Harris Happenings December 2011
Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. So instead they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas. That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there. Acts 16:6-10
Toward the end of 2010, Wesley and I had the blessing and opportunity of hearing a Muslim background believer in Jesus (I will call him Kamil) share his testimony of how he came to know the Lord when he was studying in Sweden. He would go weeks with no one ever speaking to him or looking him in the eye. Then, some believers in Jesus who were singing and playing guitars in the park befriended him. They invited him into their homes for meals, shared the gospel with him, and through much love and patience, ended up impacting his life in becoming a follower of Jesus. God has used him to win and train and impact the lives of many souls in North Africa all because people in Sweden reached out to a foreigner who was studying in their country. He challenged all the listeners to see Muslims in our country not as a threat, but as opportunities and possibilities for us to win them to Jesus by reaching out to them one person at a time.
On two different occasions in 2011, Wesley and I have been given opportunities to go to the north African homeland of Kamil and observe what God is doing there. The first time the trip was postponed for months because of a sudden illness that almost killed Kamil. The second time Wesley scheduled way ahead of time, but never received a visa to get into the country. We really had it in our hearts to go each time, but the Holy Spirit closed the door. Since Wesley already had the time off from work, we prayed about where to go and what to do. We have both wanted to go to visit Samaritan’s Purse headquarters, and Wesley has never been able to attend the Global Health Missions Conference in Louisville, KY, so we went to both places and were made aware of all kinds of possibilities for future ministry in the US and all over the world. He would not have gone to either place had not the trip to North Africa been cancelled at the last minute.
Travis and Kelsey went with their church to a middle eastern country in February to teach English and sing in English cafes. They got there the day many of the demonstrations began (the Arab Spring). They had many opportunities to share their faith when asked and traveled to several different cities. They made many friends and loved working there. There has been much violence and instability in that country, and most non- citizens have had to leave. Their church will not be taking a group this year because the country is not giving visas.
Travis and Kelsey are still living in our house in Ringgold, GA, and were there when the powerful tornados devastated not only Ringgold, but many other areas around Chattanooga. We are so thankful that they were not hurt and our house was not damaged. They were able to help with the cleanup effort in several places. They also continue to help with refugees from Africa. One young man they have befriended is a Muslim from Darfur, Sudan. He was recently reunited with his wife and 2 daughters after 3 years. Pray that they will see the light of Jesus in the lives of those who are helping them here and become true believers in Him, just as Kamil did.
Wesley and I went back to Honduras in March and had a great visit. We visited friends and family all over the country. We took a young man , Troy Watson, with us. He was born in Honduras, but left with his family at a young age. He was able to see a lot of the places his parents worked many years ago. He, Wesley, and Lazaro even broke down on the same secluded road where his dad had broken down with our friend, Omar, many years before. We were able to visit Reitoca, Portrerillos, Iglesia Bautista Central in Tegucigalpa, Santa Cruz, Hermandad Cristiana in La Ceiba, and the believers living in Barranco Chele. We had a great time and always miss our Honduran friends, who are really like family to us. We look forward to another visit there in February if the Lord wills.
Heidi, Daniel, Isabel, Carson, and Kylie still live in Newnan, GA. Daniel was able to take a group of young men with him to Nepal in late October. It was a very physically strenuous trip and was the first mission trip for most of them. They continue to home school, have a pretty large small-group that meets at their house, and Heidi and the kids help Daniel with his work as middle school pastor.
Tim and Taryn also live in Newnan, GA . They bought a house in August for an incredible deal. They also have a small-group which meets at their home. They went to Europe earlier this year to visit her family in Belgium and check out some ministry opportunities to work in a ministry to Muslims in Spain and north Africa. They hope to make a trip in early 2012 to North Africa. The biggest news of this year for them (and us) is that they are expecting a baby boy in early June!
Thank you for your love, prayers, and support this past year.
May the love, peace, hope, and joy of Jesus be yours this Christmas and throughout the New Year!
In Jesus,
Terri Harris
WORLD EVANGELISM FOUNDATION INC PO BOX 327 ROYSTON, GA 30662 706 245 9869