Not Only For Americans
Zack was able to attend Vision Conference in person this year and I (Naomi) was on the Virtual Vision Prayer Conference team. I want to thank the many of you who read my daily prayer updates and joined my prayer team in battle for the hearts and souls of these precious internationals. God heard and answered our prayers. Here are some highlights…
-Vision Conference did not become a super spreader event for Covid; just a handful of people got sick.
-A seeking student studying in Michigan named Samuel texted his Bridges staff saying, “the conference was truly amazing and I’ll never forget those 5 days of my life. I really thank you so much for your help and guidance…Bridges International has the best motive for connecting international students and I enjoyed so much in the Multi-nations group.”
-A Christian student, Nicole, was trained in how to more effectively share her faith and caught such a vision for reaching internationals where she studies in London. She said, “I wish I could quit school and work with you guys!” She is considering interning with Bridges after graduation.
-A Seeker from China shared how the conference impacted her and how she could see that Christianity was not only for Americans but for people from other cultures too! She is now considering becoming a Christian and has started attending a Mandarin Bible study.
-“It’s been like a reconnection with God,” said a Brazilian student from the University of North Carolina. His wife agreed. “Something happened there. I want to spread the word.” Already this couple is seeking ways to serve at their local Bridges movement.
You can read more about the amazing things God did at Vision Conference in the full report.
Planting Seeds
Zack and his film team spent a lot a time with five Christian students from Nigeria, Indonesia, Malaysia, and India capturing the stories of ways God has worked in their lives. One of those students was my friend Joke (pronounced Joe-Kay) who was in my Multi-Nations group when I went to Vision 2019.
Joke (pictured below) attended the Ambassadors Track, our highest level of training for students at Vision. Joke said “It was an amazing experience to learn how to be a leader and to share the gospel using PLANT: P- prayer, L- listen, A-articulate, N- invite, T- try again.”
Family Health Update
Our entire family got Omicron in mid January. Zack, Miah, and I are still dealing with some lingering symptoms. Thankfully I was able to get medicine that prevented a major flare of my Epstein Barr. I am still experiencing some fatigue, but I don’t know if it is from EBV or Covid.
Annalei was our biggest concern, as she was experiencing shortness of breath (the same thing happened when she got the vaccine). Praise God, she is fine now, but she has seen a pulmonologist and will undergo testing because this has been an off-and-on exercise induced problem since she was vaccinated.
FAMILY UPDATE
We were challenged to each pray for 3 people we wanted to share the gospel with. All 4 kids have been having spiritual conversations with friends at school. Cassia was nervous, but actually saw a friend ask Jesus into her heart!
PRAISE REPORTS
God changed many lives at Vision conference.
Covid did not trigger another huge setback for Naomi.
Our kids are each gaining a heart for evangelism.
PRAYER REQUESTS
For students who attended Vision: Seekers would believe in Jesus, and Christians would share their faith.
Our kids would continue to be bold for Jesus at school.
Cassia’s friend would grow in her new faith.
The new EveryInternational video series would train many people to reach immigrants and refugees with the gospel.
Total healing for our family from Covid symptoms.