Welcomed Guests

With squinted eyes, we enjoyed our "to-go" breakfast of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as we traveled in the bright morning sun to the Vienamese Mennonite Church. Our brother and friend, pastor Luy, had specifically invited us to come to this morning's service because it was a special baptism service. Pastor Luy gave me the opportunity to share some words of encouragement with the new believers and the rest of the congregation. I briefly shared, reminding them that though they sometimes may feel alone in the struggles they experience in their Christian lives, they have great support as they look to the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit, and their brothers and sisters in Christ. I felt very honored to have the opportunity to share in the special morning.
After the service and a brief time of snacks and fellowship we took some group pictures and then Pastor Luy and the elders of the church distributed bags of rice and noodles to the families.
Pator Luy had shared with us that many of the families are facing financial difficulty, in part because they used to depend on funds that they received by selling their daughters into prostitution. As they have learned about God's word and joined the church, they have recognized that prostitution, though financially profitable, does not honor God. Therefore, they need assistence getting food on the table as they get re-established financially. Praise God for the ministry of his Spirit through people like Pastor Luy! We serve a God who cares greatly about all our needs...


A picture of us with Pastor Luy (holding Juliana) and the leadership team of the church

A picture of us with the rest of the church. In front of the group are bags of rice, donated by an Australian couple that Pastor Luy has been in contact with.