A verse that Jonathan and Naomi have often gone back to during their time in West Africa is Ephesians 2:10: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” One of their teachers during their Bible college training would remind them that the good works that we are to walk in today are not necessarily the ones they would have chosen, but are the ones that God has ordained for them.
This truth often encourages Jonathan and Naomi when things do not go according to their plan. When children are sick and language classes have to be cancelled. When a whole morning is taken up running supposedly “quick” errands. When the electricity or water cuts out. When neighbours call round wanting to sit and make sweet mint tea in their front room at a time of day when they would like their children to be eating dinner and getting ready for bed; it has been an encouragement to remember that these are the good works that the Lord has for them right now.
Jonathan has just had his first official language evaluation. Although he still has a fair way to go in order to reach the required standard, he was thankful that the consultants could see he had made clear progress. He is moving in the right direction. Please pray for perseverance to keep going over the next few months!