OUR LIVES

You know, soap operas are much more popular in Brazil than they are here. And I think that is with reason - Brazilian soap operas are very close to life. They relate stories that seem like that of your neighbor next door.

Lately, our life has seemed like we are part of a soap opera. Al and I are both blessed with wonderful jobs. And the L-rd has continues to bless us. But in the meantime, since we have dedicated ourselves to bringing the gospel to the needy, discipling those who follow and ministering to families worldwide, more and more saddening opportunities have appeared.

Al has had some trying times at his work as he tries to show a lifestyle focused on the L-rd. This week, 2 of his co-workers got in a literal fist fight which took one to the hospital and the other chased by police as he fled the scene. It put the entire company on hold for a few hours. But the L-rd allowed Al's life to shine even so....the 2 ended up in a fight because of a game the co-workers play, a game that Al does not participate in. But he had a relationship with both guys. Please help us to pray for these 2 - they are both fathers of families who are financially reposible to support their wives and children.

We also have friends overseas who have had trouble with their marriage. This week was evidently the last straw as one admitted adultery to the other and asked for a divorce. Even with the time differences, the internet allowed us to talk with them and give them spiritual support during this time. Help us to pray for them - they also have a child involved.

We are thankful that the L-rd is protecting us from all kinds of evils, but we are saddened that so many people worldwide suffer for lack of knowing Him. We are more confident than ever that the L-rd has called us to minister to families. In this process, we must make sure that our lives are safely in His hands (and not our own) so that we do not become the enemy's pawns in a soap opera of life.

"One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Yeshua (Jesus) had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important? Yeshua (Jesus) answered, "The most important one is this; 'Hear, O Israel, the LORD our GOD, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.'"