Update Fall 2020
Hello, friends!
Thank you for your prayers! Here is a quick update.
First, praise the Lord that He remains in control and continues to work during these difficult times. In light of the present circumstances, meeting new students has been challenging. Nevertheless, the Lord has brought students from several countries in Asia and South America to our Monday night English Bible class.
My focus has also been on following up with students and scholars, both here and abroad. I continue to meet with a scholar who has become a believer, as well as a few others who have returned to their home countries and expressed an interest in continuing to meet online.
Although video conferencing cannot replace meeting in person, the Lord has opened doors with students who previously did not have time to meet face-to-face. I have also been reminded that one of the most effective ways to reach students is to ask thoughtful questions. This allows them to talk and carefully consider what they truly believe.
Through this process, they often discover that they do have faith in something—whether in themselves or in some other created thing. I then have the opportunity to explain what it means to place their faith in Christ. Learning to ask questions instead of always providing quick answers has been a good discipline for me. It allows students to think carefully about their beliefs and discover the truth for themselves. It has been a blessing to see the Lord open their hearts!
I have also enjoyed meaningful times of seeking the Lord. He has refreshed me through His Word and prayer and has given me time to prepare for future Bible studies.
Our family has also been doing well. Our boys are attending school and are doing well academically and socially. In addition, a friend of ours has been helping us care for them, and he has been a tremendous blessing. He had hoped to travel to Taiwan in August to minister through a church and improve his Mandarin skills, but the virus prevented him from going. He is fluent in Chinese and has even been teaching Chinese classes to our boys!
Sarah is now walking and is full of energy. It is hard to keep up with her!
We have also faced several difficult family circumstances. My mother fell and broke her hip. She was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery a few days later. Praise the Lord, the surgery went very well. She is now walking on her own and staying in an assisted-living facility.
Jenny’s dad also underwent heart surgery and had three and a half stents placed in his coronary artery. Thankfully, he is recovering well. Jenny’s aunt also fell during a hiking trip and broke a bone in four places. She, too, is doing well under the circumstances.
Although our family has experienced several struggles, we have also witnessed God’s faithfulness and provision. Please pray that my mother, Jenny’s dad, and Jenny’s aunt will continue to recover well.
Thank you again for your prayers! May the Lord richly bless you!
Adrian and Jenny