How I Got Here

“But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, ‘Arise and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ (This is a desert road.)  And he arose and went; and behold there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure; and he had some to Jerusalem to worship.

And he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah.  And the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go up and join this chariot.’  And when Philip had run up, he heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’  And he said, ‘Well, how could I unless someone guides me?’  And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

And Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him.  And as they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ‘Look!  Water!  What prevents me from being baptised?’  And Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’  And he answered and said, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’” Acts 8:26-31, 35-37

Coming to Australia was a silly, senseless and impossible idea for me.  And one morning in my devotion time, this passage “sort of” opened to me one day.  I realised THIS was the reason I would go...alone, to a desert wasteland (as far as Christians were concerned, cause it was a VERY dry time in Australia).  

Yet it was my affirmation and justification for coming half way around the world, leaving family and friends, almost 24 years ago.  I wonder when, how and if, I’ll ever have the joy of coming home to the States once more.  Only the Father knows. 

Now, think about where YOU are today and how YOU got there and what GOD has been doing through you.  Neat isn’t it!

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene 

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  Please send updates!  For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  Please pray for Adrian, that this new T-cell therapy will work against his cancer.   

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Paul NS & PJ.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  For my new project.  For Linda and Ian and the wisdom they have so generously shared.

Tim B finally having relief from his massive headaches.  For J&S, special friends, as they begin to manage some normal life for the first time in years.  Still need a permanent place to live. 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R doing well through complicated health challenges.  Tim (my little brother) with CPRD, needs financial help and satisfying work that he’s able to do.  For Audley and Beverly’s situation. For Carlton suffering from horrible infections in his bones.  For Nancy who is growing stronger every day & Fred as he cares for her.

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Barbara (sister-in-law) eager to find new work since her project ended. 

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes in surprising and wonderful ways! 

Hans has found joy in Christian fellowship but his work is consuming him physically and emotionally – give him wisdom and courage to take the right action!  For wisdom for me as I deal with the six young adults living here at this time.

For Kent as he grows through the loss of his mom.  Isaiac as his ministry in the Philippines.  Carla & Paul K for good results from their business plans. 

For Tarrega, as his hearts settles and strengthens.  For Linda, that the Lord will show her which doors to open next after she rests a bit.  For Rob as the Lord works in a new way in his life...protect his health. Pray for Annette as she begins some new career adventures. 

Pray for wisdom for my brother as he deals with an important matter.  For David K, in his studies and Matthew K as he grows up.  Elaine and Jim back in Hong Kong.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children there and for the many nations suffering from global financial mismanagement.  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.