Intangible Gratitude
Our faces communicate many things, and the image of gratitude shines bright from deep within. Each of the students from the Bible Institute in the Baja of Mexico had a unique reason for their joy and at the same time, they all shared the fact that they had seen Jesus working in their heart. Their gratitude shines through their smiles and their empowered lives. Those are the intangible blessings that come from being a part of the Orality Institute.
These are eight of the 19 students from our training in September. They have gratitude for what Christ is doing within them, gratitude for what they are learning from God’s Word, and appreciation for the new oral strategy that they had the opportunity to learn. They come from indigenous backgrounds, addiction recovery, health challenges, and unbelieving families. Each of those could have prohibited them from coming to learn, but God called them to set aside time to be a student of His Word.
At the end of the week, the students responded to what they had learned and shared what they had appreciated. They said that they began to see themselves in the stories. They were impacted by developing a relationship with the characters in the Bible and the sincere communication of God’s Word with a living illustration. They were glad to have a simple tool that made sharing God’s Word easy and natural.
“I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving. When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive. For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners.” Psalm 69:30-33
Tangible Thanks
Setting a goal of $10,000 to cover the expenses for the trip to Malawi seemed like a difficult, almost impossible, ideal. That is the real cost for transportation, hosting training for four different ministries, and providing over 100 students with basic necessities for a week of classes together.
God gave strength to the seven hikers that crossed the Grand Canyon from rim to rim. He gave stamina to the eleven bikers who rode in the 100 mile ride. Both groups started early in the morning before the sun came up and ended after dark. Rodrick, from Prison Fellowship in Malawi, joined us by phone to pray for the start of our day.
Crossing the chasam of the canyon or going a long distance is a picture of what Jesus did to offer us the hope of life in Him. It is also a picture of the effort we make when we bring the gospel to people who need that life giving Word. The oral strategy helps bridge those physical and spiritual barriers. It allows God’s Word to be presented in a way that can be understood. Our international partners cross barriers and endure challenges daily as they bring the hope of Jesus to people. Our main responsibility is to encourage them and spur them on in the calling that God has put on their lives.
Praise the Lord who provided 82 people who supported this effort. Many of them were first time partners. Together we raised $12,333! That is on top of the regular monthly support that came in. You are an amazing support team and the Lord has once again supplied for a need that only He could meet.
We are grateful for your prayers, your support, and for your partnership in this ministry. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Philippians 4:19-20
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