Temporary setback

Last night, Thursday, we encountered a setback. We had just finished the large group meeting and singing our songs when 4 guys who were there idenitified themselves as officers of the Immigration Service. They looked at our passports and visas and then informed us that because we were on a tourist visa that it was illegal for us to have these English courses. We explained that everything was free, that we offer it as a way to meet people, but to no avail. Our friends from the classes were noticably upset that we were being taken away, but we encouraged them to stay and practice and that hopefully we would pick up again this evening.

After about 3 hours at the Immigration Service office we were allowed to leave with only having to pay a small fine (around $60 each). We were told that we should not have our classes tonight, and that we could not go to the university. They said that to do what we are doing we must have a teaching visa or a charity visa.

Obvioulsy this has the potential to prevent us from sharing with our friends tonight about our relationship with Jesus. We desparately want them all to know that God loves them and desires a relationship with them. Please pray right now as you are reading this for wisdom for us to find a way to share with those we have met.

We know that our struggle is not against the Immigration Service or those who called them and told them about us. Our struggle is against the evil one. And we know the One we serve has not been surprised by this and the He has a plan. Pray for us to be led by the Holy Spirit, to know how we should act, to know how we should share. We know that our God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than all we think possible. We want our Lord to be glorified through this, knowing that what some have intended for evil God will use for good.

We look forward to telling you the rest of this story, but as we mentioned above, we need your prayers now more than ever.