Dear Family & Friends,
Here is an update that I received from Bonnie. The prayer request are highlighted in bold print. We continue to thank God for all of you and your faithfulness in your support and prayers for Bonnie.
Malachi 3:16 – “Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, And the Lord listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on His name.
“God has designed His kingdom so that Christians with kindred spirits join together. It is exciting when you find another Christian who shares the same concerns and burdens that you do! Often, God will graciously bring another believer or believers alongside you who will undergird you in the work and concerns God has placed on your heart.
God releases a powerful dimension of His presence to His children when they unite in heart and mind regarding His kingdom. When two or three believers agree in prayer, God chooses to respond to their unity by making His powerful presence known in their midst. “
If we were to write a book of remembrance each of you would be in it as we recounted the goodness and faithfulness of our God to Bonnie and the many powerful ways he moved in her, and through her because of your prayers for her. Thank you so much!
Charles & LouAnn
Bonnie’s Update:
Well thankfully I am over my 2nd bout of Malaria. This last time was a lot worse than the 1st time. I missed a few days of work and had all the possible symptoms. Thank you everyone for your prayers!!
I returned yesterday from Lusaka, the capital city which is a 5 hr bus ride from where I stay. I was visiting some friends over the weekend and then spent all day Monday and Tuesday applying for a 2 year work permit. I hit some bumps along the way but God was faithful and I was able to finish processing everything. The biggest issue they had was that I do not have ANY "qualifications" to teach in the form of degrees or certificates. I was told at least 3 times that without those they would not even begin to process my application. I left Monday and just spent time praying and asking God to "move the heart of the king.” He encouraged my heart in reminding me that he has called me here and is in control. What’s "a piece of paper to him" :) I decided to print out the letters of recommendation I submitted when applying for the job initially. One of the letters was from the principal of the school I taught at last year. That ended up being the "piece of paper" the supervisor signed off on and accepted to cover the "qualification" documents I must have. God is good!! Be praying that all goes well, they will take the next 2 weeks to review, process and decide if they will give me the 2 year work permit. I am confident in my God, circumstances may change but we serve a faithful God who never changes...he is my firm foundation in whom I can put my full trust in.
Please also be praying as we come up on midterm testing. I will have to come up with questions for and hand write tests for all subjects. Then I will have to test each pupil one on one in each subject. Pray God will give me wisdom and strength as I prepare the exams and that the pupils will recall all they have been learning.
Care groups start this Sunday and there will be one meeting in my home. Pray for this to be a fruitful time and that God will knit us together quickly and that there will be much fruit and growth.
Oh and great news..I had my 1st HOT bath in my own flat this morning. I shifted to the 4th floor this past Thursday and the geyser works!! I just had to buy a copper pipe for the tub..it was missing and the plumber installed it this morning. :) I was more than happy :)
Thank you everyone for your continual support in so many ways!!!
We serve a great God!!!
Bonnie
