Just a quick note on the first night of our Bible studies. We have a good attendance – 20 people including 2 men in spite of many “probkas” (traffic jams). Many there were new to CrossRoads Bible studies. And some of my old faithfuls came as well. The participation was excellent! I think every person offered comments during the discussions…and I know they enjoyed the “practicum” of making “blessing chains.”
Julia said, “I am thankful for the joy I felt while doing this project.”
God showed up. Thanks for your prayers.
Below are photos of the construction of the blessing chains. Thanks to my friend Nanci for the creative idea. Each “link” made of colored paper clips represents an opportunity to thank God for something each day. The inspiration for this project came from the autobiography of Pastor Benjamin Weir, “Hostage Bound, Hostage Free.” Held captive in Lebanon for 16 months, he used the chain his militant captors put around his ankle as a “Protestant rosary” to recount his blessings and escape the tempatation to sink into despair.
At the end of his chain was a radiator. But at the end of these symbolic chains is a charm of a cross or an angel. Many wore theirs around their necks as they stepped into the dusty streets and made their ways home, smiling.
Galina Filippova says
I find your little piece so powerful. I nearly had jitters when reading of your attendance this year also read “God showed up”…as the continuation of your report of who was there, who made it to your class through the traffic jam…