 10:30. She asked me if I knew about the church, if it was a good one and why they would keep him out so late. She said- whatever you say, I will trust you. I told her it was indeed a good church, that I had been there and it was normal for a youth group outreach to the community to go late. Her son gave her a Bible and told her- keep it with you Mom, it will keep you safe. I can't tell you how happy my wife and I are to see what is starting to bloom in this entire families hearts.
Prayer Requests
- This whole effort to bring the 2 Haitian boys into our house, our lives! Many things need to be worked out that don't seem to have answers now. The $ for their schooling is just one of the challenges. Should we go through adult adoption? Should we hire an immigration attorney? What will their parents think about all this? Will my frontal lobe damage show a more terse, edgy side of me causing them to stumble? What sort of frustrations will we all encounter when we all start running into each other? Can I handle starving boys eating all my good food and leaving me with only kale? ;) <<Answered. God helped me in every decision! Through my godly friends, my wife, the school and a pastor acquainted with the problem. Although I am sad to see the boys go to Utah it does seem to be their only option since they refuse to return to Haiti>>
- For Megan*. That God would continue to show Himself to her and build on the experience she had with Him at Easter. That she would know for sure she has found the relationship with Him she desires. Pray for my wife to be able to follow-up with her soon and say the right things. <<Ongoing>> <<Yes!! Now her son is going to church! My wife is spending more and more time with her. It looks like she will have to return to Iran but I am betting she will return as a Christian AND her son :)>>
- For Ana* and Zoey*. Like Megan* that God would start drawing them to Himself and making them aware of their need for Him. They are both great friends with Megan*. That perhaps Megans* seeking will inspire them to seek also. <<Ongoing. Ana, Mary and Zoey have all returned! :) Mary and Zoey are very fearful of having to return to Iran now>>
- That we can start an Alpha or M28 club (Bible study) with the students that are interested in learning more about the Lord. <<Ongoing. Starting to wonder if I should just start one and see if anyone comes>>
- Many opportunities have arisen with more students, faculty, volunteers and churches connected with us- host families, greeting students at the airport when they arrive, weekly talk partners, Bible study, dinners, assisting the college... We certainly need wisdom to know what we can and cannot do, that the Lord will direct our steps.<<Ongoing. I need to involve our church sponsor more. I need to do something soon or just drop this one>>
- For Curt Nichols speaking on March 18. That God would give Him the right message and anointed words. I know He already has the right message by his life. That God would kindle a fire in all of the scholars to come and hear him and receive what he has to say. That all in all God would be lifted up and the Holy Spirit would convict all in sin and righteousness.
Admonition
“... and I will be a swift witness against... those who turn aside the alien and do not fear Me, says the Lord of hosts." - Mal 3:5
Links: | FLC Club FB page | Of interest | Metrics | Nations in the US | a | b |
Donate* | FLC Club webpage | My talks | Pictures | c | d |