I met Andy almost 8 years ago, he was one of the first friends we had in China. A Christian in Wuhan brought Andy and some others to us for a study our first month. That group of people became some of the best friends I have. It has been a blessing to watch Andy grow and mature from someone curious about who God is to someone intent on spreading the love of God to all he encounters. By the time we left Wuhan three years ago he had become a leader in the church. He got married a couple of years ago to a girl named Lucy, who sadly wasn’t a Christian. It’s been very difficult for him, as she’s really not been interested in God at all.

But last week a 1000 kuai got misplaced at Lucy’s work. From what I understand, it wasn’t really her fault, but she was getting blamed for it. She’d been looking everywhere and asking everyone, and no one had it. When Andy picked her up from work, she told him what had happened and he told her that he would pray that she would find it the next day. Lucy told him that if she got the money back that she would know that God truly does exist, but if not, than this was pretty much His only chance. So Andy prayed and prayed and prayed. The next day a knock came on their apartment door - a man had found the money.

And Lucy believes. No, she’s not a Christian yet. And yeah, bargaining isn’t exactly the best foundation. But it’s a start. She believes that God exists and that He is powerful. Andy asked if she wanted to go to a Bible study with him, she said yes.

I cannot begin to describe the joy on Andy’s face as he told me this story. My heart swelled up with joy at the beauty of it.

And one of the most encouraging parts of the story for me… I had actually started praying every day for Lucy a couple weeks before this happened, praying that she would come to know God and accept Christ as her Savior. God heard my cry and He answered me. It gave me renewed hope for the people that have been in my prayers for 10 years now and still reject God. There is hope. And so I will persevere.

I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever;
       with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.
I will declare that your love stands firm forever,
       that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
The heavens praise your wonders, O LORD,
       your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.
For who in the skies above can compare with the LORD?
       Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings?
In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared;
       he is more awesome than all who surround him.
O LORD God Almighty, who is like you?
       You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you.
You rule over the surging sea; 
       when its waves mount up, you still them.
The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth;
       you founded the world and all that is in it.

My freshman year of college is over. Wow. Such a strange, bittersweet feeling. This past year has challenged me in ways I never knew could be possible. I have grown so much – scholastically, emotionally, and most of all spiritually. My faith has been yanked, tugged, and challenged in ways it never has before, and while I still don’t have much of it figured out – I know I am the better for all of it. Gone are the days of accepting what I’ve always been told, what I’ve always known to be true. It’s been a rough year, but wow was it worth it. All the hurts, all the tears, all the stress, and all the confusion has thrown me to my knees and consequently brought me nearer and closer to my Creator. Still not where I need to be, but getting there… God has blessed me with more than I could have ever imagined this past year. He has placed so many dear people in my life, friends that I have learned so much from. I have been given a glimpse into His heart through the lives and actions of friends. So many beautiful hearts, all yearning & striving after Him. They have been such an encouragement to me and most definitely an answer to prayer.

I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned this past year is that God is faithful. He has shown this to me time and time again. No matter what happens He is, and will always be, right there holding my hand, whispering in my ear “Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13) What beautiful assurance! God has proven faithful through the happy times dancing & frolicking with me when life goes well, and providing me the joy to dance & frolic when the darkness hits. Through all the hurts and all the suffering, He has been there and has given me the strength to make it through. He has proven faithful as I’ve searched for the truth, providing me with ways in which to find answers. And He has proven faithful as I’ve stepped out on faith and as I’ve allowed him to mold & shape me into who I need to be – giving me the courage, the strength, and the wisdom to change. He is faithful.

I approach this summer with wariness, not knowing what to expect. Already many of the plans I have been scheming about are becoming less and less likely. Do I fight to make them happen? Or do I acquise and look for other ways to serve God this summer? Am I being too possessive of my plans? Even though I feel like they are from God? It seems so obvious to me that this is what God desires for me, but is it? Are the doors slamming shut in my face God telling me to take another path or Satan trying to make me take another path? I need wisdom, Abba. How can I best glorify You this summer?

I leave for Wuhan tomorrow. The home of my childhood. I am eagerly looking forward to seeing all my dear friends, it’s been two years since I’ve seen most of them, three years for some. I have changed so much in the past three years, and I know they have as well, but I pray that our friendships will be renewed and strengthened, and that I can encourage and uplift them through our time together. For I know that I will be encouraged and uplifted by them. I pray that God will give me humility, boldness, and love as I seek to serve & glorify Him this next month in China.

And I am eagerly awaiting to hear about how all of your summers are going so far. Love you all!