Highlights.
- The ISI National Conference was wonderful! I think if I were to sum it all up in one word it would be- godliness. The speakers were great, their message on point but it was their godliness that spoke to me. I sat and ate and talked with probably 15-20 of my peers from across the country and I heard countless stories of how they are impacting students lives but it was their godliness that impacted me. The worship was great but it was the godliness of the music leader that touched me. Here is a link to key thoughts that God hit me with.
- The FLC ESL instructor asked me if I would manage the computer lab for 5-10 hours/week! She said she has the budget but needs to run it by her peers and the dean. To me, this is incredible! I don't really need the money or any extra work, but I love the idea of what it will add to my impact- it gives me more credibility with the students and school officials, I would work hands on each day with each and every international student (100+), I have ease of access to all school resources and facilities, I can be tapped to meet other needs (Intel liaison, Ranch 99 liaison, Career Counseling, Resume writing and Interviewing workshops, exponentially increased student access and communication...).
- As of June 25, 2016, my wife is 'officially' on Campus Staff with ISI :) What does this mean? In one sense, nothing. Maybe that we just effectively reduced our hourly wage in half ;) Actually, it means that she will continue to do what she has been doing and as we raise more support it will give her the opportunity to be paid. It makes her connected with ISI. She will report regularly to an ISI Director, as I do, and they will ensure she has all the resources and support to be even more effective in ministry. I am happy about this. She has already done so much these last 9 months.
- I am doing a weekly Bible study with our club sponsor and FLC ESL teacher and her husband. She has invited one of her Jewish friends to join us tomorrow :) It is great to see us connected more and more as I believe that is an indication that we will have more impact together.
- I continue to meet weekly on Skype with 5 of the FLC students who are visiting back in their native countries. Russia (2), Iran (1), Haiti (1) and Mexico (1). If anything, this reveals that we are all endeared and connected to each other.
- As I mentioned last month, my wife and I went to church with a great friend of mine of 30+ years. We definitely were blessed as we met with the pastor (he once was in my youth group!) and their missions board. I feel like something is now connected there. I know in some way(s) (or many) that church will be a big part of what we do going forward.
- Ministry, godliness... the whole Christian life flows naturally out of healthy relationships! :) Assess yours here.
Lowlights.
- I mentioned last week our RC Talk Time has stopped and now our Book club has had to stop. Most of the FLC students are still visiting their home country so I have paused the FLC Talk Time for 5 weeks, until they return (we are still doing a weekly Skype meeting to stay connected). This has a positive side, though. This lets me know at least 2 things. They love what we are doing and they don't 'want' to stop but now that school is over and they are working it is harder for them. Also, it shows me that things do need to change in the summer and I need to be flexible and creative as to what works best (the Skype meetings, for example).
Story 1 - Islam
"I (Mohammed) am nothing new among the Prophets; what will happen to me and my followers, I do not know; I am only a Warner, open and clear." - Chambers 46:9 (Quran)
Links
Donation: http://isiervthomas.weebly.com/donate.html
Metrics: http://isiervthomas.weebly.com/metrics
Nations in the US: http://www.ice.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Document/2015/by-the-numbers.pdf
FLC Club (FB page): http://www.facebook.com/international.life.flc
FLC Club (webpage): https://sites.google.com/site/flcinternationalclub/
My Talks: http://isiervthomas.weebly.com/my-talks.html
Pics: https://plus.google.com/photos/+ervthomas/albums/6053038271389882641
Prayer Requests
- That God would give me favor in the eyes of the FLC dean and ESL teachers as they consider me to run their computer lab. That God would confirm it if in His wisdom it is as great an opportunity as I think it is.
- 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.>>
- 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>>
- That we can start an Alpha club (Bible study) with the students that are interested in learning more about the Lord. <<Ongoing>>
- That God would help us get over the hurdle(s) in lining up the 20 Christian volunteers who will meet with and practice English with the FLC students.<<I am now at 4>>
- ... and more...
Admonition
“From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace." - John 1:16