Candles In The Darkness
As I looked across the classroom of beautiful head-scarfed young women and a group of six young men in a side room, I sensed a hunger to know His Truth. These Theological class students, ages 16-18, had come to learn more about the NBS2GO Bible study called LENT, and I had flown halfway around the world to meet them, hear their stories, and facilitate this workshop. As the students settled into their seats, I shared a smile with my interpreter and gave quiet thanks to God for giving me this opportunity.
We spent the next few moments discussing what engaging in a Bible study designed to prepare our hearts for Easter might look like. “This LENT Bible study,” I explained, “can be done as a self-study or can be done in a group, thus creating an opportunity to learn from one another.” Our discussion easily moved to the two things to do before inviting someone to a Bible study…. Pray for those you want to invite…. And begin making relational connections with them. After sharing some stories about prayer, the room was abuzz with creative ideas of how to connect with those around them.
Believing that praying and connecting will eventually lead to open doors for a Bible study, we began to discuss the specifics of the LENT NBS2GO Bible study. Thankfully, the LENT Bible Study and Leader Guide had been translated into their language several years earlier, so copies were readily available for each student. After breaking into small groups and experiencing eight minutes of the Bible study together, a lively discussion arose from each group as the students began to get a ‘sample taste’ of the Bible study.
As we came back together in one large group to share how this Bible study might be useful to us individually, faces began to light up like candles in the darkness. Given this culture’s value for family and community, I was not surprised to hear many students share their desire to invite their families to do the Lent study with them.
One young girl shared, “I feel led to invite my non-believing mother and father to do this LENT Bible study with me.” I wrote down her mother and father’s names and said I would pray for them. That next Sunday, this young lady brought her mom to church and her mother accepted Christ! So, as this young lady begins to use the LENT Bible study to help establish her newly believing mother in God’s Word, please pray that the father will give his life to Christ as well. As the Lent season begins this week, I invite you to consider letting the NBS2GO LENT Bible study be a part of your Easter journey this year. And as you do, be encouraged that you will be joined by the great global Church of Jesus Christ, including men and women from all over the world!
