God is Good

So I was imagining when I wrote this blog that it would consist of my rants from this week...because to be quite honest this has been the hardest week since I've been here in Wales. It seemed like the enemy was out to get me at every turn. I don't say that to exaggerate...but I can't remember the last time I felt this attacked. So while it would be easy to give credit to the enemy, and unfortunately that's what I have been doing, I think it would be more beneficial to list the praises of this week.

If you didn't know a team from Rachel's church in Tennessee along with a few others from other churches came to Pentrebach to put on a holiday club for the kids, games in the afternoons, and a coffee house for the youth. I had mixed feelings about the team coming to be honest. I was excited because the kids and youth were so excited, but I was worried how I would fit in with the team. Satan took this worry and definitely tried to use it against me...though he did succeed in the beginning Christ proved to be my strength. And though he tried to discourage me and bring me down in a variety of ways, I can say Christ was victorious.

So here are a list of praises for the week -

• Around 6 children accepted Christ into their hearts on Friday. Please be praying for their growth and that Christians in Pentrebach will come alongside of them and encourage them.
• Many seeds were planted, especially in some unlikely places. Pray that these seeds will bloom.
• I can't write exactly what it was, but there was a HUGE praise among one of the youth.
• I only had a bad sprained ankle (let's just say I got into a fight with a tire swing ;)
• I was able to have some great conversations with my favorite people here in Pentrebach.
• I got to talk to my favorite soon-to-be five-year-olds...I just love them to pieces and I will be excited to see them and the rest of their family soon.
• We had a lot of kids and youth this week!! And this morning at church a mom brought her two little girls to church - pray they will keep coming.
• One youth who is close to accepting Christ is getting closer.
• As He always does God used the youth to encourage me when I needed it the most by their hugs, words, and smiles. I can't express how much they mean to me.

I'm sure I'm forgetting things, but know God is good even in the mist of difficulties. I have been clinging to the verses in II Corinthians 12:9-10, which are my favorite verses, where Jesus tells Paul how HIS strength is made perfect in Paul's weakness. That's how I've felt this week...weak. I feel as if Satan is fighting against something in my life, but what it is I'm not sure. But I know Christ is always victorious!!

As many of you know my time in Wales is quickly slipping away. It pains me to say it but I only have 4 days left here. I won't go further into that right now because I don't want to cry or dwell on it until it actually happens. I plan to enjoy these next few days to the fullest because who knows if tomorrow will even come.

Know God is good even in the mist of hard times. Know He places people in our lives for a reason. Cling to Him. He is our strength. He is our hope. Know you are loved.

Grace and Peace.