Things are going well here. I had a great conversation with one girl the other day about her study of scripture and her pursuit of the Lord, which was great.
Unfortunately, I am getting a little sick and praying deeply that this be removed from me. I had a fever most of the day yesterday, which isn't good seeing as how a lot of the kids here are sick right now. Emmanuel received 96 new children from a government agency about two weeks ago. Almost every child has a skin problem (like chicken pox and scabies) out have other illnesses. Almost all of them show clear signs of abuse as well, which is sickening. That agency "burned down" so the government sent them to Emmanuel. What a blessing for those children. One boy us so malnourished, he may not live. Pray for these kids and their adjustment here. Pray for their health and ours.
Our ministry time here has been busy and wonderful. We seem to have many more opportunities to do things like scheduled Bible studies this year than in year's past. Last night, tonight and tomorrow night we are leading Bible studies for some of the older girls. Last night was for a discipleship group that meets twice per week. It's some of the more spiritually mature kids in the orphanage — some of the leaders you might say. We split the guys and girls last night and both were given the Word. It was so great in the girls group to worship the Lord together. Some of the songs we would sing in both languages simultaneously. So beautiful to consider the voices of Heaven.
Today I led a Bible study with the small and medium girls (ages 6-13). I talked about Job and his many trials but his unfailing love of God — even when he didn't understand the circumstances he was in. The girls can really relate to that. I can too. It was very personal. I pray it touched their hearts.
Tomorrow night I will lead the third girls' evening study (tonight was the second). It will be with some of the older girls who work in some of the houses. They stay so busy organizing the children that they are somewhat removed from some of the teachings. This is a great time to invest in them.
John will teach the medium boys Wednesday afternoon. He is going to teach through a part of Corinthians. Please pray for both of us as we prepare to deliver God's Word. That our words will be clearly translated in Spanish and that God will be glorified.
It was hot today, which was a blessing (it's been very cool the past few days — like low 80s — so the kids have spent a lot of time in their houses because it was too "cold" for them to play :) It was nice to be outside more today. We actually got a little sunburn even.
Can't wait to show you some photos of the beautiful faces we are loving on.
