Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Wrapping up, starting out, and other happenings

Bible Study

    Chris and Aaron have finished what we would call Phase 1 teaching with the national store workers!!  Phase 1 goes chronologically from Creation to the Cross, systematically laying a foundation of who God is, His attributes, who man is, his problem of sin, and God's faithfulness in his promise to send a Deliverer.  It was a bit of a mixed group to start with...some were quite familiar with this teaching, some had heard bits and pieces out of context, and some hadn't heard any of it at all.  Going through these lessons again, we are reminded of how important it is to understand the culture we are communicating to as we saw some struggle with concepts that were different than ones that the people in Mibu struggled with.  Some of the struggles were similar in many regards.  Nevertheless, through patience, and effective communication, but especially through the grace of God, at the end of the lessons, Chris feels that everyone who participated has a good, clear understanding of what the message of the gospel is.  Ongoing time with them, and maintaining the relationship that has been established will be how we see if they are personally choosing to put their trust IN that message.  While the teaching time is officially over, the time for discipleship has only begun.  Please be praying for those who attended this Bible study, that this message will continue to come through their mind, and that they will think and meditate on it, and ultimately place their trust in the finished work that the Deliverer did for them on the cross.

Effective Communication

    This last weekend, Chris had the privilege of sharing at a leadership workshop for national Christian leaders.  Specifically, he was asked to share about effective means of communication.  These Christian leaders want to be effective in their sharing of the message of the gospel as they go out on outreaches and take the opportunities that come their way in every day life.  Over 3 different sessions, Chris shared on the effectiveness of humor, illustrations, and non-verbal communication (like posture, fidgeting, turning your back to the crowd, and projecting your voice).  It was very special when Sunday morning, a young man who has been learning to preach, and is quite knowledgeable in scripture), shared a VERY appropriate illustration at the beginning of his message.  Something he's never done before, and it was rewarding to see how well the congregation received and understood his illustration, and how it tied in with his passage of scripture (and will help them remember the points of his message).

Ongoing Education

    While Jael is back in school almost full-time (Angie keeps her home for an hour in the morning to continue hitting the areas of spelling and reading with extra intensity), mom is looking at going back to school as well.  With as much as she has enjoyed learning about and working with Jael and her learning needs, Angie is thinking it might be worth looking into getting her degree accredited (through transferring credits and completing a degree program at an accredited institution) so that she can continue her training with NILD as well as open doors to work with other people's children, should that opportunity present itself.  We're not sure where this will lead.  But, we've learned more and more about the number of MK's here who also have learning difficulties and are toughing it out with their moms in the tribe.  We're hoping the tools that we have already gained, and hope to gain in the future will be beneficial not only to our own family, but also to other families.  So, please be praying for wisdom and direction as Angie scopes things out and as we work to determine if this is something to pursue now, later, or maybe even not at all.

Birthdays, Birthdays!

    A few weeks ago, Jael celebrated her 10th birthday!!  Yes, we are now in the double digits!  As sobering as it is for us as parents to realize that she is more than half-way through her time with us here at home, we are thrilled with the young woman we see trying to emerge!  God has special plans for her, and it is such a joy to catch these glimpses of who she is becoming.
    In a couple weeks, our youngest will celebrate his 3rd birthday!  Titus is a joy, and keeps us all laughing and on our toes!  Hard to believe our baby is turning 3.  We love seeing how at home he is with our national friends, whether we're at church, or visiting in their homes.  We smile every time we hear him greeting  the many nationals that pass by our house each day with an "apinun".
    A few days after Titus, Chris will also celebrate a birthday!  The Lord has blessed our family with wonderful people, and with good health!

Thank you for your love and prayers!
Because of HIM,
Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus Walker

Picture:  Our three kiddos!