~They are Miracles~

Miracles....

That's what I'm rejoicing about today.

But not just any kind of miracle. No, rather the miracle that takes place through the working of the Holy Spirit in young people's hearts.

Young people...

The last few first weeks of school have flown by like a whirlwind, but the those weeks have been some of the hardest, yet most joyful that I've ever known.

Sabbath, before school began, brought me many a tear. One boy left to follow in the footsteps of his family who left for America. That evening, eleven other boys, whom he got in bad trouble with, were told what their consequences would be.

Today, I'm so thankful to say that they're all still here, though one has had to get more discipline since he violated the first consequences.

Now, why am I telling you this?

You see, me and others here at the school have had the joy in seeing God's hands shaping their hearts to reflect His image.

At first they seemed to be down about what happened. Some were showing signs of genuine sorrow for what they did. The usual cheerful greetings that I would receive from them weren't there. You could sense emptiness, regret, and perhaps discouragement.

But now...Well, some of them seem to be among the happiest boys in our mission school. In fact, they seem to be more happy than before they got into trouble.

I can't picture into words how beautiful it is. All I can say...

They are miracles. 

Priceless miracles.

And then there's Dah Koo Say who is in our IMM (Intensive Medical Missionary) program.

Last year, she and I had a conversation about baptism. She told me that she wanted very much to get baptized but she was afraid of what her family may do if she were to get baptized.

This year, she seems to be much more serious about her desire for baptism. I can see in her life that she is more dedicated to the Lord now and that she's having victory over her fears.

It looks like she is moving forward with her desire for baptism. And today she came to our house and got a Bible story book to take with her to her village this weekend. She plans to use it to help her to tell Bible stories and show pictures to those in her village. I hope that she can win hearts for the Lord not only amongst the villagers but also within her family.

I cannot express how happy and excited I am. I want to jump and down with joy as I see what a beautiful missionary she is becoming.

These are just a couple of glimpses of what's going on in the lives of our students.

Miracles?

You bet.

I've shed tears for them and sent many a prayer heavenward for their souls' salvation. And I know I will continue to.

The following promise is increasingly becoming more precious to me:

"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." ~Psalm 126:5-6~

There's hardly anything more glorious than to watch young people's lives changing for the glory of God before our very own eyes.

measureless joy....