What a great two weeks! It has been a busy time here in Oscoda, Michigan, as the church just had two weeks of summer Bible Camp. For me, it has been a life changing time, especially through being able to meet with my pastor three times a week. I also had the privilege to teach few times at the camp. God has opened my eyes in amazing ways as I look into the teaching and preaching of His word in a ministry context.
At the same time, the Summer Bible Camp (The feet of Christ) in Haiti was also running. We wanted the camp to be able to run for seven days, but sadly, it was only able to run for three days due to a lack of finances and partially due to an increased number of students. We had planned for 50 students, but 65 students were able to attend. I thank all the leaders and teachers who put in the time to make this happen. While I was absent. Natael supervised the camp and was in charge of food! Pastor Wiseman taught the lesson.
I am also glad that two Moody students had the opportunity to be at the camp and speak to the girls and the boys about Christ. I thank God for such progress, from a simple Christmas program to long-term Summer Bible Camp. I can’t wait to see the changes God will bring in the students’ lives. As I was looking through the emails and the photos I receive from the camp, my heart was touched. I definitely miss those students and my homeland. Praise God, who in spite of my absence was able to make this happen.
The sad news is that while still in the process of writing this post, my brother called and told me that our father is in a very bad condition. My father has been experiencing intense pain all over his body. His belly is swelling, and he has been unable to eat much. Now my brother said his belly is very big. He visited several doctors, but none can find a solution. I really don’t know what do now. All I can do is trust God to do something for him. If you would please join me in prayer for him, it would be greatly appreciated. The Lord’s command is that we “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
I believe that in times like this, the best thing we can do is to say, “God’s will be done.” This hit me because I had been teaching on choices this week. The first lesson was “The choices we made will determine our future.” God chose us, but unless we response to his call we cannot be assured our future is secure. Every man’s future is hidden in his choices. Our daily choices also affect our near future. The second lesson was, “Knowing God helps us make better choices in times of difficulty.” This is knowing Him relationally. Even after we become born again believers in Jesus Christ, we still face difficult situations on an everyday bases in which we are required to choose one way or the other. Now I feel like I am facing a dilemma in which I need to respond like Job and rely on God’s sovereignty to heal my dad spiritually and physically. It is hard emotionally, but I chose to respond as Job did. I fell on my knees, cried, and worshiped God. I was teaching the lesson, now I have to learn it.
I don’t want to depress you! I shall say I have had a great summer by God’s grace. The camp in Haiti was successful, and my time here in Michigan has been wonderful. After the teaching at the camp here, so many questions were raised. It showed me that the students had paid attention, and I now have many questions to think about for the future. For sure, some of those questions will keep me thinking, shape me, and prepared me for further ministry.
“For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).