The Enemy

The past week has been one of the hardest since being here. Francine has been pretty sick and that has made doing things more difficult for her and the family. We do not know how her health will play out in this new place. We've been pretty encouraged up to this point. She is having what we call a "flare-up". It could last a few days or a few weeks. Please pray for the former.

Even though she has not felt very well, we have been able to have many people over to our house. The fellowship has been very inspiring and encouraging. The family we are building is really great. I think we all feel the bond growing daily. We hope that it will start overflowing more and more into the people around us - and I know it will!

This is the most literal experience I have had of Acts 2:42-46, and we are praying for vs. 47.

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Along with all of this we are working through some sins that have arisen among us. I think that we are dealing with it biblically, but it has been a bit of a curve ball for the team. We have come closer together as we face Satan's attacks. Although sin is nothing to celebrate, it is wonderful to see the love and concern for one another well up to face this challenge. With prayer and guidance I know that God will overcome these obstacles.

We had a meeting with the Spokane leadership team this past weekend. They shared their experiences during the planting of the Spokane church. It was encouraging to see their excitement not only for our endeavor, but reliving their own adventures. Remembering what God has done always invigorates me for what he will do.

Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.