Trials Turned To Gold

We found ourselves sitting in the dark under candlelight yesterday evening. We were exhausted and hot. Without electricity we are also without water, which after a day of sweat and grime we were feeling somewhat miserable. As we did our share of complaining of the inconveniences of the situation, we were also reminded of our blessings.
Our sending church asks for prayer requests weekly. As we sat together and started acknowledging and praying for the many needs we see around us our complaints quickly became thankfulness for what we have been blessed with. We can be thankful that we do have electricity and water most of the time. (They have been without water for about a month now at Knockpatrick). As we prayed for the financial situation of our mission and of those we come in contact with daily, we could praise God for his provisions to us. We prayed for a couple who's 3 year old son has daily allergic reactions, as our 3 year old enjoys health and strength. As we prayed for those dealing with sickness and even facing death, we could praise God for our health. As we prayed for those fighting spiritual battles and those who do not know Christ as their Savior, we could praise God for our salvation. As we prayed for a couple that is struggling with and feeling burdened by pregnancy, we are able to rejoice and praise Him for the new life he's given to us. As we experience health, joy, and victory we do not exalt our position above others, but acknowledge that it's only God's goodness and grace in our lives. We also acknowledge that we do experience trials, we do not always praise him as we should, and with our blessings we do not always give God the glory that we should. It's only when we pray that God can turn our trials into gold.

Please pray with us:
*Pray for rain, as those at Knockpatrick feel the effects of it.
*Pray for the financial situation of JDV (Jamaican Deaf Village)
*Pray for Nick and Tricia Zaugg, as their 3 yr. old Solomon deals with daily allergic reactions.
*Pray for Josh and Sarah Aberle and their 5 young children. Sarah is struggling through cancer that has spread through her body.
*Pray for Nigel and Bianca, a young couple from JDV. Pray that they will find joy in the new life God has given them.