PLEASE PRAY!
In the May 2018 blog, Daniel, a Jewish non-believer, was introduced to you. Daniel entered the Library following the closing prayer at our Bible study. He wondered what we were all about and then shared that he, Stanley, and another friend, John, had discussed the afterlife at lunch that day. Daniel and John knew that they could voice their questions about life after death to Stanley. Of course, Stanley invited them to the Bible study. Daniel railed at God during one of his first visits. We stood adamantly against his words and Daniel backed down. During the following studies, Daniel truly mellowed. Yes, he did indeed return. And, Daniel began to ask insightful questions about God…about Jesus. He has spoken positively of the praise songs we sing, and he takes notes during our discussions! Over the months, God has allowed our paths to cross in the lobby, the hallways, and in the dining room before our class time, giving us time to get to know one another. Daniel soon announced, “This Bible study, out of all my activities, means the most to me.” At the beginning of July, when we sang “Reckless Love of God,” Daniel repeatedly commented, “That’s a wonderful song.” Please pray with us for Daniel’s salvation!
Stanley often speaks with Shmuel who is an Orthodox Jewish man. When I first met Shmuel, we engaged in a delightful conversation about the Hebrew Scriptures. I told him I believe that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Shmuel invited me to return to converse with him and he opened his library to me. Several were the times that I rang his doorbell. No answer. I was delighted when Shmuel attended the Purim party we presented to the residents in an activities room. The response to the party invitation was grand. Standing room only. After relaying the story of Esther and how God was totally in control, though His name is nowhere found in the book of Esther, I asked if anyone had questions. Shmuel was first to raise his hand. “I don’t agree with you. God was not in control. Esther and Mordecai ran the show and needed to make the decisions.” Then another hand went up. A woman asked me in a most shocked tone, “You are exalting God above man?” Yes, that’s what she asked! That’s a “whole ‘nother story.” Perhaps next month I’ll fill you in on why such a question was verbalized. OK, that was the woman’s comment, but what of Shmuel? At our next encounter, when I told him that I was studying the book of Daniel, he scowled at me and told me not to read fairy tales! But, Shmuel gravitates to Stanley! Praise God! While the two men were visiting two weeks ago, Shmuel asked our dear Gentile believer friend, “What did the religious Jewish world look like in Jesus’ day?” Stanley wasn’t quite sure. Of course, Shmuel answered his own question. Stanley filled me in on their conversation and I expressed interest in speaking again with this Orthodox man as, several years ago, I wrote a lesson regarding this topic, discussing the impact of Greek philosophy on the Jewish world prior to Jesus’ incarnation. Lo and behold, as I was nearing the elevator yesterday at the retirement center, who should round the corner to enter the elevator? Shmuel! After greeting him, I shared that I had heard about the question he had posed to Stanley. We immediately engaged in conversation concerning Hellenism pervading Judaism, and he appeared overjoyed regarding the dialogue. When we parted we agreed to speak further. Please pray!
And then there’s Kevin. Dear sweet Stanley has taken Kevin under his wing. Kevin announced to us, upon entering the Library for the Bible study two months ago, that he is Mormon. He was rather focused on introducing Mormon doctrine and offered to bring his Book of Mormon to the study. “No,” I replied, and then explained that I do not believe in the writings of Joseph Smith nor of Brigham Young…and that we do not teach Mormon doctrine at the class. Kevin has regularly returned to the study and has not engaged in sharing his beliefs. This man is experiencing multiple struggles. I’ve asked him to read from the Bible in class and, while doing so, he’s broken down crying. And, Stanley…well, Stanley leads a mid-week prayer meeting at his church and has asked Kevin to gather with the group. Kevin has joyfully accepted the invitation several times. Stanley and his wonderful brothers and sisters in the Lord at the church are loving on Kevin and his wife who has also showed up. During our Bible study yesterday, Kevin did answer some questions according to Scripture…and thanked me several times for the Bible study. Please pray!
I’m so thankful that God directed Stanley to this retirement community! Thank You, Jesus!
And thank you for your prayers, Cathy
cathylouwilson@live.com
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