We've been our new home for about 2 weeks now. It has been wonderful and hard at the same time. I've been exhausted and tired and irritable. I've been happy and delighted and awed. I know it's my body, mind, and soul trying to wrap it's self around a new culture. Sometimes I feel so defeated. Then I settle down for a quick night scripture reading and God tells me: Merciful and faithful Lord, because of Your great love I am not consumed, for Your compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait on him." Lord, You are good to those whose hope is in You, to the one who seeks You (Lam. 3:22-25). Surely You, Jesus, took up my infirmities and carried my sorrows, yet we considered You stricken by God, smitten by Him and afflicted. But You were pierced for my transgressions; You were crushed for my iniquities; the punishment that brought me peace was upon You, and by Your wounds, Lord Jesus, I am healed (Isa. 53:4-5).

These are verses that I have grown up hearing, but never until know have they been packed with so much healing!! Now I have to say that I don't want to merely listen to the Word and so deceive myself, but I want to claim it and believe it and live it. Help me, Father, to do what it says (James 1:22).

I needed to share this with you. It's not always fun admitting weakness and emotional breakdowns, but I want you to know that I'm human and God can still use me : ) He can use you too!! I hope you are encouraged.

God is to be praised because His Word is true and His Word changes lives. Here is a picture of 5 Mien villagers who were recently baptized. Lek and his son are standing with them. Lek and others have been ministering in this village for over 7 years. Now we are seeing a harvest!! Rejoice in the Lord!