Two New Sisters!

“There's no guarantee that they're going to turn, the guarantee is that Jesus will be with you.” – Francis Chan

This week at church we looked at the passage from Luke 5:17-26 – the story of the paralytic being lowered through the roof. Although I have heard this story many times, I was really struck by the faith of the friends. They abandoned all – ridicule (they were in the presence of Pharisees), punishment (they did break through someone's roof after all!) and rejection (Jesus didn't have to heal their friend). However, Jesus chose to heal their friend, and in doing so chose to reveal His glory to these men as well. Can you imagine the testimony these men would go out with for the rest of their lives??

These men couldn't heal their friend. They didn't have to. All they had to do was get him as close to Jesus as possible. Jesus is the One who heals. Sometimes He even allows us to see some of His glory.

This past week two of my women came to Christ! They both come from Muslim families, so this is a huge deal. I had been praying for both of these women for a few weeks now, as we had sensed a softening of their hearts. On Wednesday I met with Rehemah just to understand where she was coming from – she fasted during Ramadan but is extremely smart and knows all the answers to my questions. She shared that she believed the Koran and the Bible were both true. After talking for a while, I shared that you cannot be a Muslim and a born-again at the same time, but was content to leave it at that for the day. She was silent for a bit, so I told her she was free to ask me questions at any time. She looked up and said, “Can I change my name?”

Rehemah is a Muslim name. Changing her name would be a testimony to the change in her heart. I was hesitant and asked why, and she shared that her heart had changed and she wanted to show it. We talked, she prayed, and we shared in her joy! We gave her the name Rebekah. The other women in this group were filled with joy as well and started telling her about baptism as well as preparing her for the problems that might arise with her family. Jennifer said, “But Rebekah, we are now your sisters. We will be here for you.”

The next day she came up to me and said, “Aunt Kate, I told Zainabu about yesterday and she wants to talk to you too.” So we met and I asked her what she was thinking. She said she was tired of being both, and just wanted Jesus to come into her heart and forgive her sins. I was very honest and blunt that being a born-again doesn't mean you have a genie to grant your every wish – it comes with hardship (especially amongst the Muslim community) – but that it's a walk through life with Jesus. She thought for a while, then quietly said, “But I want that.” We talked, she prayed, and we shared in her joy as well! She wanted to be called Gift because of the Gift that God has now given her. Wow.

Sometimes God allows us to see a small piece of His glory.

Rebekah and Sarah 

I love these women so much! These two are amongst my Wednesday women – the ones I have been pouring out all of my love to – and am so excited to see them grow in their faith! I know it won't be easy, especially with their families, but I'm so blessed to be a part of their story.

Honestly, I came here not expecting to see any converts. That truth hurts me, because it shows my lack of faith. But I've heard of many missionaries on the field for years without seeing any fruit, so I'm humbled that God would allow me to be a part of this. A sermon from Francis Chan this week caught my attention when he said the above stated quote, Jesus will be with you. There are days when I feel like there is such a barrier here; I want my women to know Jesus but they're just not getting it. Again, it's not my job to heal. It's my job to get them as close to Jesus as possible, just by being faithful to the Word of God. And in that, I'm promised that Jesus is going to be with me. And sometimes, He allows me to see the healing and glory as well!

I am seized with amazement, glorifying God, and filled with awe as I contemplate, “We have seen extraordinary things today.” (Luke 5:26).

My Sarah. I'd be lost without her! 

I went to Rebekah's house today and she was beaming! She's so hungry for the Word. I'm hoping to start walking with her through Scripture each week. Her family is now calling her Rebekah as well (which is a huge testimony that she told them and that they're okay with it). I'm so excited to see what is to come with her and her family. Friends, rejoice with me -- you have two new sisters as well!

Remember this little peanut? MIRACLE came back!! 

 I just had to post some of the wonderful Jore kids too -- Hannah and Jay like to play a game where they're little pigs, I'm a big wolf, and I eat them. It's fun. :) 

 Is she not the cutest thing ever? 

 Jay! He makes me laugh like no other three-year-old that I've ever met!

Gosh. So stinkin' cute!