Holy Humor

• A father was approached by his small son who told him proudly, 'I know what the Bible means!'His father smiled and replied, 'What do you mean, you 'know' What the Bible means? The son replied, 'I do know!''Okay,' said his father. 'What does the Bible mean?''That's easy, Daddy...' the young boy replied excitedly,' It stands for 'Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.'

• There was a very gracious lady who was mailing an old family Bible to her brother in another part of the country.'Is there anything breakable in here?' asked the postal clerk.' Only the Ten Commandments. ' answered the lady.
  
• 'Somebody has said there are only two kinds of people in the world.There are those who wake up in the morning and say, 'Good morning, Lord,' and there are those who wake up in the morning and say, 'Good Lord, it's morning.'

• A minister parked his car in a no-parking zone in a large city because he was short of time and couldn't find a space with a meter.Then, he put a note under the windshield wiper that read: 'I have circled the block 10 times. If I don't park here, I'll miss my appointment. Forgive us our trespasses.' When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer along with this note 'I've circled this block for 10 years. If I don't give you a ticket I'll lose my job. Lead us not into temptation.'

• There is the story of a pastor who got up one Sunday and announced to his congregation: 'I have good news and bad news. The good news is, we have enough money to pay for our new building program. The bad news is, it's still out there in your pockets.'
  
• While driving in Pennsylvania, a family caught up to an Amish carriage. The owner of the carriage obviously had a sense of humour, because attached to the back of the carriage was a hand printed sign... 'Energy efficient vehicle: Runs on oats and grass. Caution: Do not step in exhaust.'

• A minister waited in line to have his car filled with gas just before a long holiday weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him. Finally, the attendant motioned him toward a vacant pump. 'Reverend,' said the young man, 'I'm so sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip.'The minister chuckled, 'I know what you mean. It's the same in my business.'
  

• People want the front of the bus, The back of the church, And The centre of attention.

• Sunday after church, a Mom asked her very young daughter what the lesson was about.The daughter answered, 'Don't be scared, you'll get your quilt.' Needless to say, the Mom was perplexed. Later in the day, the pastor stopped by for tea and the Mom asked him what that morning's Sunday school lesson was about. He said, 'Be not afraid, thy comforter is coming.'

Nollaig Shona Agus & Ath Vhlian Faoi Mhaise Dhib

This strange title simply means 'Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you' in Irish.

I almost had to pinch myself today to see, if I was really back in Sharjah, at home, doing the normal stuff that I would on my day off. It feels so strange that my own place of birth does not feel like home any more.

When I landed at Abu Dhabi airport, I had to collect a visitor's visa and the officer asked me, "when will you leave the country?" I guess this is the bitter fact that I do not belong here, I do not belong anywhere, it was a reminder from the Lord that this world is not my home! On Christmas day when Jesus was born, I am sure He would have felt the same way and His visa was also valid for 33 years only!

With all the preparation for Christmas celebration, my heart is actually sad in more than one ways. As delighted as I am to be with my family and loved ones at this time and grateful that I live in a loving, safe environment, I am aware that there are many who are not enjoying the security that I have in other parts of the world. The security in Christ Jesus and in family members is precious. I am also wondering whether Jesus's family celebrated His birthday every year and even knew why was He living among them? I wonder whether his parents gave him gifts for his birthday for thirty three years and tried to make it special for Him every year? How did Jesus react, what did He have to say to them, did anyone realize that He was among them for a much more worthy cause ...... it is something like the world's situation today.

Sometimes we are so lost in our preparations to make everything special at Christmas that we forget the one who it is for. It's about Jesus, not about me, not about you but thank God that it is about Jesus, His birth, His death and resurrection! We are only 'Messangers' not the 'message'. We are the bearers of the goodnews and not 'the news'. This year I choose to be more unprepared for the worldly celebrations and prepare to spend quality time with Jesus Himself and seek to listen to His heart beat more than anything, to thank Him for coming into this 'strange' world which is not home, where there is no sense of belonging yet He spent quality time here and set an example for me that I can live just the way He did, Amen.

What about you my beloved, how will you celebrate Jesus this time?

Have a joyus Christmas and a blessed New year 2009.

Why?

The most common question, an open ended question and probably the most difficult to answer when asked. I have always asked and probed till I realized that every question that I have can only be answered by God. So here is something that really touched me when I was as usual annoying God for some answers.

Jeremiah 9:23-24
23Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
24But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

So now my purpose is re directed to gaining an understanding of God's character and understanding why He does what He does than try to get answers to my own questions. I want to develop a more intimate relationship with Him so that I can understand His personality, who He really is and love Him just as He is!

God loves you and may He create a desire in you to understand Him. Amen!

Obedience is a step-by-step matter

Since that first step of obedience 45 years ago, God has shown me many more steps of obedience. But each time, He showed me the next step, only after I had taken the step He had already shown me. God's Word is "a lamp to our feet" (Psa.119:105), meaning that it shows us only the next step for our feet and not the whole road in front of us. This is like holding a torch and walking along a dark road. We can see only a little bit of the road at a time – just enough for the next step. To see more of the road ahead, we have to move forward.

If I had not taken that first step of obedience, I might never have seen another step in God's will for my life – and I would have wasted my days on earth, even if I did go to heaven. If God has clearly shown you some step of obedience now, obey Him immediately, lest you miss the will of God for your life.
by Brother Zac Poonen

My pictures in Mosbach

Even in a crowd?

Even in a crowd

God knows me by my name

He holds me by my hand

No two people are the same

He knew even in my mother's womb

He chose me and called me by name

Jesus thought of me before I did

This is my claim to 'His' fame

My identity is in Him

I glory only in this

That I know my Lord

His divine character and I am His

Even in a crowd I am not alone

Jesus is with me

I am secure

I walk confidently with the trinity

We are painting at Lacken House

A day at Lacken House

Dearly beloved,
Yes I have been quite busy infact today was an exciting day and here is glimpse into my day......
Yesterday I came back from my meeting at Kilkenny College. We are renting its facilities for our upcoming youth event in February 2009. So I had to go and check out the facilities. However it was 6 hours journey and got home only at 8:00 pm last night. Had to put together the meeting details so I knew it will be a busy day. But I had no idea what I was in for. After the morning devotions we all were asked to come and help with completing the upstairs office space, it is under construction. We knew that we had to do it since we do not have any resources. So we put on dirty jeans, working gloves, mask and goggles and started to sand the walls and it was dusty, I mean there was a sand storm in the whole upper room, there was sand even in my eye lashes, teeth everywhere. I was thinking of Vicky all the time and how he always used me as a handy man (woman). If only he had seen me now!
Then our servers crashed because of the dust so I had to physically move everything downstairs, clean and re-set it. I am now the official IT Administrator as well! Then the German Embassy called asking for the original letter to be sent directly to them from the OM Germany office. I got on the phone with them and got that sorted. We have a planning meeting on Tuesday morning so I have to travel to Dublin on Monday so I was trying to organize that. After lunch we had a singing session with a couple who has come to spend there vacation here but ended up working with us (bicharay). At 5:00 pm I had a meeting with our communications person and left for home only at 6:00 pm. That is when I spoke to you breifly. Got home, rushed into the shower, ate dinner, put my clothes in the wash, packed ( tell you details in a sec), got online since I still have to do office work and here I am.
We were laughing at work today, "what is happening at Lacken House?" Construction, music, drama and much much more.....but we have a great team. Everyone has such a servant heart. Matlab from my director to colleagues children everyone was helping to clean, sand the walls, paint etc. while singing praises to God. We have no money, no fancy set up, don't know how we will finish all this work but we are taking one step at a time, together .....
The rest of the week is as follows:
Thursday - Going to Letterkenny for the weekend & prayer meeting
Friday - Going to Belfast for Casting Crowns concert
Saturday - Back home since John & Laura arrive from England
Sunday - Sight seeing around Roscommon with John & Laura
Monday - Go to Dublin with John & Laura (staying overnight)
Tuesday - Meeitng in Dublin and back to Roscommon
Wednesday - hopefully a normal day !!!!!
Working for God is tougher since He has high standards. But doing construction work at Lacken House is very exciting as I feel I am making history. After many years when we have all moved on and this building is used for weary souls, conferences, prayer meetings and office space, I will be able to say that I had a part in building one of the walls..... there is a unique satisfaction that I can not explain in words.
So do you want to be a missionary?

My farewell speech to HSBC family

Friends I bid you adieu today
"Nothing lasts forever", they say
I will cherish your friendship everyday
Wish you love and peace along life's way

I joined HSBC in 1999
Time spent in many departments has been more than fine
The pleasure and experience is all mine
The suffering while I was learning was thine

I will miss saying, "I work at HSBC"
But I am free from the fear of rating '3'
We do not always feel a part of the organization tree
Yet we are a big 'happy' family!

Sometimes I will celebrate my victory
Other times I will think of the beloved 'Fish Committee'
Hope you will continue to be Sporty, funny & chirpy
While making lots of money

You may write to leenadavid@gmail.com
I will be glad to mails, From: Friends or foes, any one seeking shelter in a storm
Are welcome to Ireland, my new hom*
*(irish accent)

What a generation!

As I lay in bed, I just thanked the Lord so much for the young people that He is raising all over the world. The numbers vary because some are large and others small however they are all persevering after God. This the generation of 'God chasers'.

I had the privilege of attending the River of Life Church's youth meeting on Friday at Athlone. It was such a refreshing time. I was so encouraged.

I recalled the verse from the Bible Psalm 71:5 For Thou art my hope, O Lord GOD; Thou art my trust from my youth. Yes, as we studied about security in Christ and how God's love is the one true love of our life. Hallelujah! This is an amazing group of young people. They are so grounded in the Word of God, it is marvellous and I am excited to see their zeal. As we continue to meet, I am hoping that we will be able to unfold the wonderful truths in the Bible and be equipped to walk in the image of Jesus Christ.

I am reminded how much I love being around this group of people and so does God. Ask you for prayers to prepare and disciples these teens to reach out to other teens all over Ireland. Amen

Pray for the young people of Roscommon! I know this is the just the beginning of a revolution.

Tumahri Bajia

Good morning Sunshine,

I too love to write to you early morning coming purposely early so that I can spent that time reading your mails and writing back while I take my early cuppa of tea. You are right I should write a book about us and the special relationship that we share.

Sisters are close generally but we are more than sisters, like best friends!

You know what and I have told you many a times that when God finished making me, He looked at me and went, “ Oh no! she can’t be sent to the world all by herself. She will be a terror to others and herself . Hmmmmm! I have an idea, Yes I will send one of my most loved cherubim who hovers around my throne and sees and kisses my face , to pacify her and help her in life.

Then He called out, “My most beautiful and beloved angel, Leena…….You came flying with your pretty wings, ‘Yes Father!'

God: you see this girl here,

Cherubim Leena: Yes Father, You have created her in your image and she is perfect.

God: Thank You my beloved angel. But you see, she is a tough one and she will require someone to take care of her and love her and guide her throughout her life. Otherwise she might destroy herself and others around her. She is quite volatile you know. I want you to be with her as her guardian angel.

And that’s when you set your angel eyes upon me and took me under your charge.

We were sisters even in heaven!

Blessed Bus

On Sunday our team was out for evangelism on the street in a 'BIG RED BUS'. It is the name of a minsitry for children and young people. We have a double decker bus which we park outside the shopping center in the city of Athlone and serve free tea/coffee with snacks. When the children and teenagers come in we tell them stories about Jesus, face painting, puppet shows, show movies etc. It is an exciting way to interact with them. I shared with two girls named Ruth and Philomena aged 9 & 10 yrs. They were so cute. We read stories from the Bible. I taught them the song about the 'wise man built his house upon a rock'. They were so technology savy that they both recorded it on their mobiles & then we prayed the sinners prayer together. I think they are saved in their little hearts! But I am confident that the seed is sown. They were telling everyone that Jesus is their best friend now and they will talk to Him everyday. Another exciting thing was that Mary who accompanied our neighbors for shopping in Atholone that afternoon was able to bring them into the bus. What an opportunity for them to see the ministry in action. Our neighborhood is a mixed community of Indains, Americans and Irish (ofcourse) but we all have connected very well. Orla has become a good friend of Mary's and I believe that the Lord has a divine plan for all these friendships. I urge you to pray for us as we witness to our neighbors. Thank you for your prayers and support once again. My utmost desire to the see the name of Jesus lifted high. All glory and honor be to His name alone.

Prayerfully yours

Leena :-)

Story of the slave sisters

Once upon a time in a land far away there lived two sisters. They were both slaves and worked in the field from morning till evening. After a hard days work they then had to go and work at the master's home. They had to cook, clean and wash and became very tired by the time they went to bed. The sisters dreamt about being free someday. They spoke about taking a leisure walk in the garden, being dressed in pretty clothes and play all day. Some day marry handsome young men and live happily ever after.

One of the sisters actually practiced at night when everyone was asleep. She would pretend that she was was walking and playing in the garden. This really encouraged her and gave her hope that one day her dream will come true. But the other sister dreamt but did not believe that it will ever happen.

One day the Prince of the land was passing by the field and lay eyes in the slave sisters. He took a liking to one of them and started to visit the field everyday. The Prince approached the slave girl one day and asked her to come with him. She was very pleased about the proposal but said that she was just a slave girl and not ready. She told him that she did dream of being free one day but not now. The Prince was very disappointed. At that moment, the other sister who was listening immediately approached the Prince and said, "I am ready to come with you!"

The Prince looked at her and she was similar to her sister. He agreed to take her instead and she was free indeed!

Moral of the story: We will only be slaves to sin till we choose to let Jesus set us free.

Mirror, mirror on the wall...

James 1:23 (b) he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror.......as I was meditating on these verses I was reminded of the story of Snow White and the seven drawfs. In the story the queen always stood in front of the mirror and asked "who is the fairest of them all?" When the mirror responded favorably she was pleased however she was very angry when the mirror replied that now the fairest of all is not the queen but Snow White instead of her. I am imagining that she would have even broken the mirror when it gave a negative comment. That is why she plotted to kill Snow White as a result of her jealousy.

Each one of us has a 'mirror' in our hands as Christians. When we begin to examine ourselves in the 'mirror' of God's word what are our feelings? Like the Queen, are we indulged in vanity, do we feel love for others, are we jealous of someone else's prosperity, do we like what we see?

1) Exodus 20:3 You shall have no other gods before Me. The definition of 'god' according to me is anyone or anything that takes all our attention, time and effort. Our work can be our god, a friend, television, internet, a habit anything that diverts attention from Jesus is a god. Anything that interferes in our relationship with Jesus is a god! Lets examine our lives and make a checklist of who are our gods? Is Jesus the primary focus of our life or is He living in the guest room of our heart. Do we talk to Him occasionally or continuously?

2) Exodus 20:7 You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

My sister sometimes calls my name and when I turn to her does not say anything. It is very irritating. "Why do you draw my attention when you don't have anything to say" I ask her and she does not bother replying. If someone keeps calling your name without really wanting to talk to you how would you feel? Imagine calling the King of kings and Lord of lords, whose name if above all, getting His attention and not intending to have any conversation with Him. It is quite an insult. How do we address the name of our earthly father? Do we cry their name out for no reason, try taking your Dad's name without meaning to talk to him and his reaction will tell you that we should never dishonor the name of God. Saying "Jesus" is not fashionable. If we don't mean it, we should not say it. Remember we are accountable for every word that we speak as written in Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the Day of Judgment. We will be accountable for every word that we speak without meaning it.

3) Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and your mother.

What is our perception of our parents? Do we respect them and want to introduce them to our friends or are we embarrassed of them? Dr. Dobson wrote in one of his books that our feelings for our natural father on earth is a reflection of our feelings for the heavenly Father as well. In other words whatever is our relationship with our father on earth it is most likely to be the same with the Father in heaven. Take a moment to look at the mirror of God's Word and ask, "what is my relationship with God Almighty?"

We can continue examining ourselves through several scriptures of the Bible. For e.g. in Psalm 1:1-6 Blessed is the man who:

• does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
• nor stand in the path of sinners
• nor sit in the seat of scoffers!

A scoffer is one who is mocking laughter, mimicry, or comments intended to make fun of somebody in a contemptuous way. Let us examine whether we are intentionally of unintentionally scoffing?

As we examine ourselves we all know our spiritual condition. Peter's message pricked the hearts of the people and they became desperate to 'REPENT'. When we repent our character is groomed and we begin to look nice, just like after a hair cut, trimming of a beard or getting our eye brows shaped.

When we see our unkept hair in the mirror it is a natural thing that we fix it sometime with our hands, other times with a comb. My Uncle was complaining about his dry lips and asked my mother if she could give him a solution. They were young and were not so familiar with cosmetics. She advised him that if he applies lipstick it will be smooth. Taking her advise my Uncle applied lipstick at night with the intention to remove it in the morning. However he forgot and went to get the milk with the lipstick on. He came home very angry with my mother. However she replied that she had asked him to remove it in the morning. If only he had looked in the mirror he would have avoided the embarrassment. We need to continue examining ourselves in the 'mirror' of God's word. And remember examining is for examinations and examinations result in promotion to the next level. If we fail then we remain in the same class. I have just mentioned a few scriptures but I encourage you to keep reading and make a checklist of all the verses that teach us character traits.

My beloved, the Bible has been given to us so that our character will be developed just the way God wanted it to be. Let us use it as a grooming tool to look beautiful whenever we read it. Ask God to fix the uneven eyes, unshaped lips, trim the hair and re-shape us daily in His own image. Amen.

North Ireland country site - Balleybofey

A child again......

As a little girl things seemed so plain

There was joy in the flowers, trees and rain

The age of leisure, of sweet innocence
Like that unblemished rose with fragrance

I wondered as I looked around
When will I grow up and be profound

Then time flew away like the winged bird
And I saw reality as never heard

I myself, became a problem for me
Had ears deaf and eyes that could not see

I wondered as I looked around
Will wisdom ever in me abound?

Then one fine day after the darkest hour

My heart was bitter and eyes so sore

The troubles and hassles of life

Had made my living such a strife

Everything in th eworld was blue

All was false and nothing true

Then I saw the most marvellous light

A revelation divine, a vision so bright

'tis came to me Jesus, the Christ

My strength withered and Iwas full of fright

He came to me and chided with love

He gave me a robe as white as dove

Tears ran down my evil eyes

For the sins I did, He paid the price

I cried, "what do you want me to do, O Lord?"

He said, "Come and live with me, in one accord!

That day when received salvation

My ears, my eyes and heart...had a transformation

The world suddenly didn't seem insane

And I became like a child again!

I am a free prisoner!

When I was reading Ephesians tonight chapter 4:1a, Paul refers to himself as "the prisoner". It caught my attention since the word, in a worldly context sounds negative. I dread to think of my relationship with God as "prisoner-jailer". However when we look deeper at the whole passage, Paul's prisoner attitude is that of a "lover".
Example when we are in love we make some deliberate commitments such as I will not look at another woman or man or talk to anyone like I talk to my beloved and sometimes we make promises with our eyes that we will make a choice to be faithful to our partner. We "imprison" our thoughts and emotions towards pleasing our loved one ... can be wife or husband as well :-)
When we make that effort to please our partner we feel a certain satisfaction and joy. When someone commits to loving you forever there is a certain warmth that overcomes us. In many poems we read the lover is captivated by one look, captivated by her hair or the way she walks etc. This is exactly Paul's condition. He is captivated by the love of Jesus. And now he is announcing it that he is captivated (imprisoned by choice) and so now "I belong to the Lord".
Paul made that same decision consciously and depended on Jesus 110% for everything. From the least to the most! He set himself aside. Paul not only has the sense of belonging with God, he is very comfortable and confident about surrendering himself to God. Paul is absolutely delighted to submit to His Lord and he means it when he comes in the presence of God, humbles himself and says, "at your service Jesus my Lord". Paul and all of us are free from the slavery of sin but now what do we do with this freedom. Paul decided that he will enjoy freedom thoroughly by serving the one who has offered it to him.
Now one-sided love is not love at all. Paul's commitment is a result of Jesus loving him to death. 1 John 4:10 clearly states that God loved us first and Paul is only responding to God's love.

1 John 4:8 This prisoner of God has no fear of what the 'jailer' might do. He knows that the one to whom he has surrendered to loves him deeply, cares for him and will never hurt him. I am immensely challenged by Paul's example to have the same confidence and trust in Jesus. And obviously trust is developed over a period when we spend quality time with someone. Paul developed it by knowing God intimately.

Jesus also made big claims as a 'prisoner' of the love He has for you and me. Some of His claims are:

1. Hebrews 13:5 I will never leave you nor forsake you


2. Matthew 21:22 Ask and it shall be given you


3. John 14:13 Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do


4. John 10:11 Iam the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep


5. Matthew 6:33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you

and many more. Some are really big claims, I am not sure if my daddy will be happy about me making promises about giving away our family heritage or property. And there are many more claims that Jesus made and kept.
The point is that Paul understood Jesus' heart. He realized that Jesus was a man of His word and his lover was stronger than anything in the world. He had absolute confidence and so he literally threw himself at Jesus' disposal saying, "here I am Lord, I am your prisoner, I belong to you, you are the love of my life...do what you want to me, I am completely yours."
I close with these thoughts:

• Has the love of God captivated our heart?


• Are we ready for the 'big claim' that Jesus here Iam, at your service my master, let me serve you, let not mine but your will be done!


• Jesus, literally loved us to death yet how do we love him?

God bless you.

Do we dwell in "the Secret place of the Most High?"

Psalm 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.First important fact that there is such a place as ‘the secret place of the Most High’ where one can dwell. Dwell means to live, reside or take residence, inhabit, settle or stay. This clearly means that the secret place is a place of permanent residency. In Hebrew Dwelleth is defined as: yâshab or yaw-shab' meaning properly to sit down (specifically as judge, in ambush, in quiet); by implication to dwell, to remain; causatively to settle, to marry - (make to) abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell, ease self, endure, establish, habitation, haunt, inhabit, remain, return, seat, settle down, sit down, still.As for the word secret, it obviously creates a mystery. The Secret Place in Hebrew is:sêther sithrâh or say'-ther, sith-raw' meaning a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative sense): disguise, hiding place, privily, protection, secret (-ly, place).The secret place therefore means an undisclosed area where one is settled permanently. This place is private, not everyone can enter, it probably requires identification to enter and has restricted access. It could also be a hiding place, a refuge or a hideout. In today’s vocabulary an encrypted or password protected area where only few people have access. A place of hidden treasure and secret which can cost one’s life or death.In the light of the above definitions we can summarize ‘the secret place of the Most High’ in the following ways:

1. That such a place exists

2. This is a private place of God

3. It is confidential and restricted

4. God is particular about who lives here

5. It is safe and secure

6. This place is exclusive and permanent residency is possible

7. Not everyone knows about it since it is secret
Now the questions that come to mind are: What is this place?Who lives there?How can I get there?Why does such a place exist?When can I dwell at this place?Which are the secrets that are kept/enclosed here?

What is going on at the secret place?

Intimacy

Strategy

Mystery

Prosperity

Purity

Sovereignty

Security

Adversity

Majesty

Victory

I encourage you to go through the above list and ask God what does it mean to dwell in "the secret place of the Most High."

From Dubai to Dublin

Till death do us part!

Till death do us part

He said in His heart

The clouds covered the dark sky

Everywhere was despair and cry

Why didn't He save Himself?

Why didn't He ask for help?

But Jesus, the Carpenter

Spoiled death and hell, to enter

Into a sinner's heart

From Him to never depart

He rose victorious from the grave

To me and you new life He gave

His Spirit now He gives to you

A great commission for you to do

'Coz when His head on the cross He bow

It was then He exchanged the vow

He's coming back with joy and pride

To claim His own, the unblesmished bride!

We are the Sadeks!

Lets go home!

In a far away land there lived a King. He had a beautiful palace and a beautiful garden. Many animals and birds surrounded the palace. The King had a son who was very obedient and faithful. The King trained him in all princely manners. He was a good son, a brave soldier and he spent time learning from his father how to take care of the kingdom and loving the people.
The good son would spend all day with his father and they would share their thoughts. However he often noticed that the father stood alone near a certain tree in the cool of the day and look intensely at the path. One day the good son approached the father and asked him, “Why do stand alone and your eyes long to find someone?” The father replied with a sigh, “I seek your brother”.
You see the King had another son whom he loved very much. He also had a wife who the father adored his own daughter. The father had asked the son to do something for him but the son disobeyed. The father was grieved and since he was a just King he had to ban the son from the kingdom.
When the good son heard the story he said to the father that is there anything he can do to ease the pain. The father informed him that he would love for the brother and his wife to come back and live with him forever. The good son took it to heart and said that he will do anything to bring the family back together.
The next day he set out to journey. The father told him that he should act like one of them and not declare his status. They should come willingly and just as they are.
The good son had a long and difficult journey. Sometimes by land other times by sea. For days and months and years he travelled in rains, storms, summer, winter and spring determined to find his brother and his wife to bring them back home.
Finally he came to a village where there were lots of people. He wondered if his brother lived there. He was pleasantly surprised to find out that the brother and his wife died however these were their children who inhabited the village now. He began to live among them. Once again for days, months and years he lived with the villagers and got to know them. They all treated him well and on many occasions he felt loved. But he missed his father whom he loved very much. Then he thought to himself that he has to keep his promise and although his brother is no more, he will take all the children with him.
They began their journey and it was a long way back to the palace. But they were very excited. All of them carried their stuff with them. Then slowly they began to get tired. There were some who were carrying lots of burden. As they walked along, some of them began to get tired. The good son suggested if he could help. He took the burden from the little girl. The he took the burden from the young man. He took another burden off the old lady and by the time they came to the end of the journey the good son was totally buried under the burden and collapsed. The brother’s children got very worried and began to wonder what will they do?
They lifted the burden and started to throw it into the lake. Finally with the last burden the good breathed a breath. He then took them by hand and crossed over to the other side where the King waited impatiently with open arms. He welcomed the good son and all the children of the brother. And they lived happily ever after.

The Rainbow

Greetings in the name of the most High God who sent His only Son Jesus to save you and me. As I write this praise report I am humbled and stand in awe of the mighty God that we serve.
On Saturday, upon our return from Holland our team came back rejoicing and ready to take on the challenge to share the gospel with every person we met. However my 'high' spirits were lowered immediately as soon as I was held by the immigration officer interrogating me over the counter that I no longer had permission to enter Ireland! I was shocked and produced every piece of evidence that I had trying to explain to them that I have completed all the formalities required to live in Ireland. She highlighted to me that I had a 'single entry' and as a Pakistani passport holder I needed multiple entry visa stamped on my passport. As more officers started to gather around me, for a moment I felt like a criminal and thought that in a few moments I will be arrested. However God is faithful and I clearly explained to them that I was not informed by the GARDA (who issues permission to reside in the country). I knew my team mates were praying for me from a distance, so as I continued to probe them for alternative options since I was misguided, one of the officers suggested that they can let me enter with a "warning" and I should sort out the visa within a week. I thanked them and praised God for letting me out of the situation. I must confess I was scared and all shaken approached my team mates who were very concerned by this time. We all thanked God for timely help and proceeded to collect our baggage only to discover that the container containing our luggage never arrived so we had to leave the airport without our bags and the airline will deliver it us when it arrives. By this time I just wanted to get out of the airport and run to a corner and hide somewhere. And did I mention that I also had a cold which I got on the last day of the conference. Scared, sick and without baggage Mary ( my room-mate) and I arrived home safely.
I was delighted to come home and even more thrilled when saw the new dressing table in my room gifted by our sweet Landlord, John. I went to bed quite disturbed but grateful that things could have been worse. I picked up my diary and began to read since 2006 and as I read through the pages one after the other I felt my burden lifted and a strange peace engulf me. I slept very peacefully.
Hallelujah, that Sunday morning God woke me with a beautiful message from Genesis 40:15 that Joseph was in the dungeon however he did not complain and as a result of his attitude the Lord gave him prosperity in whatever he did. I decided that I will not be anxious and just praise Jesus. I did not want to let the enemy take away my joy. After all it is not about me, the central hero of this story is Jesus! So the focus is really on Him not me or my petty problems. He is able and more than able to accomplish all that concerns me. I also thank God for Mary since she prayed with me and really encouraged me. That evening our luggage arrived :-)
The next day we spent the day cleaning our house and had a productive day of just settling down, Tuesday was our first day at work so we were very excited. During the morning devotions Mike shared about loving one another so that other will know that we are Jesus' disciples. Very relevant yet requires perseverance. That evening we received the residence card and I was informed to go to Dublin to get the passport stamped. To cut a long story short there were lots of logistics required to travel to Dublin since it is 2 hours away from where we live. Well I thank the Lord for Alastair who got me the forms and prayed with me for the next day's challenges. As I left Roscommon, an elderly gentleman accompanied me to the train. I had a wonderful conversation with him. The highlight of today is that half way through the journey the rainbow came out and it was out all the way till I arrived in Dublin. People of God, I was reassured of my Lord's awesome promise that He is with me and I felt I had angels surrounding me. A couple escorted me to find a taxi to go to the immigration office and the visa was stamped within one hour. I can not thank God enough for His divine provision and protection through the day.
The story does not end here, today for the first time in my life I had the opportunity to share the gospel on the street with Sam and Mickey. Praise the Lord. Street preaching is cool guys! I know that seeds were sown and I got to share the salvation message with an atheist and (get this) a Pakistani muslin from Islamabad and gave them the gospel of John. How cool is that! I am excited even more to see 'my hero' Jesus glorified. I am jumping for joy and want to encourage you my beloved "come, taste and see that the Lord is good". This walk of faith is fun........HALLELUJAH.
Please pray for my short visit to Dubai as I travel tomorrow at 9:30 p.m. & arrive in Dubai 7:30 am. It is my Dad's 69th birthday on Saturday 6th September so lift him up in your prayers as well.
Blessings & you are in my prayers.

Leena :-)
If you die today, will you be with Jesus?