Paradise and Hell In a Day…
Yesterday I looked out my front door and saw a group of seedy tourists, accompanied by local prostitutes, enjoying good food and drinks.
The same evening I watched the waves of the Indian Ocean roll up to my backyard while the waxing moon peaked the evening sky.
We live in a world that stares paradise and hell directly in the eyes. How do I to reconcile this dichotomy without nearly having a panic attack? Those of you who know me well, know that panic is something I have to control on a daily basis. Maybe you can relate…
The truth is, I want to run in the opposite direction of the innumerable instances of sex-tourism I see each day. I want to grab my husband, sons and daughters, lock down a force field and get away from this sick, sick world. But I know that’s not the answer…that’s not the solution…Lord help me know what is…
The island of Nosy-Be is a paradise; it’s a unique piece of land surrounded by vibrant coral reefs… a place that I dreamed of when I was a child. There are moments when I’m in awe of God and his creation, amazed that He has called us to this place and time in our lives, but in the same day I can be immensely disgusted by Satan and the chains of darkness he has bound around the necks of so many.
We need your prayers as we seek to live the Gospel in our home, our village and this island. It’s easy to remind myself that God has called us to be a light in the darkness; to stand up for injustice; to sit with sinners. But it’s a whole other reality to live out that calling when facing the darkness and the light appears only to faintly flicker.
God, use my children, my husband, use me to glorify you in this place…
Wanted to let you know that I’m praying for you guys. Love seeing your updates! Asking God to prosper the work of the Gospel through the McReynolds family in Nosy-Be and to provide heaven’s wisdom and perspective for your life among the people there.
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Hi Landon, it’s encouraging to have friends from years ago who support and pray for us. We do need your prayers as we seek God’s wisdom and His mission in our village. Grace and peace, Rebe
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I understand this feeling. I pray for y’all every Wednesday, thanks for letting me know how I can pray.
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We need your prayers. Thank you for your support. Love you guys and enjoy seeing pics of All Saints worshiping in the new building.
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Hi Rebe
My name is Richard Tough. I live, with my wife Annatjie & our three children Anke 14, Gina 12 & Edmund 10 in a small town called Gordonâs Bay about 60km east of Cape Town in South Africa.
We belong to the Every Nation Church in Somerset West.
I have personally been following you & Bryan & the work you are doing in Madagascar for a year or two now as my wife & I also have a heart for missions & Madagascar. At our recent Every Nation World Conference in Cape Town, we even had a fairly big group of people from Madagascar attending. (They were from Love & Care Ministries in Madagascar- mostly from Toamasina.)
I also linked up with a gentleman from Madagascar who is currently working in Cape Town for SIL who assist with Bible translations.
I would just like to encourage you & Bryan in the important work you are doing in Madagascar so far from your home. It is wonderful & inspiring to read your updates of what is going on there. I also really enjoy the Praise & Worship music that is being sung. (I would love to get a translation of some of the lyrics sometime if they are available?)
Maybe we will have the privilege of meeting you one day & maybe even assisting in some small aspect of the work you are doing.
Kind regards
Richard Tough
ratough@mtnloaded.co.za
+27 83 704 1270
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