Amos and Alice work in the Mediterranean with Rosedale International. Together, they lead a small group of believers and seekers. She serves the community through an anti-trafficking organization, and he teaches English.
All names have been changed for security.
I sat across from Sara as she pleaded with the school’s director to let her enroll in an English class.
The director was kind but firm; the classes were full. I turned to him and started naming possibilities that might work for Sara, but the director was afraid the administration might get mad at him. When Sara left a little hopeless and discouraged, I turned to the director, my fellow coworker, and explained Sara’s situation. I again asked that we arrange things so she could study. I was surprised by how quickly he changed his mind. He told me to call her back in, and she registered for classes.
Sara is from the girls’ home, and she doesn’t have parents to advocate for her. She has never known her father, and therefore has never had a father to stand up for her. As I reflected on her situation, I started to cry. I realized that God had brought me to my position at the school so that I could be an advocate for Sara. I thanked God for allowing me to play just a small part in advocating for her. I realized just how important my wife’s organization is; every day they are advocates for these girls in the name of Jesus.
Who will you advocate for today?
His name is Matthias and I met him at a coffee shop.
The plan had originally been to meet only Ezra, but he decided to bring a friend. I quickly realized that Matthias was blind. The two men and I had a great time talking and looking at the story of creation. Matthias was quick to say that he was an atheist, but he still actively took part in the discussion. Towards the end of our time, I asked if I could lift them up. They both agreed, and we had a short time of prayer. Soon after that meeting, we went into lockdown for COVID-19. During that time, Matthias and I met weekly on WhatsApp and had many late-night phone calls. Even though we were physically distant, I felt it was important to keep in touch.
After lockdown, we started meeting and gardening together weekly. One day, Matthias declared that he was a believer! I asked some questions, and learned that when Matthias first met me he had been feeling hopeless and was experiencing a deep darkness in his life. When I prayed for him, he saw a light that pierced through the darkness—and he started to feel light and joy! He knew something was there, and he wanted to know more. Now, he knows Who is his hope and light.
I was so touched and thankful. I didn’t think I had done anything special—just prayed for him like I normally do for people—but God used it in his life in ways I could never have imaged. Praise him!
As you think about Matthias, please lift him up. He wants to get married, and is currently unemployed. He has his Bachelor’s degree in mental health, and is currently studying French so that he can get his Masters. He has become quite a dear brother and friend, and he always reminds me that he knows Who his hope is.
This past month has been good. I am really enjoying marriage; Alice is such a joy to be with and I’m glad we can share life together. It has been a great time of healthy rhythms of rest and play, something I am still learning about.
I am reminded daily of my need for Jesus and his transforming love. As I teach others to forgive, I remember that I also struggle to forgive. As I encourage others to return good for evil, I see how often I just want to return hate. As I seek validation from others, I am usually hurt and let down. Those are the times that I can limp to my heavenly Father. He picks me up, wipes my tears, and whispers that he loves me and knows how to help me. I hope that today when you see your anger, or bitterness, or wrong responses, you too can humble yourself and limp to your Father. He is waiting!