Reflections from the Beach

Another day of English classes went very well. We had a lot of fun today in class. I had them pair up with one of the other students in the class and then point their chairs in opposite directions. Then they had to carry on a phone conversation in front of their classmates. I think they really enjoyed it. It really makes them think about what they are saying and they can't cheat by looking at hand gestures or anything like that so that was a lot of fun. They laughed a lot so I guess it was a success and I think they learned. I am thankful for people who think up good ideas for teaching English. I spent some time on the beach this evening after dinner. When I arrived there were some guys playing soccer so I stood and watched for a while just meditating and praying. Then they asked me (with hand gestures) to join so I obviously did. It was a lot of fun. A few of them spoke a little English but one guy in particular spoke enough English to carry on a conversation so that was good and hopefully we will be able to get together again on the beach over the next few weeks so we will see. He told me that he plays soccer just about every day at that time so I think that there is a good chance to build a relationship with him and share the truth with him. After we finished the game I decided to just stick around on the beach and spend some time reading in the word and praying. It was exactly what I needed. For the first time since I have been here God really began to press upon my heart the weight of a million plus people in this city not knowing the truth. I finally began to feel the weight of looking back up at the city from the beach seeing the apartments, building, and people realizing the reality of eternity in all of our lives. I cried out for these people who are in bondage to sin with no hope. I also was in awe and humbled by the grace of God at work in my life and the fact that I am no longer a slave to sin but a slave to righteousness which is in no way bondage but freedom; freedom to live for eternal things. And then once again I returned to the thoughts of a people so lost in darkness, blinded by Satan. I pray that God will continue to give me more and more of an awareness of eternal things when I pass by the people in this city as well as when I return home. The gospel must be proclaimed. Jesus Christ must be exalted. And God must be glorified among the peoples of this world.