Day 4 Tuesday 7/24/2007

Today we got up and met for breakfast, Leila led the time of devotion and prayer, Romans chapter 8. We compiled a list of Armenians to pray for that we have met, and we will add to it as the days progress. We have been handing out the little gifts Emily prepared for us for those families we have met and been able to share with... they love American chocolate. We are finding (some of us) that we love Armenian coffee (very strong with grounds _in the cup!) and Armenian chocolate!

Many of us slept better and felt a little better than the day before. Praise God for every little bit. Susan stayed home today, and we are thankful that she has committed to being a prayer warrior for us, as we also pray for her.

VBS:

Today we started by playing games outside. Many of the children returned (including the wonderful family from the beach) - and they brought friends!!! Praise God. We sang the same songs from yesterday plus "Read your bible, pray everyday." Jamie taught (with team member skit) on Jesus' healing of Jarius' daughter the bleeding woman from Mark 5. The memory verse was Romans 10:9. I am told that many were moved by what Jesus did, as depicted/told. Praise God. Today, the children were even more zealous at their memory verse and 8-9 got up in front of everyone to recite it by themselves!! Our craft for today was making decorated paper-bag frog puppets.

The children are so loving. Today we saw a very touching behaviour... they will crowd us given the opportunity and ask us to sign their crafts!! They will ask for email addresses and telephone numbers. They are so sweet. I like to write "Jesus loves you" = Jesus si ru meme, when I sign.

After VBS / Visiting Homes:

Today we had a list of 4 homes to visit. The Armenians are so hospitable, they love visitors and it is disappointing indeed if you have to leave early... minimum of 1.5-2 hours. So this is perfect. Here are the divisions in terms of visits today:

*Hamille, John Paul, Detevic, Lilia - Home of Believer who has shunned away from church because of incident; also there will be unsaved friends there
*Charlie, Brooks, Rose - Armand's house to speak with Armand's mother and father who do not know the Lord
*Jamie, Emily, Albert, Lucine - Albert was able to pray a prayer of repentance with 2 women, one of which was not going to church any more in observance of a tradition of greivance after the passing of her husband
*John, Leila, Armand - The director of the Cultural Center's home with their family. Armand got to talk a lot about salvation

All the Armenians were extremely kind, hospitable, served wonderful food/treats

Personal note: We spoke to the wife of a man who accidentally detonated a hand grenade. He held it close to himself to save his friends. But his friends behind him died... and yet he lived! Though he lost his hand. Their family had been going to the pentacostal church in Sevan and were sinned against terribly and they left. They are disappointed and disillusioned with hypocrite Christians, yet they quietly left and still cling to God. To make a long story short, they were encouraged to go to the church plant and serve God! We got to share our testimony. And we had a great talk with the two unsaved friends there. Detevic explained salvation in detail. John Paul talked about what a true gospel is, and the importance of the Word. One friend said she did not want to pray now, because she is holding onto sin. We talked about that. The other asked many good questions. It was a very good time together, lots of scripture. I am amazed at this family's testimony. They are so kind!!! God bless them. Mother asked us to please tell her something encouraging... she wants to come to the church, husband will not let her... please pray for them. We hope they will come to church this Sunday, and eventually serve God there.

Prayer Requests:

Please pray for these wonderful Armenians:

At the home we visited with (family who is not at church because they were sinned against, and their friends): Ofick and her husband Samuel, Gayane, Anna, Marianne, Marrane.

Other VBS children: Garen (director of center's son), Vanouille, Marie, Marie

Team:

*Please pray for teaching tomorrow: John Paul is teaching about the Woman at the well in John 4. It's hard to know the best way to present such theologically dense material to precious children. Please pray for clarity, focus, good response for these lessons
*For open doors and good conversations, that many would believe
*For the children to believe in Christ and choose to follow him
*luggage to be found and returned
*Protection for us all
*Healing for Susan
*Preparations for us to lead 2 church services this coming Sunday: First as guests back at the church in Ashtarak, and also at the new church plant in Sevan
*Charlie Warner - special paperwork for family that needs to be done for health insurance