Family Update – October

By Donna.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Eph 6:12).
I really felt an intense spiritual battle this month, a battle in which the enemy was trying to hamper our efforts to make progress in our witness here and in our personal lives and endeavors. As stated in 1Pe 5:8,  our adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour and that is why we need to be sober and vigilant.  The negative forces of fear and pride and rebellion have been trying to wreak havoc here, and we are convinced that they can only be conquered through the Holy Spirit of God and the Power of His Almighty and eternal Word. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against Him. (Is. 59:19).

We have been praying intensively, memorizing more Bible verses, absorbing less negative media input, and filling our minds with positive thoughts from the Word of God.  The mind is such a powerful part of our soul/spirit/body makeup and we definitely fight on the battlefield of the mind.  Jesus’ first commandment  is: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all they heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. “Mt 22:37. So, harnessing our mind is one of the major challenges in life, and has been a major focus for us this month. Paul says in 2 Co. 10:3-5, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”.  What a challenge! We continue in the battle.

There have been  many glorious victories this month here in China ! We have been in contact with local Christian brethren whom we have been able to fellowship with and encourage to get back on the active battlefield for Christ. Developing deeper relationships in Christ with friends and acquaintances has been fruitful and inspiring.

Eagle sharing some songs with us.

Jorge and Jason sharing some songs with Eagle.

This past month we saw young Zac turn 3 years old! Even from very far away we can observe that he is an extremely energetic and happy little fellow who is growing by leaps and bounds!! We are praying that he adapts gracefully to his new role as older brother in the next coming weeks! He will definitely be a great blessing to mom and dad and baby sister that is arriving! Not least, I thank everyone for the wonderful birthday reception back home and all the prayers and wishes from far and wide. What a blessed celebration of life, having so many things to be thankful for!

Little Zac of Philip and Julie, learning the art of football

Donna’s birthday lunch in Macau with family. – (L.R.) Mandy, Isabel, Joana, Jason, Benjamim, Gabriel, Donna, Jorge and Emanuel and Baby Aurora.

Happy Birthday to Donna!! (Emanuel and Isabel watching attentively…)

Expired Image!

Donna teaching Jason. A daily job for a homeschooling mother

Expired Image!

Happy grandmother with happy granddaughter – Donna and Aurora (Rou)