He thought I was nice?

Moi from Finland, Today was another beautiful day but, boy, when the wind blows from the north - it's no joke! I think it comes straight off the tip of an iceberg! As a matter of fact, I believe I saw a penguin waddling into our lake today - no not really.

Even though the wind may have been cold, my heart is warm. Today was a great day. Do you recall reading an e-mail a while back about two Asian brothers coming into the center late one evenining looking for a class? (evenining - I am truly becoming finn) (every word is three times as long and they add 'in' to the end of everything it seems) Anyway, they 'just happened' to wander down our hall, Anna and I 'just happened' to still be there about an hour after the kids had all left and they 'just happened' to have four children between the two of them who knew nothing of the Lord. Well, they brought their children to class the next day and it was wonderful. On their enrollment sheet where it asks the question about religion? All four sheets replied NO RELIGION or a line was drawn through. That afternoon when the mother (and aunt) came to pick them up, I went to greet her, as I normally do, and as I go I notice she has a smile on her face that was indescribable. I told her how wonderful it was to have the children in class and what we had studied that day. She immediately began tearing up- I wasn't really sure what was going on. She began to tell me how thankful she was I was here and that God had surely called me. I still wasn't sure exactly what was going on but by this time, I too, was getting rather misty eyed. As she continued in conversation she explained how her husband and his family are Buddhist and his entire family lived here in Finland. She is Catholic and loves the Bible but is not allowed to speak of it. She has no family here and no support. The children had never heard any stories about our Lord. Really, can you imagine - never had they heard about His love for them, His mercy, His beautiful plans for their life. Whew! I was dumb-founded for words!!! I was going to be the first one to share any of His amazing stories with these beautiful children. - GULP-

Well,, with all that being said, she told me that her husband was going to allow them to come simply because "He thought I was nice.", "He liked me." Okay, does that make any sense to you?? What, he met me for all of five minutes. I gave him directions and told him it would be great to have his children in class. "He thought I was nice"??? No, the Lord called him. He listened and he brought his children.

The lesson on the day they first came was one that the Lord had me plan out far in advance. I mean, months before I came, this lesson had been fully planned. Want to know what the color was and what the lesson was??? The color was purple - why? because we are all royalty - and in the words of Rachel Higgs - "You don't have to be or do anything to be a princess - your daddy just has to be the king" she said that so long ago (but, it's not been forgotten). Well, the point of the lesson was this - Our Daddy is the King and we are His children. Each and every one of us is a child of God whether we know it or not. We are royalty. So, what do you think - Do you think the Lord had that particular lesson picked out for that particular day so many,many months ago or what ?? I surely do!

Well, since that first day when the children left humming "Come and Go with Me to My Fathers' House" and so proud to be caring home a mini of themselves wearing a crown and a robe - they've not returned. At least not until today. Whew!! I was so afraid that perhaps the mother had problems once she got home or perhaps they were so excited they weren't going to be allowed to return. I had tried to call and make sure everything was okay, but the call was never answered. Today, they came back with huge smiles on their faces and said in Finnish, which was translated by their uncle, that they had missed me and were so glad to be back. Today, our lesson was on the stars of the universe. We had science experiments, art projects, games and stories all about how the Lord sends His love and messages to us through the stars. We talked about the stars so long ago when God showed them to Abraham as a promise. We talked about the star that shone so brightly to direct a bunch of shepherds to a bit of hay and the new born Son of God. We talked last about how we are God's stars and that we must shine bright to all the world showing the way to our Father. Phillippians 2:15 With every lesson I close by asking So, what can stars remind you of? Today it was Mhein who answered that she should "shine like a star to show the way!" Wow - Before they left I received several of the sweetest hugs ever. They left saying "see you on Monday!" (Well, not really, it was in Finnish) but, Oh, how I hope they do.

We had several others in class today - all were a joy! But, oh, my heart was and still is filled with joy to see three little Asian faces! (the smallest had kindergarten today) Roman and I both were overjoyed! There is still so much to share - Ahna - our shy little girl who says nothing to anyone is actually making eye contact - smiling, laughing and even initiating my hug at the end of the day! Truly the Lord is busy here in Tampere!

I know He is busy where you are also - I'd love to hear your stories - I appreciate so much the ones that have already written. Your words of encouragement, your words of love and your prayers are such a huge support and help keep me going! oh, and congratulations to beautiful Jenny Phillips and their sweet precious girl! Can't wait to see her!

love to you all, please continue in your prayers for the people in Finland and all over the world - so many still need to hear. His girl, leanne