This week has been one of extreme failure on my part and utter success on God's. In theory: the perfect week. In actuality: a very hard one.
This week was one that most students say is the hardest week of Patmos. The weekend before we were barraged by spiritual warfare attacks with the enemy trying to divide us as a staff and just get a foot in. So I started the week of with a firm mind, determined to be a prayer warrior for our students. But as the students learned about the sin in their lives, and what it looks like to a Holy God...the Spirit was faithful to walk me through a parallel lesson.
In addition: one of our students had a seizure, we got a brand new student last Sunday (never before in the history of Patmos has a student joined half way through), I've been fighting a cold all week with less sleep than normal, I very nearly botched the climax of this week's lesson by sending an e-mail out prematurely...
I have never felt more unqualified to be here, and more grateful that God uses me inspite of that. He truly did succeed this week, and I have been diligent in seeking out the students and hearing the lessons that God taught them.
To end the week: just last night all of the Adventure Learning Centre was invited on board the Operation Mobilization ship Logos Hope which arrived in Nassau Friday morning and will be here for two weeks. We were served a high class meal while witnessing the work God has done through the 16 years of Mr. and Mrs. Randy Grebe, founders of the Adventure Learning Centre. The stories, testimonies, and witness of faces were overwhelmingly encouraging.
It felt very familiar to me: a couple hundred people gathered in a room-all committed to serving the Lord in ministry- praising God and testifying to the work He does through our lives on the mission field. I felt very honored to be there.
In addition I got a little taste of home from my old church Trinity. Allison and I got to spend Saturday with them at the beach, and though I am unfamiliar with most of the new students who attend, I was able to connect with them well and enjoy their company. They just smell like Redlands!!! We also got a care package bag that the second team just brought in. It contains small comforts like full leaf teas, snacks, and other fun things.
Thank you for all your prayers. I know that I have been so empowered this semester because of all of you who pray so diligently on my behalf. God is truly working with these students and this last week proved to reveal amazing growth in their lives. Their old selves are dying and they resemble Christ more each day!
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