There is just NOTHING better than a new life! The hope that it brings for the future and the exciting "firsts" along life's path. The first breath, the first cry, the first bath, the first suckling at a mother's breast...so precious!
So much preparation goes into the planning of that anticipated new life! The calculating of dates, the progress and watchfulness of the physician to make sure all is going well, the careful nutrition to feed and nurture that growing tiny body!
Jeff and I became grandparents for the first time 2 days ago. I can't stop thinking about the similarities of seeing our beautiful granddaughter, Marissa, for the first time and seeing that beautiful face of a new follower of Jesus Christ for the first time!
It makes me stop and think of the ways we prepare for that new life in Christ, as well. Are we evangelizing enough? Are we often and openly sharing about the blessings of the life we have in Christ, using every opportunity?
A few weeks ago, as we were street evangelizing with a team from Johnston Evangelical Free church in a community several blocks from our home in Rio, I had a conversation with a woman that I often see and chat with. At the end of our conversation, she asked me why I was so sure I would spend eternity with Christ.
I was able to give her a Portuguese bible and share with her 1 John 5:11-13, that says, "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."
Please pray for this woman. Pray that when I return to Rio in 4 weeks, she too, is living in the assurance of His salvation!
After having the blessing to see the face of Marissa as she took her first breath of life, I am encouraged for the future and the possibility of seeing many more people take their "first breath of life", should God choose to continue to use me in that way!
Celebrating the precious new life of Marissa and "Grandmahood" for the first time,
Diane