What spiritual truths are most important to teach new believers?

What spiritual truths are most important to teach new believers when you only have a small window of time to invest in their lives?  I asked myself versions of this question multiple times throughout the day because I began meeting with the a few of the preteen Chuukese girls that made decisions to follow Christ. My brain thinks a hundred different things at any given time. If you have ever heard me tell a story, you know this to be true. In the same way, when thinking and praying about what to teach these precious young ladies in the few short weeks that I have with them, I want to teach them everything that the Holy Spirit has revealed to me over the years. My mind is running overtime thinking about how I can fit 16 years of lessons and special moments with the Lord that has shown me what an amazing and powerful God we serve, but also what a very personal God we serve. The answer in short is that I can’t possibly fit all of that into 7 meetings with these girls.  That would take a lifetime of living life together.  So what is most important for these new believers to hear and learn? When I became a Christian, what were those lessons that I learned first?  What does it really look like to follow Jesus, and what tools can help these ladies with their walk with the Lord? The conclusion I drew today (It might be different tomorrow, and I welcome suggestions.) is that these girls need to know their story of how Jesus changed their life (testimony), know how to pray, know how to study the Bible, know what the Bible says about them as believers,  and know how to share Jesus with others. Just typing out the list overwhelms me because even the basics could be taught over a period of several weeks.  Earlier today, I had to stop and remind myself that God has began a good work in these young ladies and He is going to continue working in their lives long after I have returned to the mainland. I am so thankful that God is in control and not me! I cannot even begin to comprehend the plan that He has for these girls’ lives and the impact they will have on His kingdom.  What amazes me even more is that God has given me the opportunity to play a role in their beginning steps as new Christians. What a privilege!  This pondering of what to teach has also reminded me of how very blessed I am to have wonderful parents and family who have shared Jesus and spiritual truths with me my entire life, and a church family and friends who poured out your lives (and continue to do so) sharing God’s love with me. To all of you, I do not take this lightly. You have impacted my life greatly. I know that the Lord used you all to shape me into the person I am today.  Mahalo (thanks) for being obedient to God and sharing His love with me.

  Please be praying for the time that I have with these ladies and that God will place someone in their lives to continue to teach them after I have returned home. 

Also please be praying for the church plant in Kapolei and that people will be responsive and come when they hear about the church. I have decided you have to have a lot of faith to plant a church!!

Below are a few pictures from meeting with the girls today. After we had our Bible study, we went and enjoyed the beach! Love to all!!