Dear Friends,
We just had a really great Sunday, (21 Nov. 04) where three people were baptized into Christ. Hannah, and Muru and Jayla, the latter two are an Indian couple who have been coming to our church since the beginning of the year, they are immigrants and speak very little English, so it was some task going through the steps of salvation with them, yet we did all we could do to make them understand. Now, even though much of their back ground was Hindu, the man was taught by his father that Christianity was the way. So it was just a matter of explaining the details of Salvation and living the life. Amazingly, enough even with the struggle of an American (me) and our Scottish Elder ( Angus) attempting to make clear the steps of Salvation and even though it took a lot of hand gestures and very simple illustrations about these things, we were convinced that they understood the message of salvation. But more than this, they were convinced that they needed to obey God, and even more that they needed forgiveness and eternal life. Hannah, is a fourteen year old, who has been faithfully coming to Sunday School and several weeks ago has asked me to spend some time with her explaining what becoming a Christian is all about. We have had several sessions together since and Hannah as well, has made the right decision to become a Christian. Please pray for Hannah since she has not been well and is struggling with seizures and anorexia, and the doctors here so far, can't seem to get a handle on how to help her. We recently had a lady come to church from the "mail-drop" of our brochures. Some might find it discouraging that we have only had one response to the 1500 brochures we put out but, I tend to think if God flooded us with all kinds of new folk all at once; I doubt we could keep up with everything else we are attempting to do. Nevertheless, Kathleen is her name and she is a lady most likely in her 30's and struggling with life, she told me yesterday that her and her husband had been separated for some time now, yet they do not want to divorce, (good), yet at the same time they can't seem to get it together. So I guess I have my work cut out for me!
Please keep praying that a more suitable Church facility will present itself, and or become available to us, since our present situation is somewhat fine for Sunday mornings, but that is it; and we have such a great vision and need to expand what we are doing. Please pray for our Elders and Deacons, these folk as usual tend to be those in the church who are always over worked and yet in our situation, because these same people are so busy with family and work life, the temptation to become complacent and put God on the back burner is always present. Please pray for me as well, that I have the patience and the wisdom to encourage our forward progress in the right ways and in the right times. These are exciting time, we are growing here in Lower Hutt NZ, albeit little by little! Please also be assured that your prayers , help and support are much appreciated and they are making an amazing difference in this far away country for the sake of Christ! God Bless, Stay encouraged and pray, it makes an awesome difference.
Lou
Greetings from Epuni Church