this morning friske and i woke up at 7 for a little morning jog. we ran across town and then back up the hill to the cross. it was beautiful and refreshing.
a little while after we returned, kim and i packed up to go pass out bread and tracks on the streets. before we left, i took my camera out of the case that was in the big pocket of my purse and slid it into the front pocket. it fit perfect and was closed shut with a velcro flap. we were heading down to 6th street where many homeless people live and i reached into my little pocket to grab my camera. it was gone. i couldnt believe that someone could have taken it without me knowing or feeling it because my purse was on my body. we had not even been in a crowded area.
i was really crushed because it was a brand new camera and large memory card. total value of about $700. every part of me wanted to go find the thief who took it. instead we continued to walk around and pass out bread. we prayed with an elderly lady named maria. the few questions we were able to ask and understand her reply led us to believe she had severe pain in her back. kim and i knelt down and laid hands on her. we also were able to share the gospel with a mother and her two sons. the mother looked very ill and her kids were 10 and maybe 3.
after we were through we came back to the coffee shop and i read. i knew God was trying to speak to me. He brought me to the verse in 2 Corinthians that says “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
i knew my character was being tested too. last night during our bible study time, we talked about just that. our earthly possessions and the value that we place on them. i did place a lot of value on my camera. more than i guess i realized. maybe it was because it was the only thing of real monetary value i had with me. and who knows the reason all this happened. i am continuing to learn though, each day that we have to stay focused on Christ and what He has given us. the eternal gift that surpasses any loss on earth…and i am confessing that i will continue to lean on Him.
so i am sorry that i will not be able to upload anymore pics until i get something figured out. please keep our team in your prayers and stand beside us in fighting off the spiritual warfare. we ARE “more than conquerors in Christ Jesus!!” 🙂
all my love…
