Steve, thx for the good work you are doing here especially feeding the hungry (people of Africa)

I am a member here from Uganda, E.A although have not been on board for a lo-o-o-ng time! There's lots of improvement on the site - its beautiful and interesting. This is ONE GOOD XTIAN WEBSITE
I have found so truthful and encouraging. Keep it up Steve.

I just read a message from Willy from Uganda, my question is did you ever have the chance to visit Uganda in 2005? And how is your daughter Stacey doing? Does she still have a page here?

And the answer I wanted from you; what is this board of LIONS & BEARS about?? Sorry but I have bad memories. I usually get dreams of animals, of cows chasing me and culturally where I come from it's really a bad omen. I have always prayed about those dreams when I wake up. I cancel thier motives in Jesus' name.

Lastly, am confused and growing more impatient & irritable by the days. I'm a working single mother and in my early 40s. Why dont I get my prayers answered? Why does God leave us in certain circumstances or situations for such a long time where these are also so testing and tempting?? I want to know why. I've failed to understand the ways of God. All I can do now is pray within ma heart. I even hate kneeling down bekoz I know I dont mean it in ma heart!! I have tried to pray without a bad motive but all the same. I'm waiting for too long. I want God to speak to me about my future.

May God continue blessing the work of your hands and continue setting favours in the eyes of people that you work with and also be an impact amongst those people and indeed a pillar in this generation of us who need your preaching here and guidance.

Hi mjcares! I'm sorry for taking so long to post. Thanks for your encouragement!!

I never did go to Uganda. Most of my effort was in western Kenya not far from the border but I did not have a visa to cross. My daughter Melissa will be going to Uganda for six months beginning this summer. She is helping to set up an orphanage. She's pretty excited.

Stacey's page is still on the web site but I have removed the link. She went through some more struggles and it was difficult for me to know how to properly keep up with the page. She is doing well right now - she is back home and going to school in hopes of working as an addiction counsellor. You can see her page at:
http://www.gdwm.org/stacey.htm

Stacey has written an update message and we both really want to get the page updated.

The Lions and Bears forum is mainly for posts of general encouragement. It is based on David when he was going against Goliath and how he recalled the Lions and Bears which God had helped his through.

Single parenting is difficult no matter what country you live in. Why does God leave us in situations so long? Because He loves us. I know that's hard to understand, but unfortunately most of the real truths of God can only be learned through trials. He has truths He wants you to know and an unshakable faith which He may be preparing for a ministry where He desires you to serve. You may be learning lessons right now which will help many others to have patience and consistent faith regardless of circumstances.

God has already spoken about your future. If you have believed in Jesus for the forgiveness of your sin then your future is with Him for all eternity. When you really understand this truth, the details of the next fifty years become much less important.

God hears - and He is answering before we are even finished praying.

Many Blessings and you continue your journey with our Father!

Thanks so much for this question and answer. I too am going through a time of trial and testing and I feel so completely lost and alone, not knowing which way to turn. My prayers seems to have been so self-centered these days and I don't want that! I have also been wondering which direction God is taking me. I'm finishing up studies at a Bible college and my desire is to use that knowledge to work for God. But where??? And when????

It's encouraging to hear what we know deep in our spirits and often forget--that we're in these desert places to grow and learn. My joy has fizzled and my heart needs refreshing. It WILL come.

Hi there Sisters Marvellous MJ and Lovelly Laurie and all others facing relentless trials.

I have journeyed thru many many impossible trials over these past 22 years and single parented throughout.

I could write a book praising God for His faith fulness!

Why does your suffering go on and on? Just as Steve says.......and here in my own words:

You are so immensely precious to Jesus. Yes YOU . He is carefully crafting you, like a fine, priceless sculpture. His Mighty Hands are on you - presenting you with impossible circumstance so that you learn to...

- turn to Him - again and again - and again..
- fix your eyes on Him - that is fastening the eyes of your heart and spirit intently in His direction - looking to Him to help you
- discover that only He can truly, permanently, help you through
- learn deep, impenetrable, TRUST in Him
- learn to take your physical eyes out of the worries etc and walk by blind FAITH

Yes - you CAN do it - if you choose to my wonderful Sisters and friends.

?How to start when there is so much bearing down on you ?

Simply tilt your chin in his direction He will take you from there - if you let Him.

"Lord - I can't do this - I am willing for you to start to show me how to trust you, lean on you and depend on you"

He will gently lead you, one small step at a time.

I recommend you leave your "future " in His Mighty Hands and simply receive His guidance for the step you have before you - just journey thru that one small step.

When that is done - He will take you thru another... and your future will unravel before you has you put all your TRUST in Him.

You'll be ok He loves you. Yes - YOU

Bless you
You are not alone

Gill