On September 11, 2001, wicked men brought down the Twin Towers in the name of God. Nobody had even heard of “Islamic State” (ISIS/ISIL). Now 13 years later, one could be tempted to think that Al Qaeda seems almost tame in comparison.
You prayed as we spent 4 Days on the Beach. You prayed for travel safety and God gave it as we drove the 4-5 hours there and back. You prayed for the families to enjoy getting to know each other. God also answered that prayer as we saw potential barriers of ethnic, cultural and religious differences crumble away. You prayed that we would be safe at the beach and that we would have good weather. We did! We enjoyed extended periods of sunshine especially at the beach, enough to get a sunburn. If you know anything about British weather, you will know that sunshine is a precious and rare jewel, especially in summertime.
You prayed as George was planning to share a message from God’s Word on the final night. That did not happen as planned. Instead, on the first night, a spontaneous gospel conversation broke out as the men sat and relaxed together before going to bed. On the second night, the other men asked George to play guitar and sing whatever songs he would like. He started with ‘Everlasting God’, thinking about the one man there whose mother had passed away 2 weeks before (‘you comfort those in need’). That led to ‘Our God’ (‘out of the ashes we rise’), ‘Your Grace Finds Me’ (‘in the weeping by the graveside’), and a handful of other songs with clear Christian lyrics. In between, George explained God’s grace in Christ as portrayed in the songs. The men kept asking for more songs, saying they were ‘encouraging’, ‘therapeutic’, and ‘good for the soul’.
Pray that God will continue to speak. Pray also for spiritual fruit as we restart regular fall ministries. We thank God continually for your prayers. God is at work!
George and Karen
