Monday, December 2, 2013

Hometown Faithfulness

From left to right, a neighbor, Ellen, K, and Mom
Ever since she became a believer in college, K has been praying for her family.  Sharing the gospel with her parents and siblings has been difficult.  But over 10 years later, she is starting to see the fruit of her prayers and boldness. 

At the beginning of our trip to her hometown last week K shared her heart, "I want to ask my mom to pray to receive Christ.  I've been talking to God about it, and I think this time is right." 

From that moment on, I knew my job was to be interceding for that time.  In the past, this conversation has come up between K and her mom, but Mom just dismisses the idea saying "not right now," "maybe later" or "our family is Buddhist."

On our first night in her parents' home, K found mom sitting on the patio upstairs.  She asked me to join them and asked her mom if she was ready to pray.  This time, mom said yes! 

As K led her in prayer, I prayed that she would truly understand the words she was saying and Christ's sacrifice for her.

We were overjoyed.  As we sat chatting, Dad came upstairs.  K had mentioned before that Dad is more of the skeptic in the family. 

Mom and Dad holding a picture of great grandma
The following night, in our small talk on the porch before going to bed, K suggested that Dad ask God for help.  Dad had reoccurring nightmares that he was fighting in his sleep to the point that he  would sometimes fall out of bed.  

Dad prayed on his own, and we prayed for him too. 

In the morning, Dad said he had no nightmares!  He couldn't deny that God had something to do with that.

K and I continue to pray for her family, for Mom to grow as a new believer (in a town that has no other Christians) and for Dad's heart to be softened and seek Jesus.  Will you pray with us?

K and I in front of a rice field near her house.

Lunch!  Sticky rice, grilled pork, fish, and vegetables.

Cutting fresh bananas off the stem.

K resting in the great weather and quiet town atmosphere.

Hanging out with neighbors.

Meeting new friends.

Watching the rice being separated from the stalk. (Stalk goes flying, rice gets poured into the white bags to be sold.)