by Jenny Webber
The Holy Spirit – My Encourager
I appreciate the Holy Spirit being a constant encourager in my life. I love to connect with God through His creation and experience deep joy as the Holy Spirit draws me close to God. He is like our faithful shepherd who guides, comforts, and speaks to us tenderly, reminding us daily of God’s truths. In John chapter 14vs 13, Jesus speaks of this, “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth.” Psalm 1:2-3 speaks to the importance of staying connected with God. As we intentionally do this, “We become like trees planted by streams of water which yield their fruit in season.” In the mornings, I read scripture that nourishes my heart and mind with God’s truth. These enable me to walk in confidence and peace. One promise I hold on to is in Psalm 28:7: “The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.”
God’s Leading and Empowering
Recently, I taught a class of migrants from the Middle East, Africa, and Colombia. I prayed and asked God to go before me and empower me to love and teach these students well, so I could sow seeds of God’s love in their hearts. I felt excited about the opportunity God gave me to teach a mainly Muslim class. Isaiah 12 vs 4 gave me courage and focus: “Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done”. God enabled me to build a friendly relationship with these students, and some of them shared their struggles with me. During these conversations, I told them God knows them and that they are precious to Him. One morning, the Holy Spirit prompted me to comfort a grieving woman. I experienced God’s deep love for her and prayed for her family. Recently, I visited another Afghan family and prayed for their protection as they are visiting family in Afghanistan for two months. I experienced God’s presence with us as I prayed some of Psalm 91. Several of the Muslim students have recently invited our family to their homes for dinner. I am looking forward to deepening our friendships with them.
Japan Trip
Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring Good News.”
In March this year, my husband, Keith, and I had the joy of returning to Japan to visit former students and several families we knew. Japan has few Christians. These Japanese friends are precious to us, prayed for and very loved. I connected with students and shared God’s love with them. Isaiah 41:17 tells of their need for God and His response. “The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I, the Lord, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within valleys.”
Keith and I are close friends with a couple who live north-west of Tokyo. We’ve been friends for eight years and have visited them regularly. Before visiting, we prayed 2 Corinthians 9 vs 10, “God will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness”, asking God to prepare their hearts to hear the Gospel message. One Sunday, near Easter, we went to a local church and were overjoyed that the husband came with us. The sermon was about Jesus’ death and resurrection. Our friend said he experienced God’s peace in his mind during the service, which was new to him. On our last evening together, I was quite sad as we were leaving the next day. I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me to share with my friend some scriptures about God’s love for her and why Jesus had died for us all. She was receptive and took photos of several scriptures, including John 3:16. It was a precious time for both of us. The next day, before leaving, Keith and I prayed God’s blessing on them both. We call them monthly, which is a wonderful way to stay connected. We would appreciate your joining us in prayer for their salvation.
