Last night we met, as we do each Wednesday, with the Latino group that Richard and Sheila Dickinson began back in May without even knowing how to speak Spanish! A handful of Latinos they met through language school begged them to teach them more about the Bible, and soon their friends and spouses joined in, too.
Usually Michael does the teaching, but this week Carrie taught the lesson for the first time. The topic was “Top Ten Reasons to Become a Christian.” But the discussion and interaction were so good that we only got through the first three!
Even though the group met in a home in the next town over from Oostende (where we usually meet), it was still standing room only! Our “small group” was anything but—22 people in attendance despite the fact that a handful of the regular attendees and spouses were missing. It was then that we realized that as this group continues to grow, changes are going to need to be made, as not many people have a living room big enough to seat 20-plus people!
Over the past few months we have seen how this amazing group has begun to really come together, investing in one another’s lives and opening up to share from their hearts, often revealing past hurts and experiences. Though the last thing we want to do is to separate a group that God is so faithfully bringing together, we recognize that division is a necessary part of growth. Our cells are constantly dividing so that our bodies can grow. Small groups or “cell” groups work in the same way.
Please join us in thanking God for the growth we have seen-- both numerical and spiritual--since we first arrived in December. Please also join us in praying that God would give us a strategy to divide the group so they can multiply without losing the fellowship and interaction with one another the Latinos so enjoy. And continue to pray for the Belgian spouses, many of whom are really beginning to show an interest in learning more about the Lord.
As always, thank you for your continued prayers and support. And if you plan to give towards our ministry this year and have not already done so, whether it is a church or individual commitment, please don’t forget to communicate it with us soon!
Blessings,
Carrie (Caty) and Michael Hamley
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