Steve and Debbie Zopfi Prayer Update

Dear Friends and Family –
One is blind and sells lottery tickets; the other has his sight and sells cards for cell phone air time. They were always together on the corner of Moctezuma and Patria where we often make a left hand turn. Together they walked down the line of cars, each one offering what they had to sell. The blind man was first with his sighted friend close behind, a guiding hand always resting on his friend’s shoulder. They would chat and smile, the friend with vision helping his blind comrade sidestep rocks and uneven places in the median. “A true picture of what it means to be a faithful friend”, I often thought to myself. It warmed my heart to see them together.

A couple of weeks ago I noticed the two men were no longer walking together. One stood on the corner, the other much further down the line of cars. I didn’t think too much of it, until I noticed it again and again. The last time I saw them, the blind friend, all alone, was very carefully picking his way along the median; a cloud had settled over his face. The air time seller had to pass him as he walked alongside the cars. When he reached the spot where they coincided, he very consciously took several steps around behind his blind friend, being careful not to touch him and never uttering a word.

I would love to ask them what happened. I hope they are able to renew the relationship they once had. Human “faithfulness” is imperfect. “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the FAITHFUL God who keeps His covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments.” (Deut. 7:9)

Zopfi Prayer and Praise – week of November 15 – 21, 2009

Sunday –
Many people are struggling with illness – not only the H1N1 virus, but the dengue fever and other strains of flu. These illnesses have affected members of the congregations, students in the seminary and missionary colleagues. One member of the Prince of Peace church, a teacher, mentioned that two children at her school lost their battle to a combination of dengue fever and flu. The effects of dengue last for months even after the person has recuperated from the initial attack. Please pray for the many families that are affected by these outbreaks. We have never seen anything quite like it before.

Monday –
Colleague, Janice Greenfield, is teaching a six week course on Introduction to Christian Education. A pleasant group of nine students is taking the course. Some of the students are “first-timers” which is always encouraging to see. Most, if not all, are already involved in a teaching ministry and desire to know how to be more effective. Please pray that the remaining weeks of the course will be as enriching as the first weeks have been.

Tuesday –
As we mentioned in a previous Prayer and Praise bulletin, Debbie will not be able to accept the role of group leader in WeightWatchers. But we know that doesn’t stop the Lord from using this avenue to reach others. Ana Lucia, whom you have heard much about in the past, also attends a WeightWatchers meeting. A couple weeks ago the leader asked her if she was a Christian. Then she commented, “There is just something very different about you and Debbie”. Frixia, the leader, was familiar with the Prince of Peace church. Out-of-town guests asked her to take them to a Christian church once, and that is where she took them! Please pray for this small door that has opened, that it will bear eternal fruit.

Wednesday –
You have prayed for the Women’s Bible Study on the attributes of God. It has been a real blessing to see the women grow in their understanding and awe of God. Today, Debbie will be speaking at Women’s Bible study in the Strong Tower Church and tomorrow in the Prince of Peace church. The Faithfulness of God is the attribute we are considering this week. Just think, if our God were not utterly faithful in everything He has said, we would not know what we could trust Him on! But He is faithful! We can believe and draw hope from every word He says. Please pray that Debbie can clearly communicate the truth, and that the Holy Spirit will work in lives to apply that truth.

Thursday –
Steve has reached the halfway point in the course on the Theology of Suffering. As has been the case in the past, this course generates great interest. Our classroom is full with 25 students. Many have commented that the Lord is using different aspects of the course to help them accept and understand God’s working in their lives. How we thank Him for this! We appreciate your continued prayer for Steve and the students.

Friday –
The Christian and Missionary Alliance of Mexico is still working the process of registering their churches with the government. One would think that it would be a straightforward procedure, but it is much more complicated than anyone imagined. Steve is involved in that process and will be making a trip to Mexico City for workshops dealing with this issue. Please pray for the mission and the national church as they continue to work together to do everything in a way that will be accepted by the Mexican government.

Saturday –
Paty’s husband has not attended church in months. A short while ago, Paty approached me, her face was beaming. “Debbie”, she said, “I love the Bible study we are doing on the attributes of God! You will never guess what has happened. My whole family has agreed to do it together! We are all working through it – my husband, my grown children and me. ” God has done a major work in Paty’s husband’s heart for him to accept to do the study as a family. This is the fruit of your faithful prayer, and giving to the Great Commission Fund. The Great Commission Fund covers our living expenses in Mexico, as well as many ministry costs. We have said it time and again, but do not get tired of repeating it – we could not be here doing what we do without your support.

Ever grateful to you and to the Lord – Steve and Debbie Zopfi