Nicole has slowly begun to not only integrate into culture and language, but also the ladies have begun to dive into each other’s lives. When Nicole had her incident last year the doctor told us to “ease” into things, especially the first two years or she could relapse. After listening to wise counsel, we adhered to their instructions.
Now Nicole has been to get to know the ladies not just in a linguistic or culturally sensitive ways, but in an intentional relational way that reflects the image of Christ. She has grown from limited interaction to now hosting a weekly Bible study (in Bislama) with 5 ladies, a weekly discipleship with another young girl, multiple meals hosted weekly, almost daily village life, and going on outreaches; near and far.
Ladies Bible Study
Bible Study with Younger Girls
Nicole has started a creation to Christ Bible study with the ladies where she engages them spiritually, challenging them to grow in their faith. She cooks with them, and even teaches them how to bake cookies! Of course crafts are a must, she even found a way to do beading with local supplies. She loves the constant interaction with them, and they love Nicole, always asking her to come around and they use the local word for “mom” or “aunt” towards her (when it applies).
Baking Cookies with Amber!
Teaching Susan & Sylvian how to make earrings
Local seeds used for beads found along the river
Our group enjoying sugar cane
Nicole has really knitted herself together with these 6-7 ladies in different ways, with each of them having a unique relationship. In Tiale land, regular women’s Bible studies and fellowship is a first for the women here and you can see these women really growing spiritually and growing together as a group. One of the mothers of the girls has even grown vicariously in her faith through her daughters, which truly shows the power of the Gospel and God’s endless grace.
Making dinner and being silly!
While Seth is away, the girls will play!
As many of you know, Seth left today to help build a church in one of our Tiale villages. So while he is gone (it has been raining like a monsoon for past three days), Nicole will be having several ladies over and investing into them. Please pray for Seth and the men, along with Nicole and the ladies. Incase you missed our earlier post, below is a link to view a brief video Seth made before heading out on the long 9+ hour hike in the rain.
Your feet to the unreached, Seth and Nicole Stokes
Stoking The Fires 
This is BEAUTIFUL! And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” Rom 10:15
On Wed, Aug 29, 2018 at 6:56 AM Stoking The Fires wrote:
> stokingthefires posted: “Nicole has slowly begun to not only integrate > into culture and language, but also the ladies have begun to dive into each > other’s lives. When Nicole had her incident last year the doctor told us to > “ease” into things, especially the first two years or she” >
Awesome update! Thanks for keeping us SO well informed! It is amazing to hear about and see what God is doing first hand! I have no clue how Seth handles those long hikes with all that heavy gear. Oh, to be young again! Nicole, it sounds like you are really “building” into the lives of others with the development of strong relationships. Relationships are built on trust and understanding. Thank you for reminding us about a very important step in sharing our faith. To God be the glory!
Nicole, I am so proud of you! What a difference you’re making in these women’s lives and what a terrific helpmeet you are for Seth! I’m praying for Success on for Seth and the men as they build this church and preach. And I am praying for you for safety and health while he’s gone.Love and prayers, Joyce
Sent from my Sprint Tablet.
Nicole you are really investing in the ladies and girls. You are covered in prayer while Seth is away.
The Holy Spirit will guide you into all that is righteous for the ladies and girls.
With Much Love,
Louisl
Thanks for sharing this story and pictures. Glad to see you planting good seed.
Love you guys,
Aunt Di and Uncle John
God bless you both and take care of each one of you, individually, when you are separated from each other, and together as a “power couple.” And God bless all the villagers, friends, and people that you are ministering to. And that they are ministering to you, as well, as God uses each of you to help and take care of each other. I think of you often, when I know that the weather will change here, from humid to dry (although, lately, that’s been a bit debatable …. lol! But, when I know that I can enjoy all the modern conveniences here, and I think of you, roughing it …. living a completely different life. Much love and many blessings upon you from God above. You have truly given up “your” lives for Him. We love you …. Aunt Patty and Uncle Frank
So glad Nicole is doing well as she paces herself and is listening to her doctors. Sounds like she has really established strong relationships with the ladies she is ministering to.
Seth continues to blow my mind with his dedication and willingness to even hike nine miles in the rain to cultivate relationships and share Christ with the people he is working to show God’s love for them. May He continue to keep you safe and healthy as He blesses your efforts !!! Ron Warner