Psalm 145

These past two weeks have been pretty crazy and overwhelming. Apologies for not blogging in a while, but with a big break comes tons and tons of news! First up, my husband is awesome. I don't often boast about him to other people, but I have watched him develop into this incredible man of God. We don't ever see ALL the pressures he is faced with everyday in the field he is in. I would bet there is 1 Christian out of every 30 at his school, and in his program, he is the 1 in 30. International Relations is extremely competitive, especially in the Graduate program. He works so hard, and our prayer is always for him to seek the Lords plans first, and then see how he can be used in poli-sci. He read a whole book yesterday, and is at school right now writing a paper. With all this said, he still makes time to hang out and be a part of the youth program. He spoke last month to them and plays music every week at youth. This past week the worship pastor, Mark, asked Ben to lead service again while he was at a worship conference. He graciously accepted. I snagged a clip of him and one of our youth girls Courtney, singing Shane and Shane, Psalm 145.

A song of Praise-Psalm 145

4 One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts

On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate

They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness

They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love

The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.

Psalm 145 has been on my mind all week. A few weeks ago I heard of a job opening at the American private school here. It sounded like a good salary, but my heart was not all in. I knew it would have been a good job for us, but it was going to be difficult to continue what I am doing now, and do this job. We prayed and prayed about it. I applied and had an interview, hoping for God to direct us where he wanted us, and if that was in an American school and not in the slums, then I would submit. I just asked God to make it very clear, so I could have peace. 3 people who are affiliated with the church coached at this school. They were all told they could no longer work there last week because the government said they did not have work visas, which is true. But they have never had them, nor do any other coaches/part time employees. A few days after, I got a call saying I could not work there either b/c I did not have a work visa. Crystal clear to me. So we continue to be part student-part volunteer, but that equals unbelievably happiness because we know God has other plans!!! The Lord is gracious, slow to anger, rich in love, He is good to all. Are Christians discriminated against? Absolutely. But what Paul told the people of Rome about God's everlasting love sits well on my heart today. "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us".

If God is for us, who can be against us?

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give all things?

Who shall bring any charge against God's elect (believers in Christ)?

It is God who justifies.

Who is to condemn?

Christ Jesus is the one who died-more than that, who was raised- who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution...

"For your sake we are being killed all the days long, we are regarded as sheep led to the slaughter".

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor heights nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:31-39

On a lighter note, we have plane tickets home!!!! Woo-hoo!!!!! Thanks pops :) We will be home in the middle of May till the first of July. When we return, I have been asked to head up a VBS (vacation bible school for us non church kids) for African Hope. It is going to be awesome. I am planning now, but will need about 10 volunteers from the states. I will have more info soon, but just put that in your head and let it marinate.

Arabic is still going well. We have a tutor now who we love, so slowly but surely we will be able to have conversations. We are also in the process of possibly moving to a more egyptian area by an awesome friend. We just need a stove, fridge, washing machine, bed, couch....so if any of you have an extra fridge....nah i'm just kidding. :)

Sarah