In the (new) beginning

    Today is a new start to ministry. Yesterday, my room mate returned to the States, which leaves me as the only male participant. So, I switched rooms with the female participants yesterday. The room I was in was in the attic, and, although it had a lot of floor space, head room was in short supply. There were rafters everywhere, so I was constantly ducking my head. So when my room mate left, I decided to switch to a smaller room, which doesn’t have rafters waiting to smack me in the head.
    A new room isn’t the only change, nor is it the most significant.  A few of the ministries I participated in last semester have been cancelled for different reasons. The sad part is that I was just starting to be accepted by a lot of the kids who attend these ministries. By that I mean that it’s taken a while to get acquainted with the youth, and it seems that just as they are accepting and including me, my time with them is done. I don’t know what the greater purpose of that is in the great scheme of things, but I trust that it’s happened for a reason.
    So, we were asked to find new ministry opportunities and pursue them. I just returned from meeting with an elderly gentleman, which I hope to do ever other saturday. Also, I’ve been thinking of having a book study with some of the people at a church I attend. I’d ask that you pray for direction on my behalf, that I might choose effective ministries. Also, I’m elated to report that the ministries that are continuing from last semester are going well. I had a great conversation with a guy the other night, all while playing ping-pong. I was really encouraged by the things we talked about, so hopefully there will be more conversations to come. One more prayer request is for the Quest Group at a church I attend. It’s a Sunday school for a wide age group, so a leader and I are trying new things to communicate the Gospel message over the next few months. I’d appreciate your prayers for us leaders as we prepare lessons, and also that the kids might have ears to hear.
    Just yesterday I finished reading through the book of Isaiah. As I thought about main themes of the  book, I realized that the book of Isaiah is largely about God’s jealousy.  I remember as a child wondering how God could be jealous, if I was told not to be? Obviously I was told that God’s jealousy is “different,” but I think a survey of Isaiah shows how God is jealous. Throughout the book, God is constantly speaking through his prophet that He demands Israel’s attention, and devotion. Furthermore, there are lots of wonderful verses from the book about God alone providing salvation. I’ve always seen people referencing Isaiah 40-43, but there is a lot more in the following chapters: