It is a great joy to see how God Himself arranges everything in our lives.
During this short time in Tajikistan our joy was a board game club, which was formed «somehow by accident» (but we know that there are no accidents in this world). We saw that God Himself leads and directs this work, brings people, sends games, rooms, devices in everything and always.
By the end of October, there were already more than 70 people in the club’s chat room, we have 10 world-famous games in our arsenal, twice a week about 20 people came to game night, and regular visitors even offered to contribute to the purchase of new board games (because good quality games are not cheap).
Although we can’t preach directly about Christ during the games, we are building relationships with local youth and trying to sow the seeds of the heavenly kingdom in their hearts. And God gives us this opportunity by sending us different situations. For example, the new game is called «Evolution», and the name itself has become an occasion for interesting conversations on a serious topic: the theories of creation (my husband is well versed in this subject and can give strong arguments in favor of the theory of creationism as opposed to the theory of evolution, thank God). We believe that through conversations like this, God is working out some process in people’s hearts.
«The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and put into three measures of flour, until it all boiled» – Matthew 13:33
But in November we were asked not to meet in our usual place anymore, as we were not profitable for the owner of the cafe and we were already taking up a lot of space. We were even happy about this, as we could see that we needed a bigger space for our growing company. Since this club was originally God’s work, we were not worried, knowing that He would work something out for us.
In addition, during the Sunday meeting, a sister told us that God wanted us to finish the job and not gather any more unbelieving youth for board games. My husband and I thought: we didn’t start it, so we don’t have to finish it. And we decided to just wait to see what God would do next: whether He would finish it all Himself or by some miracle bring it to some new level.
The next day one of the regular visitors informed us that he had found a suitable place for games, and for us it was an answer from God: Khugand Games Club – to be! But when we played games in this cafe, it became clear: this place is not suitable for us. Too much noise, not a suitable environment for board games at all.
Then another regular visitor of games suggested to meet in the room where he works as an administrator. This place turned out to be ideal in all aspects, but it is not yet known whether the management of this place will allow games to be held there on a permanent basis.
The situation at the end of November is as follows: we have met only twice in the last three weeks, and each time in a different place. We are putting it all in God’s hands and trusting His leading. Of course, we’re not inactive – we’re asking various people about a suitable place to play board games. But at the same time, we allow the option that God wants to finish the job. He knows best when to stop, even if humanly speaking it seems like things are just getting started.
Either way, we have made the decision to pray and wait, not to rush to do something on our own, because we want to see God’s glory in this work again.
«It is not for you to fight this time; you stand, stand fast, and behold the salvation of the Lord that is sent to you» – 2 Chron. 20:17