Jenny Waller, God Answers....
God Answers
When I wasn't expecting it, God answered my prayer in an incredible way.
Pulling into an apartment complex where I lead a weekly story group, I said a quick prayer not really expecting God to answer it. I was thinking about my friend (who was hosting the story group) and how even though she is open to hearing stories of Truth, she is constantly surrounded by other Muslims. I thought of her son who was teased by some other boys for sharing one of the stories he heard in the story group. I prayed and asked God to put other followers of Jesus in my friend's life, so that she can experience Christian community. As I opened my car door, I saw a young boy trip and fall to the ground. I went over to see if he was ok and found out that he was originally from Pakistan and just moved to Phoenix that day. I don't know why I did this, but even though I was running late to story group I asked if I could meet his family. As I walked with him to his apartment, I realized they lived right next door to the apartment where we have story group. After meeting his mom, I found out that she is from the very part of Pakistan where I have been before. She asked me why I went to Pakistan and I shared that I am a follower of Jesus and was staying with friends sharing about Him. Then she said "My family and I are followers of Jesus too!" In that moment, I knew that God answered my prayer. Right away, I asked her to come with me to the story group to meet my friend. As we started to walk next door, I ran into a Muslim family who wanted me to come to their home for tea. I told them I couldn't come, because I was going to a story group and asked if they wanted to come too. They came and also invited another Muslim family. As I got ready to share the story I looked around the room in amazement at the work of God. After reviewing the creation story and sharing about Jesus being the Promised Savior, I shared the story of Jairus' daughter and the bleeding woman that Jesus healed. They all loved the stories and the group told the story back to me. We laughed as we watched my friend's son and the boy who had tripped earlier compete over who told the story better. I was so encouraged to see my friend becoming friends with this new Christian family. I wanted to share this story, because God used this to grow my faith and challenge me to pray believing that He hears and answers.
How You Can Pray for Me...
Pray for those attending story group who do not have a relationship with Jesus. Pray that they will hear stories of truth and choose to follow Him. Pray that the followers of Jesus attending will grow stronger in their faith and that the love of Jesus will be seen through them as they live in community.
Pray that God will continue to work in my life and grow me stronger in my faith as I seek to follow Him in life and ministry.
Pray for my unreached friends who listen to stories because of our friendship, but are not interested in becoming followers of Jesus. Pray that these stories will sink into their hearts and that God will give them eyes to see and ears to hear His truth.
Pray for our GoTEN staff, Encouragers and students as we get ready to start English Classes August 17th. Pray for friendships to be developed and for God's protection over our classes during this season (as we move forward taking precautions).