Embracing Obscurity- Chapter 6

(A few friends and I began reading this book together. After dropping it for over a year, I am endeavoring to finish it.  After reading a chapter, I am posting my comments, then giving my friends the opportunity to add their thoughts as well. If you would like to join us or simply find out more about the book, you can read about it here.)

Chapter 6: Embracing Servanthood
- “It is one thing to follow God’s way of service if you are regarded as a hero, but quite another thing if the road marked out for you by God requires becoming a doormat under other people’s feet.”  (Page 91- Quoting Oswald Chambers)  This quote from the beginning of the chapter points out the biggest lesson I saw for myself.
 
- “None of the Twelve perhaps minded not being the absolute greatest, as long as he wasn’t considered the least.” (Page 93)  I had never considered the passage from this angle, but I was challenged by the thought.  Most Christians would know enough to say that he need not be the greatest, yet most of us would balk at being the least.
 
- He makes a great (and difficult to hear) point when explaining that the big areas of service in our lives are often highly regarded by others.  Those areas of service can be easier than the multitude of little decisions selfless service would call us to.
 
- I liked the illustration of the soaker hose.  As it in no way controlled the water running through it, so we must remove any controls we have placed on God’s ministering through us.
 
- He notes that the opportunity for a higher position or more authority does not necessitate that we should choose that option.
 
I've had my say, what say you?

Discussion on Chapter 5
Discussion on Chapter 7

Hughes News #57



"Tie your shoes and pray for the Hughes"

Dear Friends,
 
We have been encouraged by some of the recent opportunities to minister:
 
• In the last few weeks at the Romanian Bible study, it has been neat to see C., a nine year old boy, voluntarily sit with us and read along as David teaches.  Although the original intent was to minister to his mother and grandmother, I believe the Lord wants to work in his heart as well.
 
• After being very standoffish at first, O. opened up to us when we visited her recently.  It seems that she is a believer who drifted away from the Lord after the former Baptist church closed.
 
• In our last conversation M. asked, “How then does a person become a child of God?”  While she appears to have a genuine desire for God, she has not had someone to come alongside and patiently answer her questions.
 
• Last week one of our neighbors accepted our invitation for a snack, tea and a chat with us.  We pray that further visits will allow us to explain the Gospel to both her and her husband.
 
• Sunday we had our first visitor to a service.  J. is in Moldova while her husband helps repair the road to Soroca.  We hope to encourage her in the Lord for the duration of their stay.
 
Would you go to the Lord on our behalf and on behalf of these dear souls?
 
As expected, we received our two-year residency permits last week.  Today when I stopped by the Grosses house, grout was being added to the tile.  Within a few days they should be ready to begin living on the first floor.  Last month I found a place to play basketball.  I love playing the game, but I also want the Lord to minister to the other players through me.
 
In His service,
Jacob and Viola Hughes
 
For Prayer:
1. The individuals to whom we are seeking to minister
2. Final details of first floor at our coworkers’ home
3. Further understanding of and ability in Russian
 
For Praise:
1. Opportunities for discussions of spiritual things
2. Our first visitor to a Sunday service
3. Residency permits now in hand


Hughes News #56



"Tie your shoes and pray for the Hughes"

Dear Friends,
 
Throughout the last couple months we helped our coworkers with the work in their house.  When they are able to move down there from the unfinished second floor (Lord-willing this month), it will give more comfortable surroundings for them and more room for others to meet with us.
 
Last update we mentioned the resubmission of documents for residency.  With the applications being accepted, we should receive our two year permits later this month.
 
Jacob is continuing to preach in Russian on Sundays.  The Sunday evening Romanian Bible study with David’s neighbor has given many opportunities to explain the Gospel.  However the Russian study has halted until we are able to reestablish contact with the lady.  With this stage of house construction coming to a close, we will be giving more time to sharing God’s Word.
 
Recently Viola has had several ladies stop her and begin conversations for various reasons.  Usually at these times she is able to share our purpose for coming to Soroca.  These chats have also aided our understanding of people here.  When Viola told one lady that we pray only to Jesus and do not pray to icons (pictures of “saints”), the lady responded by telling her that to not pray to them is sin.  People certainly have a religion here, but sadly it is not one that is based on God’s revealed Word.
 
In His service,
Jacob and Viola Hughes
 
For Prayer:
1. Grosses to be able to move downstairs soon
2. Holy Spirit to work through the Bible studies
3. Further opportunities to plant and water
 
For Praise:
1. Jacob’s progress in preaching in Russian
2. Viola’s opportunities to speak to women
3. Permission from government to be here two more years