7 January 2022
Dear friends,
In Exodus chapter 17, there is the wonderful story of Israel fighting the Amalekites. Moses told Joshua, "I will stand on the hilltop with God's staff in my hand." As long as Moses held the staff in the air, Israel prevailed. But when he put his hands down, the Amalekites prevailed. Seeing that he was growing tired, Aaron and Hur sat him on a rock and together they held up his hands. Israel won.
Today, Lemuel needs us to "hold up their hands". If you listen to any of the news, you know that Haiti is a political mess. Prices continue to sky-rocket, kidnappings are a part of daily life, and unavailability of merchandise makes things challenging. Added to that, the Plateau is in another serious drought. Lack of sufficient rain means no crops, water holes that are drying up, and animals beginning to die for lack of food. In addition, many on the Plateau are quite sick. We don't know if it is Covid or some other virus that has attacked... but the result is the same. People are doing their best to function each day, but there is an underlying sense of discouragement and disillusionment. It is a time when the faith of many is being tested. They need encouragement to stand firm.
But, the Lemuel staff are tired. They too live within the harsh realities of Haiti. They too are affected by the drought. They need us to "hold their hands up". Next week, Dave will be there. While there is a lot of work to be done, he is also hoping to encourage the staff. Would you please consider fasting and praying. You can choose one day next week or every day next week. Choose a meal, a TV show, a news show, or something else you love, to give up in order to use that time to pray for Dave and for the staff and people of the Plateau.
What to pray for:
1 RAIN 2 Health and strength for the administration, the teachers, those working in the development ministry, and the support staff. 3 Wisdom for Dave as he addresses some of the discouraging issues and turns the hearts of the people to the Lord. 4 That the people who are seeking truth would have the veil that blinds them lifted so they can see "the glorious truth of the Gospel." The god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Cor 4:4 CSB
Manis always says, "Pray from a praising heart.” So, remember as you go to prayer to worship and celebrate the God who is able to do above and beyond what we could ask or think. Thank Him for the reality that we have THE TRUTH. Recently Krischelle's mom reminded me of a wonderful verse in Job 38:37-38: Who has the wisdom to number the clouds? Or who can tilt the water jars of heaven when the dust hardens like cast metal and the clods of dirt stick together. Only God can bring the rain that is so desperately needed. But He longs for us to desire HIM more than His blessings.
May God encourage you as you consider joining us for a time of fasting and prayer in order to "hold up the hands" of the tired staff in Lemuel. May God richly bless you as you bless them.
Gratefully,
Comments