Parliament and 10 Downing Street. It's a great reminder to remember our governmental leaders and the decisions they make on our behalf in our prayers.
Today was a good day with meetings with two of the churches that have built relationships with Hunter Street. Both of the pastors have a heart for this city and despite many of the challenges already mentioned in these blogs, faithfully serve with a passion for Christ. Please lift these churches in this city up in prayer and the next time you see a member of our ministry team, tell them how much you appreciate them. They need the encouragement and prayers too!
In between meetings, we were able to visit with Monique again at Krispy Kreme. Before going, Spencer and I sat at a McDonalds counter across the street and prayed specifically for the wisdom to know what to say, that she would continue to be receptive, that we might be able to encourage her to attend a church in the area and that she would be open to sharing her email information so that we could keep up with her in the future.
As we entered the store, Neil and Eric were at the counter and had been having a great conversation with Monique. She quickly volunteered to us that the baby she had asked us to pray for, Sara Jay, had been released from the hospital! She then told us that her boyfriend's visa situation appeared to have been resolved. We told her how excited we were to hear that these two prayers had been answered! Monique also shared that she knew that our group's visits had not been by accident. The spark had clearly grown stronger. Pray that it will turn into a flame!
We were more excited when Monique shared that she had been reading the Bible that we had given her. She had already read through most of Matthew! Monique also inquired about church and we were thrilled to hear that she would like to meet with some of our brothers and sisters at King's Cross Baptist Church in Camden. She inquired about attending a service there. Please pray that this connection will be made and that King's Cross can build a strong disciplining relationship with Monique.
As Monique had to leave for a second job, she exchanged email addresses and volunteered that she would like to Skype with us. We plan to introduce our wives to Monique via Skype when we return so that she can meet other Christian ladies who will encourage and disciple her. As she left, she emphatically asked that we come back Friday before we leave.
So what did I learn? First, God is faithful! None of our visits with Monique or the others that you have / will read about were accidental. In a sea of people that we've never met before, God led this team to find and build real relationships with people. Secondly, prayer works. It's awesome to see and humbling to know that God hears us. Thirdly, prayer in cooperation with others is powerful. No fewer than seven of the 10 in our group have been by to meet with Monique. All ten have and will continue to pray for her. As you read this and join our prayers for her salvation, think about just how many people from around the world are now praying for Monique Gauci from Malta!
Now here's the challenge for all of us to think about. How many times do we listen to prayer requests shared in a Sunday school class or via call or email from a friend or family member and forget to pray about them? I know that I'm convicted to pray more for these requests. While I've always believed in prayer, having experienced this week, I can assure you that it not only works, but is essential! Please think about the prayer requests in your life right now and take a few minutes to lift them to God.
Thanks to all for your notes of encouragement and continued prayers!
Franklin
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Gower St,Camden Town,United Kingdom
No comments:
Post a Comment