prayers for gusta

Gusta lives with her husband and four young children. They do have two grown children as well as four young children - the three youngest girls being adopted. They were left by their parents because they have some sort of disability or another. Such a neat, neat family. Very welcoming and warm. The smallest girl is just a gem of smiles, giggles, and hugs. Her chubby cheeks and crossed eyes add to the girl's outfit of preciousness.

Gusta's family is devout Jehovah's Witnesses. Her husband spends much time reading and memorizing the Bible. The neat thing, though, is that they read the regular Bible - not a JW one. It's purely God's word, which opens doors for Him to speak to them more than they even realize.

Emily took me to visit with this family last week. Upon arriving, we were served heaping platefuls of food and were adored by the small girls. I, not able to speak Macedonian, entertained the youngest with my light-up watch and lots of smiles. Emily spent most of the time pouring into Gusta once our meal was eaten and the youngest was put down for a nap.

After talking for just short while, it was apparent that Gusta had something on her mind more than what met the eye. Emily spent a good while talking with Gusta and trying to get her to understand God's grace and forgiveness. Gusta, with tears streaming down her face, said she felt guilty over sin from years ago, and it was as if she were still trapped and held bondage by it.

Gusta's husband came home while Emily was talking with her, which caused her to speak in hushed tones as she was ashamed of her husband finding out how she was feeling and thinking.

Please pray for Gusta. We planned on going by so that Emily could talk with her and possibly read the Word with her some today, but when we got there, her husband said that they were just too busy today for that. So, Emily will try again another day. But, in the mean time, please pray that God touches Gusta's heart. It is apparent that something is going on in her heart and her mind, and I earnestly pray that she doesn't block it out. I pray that she opens up to God's forgiveness and grace that is so freely offered in His word. I pray that her husband would see God's truth in His word as he reads and memorizes it. I pray that their family will be transformed by God's word and power in their life.

Will you please pray the same?