Another Generation

Twenty-seven young men and women sit before us, minds and hearts open to receive the Word of God.  

The years roll back as my heart returns to our Bible School days when Gary and I had this same eager expectation: that God has great plans and purposes for us, and the confidence that He would certainly reveal them soon. 

From today’s perspective, forty plus years further on our journey with God, Gary and I confidently assured these expectant students that God is absolutely faithful, never-changing and true to His promises.  However, His picture often looks considerably different than we expect, because His thoughts and plans are so much more intricate and long-reaching than ours. (Isaiah 55:8-9) 

The course on ‘Activating the Gifts of Holy Spirit’, was a joy to both teach and model. The Holy Spirit was present to speak through us, filling and flowing through the students as they put into practice what they learned.

Yes, the upstairs classroom was hot and humid. Fans kept it relatively cool, except on the day the power went off, but we all persevered.  The privilege of speaking into their lives was worth it. A week later Gary was invited to be the graduation speaker.

Bible School teaching is one of my favorite things to do.  I understand why my mother loved teaching about Holy Spirit at Shiloh Training Institute. 

(Gary and I attended Shiloh in the ‘80’s. Mom & Gary both taught there for several years. Located in Hamilton, Montana, the school has since closed)

It’s been a month since we returned to India. We are settled in our flat (aka apartment) and have both had opportunity to share the Word at our home church where we were warmly welcomed back. 

There are challenges.   One cool, peaceful morning while on our balcony chatting with my sister, two utility poles on our street erupted in flames and sparks with a gunshot-like explosion. This created a power surge throughout the neighborhood.  After resetting breakers, we discovered that both our air conditioner units and our refrigerator were damaged. Parts and repair will take a week. We are grateful the temperature has cooled off some and the fans are working.

There is so much chaos and tragedy in our world, and yet there is a feeling of anticipation –  what will God do? The light of Jesus shines in the darkness – and darkness will never overcome it.  ( John 1:5) We are each called to be light, to bring hope and Jesus wherever we find ourselves. 

 Our prayer is that your passion for Jesus will burn bright, that your flame will light the way for many hurting hearts to find the hope that only He can give them.

The Journey Continues - Pat

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