As an online missionary for Global Media Outreach, I have been discipling Maria, for two years. She’s 21 and lives in Southeast Asia. Maria is a great source of frustration to me–but also a source of endearment.
Maria emails often–too often! She’s up and she’s down. She is a follower of Jesus and then she’s an atheist. She’s bisexual and then she’s straight. She’s suicidal and then she wants to live. She hates people and then she loves them. She’s addicted to drugs and alcohol and then… well no, I believe she’s still addicted.
Five days ago she had sworn to follow her weed-smoking friends in atheism. She told me she was finished with me and with God—forever! I waited three days and then wrote a short note encouraging her with God’s Word, with His love and with my belief in her.
She responded, “I will do what you say. Thank you. You always give light to my mind and to my darkest thoughts and darkest thinking. You give me hope to live life full even if I want to give up on my life and God. Please guide me always. I need you, to help me know more about God and to be closer again to Him. Thank you Kathleen!”
My eyes brimmed with tears. I will continue to work with this frustrating, yet precious and needy friend. I will continue to pray for her and encourage her with God’s Word. Please take a moment and pray for Maria. Pray also for me, that I will give wise and godly counsel and help her get established in a local community of Christians.
- My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12
- SONG: THE WELL OF DESPAIR – Lyrics by Liana Wendy Howarth; Music by Kathleen
[This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/ and http://www.godlife.com/en/about-christianity
[To leave a comment or prayer request, simply click on the TITLE of this post and scroll to the bottom.]
Praying dear friend. May her swaying heart become firmly fixed in one direction. That of God. May peace settle upon her and you. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. Stand still.
Thank you, Liana. Your comment reads like poetry…I wonder why. To stand still and see the salvation of the Lord is good counsel.
I lifted a prayer for both you and Maria. Thank you for allowing the light of Christ to shine through you and become the lighthouse Maria so desperately needs in her dark and stormy travels. Your story is of hope and inspiration. May we all acquire a heart that never gives up on people and always trust God to do the work that only He can do. Blessings my dear sister.
Thank you, Joe, for your prayer…and for your encouragement.