The Joy of the Lord !

I couldn't begin to tell you who my favorite pastor was in Vietnam, but without hesitation I could tell you that this woman was my favorite pastor's wife.  I think she would win in the most-loved category from everyone in our group.  She was so full of God's joy that you couldn't help but giggle at her exuberance!

After a delicious Vietnamese meal, she shared her story with us.  First she had to tease my dad since the last time he visited, she prepared a delicacy reserved for the most special guests--bird's heads.  She painstakingly removed all the feathers and cooked the heads to perfection.  Only to have my dad pick at the heads.  ( she expected him to attack the treat with great gusto!)  This time, she selected a menu that was much more appealing to the western palate and devoured by our group.

A few years back her husband was arrested for sharing the gospel.  She was given the option of going with her husband as he got processed at the police station.  Her quick reply was "God's spirit will go with my husband,  I am going to the church to pray" 

Prayer is such an important part of the Vietnamese believers.  It is understood that the believers will wake up at 5:00 a.m. each morning to pray for their church,  their friends, family and even their enemies.  For one hour they devote their  time for intercession to the Lord.  All around the country a revival is being seen.  A church is built,  followed by entire villages coming to the Lord.  The prayers of faithful believers are being met with the favor of the Lord. 

My lesson from this woman?  Pray, pray, pray!  God loves the prayers of his children.  My other lesson?,  Be joyful ALWAYS.