Mostly I have been setting the stage a True Leadership Retreat here in Salem, OR (for more info on that just ask me), making plans for our national conference and visiting a student in Singapore, doing a one on one book study with a student who recently graduated, and helping to organize our weekly dinners and Bible study discussions (which were on Thursdays). I also attended one of the students' summer classes to be around the students and learn a little more myself.
Our weekly Bible studies never got very big or popular with the students. I don't know why, but the school sponsored activities weren't well attended this year either so I figured it probably has more to do with the students themselves. Sometimes I am discouraged, but usually I just have to look at all the good God is doing through the small gatherings we do have. The visiting scholar and her daughter who lives in the same house as me, had some really insightful things to share last week. And one of the students brought a local American friend who told us that this was the first time in a long time she'd been in a place where she'd studied the Bible.
I never know what will happen week by week. But look forward to finding out.
Please be in prayer for me as I head to Singapore and meet up there with my former GFU international classmate and our many ISI coworkers who have gathered to grow. I decided not to travel to other countries as well, mostly because I want to return sooner to focus on my Chinese housemates, who are only here another two months, and also because I have two weddings to attend this summer. I am so blessed to be attending this conference because of one of my supporter's generosity. That being said, please also be in prayer for me ask I need to begin the process once again of raising support. I recently finished a part time job working at a health clinic and am using my extra time and energy to focus fulling on working with international students and visiting scholars, which means I will not be supporting myself with an extra income. I feel good about this, as I learned more than ever this last year that my calling is to be serving and sharing Christ's love with these international students and visiting scholars with all that I am. So, I am praying that others, who feel called to give, will be partnering with me financially to make this happen.
Best wishes to you all for a happy summer!