Spring... into action
Dear Friends and Family,
For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.”
1 Peter 2:6
As I write this my hear t is filled with conflicting feelings; on one side I see so many blessings, answered prayers and God’s provision and movement in our lives. On the other side, I am struggling with sadness as I see the enemy working in the lives of our fellowship here and the only fight I can see is against change and growth. I feel as though our church has turned into a hangout where people come only to be served and then go back to their normal life; and as the few of us fight against it and move forward, I feel a distance growing among the body here. This past Sunday the battle going on around us was so strong I could feel it physically and when I looked around the room I saw such indifference that my heart broke. Since then Chello and I have spent hours upon hours in prayer specifically for our church here, pleading with God that He would start a movement that goes beyond talking the talk of a Christian and living a life that is filled with action in obedience to God. I really feel like we need to “clean our house” before we will be effective as a light in our community here. The harvest truly is plentiful here and the workers are fewer then it may seem. I still believe that God wants to do a mighty work here and that is the reason for the strong opposition from the enemy. I ask you dear brothers and sisters for your prayers for our small group of believers here in VeľkýKrtiš.
From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Upon our arrival back to Veľký Krtiš my brother Noah asked if Chello and I would take over the Teahouse ministry. We were excited to take on this responsibility even though it meant stepping out of the roles we feel most comfortable in. In general, I prefer to work behind the scenes doing the administrative items that most people don’t notice but now we are not just the party planners but the MC’s as well! On St Patty’s Day we had the first party that we were completely in charge of; it went really well and we had a lot of fun doing it. I am glad that God has challenged us to broaden our service horizons and is blessing us in it.
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Matthew 6:25-26
Though he has been diligently looking , Chello has not been able to find a job here in Veľký Krtiš. He has not let this discourage him, though. He has been making great use of his free time during this season. He has started a Bible study for Gypsy men. He is really taking it seriously and loving how God is using him through this study. Chello is also a talented musician and last summer he left the band he was playing in to have more time for ministry. Now he is using the talents God gave him to serve the kingdom. He has been playing percussion in the church worship time, a few weeks ago we had a small concert in a coffee shop, and two weeks from now he will play in a multi- church worship night. We are also planning to do some more reconstruction in the Teahouse this Spring and Chello has been running around the town trying to find the best materials, workers and dealers for the best price. It really is a blessing for me to see him so involved and caring for the ministry here.
The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of His bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands.
I have officially started my Slovak lessons! There is a lady named Henrietta here in VK who has taught both English and Slovak in school, but never Slovak to an English speaker. She was so excited for the chance to use her English in teaching me that she has offered to teach me for free. We meet twice a week for more than an hour each session. It is intense and incredibly difficult in so many ways, but I really feel like I am limited in the capacity I can serve in because I can’t speak Slovak. I believe God is calling me to this challenge so I am doing my best to rise to the occasion, even if I haven’t needed the discipline to do homework in over 10 years.
He said: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.
Prayer Request
That the Lord will lead our steps and we will let Him.
For a revival among the believers here in Veľký Krtiš.
This weekend’s party in the Teahouse. That students will hear the gospel and believe.
That the Lord will continue to meet our needs financially, that we will be good stewards of what He gives us and that Chello will be able to find some work here in Veľký Krtiš.
That God will bless my Slovak studies and I will be able to communicate quickly.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Once again I must communicate to you all how grateful I am that we are not fighting these fights alone here. I am so encouraged and blessed to know that I have this group of believers who are faithful to pray and support us in this ministry. May God bless you for all you do on behalf of Veľký Krtiš and Chello and I.
Meghan and Chello Johnson
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