nebat's brother in law has said before, 'i can't be a christian because i don't know how to read'

think about that.
does that break your heart?

the lies that seem so ludicrous to us run deep and are keeping these prisoners in darkness. the only way that people are able to have faith is by the working of the holy spirit. if it weren't for Him stirring and moving hearts i think so many people that are believers would not be. because if it were up to us we will obviously believe any lie that will keep us on the easy road. like, 'you can't do that lifestyle or believe in that because you can't read' or 'what do you need that for? you are already happy.'
and if it were dependent on circumstances most of us would never come to believe.
i look around and i see these kids growing up in a world and in a culture that offers them absolutely zero hope. none.
or i think about the affluent, and if their circumstance dictated their ability to believe, why would they? they have everything that this world says is desirable... so what more could they want, and why on earth would they want to submit to something that says this isn't all there is?
so on either side you can see that circumstances and self are incapable of causing us to believe.
it is the Holy Spirit alone.

Today I got an envelope of letters from a second grade class.
one said, "dear Nebat, My name is Zach. I am praying for you. I hope you learn to trust my Jesus!"

Oh Lord, I pray for Nebat too. Her circumstances can't make her trust you. The lies being whispered and believed all around her are keeping her in darkness. It is you alone that can stir her to know you and trust you. Lord, I praise you for saving her in laws. I praise you for your plan for that family. I praise you for whatever reasons that contribute to your glory you created them. Save Nebat Lord! Lead her from the dungeon. Loose the chains around her. Give her hope in you. A hope not of this world. A hope that transcends her situations and culture and past.

baby betty birthday

i posted a few of the jillions of photos from baby betty's first birthday. it was hilarious and loud and hot and crowded. there were about 17 people all in the tiny abode. cousins brothers sisters and even a phone call from germany was in the mix.
nebat is doing well. still lost. but healthier and seems happier than she was for a while.
but you and i know that happiness is fleeting and that true joy is found in only one source. please continue praying for nebat.
salija is working with us on the headstart lunch program.
one son has resumed washing cars a few days a week.
the other son, nebat's husband, has been cut down drastically on his working hours.

please pray that the spirit of our great God and Savior will dwell richly in salija and sejdo and their house hold. that the hearts of the unbelievers will be opened to the Truth.

one son has heard and comprehends the gospel, but has said that he can not be a christian because he doesn't know how to read.
heartbreaking.

please help us pray these types of barriers down!