Dearest Friends,
WONDERFUL STORIES
I still have so many amazing stories to share with you about what we saw the Lord do in Baltimore, Maryland and in many cities in the Smoky mountains of Tennesee. You are going to love these stories and have more reasons to thank God for His love toward so many children and adults. Praise God!
HOMELESS GENTLEMEN
Yes, we did a show for 50 homeless men and 25 other men who were learning to live a different way. Okay, I can guess that you are thinking the same thing that the men who came were thinking. I heard them complaining that they were being forced to watch a puppet show just so they could eat and sleep for the night. As I was listening to the grumbling before the show, I began to pray, asking God to make me wise.
After talking with the Father, I decided that the best way to deal with this problem was not to ignore it, but admit to the men that I had heard their complaints. I said, “Gentlemen, I know that you are unhappy, but I beg you please to listen for just 5 minutes and see if God might use us to speak to you.” Then, I began to tell them stories about the children that we serve. It is an unbelievably tough man that can resist the suffering of children. Though these men had experienced very rough lives, some had even been in prison, I watched as their attitude changed. First, they smiled, then laughed, and finally some prayed in soft whispers, calling on Jesus to save them. Awesome!
All of the men were very encouraging to the young people as they shared their testimonies. More, they all clapped at the finish and gave us a standing ovation. What a change God had made in their attitudes. Who would believe that God could use such simple, foolish things for His purposes?
One man pressed a handmade cross into my hands as he thanked me. He said, “Your face is full of light. Thank you for coming.” We all felt that we left that place with the men giving more to us than we could give to them. The Father had blessed all of us!
Please pray for the men at the Helping Up Mission and their Director in Baltimore. This is a very hard place and God is faithfully calling many to faith. I have all hope for these men because I see in my own life how God does not give up on me and deals with my sin. Pray!
The Christian Community Center
This is another very special ministry in Baltimore. For so very many years, The Christian Community Center has loved the families in this very hard part of Baltimore. I always love doing a show for these children as they are always grateful. One little girl especially blessed my heart as she came and told me that she remembered the story that we had told last year. I had given her the pictures and she had them all on the walls of her room. More, she was excited to get a new story to add to her collection. Her enthusiasm for God’s stories made my heart sing.
TENNESSEE
Each year, 20 million people make this area of Tennessee in the Smoky Mountains their vacation destination. Why would we go there to do shows? Well, we were not there for a vacation, though our friends did treat us to a free game of PuttPtt golf and go cart rides. I really loved the go cart rides though I was going so slow that people were pointing at me and laughing. More, I was the only white haired old lady on the track. We were also treated to a special time enjoying God’s creation on the river as we tubed thanks to the kindness of a prayer partner.
Yes, this area is full of tourist attractions, but it also has so many children that are not a part of this world. Many are from broken homes and too many are being raised by their grandparents. We shared with hundreds and hundreds of children. Sometimes, when we were allowed to pray, we heard children softly praying. Others told us that they had prayed.
One little boy touched my heart. I was talking to the children about how God loves them and cares for them. He raised his hand and said, ”My Grammy loves me.” He could understand God’s love because his grandmother loved him.
So many children welcomed us and told us that they remembered us from last year. More, they remembered the stories that they had heard. Children said, “You told me about Jesus!” I can not think of a better way to be remembered! Gofd is so good to me!
PRAYER REQUESTS
1. Please begin to pray for our time in Ireland as we leave on the 14th of August. September will find us in Uganda.
2. After receiving so many notices from friends and churches that are cancelling their support or greatly reducing it due to our current economy, you probably think that this request would be devoted to that problem, but no. I am completely sincere in asking you for a more important request that supersedes economic concerns. I have felt a real urging from the Father to ask that our prayer support be doubled. Presently, 1341 people receive our letters and it is because of their faithful prayers that so many children all over the world hear about Jesus. I beg you to contact your family and friends and ask them to pray for us. Prayer is the key to everything. I want to see this list doubled in the next 12 months. You can help! Please, with your friend’s permission, send me their email addresses. Talk with them about the children that we serve. Think about all that we have seen this past year. What will God do as we increase our prayers for the children?
In Jesus,
Linda for all of us who have the delight of sharing with the children, teenagers, and adults in the world
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS AND BALTIMORE,
Baltimore, MD, USA, July 17th, 2009
DEAREST FRIENDS,
PLEASE, CAN I LIVE WITH YOU?
We have been doing many shows in this area, mostly with children in difficult places. A little 10 year old girl sat on the front row at a program. She listened so sweetly and called on Jesus to be her King, asking God to forgive her. Then, she came and asked me, "Please, can I live with you?" My heart broke for her and all that she suffers. How desperarate she must be to ask a complete stranger to taker her home!
This little one lives in one of the worst places in Baltimore. When, I opened the door to get out for the show, there was an empty whiskey bottle on the ground. In this area, there are more liquor stores and drug dealers than anything else. Prostitution is also a big problem. It is not a safe place for children. However, God is kind to these children in that they are hungry for the Gospel. More, they get so excited when they hear a Bible story.
As I began to tell the story of Jesus calmimg the storm, they listened. When Jesus spoke and the storm calmed, they began to clap and cheer. Three times they loudly cheered as Jesus did miracles. I think that these children can teach us many lessons. Why don't we who claim to be God's people become excited as we listen to Bible stories? I want to have this kind of enthuiasm for God's word. I want these children to grow up with hope!
Please pray for all of these little ones to fall deeply in love with Jesus. Ask the Father to keep them safe and to protect their hearts from the evil one' attacks. They live in a place that you would not be comfortable driving through. They need your prayers. They need Jesus!
PROBLEMS
As always, we are having difficulties as equipment breaks that should work fine. More, we have had our car in the shop for 3 days as we lost the transmission the other day. This was a very expensive, unexpected expense for the puppet ministry. A supporting church helped us with part of the cost, but I would ask you to pray for the difference.
Worse, we had no way to do shows. God blessed us through the sacrificial kindness of friends who voulunteered their car. They loaned us the very same car that I normally pull the trailer with and it had the same light plug and trailer hitch. Praise God!Though they wish to remain nameless, I am eternally grateful for their sacrifice. Without their kindness, we could not have shared with so many children and would have missed 6 shows. Please ask the Father to bless them as they have blessed us!
In Jesus,Linda for Malachi, Naiomi, and Lindsey
PLEASE, CAN I LIVE WITH YOU?
We have been doing many shows in this area, mostly with children in difficult places. A little 10 year old girl sat on the front row at a program. She listened so sweetly and called on Jesus to be her King, asking God to forgive her. Then, she came and asked me, "Please, can I live with you?" My heart broke for her and all that she suffers. How desperarate she must be to ask a complete stranger to taker her home!
This little one lives in one of the worst places in Baltimore. When, I opened the door to get out for the show, there was an empty whiskey bottle on the ground. In this area, there are more liquor stores and drug dealers than anything else. Prostitution is also a big problem. It is not a safe place for children. However, God is kind to these children in that they are hungry for the Gospel. More, they get so excited when they hear a Bible story.
As I began to tell the story of Jesus calmimg the storm, they listened. When Jesus spoke and the storm calmed, they began to clap and cheer. Three times they loudly cheered as Jesus did miracles. I think that these children can teach us many lessons. Why don't we who claim to be God's people become excited as we listen to Bible stories? I want to have this kind of enthuiasm for God's word. I want these children to grow up with hope!
Please pray for all of these little ones to fall deeply in love with Jesus. Ask the Father to keep them safe and to protect their hearts from the evil one' attacks. They live in a place that you would not be comfortable driving through. They need your prayers. They need Jesus!
PROBLEMS
As always, we are having difficulties as equipment breaks that should work fine. More, we have had our car in the shop for 3 days as we lost the transmission the other day. This was a very expensive, unexpected expense for the puppet ministry. A supporting church helped us with part of the cost, but I would ask you to pray for the difference.
Worse, we had no way to do shows. God blessed us through the sacrificial kindness of friends who volunteered their car. They loaned us the very same car that I normally pull the trailer with and it had the same light plug and trailer hitch. Praise God!Though they wish to remain nameless, I am eternally grateful for their sacrifice. Without their kindness, we could not have shared with so many children and would have missed 6 shows. Please ask the Father to bless them as they have blessed us!
In Jesus,
Linda for
Malachi,
Naiomi,
and Lindsey
A Country with Bears, Wolves, and Caviar, May 21st, 2009
Dearest Friends,
I am so excited at all that we are seeing God do. Some doors close to us before we even have an opportunity to do a show, but others are opening. Tomorrow, we will be at a school and do 4 shows. The next week, we will return to this school and do 2 more programs. This is a miracle. We should not be allowed to go to this school and share about Jesus, but we are going.
Our friends have a heart to serve God. They are risking everything they own and even their freedom so that these children and young people can hear about Jesus Christ. You must stand with them and with us in prayer. We are in a very difficult place, but the children and young people of this nation are in a worse place. Can you imagine growing up with no knowledge of God? Most have never heard His name.
Our friend that we are working with never heard God's name until he went in the military and met a believer. He was the first to make fun of the Christian and now he is a pastor.
We desperately need you to pray and organize others to pray. We need doors to open, wisdom as we share, and protection for our friends. Please stay on your knees.
In Jesus,
Linda for the team
USA, May 17th, 2009
Dearest Friends,
EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGE:
Please note that all addresses on the website are unchanged. Please change the earthlink address if you are using it to msummer05@gmail.com The earthlink address will soon stop working. Thankyou!
ON MONDAY,WE FLY!
Sam, Silvana, and I will meet 2 team members from another country and prayerfully start a new puppet ministry in a country that I can not name. I have been advised that because of this particular country's growing hostility to Jesus Christ that I should not name it in the emails. Presently, it is open to Christians, but they are making access very difficult.
PLEASE PRAY:
1.It is our hope to share with thousands of children and encourage many new friends during this very difficult time. Ask the Father to open doors, especially to orphanages, and make us wise.
2.Customs presents a real problem. We need them not to open our suitcases or ask us any questions about our things or why we are there. God can do anything! Please pray!
I remember years ago standing in customs in Ukraine when it was difficult for Christians to visit. I was very tired and had so many big suitcases with me. Silently, I asked the Father to help me as I was alone, but in truth, never alone! Suddenly, a man came running across the airport and spoke to me in perfect English. He said, "Your face is full of light. You are a Christian! I will help you." To my amazement, he lifted every bag even though I had not spoken to him and asked him to help. When I turned to thank him, he was gone. He disappeared! I believe that he was an angel. Praise God!
This is the kind of miracle that we need.
Ask God to make them totally uninterested in our luggage. Please know that we never lie to these officials, as we trust not in our ability to be clever, but in God's great power. It is our heart's prayer that all of you who read these stories will give all praise and all glory to God alone!
TAIWAN
We returned home from Taiwan with a heart full of praise as we shared with over 10,000 children , teens, and adults the hope that we have in Christ. Many were Buddhist and many indicated that they had found the one true God! We resupplied our team in the north and were able to start a new ministry in the south. Through our friends there, we were able to place teaching tools in the hands of children's Bible teachers in Thailand, Burma, and China. I am so excited! Please pray over all of these ministries!
WE NEED YOUR HELP
Many of you who receive these emails represent churches that do not support us. Would you please speak to your churches on our behalf? Like all missionaries, we have been notified by too many churches that due to difficult financial times, they are significantly reducing all of their missionaries support. Other friends have lost their jobs and can not support us any longer. This is not a problem for me to solve, but an opportunity for us to see God move in a big way! However, I need you to ask the Father how you can help. I need you to speak for children who have no voice.
I am happy to come and present what the Father is doing in the lives of children all over the world. He is awesome! If you wish to adopt a set of equipment for a particular country, please respond to this email and let me know your heart's desire. We need your help, but I sincerely want you only to do what God tells you to do. I trust in His Providence and His faithfulness in all of our lives!
PLEASE STAY ON YOUR KNEES ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY OF THIS COMING WEEK!
With all joy,
In Jesus,
Linda for the team
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Taiwan #10, April 3rd, 2009
Dearest Friends,
This is the most fantastic list of blessings. You are going to love this email. The last 3 days of ministry in Taiwan have been exhausting, but very sweet. Anna and I have been battling colds, but are feeling much better. Please forgive me for not writing sooner, but I really needed to rest between programs.
The mountains that are near the city, particularly Ali mountain, are very famous. However, only once after a rain, and then only for 15 minutes, have we seen any at all. The city is constantly covered with haze, but this week we are seeing God cover it with His Holy Spirit. We are all so blessed!
1. In the afternoon, after a group of students watched a program, they were excitedly talking about it on the bus. One young man heard them talking about what they had seen and heard. He was scheduled to take a test this morning and would have missed the program. He was so eager to hear what his friends had heard that he went and begged a teacher to help him postpone his test. She told me how happy he was to attend the puppet show.
2. At 7:40 AM this morning, hundreds of young people crowded into a hall. All of us felt the presence of God’s Holy Spirit on those young people. A teacher came to me and said, “I was so touched. The students were crying. I was crying.” We were allowed to pray with these young people and I ask you to continue in prayer for them. My heart broke for them as I looked deep into their eyes. They were so attentive. They listened eagerly as I described how the one true God offers forgiveness and love. Pray!
3. At a Catholic hospital, the priest and the director welcomed us and were very enthusiastic about what we share. A doctor later spoke to me about how amazed he was that a couple of hundred people had gathered on 2 floors to listen to the Gospel. He told me that even after we left, people were talking about what they had heard. So many people heard about Jesus Christ that morning. Most were from a Buddhist background and for too many, the Gospel was news.
4. At a kindergarten, Sam told the story of Jonah using balloons. The children loved the story.
Best of all, many of them prayed out loud asking Jesus to save them.
5. Imagine 150 fourth graders at a puppet show. They were students at a public school, but we were given an open invitation to share with them. They loved the program, but remember, the entire presentation told them about Jesus. They were having a wonderful time learning about how they could have a relationship with God.
6. We did 2 programs at a school where we were not allowed translation. It was a very difficult time as we were desperate to tell the children about Jesus, but questioned their ability to understand our English. We were reminded about the Holy Spirit enabling men to hear the Gospel in their own language in Acts, and continue to pray that He will do the same for these children. Please join with us in these prayers.
7. A public school gave us 450 sixth graders and everyone was amazed at how well they listened. I was equally amazed. After all of these years telling children Bible stories, I am still delighted and blessed by the power of the cross to touch children’s hearts. The teachers were equally engaged as they listened to a story about the miracles of Jesus. It was an awesome experience!
8. Our last evening was spent in an exceptionally sweet time of fellowship with our new team and their families. We prayed together, laughed, and cried when we realized we had to say goodbye. They were all so kind. Ask the Father to really bless this new team with all of the wisdom and skills they need.
Our final show was at a kindergarten and we heard so many call on Jesus, asking Him to be their King. What a fantastic finish to an unbelievable time of ministry in Taiwan!
HOME
Tomorrow, Saturday at 4 AM, we will begin our journey home. Because of the 12-hour time difference, we will arrive home the same day. Please pray us safely home.
As we were driving to Hsinchu, the pastor in Chiayi called to beg us to change our schedule and return next year. All of our Chinese friends were all so eager to learn and anxious to begin this new ministry. Please ask the Lord to give us wisdom to make the right decision one week from now.
In Jesus,
Linda for
Sam,
Silvana,
Anna and
Jeremy
Taiwan #9, March 31st, 2009
Dearest Friends,
Chaiyi Hospital
Our day began with prayer with the hospital chaplains. Prayer is always the best way to begin a day! We asked God that He would do more than we could ask or imagine. Let me tell you how faithfully the Father answered our prayers.
1 – Our first show was for mentally handicapped children. More than 100 children along with their caregivers and some parents watched for an hour. Everyone said that the children would never be able to sit for so long and listen. However, they did not understand how the impossible is always possible for God. They were all amazed that the children listened so well and enjoyed the program so much. Some prayed, trusting in Jesus.
2 – At the second show, we had mostly adult patients and hospital staff. I was amazed that they stopped for an hour to listen to puppets sing, a Bible story, and testimonies. Many of the adults and children were rolling IV poles. As I looked at them, my heart was broken. It is terrible to see children and adults suffering, but is far worse to realize that they do not know Jesus. He is real comfort! It was such a gift to all of us that God would allow us to be in the hospital sharing His hope, His love.
Since this is a Christian hospital, 15% of the staff are Christians. Now, you may think that is a very low number. However, remember that outside of this building, less than 1% of the population trust in Jesus. How wonderful that God has taken hold of this place and is using those who work here to reach out and share His love with those who need it! There is no place else in the city where this is true.
3 – Our third program was for little children, but again, so many adults also stopped to listen. When we prayed with them, I heard some children boldly calling on Him. Praise God!
4 – Finally, we traveled to the 11th floor of the hospital to the psychiatric ward. Can you think of a better place to tell people about Jesus who gives hope, peace, and can take away your fears? Can you imagine the wonder you would experience when you hear about the only Son of the one true God who removes guilt and shame? It was a precious show!
Please pray for the hundreds of people who listened to the Gospel today in the hospital lobby!
Blessings
We had the most amazing meal last night. It included so many wonderful dishes, but we seldom know exactly what we are eating. We ate pig tendons, sea cucumbers, shark fin soup, but the rest mostly remained a delicious mystery.
When we returned to church last night, a large Christmas tree was lit up on the side of the building. Everywhere we see Christmas decorations which often remain until Easter. I love Christmas decorations. How cool to get to enjoy them in March!
On the top of the church are giant Chinese words which proclaim “Jesus loves you.” Thousands can see them every day.
Everyone has a camera here. The other night, 8 cameras were taking our picture at once. Always, people are photographing us with their cell phones.
Most people that I talk with here think that I am at least 70 years old. I think this is a blessing.
There was some confusion when I arrived at the psychiatric floor for our last show. Since I had come by myself on the elevator, the nurses became confused. They kept telling me to sit down and rest. I almost got admitted.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, we will be doing programs in another hospital, a kindergarten and an elementary school. Please remain on your knees!
In Jesus,
Linda for
Sam,
Silvana,
Anna and
Jeremy
Taiwan #8, March 30th, 2009
Dearest Friends,
RAIN
I woke up Sunday morning to a storm. Immediately, I began to pray as our plan was to do a program in a park. The people we are working with here have wonderful vision. They are very willing to go outside the church and schedule opportunities for us to share. I wanted to share with the children in the park that day, and I also wanted encourage our friends’ efforts to reach people outside the church.
God was very kind to us. Our friends sent vehicles over to the park and brought all of the children back to the church to the first floor where we did the puppet show. Normally, they have 50 children in Sunday school, but yesterday they had 145 in attendance! God answered all our prayers. More, because we were at a church, we had complete freedom to pray with the children. We heard so many children praying out loud asking Jesus to be their King and their Savior. It was awesome!
SATURDAY’S PRAYER REQUEST
The other day we sent out a special prayer request and asked specifically that you pray for the team we are planting here in Chaiyi. They desire to hear God’s voice and vision clearly. Each day, they are moving closer to accepting the equipment and believing they can start a puppet ministry in this place. Even now, as we are typing this e-mail, some are meeting downstairs to learn how to setup the sound system, puppet stage, and the easel. Please keep praying. All of us truly believe that these are the right people for this ministry.
CONCORDIA SCHOOL
Concordia is a school that was established by Lutheran missionaries more than 50 years ago. Today, we had the sweet privilege of doing 3 programs for the children. Later in the week, we will have two more opportunities to share with the students. Most of the children who attend this school are not from Christian families. This is a very special opportunity to share with Buddhist children whose families are the doctors and lawyers and key businessmen in this community. Please pray for our remaining two times that we will get to be with these children.
I have a real heart’s desire for them to be able to hear the Gospel clearly and with understanding.
TODAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Tomorrow (Tuesday), we will be at Chaiyi Christian Hospital. We have four programs schedules with different groups at the hospital. Please pray that we will make the right decisions about what we will do in each place. Ask the Father to call many to faith as we are sharing tomorrow. Thank you for being so faithful to pray for us. We feel the strength of your prayers.
In Jesus,
Linda for
Sam Shaw – Assistant Director
Silvana Shaw
Jeremy Snow
Anna McIlwaine
Joseph and Lori
Taiwan #7, March 28th, 2009
Dearest Friends,
We are in Chia-Yi, in the South of Taiwan. We are working with a wonderful group of people. Last night, they welcomed us so warmly, they had prepared fo us a wonderful dinner. Then, they stood and sang for us. The words to the song said, "I am glad, for I belong to Jesus. Praise the Lord." They have real joy for Jesus. They have also arranged a great schedule for us, with many kinds of opportunities. We will be doing programs at schools, at hospitals, and on the streets. Clearly, they have great vision.
However, they are concerned about the responsibility of accepting the puppet equipment that we want to give them. They are fearful that it is too great a responsibility for them to undertake. I admire their honesty and their desire not to see the equipment wasted by being put into storage. However, after the training time we had today with them, all of us believe that these are the right people to start a team in this part of Taiwan.
Please consider that there are precious few Christians in this part of the country. Today as we were doing a program at an apartment complex on the street, many people came who would never have visited a church. There is a desperate need here for Christians to go where the lost people are and share Christ with them. They are hungry to hear. Today they stood or sat in the sun for an hour to listen to stories about the one true God.
Please pray that these dear people will accept this equipment and trust God to raise up a team from among them. Please ask God to give them the courage to believe that with Him all things are possible.
New photographs have been uploaded at
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/7700201_EkSSc#P-1-21.
In Jesus,
Linda for
Sam Shaw - Assistant Director
Silvana Shaw
Jeremy Snow
Anna McIlwaine
Taiwan #6, March 27th, 2009
Dearest Friends,
GOOD-BYE TO HSINCHU
We finished our time in Hsinchu sharing with 1400 children in a single day. It was amazing! We were at a school where we had done many programs across the years of ministry in Taiwan, so the children recognized me when we arrived. They said, "Oh look, it is the old woman who tells us stories." Then they guessed my age to be 89. Maybe, I should dye my hair. HEEHEE
WE had complete freedom in this school, except that we could not pray with the children. Still, we were able to explain the hope of Jesus so clearly and model for them a prayer so that they could know how to ask Jesus to be their Savior. One of the teachers told me that she could see in the children's eyes how well they listened. Truly, they were hungry to hear about His hope.
Please continue to pray for the children of Hsinchu and Peter and Melody. It is such a dark
place, full of so many temples. Yesterday, we passed by the temple to the lord of hell and one to the mother of heaven. Please pray!
HELLO TO CHAI-YI
Now, we are in the south in Chai-yi and there are even less Christians here. There are even more temples. This is a town of 270,000 people.The air is very bad. You can see it blocking the view of the rest of the city. In minutes, we leave for a show. WE need you to pray for this area. We will train and equip a team here and there are many details to sort. Again, please pray.
In Jesus, Linda for the Team
Friday, April 3, 2009
Taiwan #5 March 26th, 2009
Dearest Friends,
Wow!
Today, the children were very caught up in the story of Jesus and His miracles. When He calmed the storm, you heard them say “Wow!” I want to be continually that excited when I think about what Jesus did… what He does. How sweet to hear Buddhist children excited about a Bible story!
Public Schools
Today, we did 3 programs at public schools. All of the programs were well received, even by the teachers. We shared with over 1200 children who loved what they heard. What an amazing privilege to tell so many Buddhist children about Jesus!
Some of the Christian teachers at one school were fearful about how the Gospel would be received. God gave them courage and peace. In the end, they were very pleased.
One of the best stories today happened in the strangest place. Two teachers took me to the restroom so that I could wash my hands. They both spoke English well. I continued a conversation with them that we had begun at the end of the show. One teacher goes to Peter’s church and one teacher is from a different church tradition. The second teacher said that she had never heard such stories as she has heard today. We talked about Jesus Christ and His miracles. All of us shared testimonies about how He had changed us.
The dear young woman began to cry. She said that she felt something she had never known before and put her hand over her heart. I told her my testimony and my husband’s testimony. God used these stories to touch her heart. She told me that what I said was “compelling.” This was the actual word she used. I explained to her that there was nothing compelling about me, but told her that what she was experiencing was the touch of God’s Holy Spirit on her life.
She looked at the other teacher and switched places with her. She said, “You stand beside her. God’s Holy Spirit is too much for me. I cannot stop crying.” We spent another half hour together and she asked many more good questions. Please pray for these 2 teachers. Pray that the second teacher will talk more with her believing friend. Pray that she will trust in Jesus.
Grateful
We are so grateful for a Christian brother who owns a hotel here. He generously gives us a place to stay and we so appreciate his kindness. Each morning we enjoy a lovely breakfast and each evening, we rest well. Please ask the Father to bless him as he blesses others.
English
Everyone here has an English name. They all study English in schools. Most English names are pretty normal, but the other day, I met “Shopping.” Truthfully, many Americans could claim that name.
Many years ago, when I first began to work in Taiwan, I heard about a ladies’ clothing store here. They translated their name into English. Over the store front hung a sign that said “to cover your ugly.” This memory always makes me laugh.
Our Puppet Team
In Chinese, the words “puppet team” literally translates “cloth idol team.” Imagine going to a Buddhist school where people worship false gods. We introduce ourselves as Christians and then tell them that we are the Agape Cloth Idol Team. I confess that this is somewhat disturbing.
The worship of idols is very real here. The other day, we drove down the “god street” where you can go to buy your god. We have passed a couple of places that make gods. I always wonder if you can argue over the price and get a discount god, how much power does a person expect it to have? If you can make it with your own 2 hands, why would you worship it?
The people here are so precious, but they live in such darkness. My heart breaks for the children who grow up with these lies. Their homes all have a god shelf where they worship their dead ancestors. Please ask the one true God to break your heart so that you will remember to pray for the children of Taiwan. Please see their great need for the truth!
In Jesus,
Linda for
Sam Shaw – Assistant Director
Silvana Shaw
Jeremy Snow
Anna McIlwaine
Peter and Melody
Taiwan #4 March 25th, 2009
DEAREST FRIENDS,
MACKAY HOSPITAL
Can you imagine doing a puppet show in a hospital lobby? This is how we spent the morning. More, because the hospital was founded by a pioneer Presbyterian missionary to Taiwan, we had complete freedom in what we did and said. We could even pray with everyone, giving them an opportunity to ask Jesus Christ to be their Savior.
The head of the hospital, a doctor, came to welcome us. He stayed for most of the show and even wore a funny hat from Zimbabwe. All of the children loved him for making them laugh and clapped for him. I could not imagine a similar scene in an American hospital.
Doctors, nurses, patients, and those who brought them all listened. People stood on 2 floors in an open lobby, watching the program in a full circle. It was a very interesting way to tell a story. All the time you had to be looking up and down, and all around the room. Many set in chairs in front of us or stood around the room. Children came to see the puppets with their parents rolling their IV poles. Most stayed for the entire hour, instead of for parts of the program as we expected.
I watched as people listened eagerly to stories about Jesus and was amazed. More, even the adults stood in line for a free flying mouse balloon. Please pray for all of the seeds that the Father planted today. Please pray that those who heard will hunger to know more about Jesus. What a fantastic time we had at the hospital! That sounds strange, doesn't it?
CHILDREN PRAYING
We received an invitation from a teacher while doing a program at a rural school on Monday. She invited us to come today and do an after school program. Her church has a ministry to very poor children whose parents work very long hours and havelittle time for their children. The children were from Hakka homes and many were mountain children, from the Tayal tribe.
All through the story of Joseph, I could tell that they were really listening. Still, you never know how the Father will move in their hearts. It was the sweetest joy to hear dozens and dozens of children calling on God to be their Father, calling on Jesus to save them. We made all of these children balloons as well! We left the show full of joy. All of us kept talking about what a sweet day that we had been given.
THE RESTAURANT
None of us could have imagined that we had another wonderful surprise waiting for us. Peter had planned to go to one place to eat, but we were too late by the time that we finished the second program. We had one plan , but the Father had a better plan.At the restaurant where we went, because we were eating lunch after 3PM, there was no one else there. We had a private restaurant. The owner and I had 2 great conversations about Jesus and some stories about the children we serve. With real joy, he received a Chinese illustrated life of Jesus. He became very excited. It is wonderful to see someone so thrilled! Please pray for this young man to trust in Jesus.
PRAYER REQUESTS
This was an especially sweet day. There is more to this story, but I will need to wait until tomorrow to tell you about the backpacks that we assembled today for a closed country. The hour is late and I confess that I am tired. Please stand with us in prayer!
In Jesus,
Linda for
Sam,
Sil,
Anna,
Jeremy,
Peter and Melody
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Taiwan #3 March 24th, 2009
Dearest Friends,
GREAT DAYS
When the program goes well, I say “Awesome.” My Irish partner, Sam Shaw, says “Brilliant.” My Chinese pastor friend says, “Hung How” (spelling phonetically). Our French puppet director Anna says “Genial.” Silvana is from Brazil and she says “Maravilhoso.” In any language, today was wonderful. We were allowed to pray with the children at a Christian school, but most of the students were not from believing families. Today, we heard so many children praying loudly, asking God to be their Father and Jesus to be their King.
You may wonder if such an experience is really life changing. The Director told me that as a small child she had trusted in Jesus during a similar program for children many years ago. She grew up in a Buddhist family, but came to Jesus as a small child.
It is amazing to be traveling with friends from four continents and five countries. All of us are so blessed by all that we see God do. Each day is a great day as we share with hundreds of children, many of whom have no understanding of who Jesus is and how He can change them. I cannot imagine living a single day without Jesus. Here, people can live an entire lifetime and not hear His name. Please pray for Taiwan!
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
On Monday morning, we did two programs at a public school. As it is in most places in Taiwan, almost everyone was Buddhist. The children loved the program. As they were leaving the building, they were all shouting something. Peter told me that they were shouting, “We want you to come again. We want to see you again.”
Two years ago, we were at this same school. One of the teachers remembered our visit and more, she remembered the Bible story that she had heard. Please pray for all of these children to remember what they heard about “true love.” This was the subject that the school approved. What a great topic! There is no true love except through the cross of Jesus Christ and that is what we shared with them!
As usual, they would not allow us to pray with the children, but we could tell them how to pray. This always makes me laugh because God is the creator of the universe. They cannot stop what He chooses to do in the lives of the children.
BON APPETIT!
We all enjoyed the most wonderful meal with our friends Peter and Melody and their children. I always tell children that a missionary needs to be able to eat anything. We proved that statement as we all dined at a Hong Kong-style restaurant. We ate turtle blood jello and snake soup. After dinner, we went for a walk and shared a can of asparagus juice.
There is a delicious fruit here that is a cross between a pear and an apple. Our friend calls it a jingle bell, but we have decided it is a “prapple.” Anyway, it tastes great!
IN THE COUNTRY
Monday afternoon, we drove out of town to a school in the country. On the edge of the mountains, the school is beside an orange grove. The air was so nice and the view was great!
The best part of the trip was meeting a young boy named Joseph. He came up after the show and presented a small banner as a thank you from the school. Then he came to see me again. He wanted to shake my hand and tell me thank you.
I looked into his eyes and knew that Joseph was not just grateful for a good show. He had listened with his ears and his heart. Later, I spoke with him alone and encouraged him to remember the story. I asked him to please trust Jesus. He promised that he would. When a child reaches out to you as Joseph did and looks so deeply into your eyes, you see the need of his heart. Please pray for Joseph to pray and call on Jesus to save him.
TRAINING
On Saturday afternoon, we trained 35 Sunday school teachers. They got so excited about what they heard and were eager to learn. We did our best to encourage them. I shared with them how my Sunday school teacher touched my life when I was 5 years old. I still remember Mrs. Smith. Please pray for these teachers to be bright lights in the many churches that they represent.
Last night, we taught Seminary students at a Lutheran seminary. Some of those who came plan to work in a closed country, a place where you cannot openly go as a missionary. They will risk their lives to tell people about Jesus Christ. What a privilege to teach them!
PRAYER REQUESTS
Tomorrow and Thursday we have more shows in schools and at a hospital. Please pray! It is very dark here and all of us need you to pray.
In Jesus,
Linda for
Sam Shaw – Assistant Director
Silvana Shaw
Jeremy Snow
Anna McIlwaine
Peter and Melody
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Taiwan #2 March 22nd, 2009
Dearest friends,
The Hakka people are an unreached people group in Taiwan. Less than half of 1 percent of them trust in Jesus Christ. The rest are Buddhists who are deeply committed to ancestor worship.
It is extremely difficult for a Hakka person to come to faith in Jesus Christ because it involves turning their back on their entire family. Our friend pastor Peter was so happy today because a Hakka man in his fifties was baptized today. For more than 30 years, his Christian wife has been praying for him to come to faith. His father had forbidden him to become a Christian. Recently, he went to his father and told him that he had decided he would not wait any longer. He told his father that he knew that even though they did not know the Lord, he believed that God had blessed them. He asked his father to respect his decision and he agreed. Please pray for the father also to trust in Jesus. He is 87 years old. Peter said that the man was so full of joy when he was baptized that he cried. Praise God for his new faith!
A SMALL HAKKA CHURCH
Today, Sunday, we all went to a small Hakka church. It is a very small light in a very dark place. The church is struggling. Their pastor suffered from depression and committed suicide a year ago. The members are fearful to share their faith and so it was a real step of faith for them to invite us to come. Sam preached, Silvana sang, Jeremy spoke, Anna played her flute, and I gave a mission report. We are all still so jet-lagged and we were blessed that the Father could use us today in spite of our exhaustion. There is a 12-hour time difference here.
More, this afternoon they scheduled an evangelistic outreach and invited the children from a nearby school. Forty children came and I heard 2 praying softly, asking Jesus to be their Savior. It was wonderful! They had planned games and refreshments and we made everyone balloons. It was a wonderful afternoon.
JEREMY WILL EAT IT
Pastor Peter says he loves Jeremy because he will eat anything. That does seem to be the truth because last night, Jeremy ate chicken feet, pig’s feet and pig intestines, and finished off with sweet potato ice cream.
I especially enjoyed crushed ice with passion fruit and bean noodles on top. When you eat the bean noodles, they squeak in your mouth. It is just like eating cheese curds in Wisconsin, except not as loud.
I loved shrimp and fish, but it always tickles me to see it looking back at me. Tonight, all of the shrimp were watching me.
URGENT PRAYER
Tomorrow, Monday, we begin our ministry in the public schools. They are all Buddhist schools and we must have your prayers. This is a very dark place with a very great need that only Jesus Christ can satisfy.
Please pray. Ask others to pray. It is so dark here!
In Jesus,
Linda Summer – Director
For Sam Shaw – Assistant Director
Silvana Shaw
Jeremy Snow
Anna McIlwaine
Peter and Melody
Taiwan #1 March 21st, 2009
Dearest Friends,
We are in Taiwan after 2 days of adventure. Nothing ever goes as we hope, but this trip is already full of stories that surprised even us. We arrived at the airport with our 12 very large suitcases and 8 carry on bags. so far, so good. Then we discovered that the visa sight that Sam and Silvana had checked was not recently updated. Silvana travels on a Brazillian passport and was told that she did not need a visa, but she did. We prayed, remained calm, and thanks to an amazing effort by my sister Cathy, Silvana got a visa in Atlanta. She will arrive later today. Praise God!
I was briefly detained in the Detroit airport because I set off an alarm that detected radioactivity. I registered a 6 on the alarm. The security people got very excited. I guess that I look like a mad bomber. In reality, I had some tests done on my heart on Tuesday and was injected with a radioactive isotope. After some special equipment was brought , they determined that I was just what I said, a children's Bible teacher. The guard was not allowed to leave me alone, so I took the opportunity to tell him about Jesus and His hope.
Anna struggled to leave France in the midst of a labor strike. Then she helped an older French couple on the plane to Hong Kong. To thank her, they gave her a boiled egg and some nuts. Who travels with a boiled egg? A smile and a good sense of humor always helps.
Mostly, we remember that we trust in a sovereign God who holds all our days and plans. Truly, we walk trusting in our Father's constant care. When things are funny or difficult, when unexpected expenses occur, when we arrive on time or are delayed, we smile and trust. This simple truth has required many lessons that we walked through on previous trips. I am so glad that God does not give up on us.
In minutes, we begin our ministry. We are on our way to teach a large group of believers at a local church. Please pray for this time.
In Jesus, Linda for Sam, Silvana, Jeremy and Anna
Taiwan, Romania, India and America - March 19, 2009
Dearest Friends,
TAIWAN
In just a few hours, we will leave for the airport and fly to Taiwan. I am so excited about the opportunity to tell Buddhist children about the one true God! I can't wait to see our friends Peter and Melody and here about all of their adventures in the past 2 years.Also, I am so happy about the team that the Lord has put together for this trip. Sam Shaw and his lovely wife Silvana are always a blessing. Anna McIllwaine is the French puppet director and a constant joy. She will meet us in Taiwan. Jeremy Snow was one of very first puppeteers 18 years ago and so much fun to work with! As you can see, I am very excited about all the aspects of this trip and expect that the Father will do wondrous things! Once again we will be a team from 4 nations and 3 continents. It is strange and wonderful trying to explain to people how we became friends and partners in ministry when we come form so many places. Please pray for us to keep our eyes on Jesus. Please pray for many children to discover the truth of the Gospel.
ROMANIA
Two months ago, we left Romania very pleased with the new team that God gave us! I remain excited about their present and future ministry and ask you all to hold them in your prayers! I have all confidence that they will do a great job of reaching their children for Christ.
INDIA
Always in February, we are in India. Last year, we had an opportunity to share with 18,500 children thanks to the hard work of a dear young man named Hansen. In late December, he married and we were all so anxious to greet them and pray with them for their marriage. For years, we have worked with Joy and his dear wife. They all have such courage and love for Jesus. I have been very sad to not be in India this year. The persecution of the Christians has become fierce. Our presence would of put those we love at risk. Our friends asked us not to come and wait until next year. They can not wait for your prayers! Please daily ask the Father to protect them and make them bright lights in a very dark place. It is an honor to work with them and call them friends. They need you to be on your knees.
AMERICA
I have been home in the US the last 2 months, but not home in Georgia. Doors opened for ministry in Wisconsin, both coasts of Florida, and in Alabama. We also did programs in local churches. God is so kind to us. I have heard many children here in America calling on Jesus to save them. More, I have spoken at many churches and seen people awake to the need of the children in the world to hear about Jesus! I am eternally grateful to all those who made these many opportunities possible! Pray for our nation to respond to Jesus.
Please pray for all of us as we travel over the next 2 days.
In Jesus,Linda for the Team
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Romania, January 23rd, 2009
Dearest Friends,
In our last two days, we have had the most incredible time with so many children. We have seen God do more than we could ask or imagine. Rejoice with us as you read the following.
1. At an orphanage, a man who was on staff came and profusely thanked us for the show. He bowed to me and kissed my hand. By his own testimony, he was not a Christian, believing that his good works would save him. It was so sweet to see how he was drawn to the Gospel.
2. Out of all the shows we did, most of them in public schools, only yesterday did one group of teachers fail to thank us and ask us to come again. Many doors are open for our new team.
3. Last night, our last program was at an orphanage for special needs teenagers. They had very slight problems, but had not received an education that would challenge them to do more. They loved the program. From the way they thanked me after the show, along with their changed faces, I know some truly heard about Jesus and understood.
4. At a village school, the principal did not want us to come. We had 3 shows scheduled there, but expected her to cancel after the first one. She was not a believer and we knew that she would object to the truth that faith in Jesus alone was enough for salvation. Dan was very wise and asked her to let us do 1 big show instead of 3 small ones. She agreed. While the other objecting teachers left the room to talk with her, we finished the program. The children heard all about how they could trust in Jesus.
5. Teachers at another school had been openly opposed to Christians in the past. However, after we shared the program today, God touched their spirit. They said that their hearts were broken by what they had heard. How is it possible that the Father could use a children’s Bible story, simple testimonies, and puppets in such a way? Truly, such wonders are possible because so many of you faithfully pray.
6. At one orphanage, a principal and an Orthodox priest were very unhappy with our presence. Both people would be quick to tell you they are very religious. However, as soon as we mention the name of Jesus, they stop smiling. Their religion teaches them that they can be good enough to get themselves to God. I am so sad for them. How awful to live with such frustration! I beg you to pray for them to discover the truth of God’s word, that faith in Jesus alone is enough.
HOME, THANKS, AND PRAYER
Today was our last day of ministry in Romania. Through God’s strength, we were blessed as we did 34 puppet presentations and taught 16 hours of class! Praise God! More, the school was very supportive of the idea of starting a puppet ministry. Since they are a small school, they were able to transport all of the students to every show that we did for four days. This enabled them to practice the skills that they had learned. More, the school really made this project a priority and we spent many extra hours with them practicing skills. We firmly believe that the Romanian team here at the Word of Life Bible Institute will be very successful at reaching their children for Jesus. We are eternally grateful to our friends here for an amazing trip.
We are especially grateful for our translator, Dan, who did a fantastic job. More, he drove for us, did some puppets, and organized the schedule! He wants very much to do street ministry in Pitesti in the spring, but will need permission from the police. He expects that based on their past decisions, they will deny his request. This is his hearts desire. Will you please pray for this opportunity?
Also, will you please pray for us as we leave for the airport very late tonight, Friday? We will arrive home on Saturday. Thank you for your faithful prayers for the children of Romania! Thank you for your faithful prayers for all of us. At least 2 of us have bronchitis, and we are all exhausted, but through your prayers, God has given us amazing strength. Thank you!
In Jesus,
Linda for
Sam Shaw- Assistant Director
Silvana Shaw
Calah Sager
Toby Simmons
Naomi Armstrong
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Romania, January 21st, 2009
Dearest Friends,
YOU CAN ALWAYS COME
It is wonderful to be in a village school and hear the teachers tell you that you can always come. So many children prayed out loud to ask Jesus to be their Savior. They were really loud! One of our friends said that she heard a little boy praying the line of the prayer where he calls on God to be his Father. She said that her heart ached for him. He sounded so desperate.
Please pray for our friends here at the Word of Life Bible Institute as they make plans to disciple these children. The door is open. Praise God!
A CHILDRENS HOSPITAL
I watched as the room filled with sick children and their parents. My recent stay in the hospital reminded me just how unpleasant it is to be sick. It is so much harder for children. They came in with frowns, but left with smiles on their faces. More, someone prayed in a soft whisper, calling on Jesus. The students that we are training here made balloon animals for the children and their parents. Even better, each parent and child heard the Gospel again as the students shared with them. A 14 year old girl prayed with one of them asking Jesus to be her Savior. Another lady had work to do and had to leave, but begged for the student to tell her quickly how to pray. She so much wanted to know Jesus. She did not want to leave without knowing how to pray.
BRAN CASTLE
On Sunday afternoon, we were given a lovely gift! We went to see Bran Castle, better known to you as Dracula’s castle. In reality, there was nothing inside about Dracula. Only in the market below the castle did you see all of the Dracula souvenirs that you would have expected to see.
It was very cold that day, with lots of snow and ice already on the ground. It snowed on us off and on all day. Still, with the temperature below freezing, the market was full of vendors. It was bitterly cold and no one had a heater in their stalls.
I began to think about how often I had heard people tell me that they decided not to go to church on a particular Sunday because the weather was so bad. It was raining. The sellers in the market were there for hours, 6 days a week. They were focused on what was important to them.
I believe that we as Christians can learn an important lesson for their example. Our circumstances should never determine our performance. This is a great truth for our team to remember as we are traveling. More, I want to stay focused on what God wants me to do. I want His plans to be so important to me that the circumstances will not affect my obedience. Please pray for all of us as we have only 2 days remaining in ministry before we come home. Ask the Father to keep us focused on what is important despite the circumstances. Pray for us to serve with joy!
In Jesus, Linda for
Sam Shaw- Assistant Director
Silvana Shaw
Calah Sager
Toby Simmons
Naomi Armstrong
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Romania, January 20th, 2009
Dearest Friends,
THREE SHOWS
At a large school, we did 3 programs back to back. We shared with hundreds of children and this was such a blessing. At first, many teachers did not want to bring their children, but again, God changed their hearts. One teacher even came to us afterwards and asked us to forgive her for even considering such a thought.
Most amazing of all was the response of one teacher. She listened to the first program and was touched. She immediately got permission to leave school and went to get her daughter. She was desperate for her to hear what she had heard. It was like reading a story Bible when Jesus spoke to the woman at the well. She was desperate to tell people because she had found hope and forgiveness. I thought of that story today as the lady made plans to bring her other daughter to another show. I believe from her behavior and her conversation that she met Jesus Christ. Please pray for this dear lady and her daughters.
JOY
After one show, I met with a small group of teachers. One of them had returned several times after the show to talk to me. They were intrigued at the way the children behaved during our program. They could not believe how well they listened. I explained to them that I always pray before a show. I told them how I always ask Jesus to help the children to listen.
Then I realized that God was giving me a very special opportunity to talk to these ladies, so I told them more of my story. I told them about my husband Mike and how much I loved him. I asked them if they had seen me demonstrate joy when I had told the story to the children. They all said that I was full of joy. Then I explained to them how even in this very difficult time God had given me joy. I wanted them to understand how God could give them joy during the difficult times in their lives. I wanted to encourage them to put their trust in Jesus Christ. God is in control of all things and He can take anything that happens to us and redeem it for His kingdom.
YOU ARE ALL THE BEST
It is so funny what God does. We were all so concerned that the teachers might object to what we said. The villages that we are working in are all Orthodox communities that normally are very suspicious of evangelicals. They teach that good works are enough to get a person to heaven. We tell the children that only through the faith in Christ can they know God and experience His forgiveness. This is what God’s word teaches, but it is not what the Orthodox church teaches.
We all prayed about our concerns, but I confess that we still held onto our worry. God took care of the problem in an amazing way. The teacher that attended the program absolutely loved it. When we finished, she began to shout in English, “You are all the best. Never forget you. Never forget you.” She told our translator, Dan, that the program had touched her soul. She said that she felt it in her heart. Wow! This lady was Orthodox and thrilled to receive the Gospel.
There is even more to this story. No program is without its problems. In the middle of this one, a teenager passed out and hit the floor. We had 80 teenagers standing in a small place with too much heat in the room. Usually we have too much heat, or none. After we stopped for her, I was distracted and drew the same page of the story twice. Despite my mistake, God poured His Spirit on those young people as we prayed with them. I saw faces change as His joy filled their hearts. One young man was so anxious to pray that he started to pray out loud in English, before he even received the translation. Praise God!
I really laughed when after the program a student came and told me how she loved the way I drew a picture twice to emphasize that part of the story. God redeems all of our mistakes. He is so kind to us!
In Jesus, Linda for
Sam Shaw- Assistant Director
Silvana Shaw
Calah Sager
Toby Simmons
Naomi Armstrong
Monday, January 19, 2009
Romania, January 19th, 2009
Dearest Friends,
I NEED A FATHER!
It is the most wonderful sound when children and teenagers call on Jesus. At an orphanage for normal and minor special needs children and teens, I heard prayer spoken in soft whispers. One young person started to immediately pray loudly, but was too shy to finish out loud. We all knew that the Father was doing something incredible, because we all felt His spirit so strongly. Being allowed to pray with them was a joy!
At the other orphanage, they would not allow us to pray. Still, we were able to tell all of the children and teenagers how God could be their Father. I looked into their eyes. I know that they truly heard. When I asked on group if they needed a father, they looked at me and signaled “yes.” Others responded that they needed love or forgiveness. Please pray for all of these children and young people. Jesus is their only hope. He is our only hope.
TWO ORPHANAGES
Many of you may remember the terrible reports on Romanian orphanages 15 years ago. They have done much to correct the problems. The 2 that we visited today seemed to be good places for children. The buildings were clean and the staff seemed to care about the children.
Still, they are orphanages. The children are growing up alone, most feeling very hopeless. One of the staff told me that we had given the children a beautiful gift, hope. Though she was not a Christian, she still recognized that they needed Jesus. Most of the staff was very offended by the mention of His name. As soon as I said Jesus’ name, they went from smiling to anger. None of them spoke to me after the program. However, at the other orphanage, all of the staff responded with gratitude.
Please pray for God to place Christian staff in the orphanages. Please pray for the children who prayed today to grow in their faith.
MICESTI
Micesti is a village with 3 schools and only one principal. Today, the children were thrilled with the puppet show. Usually such events are expensive and many children cannot come. Because of your generosity, our programs are always free. The children were so happy and even the teachers came and thanked us. It is a gift to see children so happy when they hear about Jesus Christ. Pray for the children of this village to go home tonight and ask Jesus to be their Savior!
SUNDAY MORNING
We traveled for hours into the Carpathian Mountains to reach a church and share with a group of children and young teens. Apolo works with them every week and leads 4 children’s clubs every Saturday. He was very excited about our program. He said, “I cannot get into the schools, but with puppets, I bet I could.” I told him that he was absolutely right as we had been in so many public schools. Then, he was even more excited and wants our new Romanian team to come.
Romania is changing and not at all for the better. It is already difficult for Christians to get into the schools and we have been told that they expect the doors to close. Now is the time to reach the children for Christ. Pray for the God to hold open the doors. The students from the Bible Institute will be joining us at the shows until Thursday. Pray for our new team to learn their skills quickly.
RUTHIE
Ruthie is only 5 years old. She is very smart and speaks English and Romanian. Today, she and her parents went with us to help with the program. They will be part of the new team that we are planting here. I asked her if she could walk out at the end of the program and give a short testimony.
At first, she refused. I suggested that she talk to Jesus about her decision while we did the program. When we finished, she told me that she wanted to share. Ruthie held my hand and together we stood in front of the crowd. She said, “My name is Ruthie and I love Jesus Christ.” This little girl has great faith and I recommend her good example to each of you! Do not be afraid. Tell people about Jesus!
In Jesus, Linda for
Sam Shaw- Assistant Director
Silvana Shaw
Calah Sager
Toby Simmons
Naomi Armstrong
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Romania, January 17th, 2009
Dearest Friends,
SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN
In our last email, we asked you to pray for our visit to a place for special needs children. Yesterday, God answered your prayers. We did 2 programs, one for orphans and one for a group of children that lived at home, but came daily for special help. We were very cautious to say everything in a way that all the children would understand. Also, we had to be careful not to be too loud as loud sounds bother the children. We have a very large bear puppet that requires 2 puppeteers to operate. So that the children would not be frightened, we introduced him, paws first. Slowly, he raised his big head, peeping shyly from behind the curtains.
Children with a wide variety of problems came to the programs. You could tell that some were better fed and dressed. We were told that they were all severely handicapped, but that is not what we saw. Some were very responsive. We were given many smiles, from the children and adults. The staff was especially grateful for our presence, though they were not believers. The children and the adults all heard clearly how they could be forgiven and find hope in knowing Jesus Christ.
As Toby’s puppet played the guitar, one little boy stood and played along. Another little boy stood up and started to dance. One child was deaf, but he loved colors and movement, so he enjoyed the program. An older teenage girl who sat in a wheelchair had grown up in institutions. She was very conversational, and I wondered what her life had been like. Though this place was unusually clean and bright, it was still an institution that didn’t have much love.
The reality is that many of the children could understand what we were saying. When Jesus calmed that storm in the story, they responded with big smiles. I have been in an ocean of these places. No one really knows what these children can understand. I fully expect to see so many of them in heaven. Then, when the Father has healed their bodies, I expect them to tell us that they understood.
All of us considered today a special gift. We were very grateful for the time that we spent loving these children in Jesus’ name. Naomi and Toby had never visited one of these places, but were very blessed.
A FRENCH TEACHER
Each day, I am so grateful for the Father’s many promises and how He pours His love on my life. Yesterday, I talked with a French teacher who had lost her job and began working with the special needs children. She was very unhappy with her job and bitter about the death of her husband 10 years ago. As we talked, I saw such brokenness and ached for her. In her I saw the person I would have been after Mike’s death except for faith in Jesus Christ. He fills me with hope. I know that Mike and I will be together again. She has no hope. Please pray for her to come to faith!
SNOW
Yesterday afternoon, Silvana told us that she had seen a weather report that promised snow for the evening. When she told us, the sky was blue and the day was so warm that we had abandoned our coats. None of us believed her. We returned to the Bible Institute and began to teach. A couple of hours into the class, we opened the door and saw snow.
It was freezing outside, but no one cared. As soon as we finished class, we had multiple snowball fights. I was very happy to have successfully lured Sam outside so that the entire team could ambush him from behind the van.
SPECIAL PRAYER
Calah’s mother, Melissa, called early yesterday to tell us that Calah’s grandfather, Melissa’s father, had died. Please hold Calah and the entire Sager family in your prayers. Calah is staying in Romania with us.
GRANDCHILDREN
I am very excited to announce that my oldest son, Josh, and his dear wife Teresa are their second child. I am so happy!!!! Please begin to pray for this little one and ask the Father to call him or her to faith in Jesus as a small child. God is so good!
In Jesus, Linda for
Sam Shaw – Assistant Director
Silvana Shaw
Calah Sager
Toby Simmons
Naomi Armstrong
Romania, January 15th, 2009
Dearest Friends,
Many amazing things are happening each day! We are all delighted with the time that we are spending with the children. However, we are seeing many things here that need your prayers.
1. Yesterday, God answered out heart’s prayer. A village school allowed us to pray with the children. As soon as the prayer started, children began to pray. We heard them calling on God. Then, they became very quiet, too shy to continue out loud. In my heart I know they finished those prayers silently. As the children left the room, so many stopped to thank me. They had the biggest smiles.
2. Everyday but one day here has been very cold. Most of the schools do not have the best heating systems. In one village, we saw the children dressed in their hats and coats for class. Pray for the Father to keep them warm as they listen.
3. In some of the schools, many of the children stood for the entire program. In one village, people crowded in the doorway to watch. Ask the Father to keep them hungry to hear about Jesus.
4. Today we shared with hundreds of children at 3 shows. None of the places would allow us to pray with the children. We were allowed to explain very carefully how to pray, asking Jesus to be their Savior. Ask the Father to call these children to faith tonight.
5. Two men who were working to repair a door stopped working for a while to listen.
6. Every school today invited us to come again. Keep praying for the doors to remain open in the public schools.
7. A teacher talked with me today, curious to know what religion we were. I explained to her that we simply loved Jesus and wanted to tell children about Him. She talked with me a long time, unwilling to believe that we did not have a hidden agenda. Pray for her to recognize the truth of the Gospel. She believed that she could be good enough to get herself to God.
8. Our last show was with young teenagers and they loved the program. Two of the teachers from the previous show loved what they heard so much that they came a second time. We told the story of Jesus and his miracles in the first show and the story of Joseph in the second. Please pray especially for those 2 teachers who do not know Jesus.
9. The young teenagers who heard the story of Joseph listened so well to the story. As I watched their eyes, I saw such hunger and need. Please pray for these young people to trust Jesus Christ as their King tonight.
10. After one program today, a young girl rushed up to me and said “I love you.”
11. Several teachers have expressed surprise at the behavior of their students. They say they can’t believe how well they listened. I understand why they are behaving so differently. We are all praying for them. Please continue to pray!
12. Tomorrow, Friday, we will go to a kindergarten and an orphanage, both for children with special needs. Please pray that we will do a great job for these dear children who are often ignored.
In Jesus, Linda for
Sam Shaw – Assistant Director
Silvana Shaw
Calah Sager
Toby Simmons
Naomi Armstrong
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Romania, January 14th, 2009
Dearest Friends,
WHAT A GREAT DAY!
Yesterday was the most wonderful day! We traveled to Scoraicesti, a small town, and 2 villages, Cornatal, and Poboru. We did 3 shows and each one was a delight. Your prayers opened unbelievable doors for us to share in 3 public schools. The children and the teachers were very responsive as they cheered, laughed, and listened. Praise God!
THE CIRCUS
At the first show, a little girl said something that no one had ever said to us before. She was seven years old with long brown hair and a big smile. She came up to me after the program and said, “Thank you for the circus.” We all laughed and spent the rest of the day trying to figure out which ones of us were the clowns.
The teachers and director were so happy with the program! They served us coffee, refreshments, and the children presented us with flowers. It is a lovely thing when people who do not know Jesus as their Savior are so happy hearing the Gospel.
The principal told me that I was made for this job. I appreciated her encouragement, but each day I understand how God has a special purpose for each one of us. His plan is the best! All of us are so humbled and blessed that God made all of us for this work with the children. We love our job! Pray that those who He has made for this job in Romania will hear His voice and respond.
MAYOR IULICA
They Mayor of the 2 villages went with us and personally introduced us to the schools. More, he helped carry our equipment. He loved the program, thanked us for our “extraordinary” gift, and kissed me on both cheeks. He invited us to come again, so the door is open for our new Romanian team to share. He is a very sweet man, but desperately needs Jesus. Please pray for him to seek out his pastor friend Joseph and ask more questions about the Gospel.
OPPOSITION
Yesterday, we were given a gift. Our pastor friend had been chased out of one village many times, but God turned their hearts. He persisted, he did not give up and God blessed his prayers. We were welcomed and invited to return.
Today, some of the teachers refused to bring their students to the program when they found out that we were Christians. Still, in both shows the room was full. The teachers who came were not all believers, but all expressed their gratitude for the program. God touched their hearts.
There are many teachers here who oppose any Christian teaching. Please pray for God to soften their hearts. One Director refused to even greet us because she did not like Christians. Please pray for this dear lady to come to faith. God knows her name.
TRAINING
Four days this week, for almost 4 hours a day, we are teaching the students here at the Bible Institute. They are very eager students who are enthusiastic about their lessons. Please ask the Father to bless their efforts and help them to remember all they are learning. Please ask the Lord to give us strength as we are doing 3 shows a day and then teaching for 4 hours. We are blessed, but tired.
DIFFERENT THINGS
1. Driving down the road to a show, we saw a giant stork’s nest perched on top of a telephone pole.
2. In the villages today, we passed 2 small restaurants with English names. One was called Donald, the other, Lewis.
3. A big snow fell shortly before we arrived, but there is still a lot on the ground in some places. For those of us from Georgia, Brazil, and Ireland, we count this a blessing.
4. There are a lot of street dogs here that travel in packs. They are not allowed to kill them because of their membership in the European Union.
5. Every morning as we leave the camp, we see deer and fox running in the fields. From our window, we see huge snow capped mountains. Wow!
6. Each day, we see people in the villages driving horse drawn carts instead of cars.
PRAYER REQUESTS
1. Pray that the children and teachers in Scoraicesti, Cornatal, and Poboru will spend today and all the days that follow thinking about Jesus Christ and their need to know Him.
2. Pray for Pastor Joseph. Ask the Father to make his church a bright light for the Gospel. He is working in all of the places that we have been yesterday and today.
3. Pray for the children of Bircii and the other places we visited today to remember the story they heard and trust in Jesus.
4. Pray for the children of Pitesti where we will be doing programs tomorrow, Thursday. Ask the Father to give them a hunger to know Him.
In Jesus,
Linda for
Sam Shaw – Assistant Director
Silvana Shaw
Calah Sager
Toby Simmons
Naomi Armstrong
Monday, January 12, 2009
Romania January 12th, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Romania, January 10, 2009
Dearest Friends,
Land of Dracula
We are in Romania, the land best known to many as the home of Count Dracula. In reality, Dracula was a King and his real name was Vlad Tepes. His last name actually means "to put you on a stick." The real King often impaled people who committed crimes. The King told people that he loved justice, but his punishments were quite brutal. In Romanian, "drac" means demon and perhaps this is how his make believe name was created.
Please know that there is so much more to Romania that this legend. It is an amazing country with high mountains and large forests. The beautyof God's creation proclains His existence. Still, for 50 years the communists denied God's reality to these people. Many of your brtohers and sisters suffered terribly for their faith during the years of communism because they would not believe the lie. Please read "Tortured for Christ" by Richard Wurmbrand if you want to know more about these times.
Please pray for us as we seek to share Jesus with children who are much changed by 20 years of exposure to the west. Now, the young people want the materialism that they see displayed on the internet. Beg God to give them a hunger for Himself.
Our First Show
Today, Saturday, was our first show. A public school brought chidren to an afternoon children's Bible Club. It was the first time that this group of children had ever attended a club. Their teacher brought them, but he was not a believer. Still, he listened as well as the children. All of them were so thrilled to receive Christmas boxes supplied by Samaitan's Purse. One little girl was wearing a pink coat and a pink hat. She opened her box and squealed with delight. The first thing she saw was a pair of bright pink gloves. God is so good! Best of all, each child received a brochure in their own lanuage that told them about Jesus.
Most of the children prayed out loud with us, calling on Jesus to save them. This was a wonderful beginning to our time in Romania. We are so excited to be here working with our friend Juan Siles and Alin Muntean. Tomorrow, we will tell you about where we are working. Tonight our need to sleep is great!
Hold us in your prayers!
In Jesus,
Linda for
Sam Shaw - Assistant Director
Silvana Shaw
Toby Simmons
Calah Sager
Naomi Armstrong
Romania, January 8, 2009
Dearest Friends,
We are on our way to the airport! Please hold us in your prayers as we travel over the next day.
Pray that many children would come to faith in Jesus during our time in Romania and that we would leave behind a good, well trained team.
Pray that the airline would show us mercy with our luggage.
In Jesus,
Linda for the team
