School, Car Fund

This week and a bit has been more of what I was expecting when I got into school. Its been very busy, filled with problems, and things to do! I got some big surprises last week, but I wish they were good ones. If you remember the story of the girl we casted the demon out of a few months ago and how she had a serious problem with stealing, well we realized the issue is not over. After basically being caught red handed stealing one youths phone out of my house, she confessed to it, but also to something very shocking. When vincent was living with me a key for my house went missing, and that girl confessed that she had taken the key and had been coming in and out of my house while I was gone. A few weeks ago she stole almost 300$ out of my apartment, and most of that was church tithes and she was planning to get my laptop. Thank God we found out before she was able to get anything else. It was so hard for me because I had been helping her so much and encouraging her and helping her grow. She just lied and lied to me over and over again, and now I have no clue what is true and what is not. It really hurt me when I found that out, it was a complete violation of my trust and a stab in the back since I had done so much to help her. We meet with her and her mother on Saturday and told the mom about everything that happened. Its hard because we have no idea what to do with this girl, but the mother has committed to work with us and help with the restoration, as well as pay back the church tithes. Please pray for Colleen as we try again to restore her.

The same day we talked with Colleen, I got robbed again! Nikko, one youth staying with me came to me and told me that the door was open and my cell phone and ipod were gone. After talking with the guard I realized that it was totally useless and that there was nothing I could do. I remembered the first time I got robbed my first year here and the first police officer showed up drunk at my house and they did nothing. I just prayed that God will be the one to bring justice. I am very frustrated because I dont really feel comfortable in my house anymore, and I am going to see if I can end my contract early and move, but if not then I will just deal with it. Please pray that God will show me what His will is, and if I will stay there He will be my guard and protector.

After a few years of thinking and considering, I finally have decided that I would like to get a car. I have faced the elements for almost 3 years now and I am ready and willing to deal with traffic. There are many pros and cons in riding a motor, the best aspect being that you can get through traffic so fast. The reality is that though its much faster in the city, its very dangerous. I thank God I have not had any serious accidents in the last few years of riding, but I think its an inevitable fact a serious accident will eventually happen. It will also be a big blessing for ministry to have a vehicle the church can use. I have spent the last few months reviewing magazine and talking with people and I think I have a good understanding now of what I am getting into. My dream would be to get one of the ultra compact cars, since gas would be cheap, but since they are relatively new to the car market, a decent one runs around 7000$. I think that might be pushing my luck and I have figured that anything here under 3000$ probably wont be worth the money because car prices here are higher then in Canada and the cars are so old. Please pray with me for Gods provision.

In the midst of everything we are trying to get our church renovated and prepared, so that has really added to my stress. School has also had some big projects to do, and this week I have to preach. All in all I think this is a good week to pray for me. I am still trying to get the hang of all this so it is sure keeping my life interesting.

One great thing is that we have a new church and a place to call home for a few years. We are thinking this present building should be sufficient for about 3 years, and the idea of not having to move next year gives me much peace! Please pray this week that I can have strength and wisdom for all the things that I have to do.

Thank you all,

Brett