We'd like to ask you guys to lift up a special need over the next couple of weeks.
FYI - We're only sending this update to a small group of prayer supporters, because some of the information is sensitive. Please do not forward this email or post anything on social media. Thank you for praying for us in this way.
Beginning this evening we'll have a mother and child living with us in our home for a short time. This is a Japanese, Christian lady that we have known for several years. Some unusual and difficult circumstances have put her in a position to need a temporary place to live, and the family came to us for help. I wish I could provide more details, but will you pray for the 6 of us over the next two weeks? Here are some points that will help you pray:
Praise God for the way Josiah and Garrett have responded. Garrett was willing to clear out of his room and move in with Josiah. Josiah cleaned the house to get things ready for our guests and quickly agreed to give Garrett the empty bunk in his room. They've shown such quick generosity...it's made us proud. BUT - even as they've been generous in preparing for these guests, they've had pretty short fuses with one another! Hmmmm...I think we're all in danger of that!
In light of the above, will you pray for our hearts (ours + our guests). By the way, the child is a 2 year old! It's been a LONG TIME since we had one of those in the house. We also know that there are big cultural differences in the way we live in our home compared with the way these friends probably live from day-to-day. There's a lot of room for stress and even conflict. Would you pray that God would give our family real servants' hearts, patience, and grace with our guests AND with one another?!?
Finally - We want you to know that the reasons for this homestay are pretty urgent. Even though you don't know all the details, God does. Would you pray that he would clearly lead and love this family...even through us?
