Encouragement

I was in serious need of encouragement last week as we are powering through what I affectionately refer to as the"dark days" of January.  It is cold, things seem drab, etc!  It was Kid's Club night and I was teaching about Mephibosheth being adopted into David's family.  I was running low on creativity, which is not a good thing if you want a room full of at risk youth to listen to you.  So I prayed.

As I prayed I was reminded again that God builds the house and establishes to works of our hands, when we follow his lead and walk according to what the Bible says.  I decided to rely on story telling, what I feel most comfortable with, to relay the message.

So I told the story, with my typical cheesy flair, and to be honest, I didn't feel too impressed with myself.  Then I noticed the kiddos were completely silent, hanging on every word.  Not me though.  Obviously this was God!  I shared about how God wanted them in his family, and even gave a group invitation to be a part of God's family.  The kids listened and responded.  Only God could do this.

So if you are feeling discouraged today, remember- God establishes the works of your hands!  If you feel completely inadequate for the job to which you are called, God will build your house when you work according to his will.  He is faithful!  Please continue to pray for us and the Akina kids as they become a part of the family of God!

Happy New Year!

Happy 2018!   It is so nice to know that we can celebrate new things, and the future to come as we trust in Jesus.  We just wanted to keep you updated on what things have been happening at Akina these past few months.  We had an amazing Christmas service at Kids Club.  A special group of jugglers came to share their skills and the gospel with the kids.  Students even received gifts from our amazing partners at Grace Church in Eden Prairie.  I think that this was one of the most amazing Christmas parties we have had, and we have only heard positive things from all the kids!

We were also blessed to be able to take the kids who are a part of our Thursday night literacy and discipleship group to Emmanuel's Christmas Eve service in Spring Lake Park.  The younger kids loved it, and the teenagers were touched by the service, going forward for prayer.  God is so good and loving to keep drawing kids from broken places into his arms! Many blessings to you this new year!