Sharing in Christ sufferings leads to a life of victory

This last month or so has been full of changes, challenges and healing for many of our boys. We have had several that have been in and out of the hospital for various reasons. It has brought to light some health issues that will require some life style alterations and monitoring but the Lord had been so faithful to reveal it and allow us to get them on a path of healing and learning how to best manage their different health needs. It was a beautiful moment when one of the boys was being rushed to the hospital late one evening and ALL of the boys went with him or met them there. Watching them rally around their Etwene brother, pray and just be there to support him was a small glimpse of what God is doing in these young men and how they are becoming comrades ready to do life together.

Our 2 original boys that have been in a small one bedroom apartment have recently moved in to the house with the others and they are all learning how to work together and find a system for chores and managing the house. It is good to have them all under one roof.

We have also seen God move powerfully healing past hurts, casting our fears and strongholds and releasing them from things that have held them captive. Just this morning one of the boys was just sharing how the Lord has delivered him from some fears and strongholds and the peace that Christ has poured out on him after some prayers for deliverance and intentional time in Gods word. You could hear the difference in his voice and feel the freedom he was feeling. God is truly at work and He is fighting hard for these young men's hearts

We are still praying and searching for 2 new students. we have had a few prospects but the Lord has clearly closed those doors and made it clear it was not a good fit for Etwene. Please pray for the Lord to direct us to the right students at the right time. We know His timing is perfect!

Finally, as we have all been preparing to remember the sacrifice of our precious Savior and we feel the weight of the cross, please pray that each young man will take a deep look at how much Jesus loves them and what they may need to do to live their lives in a way that glorifies Him. Pray that they will know that following Christ also means sharing in His sufferings and that is often what grows our faith and makes us more like Christ. Then we can also see His power, His peace, His joy, His provision, and His purposes and that is when JOY overtakes all our circumstances and victory empowers their lives.