Reflections on Our First Class by Shellie Shaw

Our first night of lessons went very well. I was surprised by a number of things.  First, I was amazed by how well the students in my class speak English.  Secondly, I was impressed with their ability to use critical thinking.  Thirdly, I was blown away by the depth of their understanding of spiritual matters.  Last night's session was about the Word of God from the first chapter of John, and it was heady, but it seemed apparent that God has removed veils from the their eyes and they are hungry for more understanding, which is what I had been praying for over the last few months.  The first question posed by a student during our Bible lesson portion of the night was really a clarification that the Word was the Son of God, rather than Father God or Holy Spirit.  I had no idea they had knowledge of the Trinity!  One student was able to speak of miracles Jesus had performed while on earth. One female student took me aside and asked why I would travel so far and at such cost for them, and proceeded to tell me her mother was encouraging her to read the Bible and to come to learn what she can about it.  They assured me that they have only read choice passages from the Bible, and not had much more than that.  Glory to God!

In speaking with other teachers, most groups found the students struggling with the concepts discussed, and did not have the same experience as I had. 

I have recently been reading through Acts again, and I am reminded why I love the word "but" in the Bible.  "But" means God is going to do something amazing.  In chapter 12 we see that James has been killed and Peter has been imprisoned, "But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him." (Acts 12:5)  And then Peter escapes from prison with the guidance of an angel.  Prayer moves God's hand.  Please continue to pray earnestly, Church, that the veil is removed from these students' eyes, so they know the freedom in Christ, and that the eyes of their hearts will be enlightened to understand the hope of Christ, and His great power.  It is exciting over here.  Your prayers are being answered.  But keep praying earnestly!

Much love and thanks, Shellie