big week ahead!

Yesterday kicked off a big week we have ahead!  Emmaus Biblical Seminary is about to begin a new school year!

We were blessed by a beautiful start yesterday morning.  One of our students, Civil, has been in the process of planting a church for almost a year now in the Breda area.  Over Easter break, about 20 staff and students joined him in doing evangelism throughout this area, and yesterday, the church was officially inaugurated.   

Of course, when I say church, I'm talking about a body of believers, because that's about all there was...a nice little yard, a big canvas overhead, some plastic chairs borrowed from surrounding homes and a few benches borrowed from a school.

But we were delighted to worship God under shade trees with this group of new and old family, and equally delighted to see a LOT of old and current students there.  Several past graduates have joined him in planting this church, several more came to support the church, and several current students helped him lead this kick-off service.

This has proved to be a difficult zone and already this small group of believers has faced a lot of persecution.  It blessed our hearts to see so many friendships, made through Emmaus, supporting one another and helping further his kingdom. 

Join us in praying for Civil (below) as they work to bring Christ to this area and to stabilize a community of believers.

Meanwhile, I've started back five days a week at Emmaus this morning, students are in and out, there are a million "final preparation" things to do, and Thursday kicks off new student orientation and student retreat.  Junior, and others from further away, will be returning on Wednesday, and Director Bryan is also set to join us on Thursday.

Matt's been working like crazy on the student handbook, finalizing policies and lesson planning, and I'm preparing for class and financially registering each student.

Please continue to pray for a good child-care situation, as that it continues to be heavy on my heart.  We've patched together a plan for this week, but really need some extra help to make this work.

Please be praying that this school year has a beautiful start this week, and that students will not only glean a lot of good information, but will also truly be met by the Holy Spirit this week.

We praise the Lord again for tripling our efforts through Uncle Don, who is shouldering Matt's greatest burden by taking care of so many operational issues.  He and Maxi are faithfully plugging away each moment of the day, making each day feel way more productive!

I'm so thankful, so thankful, for the precious staff that we have here at Emmaus, truly a Godly and humble group of people.  This culture makes pride, having education, financial prosperity and power such huge temptations, and when we see members of the staff fighting against these temptations for His glory and for His priorities, it is beyond beautiful.

Please pray that His priorities for His kingdom through EBS would continue to prevail, and that He would continually be helping each of us to die to our own priorities and take on His...a difficult thing in ANY culture!