Emma's Event

Hello! This week is just flying by. There is an exciting event I want to tell you about. Emma is in a band and they have been invited to participate in a Youth Event on Saturday at a large sports stadium. The sponsors are expecting 2,000-3,000 students to be in attendance. It will be broadcast on a local Papuan TV channel as well as on the radio. This is not a Christian event, but Emma's band will be singing a Christian song in Indonesian. Originally they were going to do three songs and a short testimony, but their time slot has been bumped down to 5 minutes. Not much time, but it will be enough to shine the light of Jesus!!!  We are so excited. Emma is nervous and could really use prayers. This is such an amazing opportunity. Seriously! SO cool! Pray that the power doesn't go out, (that happens all the time here), pray that they get their 5 minutes and don't get bumped again, and pray that they are a fantastic witness to all there. 

On a much sadder note, pray for Wyatt's friend Jenni. She needs Jesus. She tried to kill herself last night and didn't succeed. She ended up at the hospital for a few hours and then was sent home. Wyatt has been investing so much time into this family and they desperately need the hope that only God can bring.

Also, Wyatt is having trouble getting his visa to go to Brazil this summer with the Chicago Eagles. Please pray for all of the details regarding that. He is still trying to raise money for this ministry and is excited about this opportunity. We know that if God wants him there it will all work out.

Thanks guys for caring enough about us to read this and take these requests to heart. We appreciate you.

Rachel

Reflections

My time on OE always gives me plenty of moments to reflect. One theme that runs through my head most days is how grateful I am. How absolutely, and completely grateful I am for all that I have. God is so very good. I can't believe how good He is to me. I have so much that I don't deserve. The people that we serve in the villages have a totally different life than me. What would my life look like if I was born there? Would I be as happy as them? So many of the villagers have lived in darkness, they have seen the power of the devil, they have lost loved ones, they have felt like there was no hope. And then, they hear about Jesus. They hear that He gave His life for them. That He loves them. That He has a plan and purpose for their lives. No wonder they walk around singing and dancing. They now have Hope. And that Hope can be seen pouring out of their faces. That is why I love being around them. It's contagious.

And those that are still walking around in darkness need to see us caring and loving on them. Some days that means pulling out rotten teeth, or giving a shot. Other days it might be painting a church or building a road. Actions done in love speak louder than words.

I am thrilled that God is using me here. Even back home at the Hostel I have opportunities before me. Whether it is talking to my house helpers or ministering to the families at the bottom of our hill, there are people that need to see this Hope. I am praying that I don't miss out on a chance.

Wyatt has developed a great relationship with some of the Indonesian families that live by us. I have had the kids up several times to make cookies with me, or play, or read books. There is a lot of darkness with them, and I am praying that when they are here they see something different.

For my birthday they made me a banana cake and bought me a shirt. The little they have they shared with me. I was greatly moved. Keep praying for their salvation.

The dorm is in full swing. We are getting ready for our bball tournament, a band concert, Coffee House performance, Emma's band has two concerts coming up, ACT testing, and Terra Nova testing. But it is all good.I love these kids and I love this ministry. I know God has great things planned for the next weeks ahead. Thank you for remembering to pray for us.

Rachel