Last night (Thursday) was the final class, the handing out of
certificates, and the first of many, many thank yous. A thirst to learn
and a humbleness and willingness to set aside the fear of trying
something completely new will be a memory I take home of these wonderful
students. Its never easy to begin to learn a new language, and the
confusion you feel can be overwhelming. But the sense of community that
began to build over 10 short days of classes was huge. Students with
intact families. Students who cannot go home because of the occupation
on their native soil by Russian troops. Students who have seen
artillery in action, and yet desire to follow Jesus and not the ways of
man. Students whose father abandoned their families when they were
quite young.
Perhaps the most heart warming theme was
how young men and young ladies both began to open up to us. To trust
us, and to share. They commented over and over that "You're not like
our regular teachers - you smile, you talk to us, you let us make
mistakes and then encourage us and don't chastise us. You laugh. You
make learning fun." And more importantly, "I came to class thinking
there was no need to discuss or think about religion or God, but now I
think differently - I'd like to explore this (about Jesus) more."
Pray
for tender hearts. I felt the willingness to investigate and discuss
is a door that is wide open. From those who know quite a bit about the
Bible, but don't know Jesus, to those who think they are atheist, but
are willing to consider God.
Continue to pray for lasting fruit. For the second, and third and fourth generation of disciples that will come from this.
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