At one of our gatherings Paul F. talked about the new Jerusalem and living stones. He imagined those living stones to be like crystal. I had never thought of that. Then, Ayala mentioned that if the stones were clear then everyone looking in would see Christ. I had just read My Utmost on March 25th and he talks about not attracting attention away from Christ but being a friend of the bridegroom. Then Colleen talked about Hag 1:4
"Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses while this house lies desolate."
She felt like God was speaking this to her. It showed in a meeting weeks later. She also bragged on her husband John who went and cleared up a five year old grudge with a friend. Let me add here that John has come alive the last month or two. He is a great asset here.
Abba and Amma came and we had a great time with them. We could feel them being here for us, and that was special. We had good talks and asked all the questions we could think of. It was a very refreshing time and Abba did a great job of building us up and equipping the saints. He spoke as only he can at the meetings we had and it produced an environment that allowed people to open up. John shared some, Collen asked the women if they wanted her. She could see the love between them and wanted to be with them. Those are the highlights I remember at the moment. Our love feast went late but it was FULL. The love of the brethren was demonstrated and God showed up. Tim left full and proclaiming that God was definately there. A young couple and their daughter were there to watch as it turned out. It was so good.
OK, Rick has been house shopping. He found the house, put in a bid, declared at the gathering that God told him that the house was his. Katie also shared a scripture God gave her that same morning. Before we left, Rick recieved an email saying they went with another offer. He refers to this as the darkest night of his soul. So, Monday is men's mtg night. David and I try to encourage Rick for quite a while to no avail. Then Tim started talking and you could feel the peace coming and David brought a word that gave us all peace. It was about Rick not being alone, but it being a corporate struggle. After that we chatted some more and I ended up going after something Rick said about giving people God and it was gross and stunk of self righteousness. As soon as I got done God started to prick my conscience and as soon as we got in the van to leave David made sure I didn't miss that prick. I ended up calling Rick before we got home to get clear. It was embarrassing to say the least but a learning experience none the less. The most encouraging part was watching Tim bring what was needed that night. Then later he commented on how he felt the peace after David had talked. He is becoming sensitive to the Spirit! We can't teach him that! He is changing almost daily. He has always wanted to be a godly man and God is giving that to him. It is awesome to watch.
Back to the house. The other offer fell through, Rick bartered with the bank and he took their counter offer. then his "pre-approved loan" fell through. Then he got that fixed and we are back on schedule for the beginning of May. Whew. We are so excited to be two blocks from Rick and Katie very soon.
I am watching God save His people and call them together. We are participating some but I feel more like a spectator. Each part is giving to the other and unity is getting stronger. Our last men's mtg the other night was the best one yet. ALL the men were there including James who has been out with a back injury all during Abba's visit. It felt like Satan was trying to distract us with phone calls and Paul F. had a dead battery in his car that he had to replace and got there late. And this was his first men's mtg. John came looking for godly advice and we had a great time of prayer. You could feel the togetherness.
We are so encouraged about what God is doing in RCV and we can feel it over here. It seemed like after y'all got new vision after the Faithful retreat, things were released over here. We also see the opposition coming at us too. Please pray for the church over here. Satan isn't going to sit by and let this be easy. We need you to carry us in your hearts and pray when ever you feel the urge.
Just an FYI - Today I rode the light rail to work! I bike 3.5 miles and spend $5 round trip. 30 minutes on the train and a 5 minute bike ride to work. So, it takes 1 hour to get to work instead of 35- 45 but it's alot cheaper and much more peaceful. Well, I am tired and I have to leave at 6:00 now to catch to train. I will try to write again soon.
Stephen
