Greetings!Greetings!,
Do you ever wish that some scripture was just suggestion? For example, this passage from James 1:2-4:
"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way."
Wow! Seriously??? Sheer gift is not the way I usually feel about tests and challenges. Words like frustrated, angry, resentful, fearful...those words often seem more fitting for my response in the face of difficulties. Doesn't speak too highly of my faith, does it? So I guess God's plan does work. My faith life has been forced into the open and its true colors have been shown. I'm afraid the colors are not bright and beautiful, as I would like, but at least I know what to talk to God about now. I think this was His plan all along. For this, I can be thankful.
There have
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Leslie and Mimi unloading donations
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been a lot of challenges lately. But there have also been a lot of blessings. The women's shelter is just about ready to open! We were greatly blessed with donations of furniture, mattresses and bedding, kitchen items...almost everything we needed! We are anticipating the arrival of the first woman soon. God really is amazing!
Last night, our house church met at the women's shelter for a dedication of the property to God's glory.
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Praying for Mimi at the home dedication
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We are blessed to have friends that are committed to standing with us in this vision. We know that God loves justice and is compassionate to those that suffer. Please join us in prayer for the women that God will send to this home. God wants them redeemed and restored. We are blessed to be a part of His work.
For now, Alexandra is still with us. Her biological parents have told us
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Stephanie and Alexandra
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they are taking steps to take her to live with them. Though we cannot say with certainty what plans God has for Alexandra, we know that He has plans to prosper her and not to harm her, to give her a hope and a future (Jer. 29:11). We are asking the Lord to assure that the hands that raise Alexandra are hands that are lifted up to Him. Thank you for all the prayers that have been spoken before the Father on her behalf. You have made a difference in this little girl's life!
We will be moving to a new house very close to the women's shelter on Wednesday. The Lord definitely answered our prayers about this need, now we just need the strength to pack!
Your continued prayers sustain us. When we feel like giving up, God always encourages us. We know that your prayers play a major role in this. Thank you, also, for your financial support that allows us to do what we do here. May God be glorified as we work together to build His kingdom!
Going for Him,
Leslie and Stephanie
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