Humbling ...

Around 10:30 tonight, I returned home with my arms full of grocery bags and found Pedro drinking coffee with one of his language tutors. This particular tutor is from Central America and has already spent over a decade in the pastorate, but felt God leading him to further studies. He stepped out in faith and came to the States with his wife and two children, and the promise of financial support from their home church.

Tonight he was sharing with us how their monthly support has not come in and they have not had groceries for the past three days. My first reaction was to feel embarrassed and a little guilty about the bags of groceries I had brought in so carelessly! Yet he was not complaining; rather, he was sharing the blessing of unexpectedly receiving a $50 Wal-Mart gift card today so that they can now buy groceries. This is not the first time we have heard of the international students not receiving their promised funds and going without, yet each time I am humbled by their faith and joy despite the circumstances. I have much to learn from these brothers and sisters in Christ!

Pedro's tutor then went on to tell us about a heartbreaking event that occurred a week or so ago in their home country. A college-aged student from their church, a young man he had led to Christ, baptized, and discipled, was shot and killed when his cellular phone was stolen. He was a leader in their church and was in his second year of college.

Our friend told us that he received over 100 e-mails from young people at home, asking him why he was in the States and not there with them when they needed him. He sorrowfully told us: "To go without food is not a sacrifice for us. But this is a sacrifice. This situation ... it is too much sacrifice."

Please pray for God to be glorified in the testimony of this young man's life and death, and for our friend to be comforted and encouraged that God has a purpose in his being here despite this tragedy. Also, that God would supply the needs (as we know He will) of those He has called here for training and service, and that we would be sensitive to ways we can help and encourage others during our time at RGBI.