Isaiah 61

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.

5 Aliens will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards. 6 And you will be called priests of the LORD, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast.
7 Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs.

8 "For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity.
In my faithfulness I will reward them and make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed."

10 I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.


Tuesday, July 3, 2007

DAY 2 Team Egypt








On Sunday (day 2) we had an interesting morning. Heather woke up early to finish renewing her visa so the team had morning worship together without her. Dana shared a good word and after praying for various situations that were happening that morning, Nancy and the Armstead kids made up a new song to share with all!

Heather received her visa in RECORD time and we all headed over to Pastor John C's house (YES, another Pastor John!) who is the pastor of Heliopolis Community Church which is the church we are partnering with to do the VBS. We sat together and shared in their BEAUTIFUL (and air-conditioned) 8th floor flat that is right next to the president's house. We all talked and shared and were served a nice lunch with some YUMMY desserts! :-) (see day 2 slide show for pictures)

It was so amazing to hear PJ and his wife's story. They work with English speaking ex-patriots in Cairo so it was neat to hear about the international exposure and experience that comes from pastoring a church with AT LEAST 20 nationalities represented. It is EASY to see the diverse and colorful hand of God in that context for sure!

After we finished lunch we walked home (an adventure in itself on the streets of Cairo!) and after resting a bit we visited the church to have an idea about the VBS organizing and set up all we could for VBS and THEN went to dinner and shopping in the old city for a few hours (maybe someone got something for YOU! :-) LOTS of gifts were bought and the team got to see the center office of all decision making for Sunni Muslims throughout the world. The old city is fun because it really brings the old and the REALLY old together with the new is such a unique and interesting way!

It was another full day and we could REALLY see and feel God moving in so many ways all day! (check the slide show in the side for pics!)

THANKS FOR PRAYING FOR US!!!!! WE CAN FEEL IT! :-)

OH YEAH! We also gathered together around 5:30pmish (about 10:30am your time) and prayed for FUMC and Pastor John's new beginning with us all. Please know that you are all in our hearts as we walk the streets here. We love you all and are BLESSED and are truly thankful for this church family that we have!!

In His grip,
Heather
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1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Dearest Egypt Team,

I absolutely love reading all about your travels and happenings each day as you continue to have adventures and live in and of God in all that you do. Know that I am praying for you constantly, thinking of you always, and hoping that your hearts are nothing short of changed, humbled, and utterly blessed. It was quite fabulous to pray for your trip in church last Sunday. And being able to observe the process via your blog has proven to lift my spirits immensely. I am so proud!!! Remember every detail to bring home to those of us who cannot be with you.

Oh.
And look cute for the camera next Sunday!! We're watching. :)

I LOVE YOU ALL.
xoxo. Kat

Tuesday, July 3, 2007 at 6:05:00 PM EDT

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