Olympic Exchange
As hundreds of US athletes begin final preparations in anticipation of travelling to Beijing, China for the Summer Olympics, we too are making final preparations for a little exchange of our own. With 22 days left before the opening ceremonies, tomorrow we will be receiving two Chinese exchange students to our home for 3 weeks. Nope... we're not crazy and we're not the only ones. There are 255 students arriving from Chengdu (in the Sichuan Provence in China) over the next three days (starting today) to be staying with 148 different host families from Second Baptist Church.
We are thrilled to have the opportunity to help our two 16-year-old girls perfect their English skills, take them to school and on field trips, teach them about the American family life and culture, and most importantly, introduce them to Jesus Christ. As we are well aware, it's not what we say about Christ and all of the wonderful things He has done for each of us, but instead it only demonstrated through living it. Our daily witness- our interactions with them, with each other, with friends, and how we parent Deacon- will speak volumes. Please pray that in every aspect it will be positive, uplifting, encouraging, full of love and full of grace. We are part of the body of Christ... and we are asking you to pray that we will allow His love to shine through us that they might clearly see the Truth. "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit..." Ephesians 1:13
Dusty and I both feel very strongly about doing this, especially because an opportunity similar to this was provided to me when I was just 17. No it wasn't 3 weeks... it was an entire year; however, I know how critical the "home experience" and the family you are placed with is while on an adventure of this magnitude. My family during that year in Chile was absolutely amazing and I am so grateful. This is just a small way to pay it forward to someone else... Praise the Lord for this opportunity!
Please pray for our family and all the other families hosting these students over the next several weeks. Please pray for their safe arrival and time here, for their hearts to be softened to hear the Gospel, and for this time to absolutely change their lives. As always, we covet your prayers! THANK YOU!
"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a NEW LIFE."- Romans 6:4
We are thrilled to have the opportunity to help our two 16-year-old girls perfect their English skills, take them to school and on field trips, teach them about the American family life and culture, and most importantly, introduce them to Jesus Christ. As we are well aware, it's not what we say about Christ and all of the wonderful things He has done for each of us, but instead it only demonstrated through living it. Our daily witness- our interactions with them, with each other, with friends, and how we parent Deacon- will speak volumes. Please pray that in every aspect it will be positive, uplifting, encouraging, full of love and full of grace. We are part of the body of Christ... and we are asking you to pray that we will allow His love to shine through us that they might clearly see the Truth. "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit..." Ephesians 1:13
Dusty and I both feel very strongly about doing this, especially because an opportunity similar to this was provided to me when I was just 17. No it wasn't 3 weeks... it was an entire year; however, I know how critical the "home experience" and the family you are placed with is while on an adventure of this magnitude. My family during that year in Chile was absolutely amazing and I am so grateful. This is just a small way to pay it forward to someone else... Praise the Lord for this opportunity!
Please pray for our family and all the other families hosting these students over the next several weeks. Please pray for their safe arrival and time here, for their hearts to be softened to hear the Gospel, and for this time to absolutely change their lives. As always, we covet your prayers! THANK YOU!
"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a NEW LIFE."- Romans 6:4
Comments
What an opportunity for these girls to be able to stay in your home for 3 weeks. I know they are going to love it and feel the love of Jesus there too. You know that I will be praying for you and Dusty to let your "lights shine" for Him and for you to be blessed as you pay it forward. Asking God to prepare their hearts. I love you.
Laurie in Ca.
Cathy & Annabel
I am glad your Colorado trip was such a blessing. Jesus is so faithful. :-)