Turning a heart
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.”
1 Corinthians 3:6 (NASB)
Upon arriving for our assignment, we enrolled our four children in the local primary school. Each day we passed mums, dads and grans escorting their children to and from school. Smiles and greetings were scarce as families scurried about their daily routines. We soon realized the best way to enter any new culture was by actively loving their children.
A few mothers soon joined me weekly to pray for the school, instructors and the head teacher. Soon we saw the need for an afterschool Bible club. Surprisingly, a few national believers discouraged the idea. Many knew the head teacher’s harsh views toward Christianity.
Following much prayer, I met with this teacher. My proposal for an extracurricular club was heard favorably. Upon my departure, she exclaimed that she had been prepared to deny our request but had a change of heart. Days later, a Christian teacher and the school secretary offered to assist with the club. Both ladies had been praying for three years that God would increase His presence in their school. We knew God had answered prayers.
God’s presence has settled on the school every Thursday afternoon for the past three years. More than 80 students have heard, “Jesus saves.” Though they are in the land of great Christian heritage, these students aren’t aware of a personal God who loves them. Ten percent of these students recently committed their lives to Him, following a JESUS film viewing.
Prayer is the first step of any project, any encounter or any ministry.
Father, thank You for the prayers that changed this school. I pray that You will cause the spiritual growth for these young students who have now professed Christ. Bring the United Kingdom back to its spiritual heritage so that the next generation can know You personally. Amen.
Text exerpt from Voices of the Faithful. Order your own copy from the
International Mission Board
Resource Center