Growing Deeper!

My discussions with readers have taken a huge leap this week!  The fourth week is known to be the week in which conversations grow deeper; I just did not know that they would grow deeper so rapidly!  My readers have grown more comfortable around me, and one boy, Vladimir, seemed more relaxed than ever yesterday.  Another reader, John Rey, was so engaged today.  As I write this though, my mind is still reeling from my most recent discussion with a young man named David.  I have learned that David’s beliefs are based on the Bible, but he is also very focused on a variety of prophesies.  Last week, David asked to come to the church’s Bible study on Thursday to learn more about our beliefs.  So we were able to pick him up on our way, and he seemed to enjoy the lesson.  David is so intelligent and has agreed with all of the lessons we have read.  Yesterday and today, he told me about some stories in his life that related to the lessons, which sparked some good conversations.  He also gave me some pamphlets that tell more about his beliefs, so I am eager to learn about them.  I pray that I will be able to maintain an open mind and be patient as I learn more about his beliefs.

This past weekend, Kendra, Brittiny, and I went to a restaurant called the Garden Café.  The Café first caught our attention because it was very American-based and reminded us of Texas Road House, with a horse and saddle available to sit on.  As we read the menu, though, we noticed a chart of how to create different words in sign language.  This sparked our interest, so we read the paragraph above the chart which explained why the restaurant was formed.  The Garden Café began as a simple food stand and was created with the intention of employing deaf individuals.  It has since expanded into a nice, spacious restaurant which includes twenty six deaf workers and eleven hearing workers.  I was really moved by the motive behind the Garden Café.  I have seen how difficult it can be in cultures such as the Philippines for deaf individuals to find employment, so the restaurant was a brilliant idea!  We were overjoyed to support a restaurant that provides such an amazing opportunity for the deaf.

Last night, my reader, Xela, was baptized.  Wayne baptized Xela in a pool near our house (it was high tide and the ocean was too rough) while a few of us stood by to watch, including another reader of mine, Meyet.  Xela was filled with joy and praise as she entered God’s family and is still very eager to read more of God’s word as we continue our reading sessions.  I was thankful that Meyet was able to witness the baptism.  She told us that she had only recently opened her Bible for the first time in years, so I pray that her witnessing Xela’s baptism touched her heart in one way or another.  Please keep both Meyet and Xela in your prayers as Meyet seeks the Lord and as Xela embraces her place in the world as a child of God.

God is great, and I thank Him for all the opportunities and blessings He has bestowed upon us!  “I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever!!!”  Psalm 145:1