In October 2005, Flexon asked me if I would study the Bible with his "cousin-brother," Kolkot. I began studying with him and his fiancé, Joana, every week. The studies went fairly well, but I just couldn't figure out if they were interested or not (they were always glad to see me and thanked me for the studies, but they never made any comments or answered any of my questions). After eight studies, I communicated the best I could to them that we really didn't have much more to study if they weren't willing to make a decision to follow Christ. I told them I would let them think about it for a week or two.

A few weeks later Flexon asked Shawnda to start studying with his girlfriend, Fiona. When Shawnda went to the house, Joana was there too, and so the three of them studied together for over a month. Joana studying with Shawnda was a much better arrangement, and she really "came out of her shell." Everyone has to make changes in their life when they become a Christian, but both Fiona and Joana had to make some hard choices. They reflected privately a lot, and talked with Flexon, Shawnda and me about the details of their repentance. They asked Shawnda and me to come to the house on Thursday morning, January 5. I talked with Fiona about some of those things, and Shawnda talked to Joana. Afterwards they were ready to make the decision, and were baptized.

We are very excited about the potential of Flexon and Fiona in the Lord's kingdom, as well as Joana's stated interest and excitement in becoming an active part of the Vila congregation.

EB