pre-bible study: 1

Planning to have a Bible Study. Posted place and time on two store public bulletin boards, all of which are in Songsong Village. Decided not to post in Sinapalo (10 miles away, 2.5 hours by bike). Have one more to post at the store closest to the house.

Not expecting anyone to turn out, with the holiday season and all. Besides, most of the families on Rota (population 2,000) will be attending Mass during the Christmas season.

Since arriving here on Rota, almost 4 years ago, have mostly hung out with local farmers, free-divers, fisherman, and deer hunters. They have all been generous with their experience and knowledge of the jungle, reefs, animal husbandry, endemic wild life, hunting, and fishing. Always very grateful to all of them, and have always hoped they will give their lives to Jesus.

Someday soon, will start fishing on my  own. Very sure that I'm not a deer hunter. After helping friends dress so many deer, it's quite clear - "Not for me, thank you."  It's not all the blood and guts, nor the look of terror in a deer's eyes, as it's hanging from it's hind legs, being gutted and skinned, and yet, still alive and kicking, with warm blood gurgling out it's slit neck, onto the jungle floor.  What really messed with my head, was the numbness I had after the deaths of so many beautiful creatures. Just don't have that killer instinct needed to be a good hunter.

Hope no one will get me wrong - not trying to stop anyone here from deer hunting. It's a viable outdoor sport, quite popular here in the CNMI, and, exceptionally good on Rota. We all count on it to bring in extra revenue for our economy, through "Adventure Tourism." The CNMI relies most on tourist dollars.

Forunately for me, the new Pastor at a church I attended on Saipan, happens to be an avid deer hunter. Bumped into him last Thanksgiving at a friend's BBQ.

Introducing ourselves to each other, thought it was obvious, God's getting ready to do something very cool on Rota (Star Wars: "a disturbance in the Force"). In my heart, it's like, "Thank you, Jesus!!!" "All things work for good for those who are called according to His purpose."

So, after emailing my new Pastor-friend about a Bible Study, he's like, "Do it! And, we'll start a church on Rota if there's a regular group of people." If the Lord doesn't make it happen, it aint gonna' happen. "Whatever is born of God, overcomes the world."

Was a missionary, preacher, and youth pastor decades ago, which is how I ended up settling on this side of the International Dateline. In two more months, it's the big "seven zero" for me. I'm tired, oops, I mean "retired." There won't be any pastor, Bible teacher, or leader - just we people, who love Jesus,  at the Bible Study. Might end up just being the geikos, ants, centipedes, and I, for awhile - whatever. It's the Holy Spirit's idea, not mine. Discovered, following the leading of the Holy Spirit, I always get good results, ahum, I mean "God results."

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