Mozos on Mission

Helping at a Retreat for Girls

2012-01-17T10:01:00.001-05:00

These beautiful faces will likely marry at age 15, I was told, because of the reality of their mother's fears.

The red team

I asked them, "Do you want to marry at 15?" A resounding "no" came from all the girls. "We're just kids", they shared.

We learned about Esther, Dina, Lot's wife, Rebekah, and more. Many of them had never heard these stories. I was told that after three to five repetitions, they would have it committed to memory.

When I shared about Esther, I told the story in Spanish which is a langage that some of them grasp. Then Jenny translated the entire narrative into her native tongue. She listened to the entire thing and retold it. It was something amazing to me. This is a story telling people.

Although I intended to teach each day, I ended up only sharing one story as there were less attendees than expected and two young women from my church were also ready to teach. They did an amazing job.

We helped in a variety of small ways as needed like the teaching, setting up chairs or tables, serving food, cheering the red team, helping with crafts, or just being there. L- also helped as well as participated in the games and crafts.

The retreat is over now. It is my prayer that the girls will remember the stories and the lessons learned and that God will work out the theme of the retreat in each life --Growing Beautiful for God!

Highlights From November and December

2011-12-31T12:17:00.000-05:00

The Sunday School group that we lead.

Amy helped to judge year end Engish projects for the school our kids attended.

David's parents have been visiting us since the middle of November.
They are enjoying the grandkids, but the heat has been an adjustment for them.

Hillsong United came to Santa Cruz and we attended the concert.
What great worship in both English and Spanish!

The boys started soccer recently. Since Bolivian school was over,
we wanted a group activity to keep up Spanish learning.

SAM's Christmas party

There are more highlights, but I don't have photos or they are taking forever to load. We had an excellent Christmas spending Christmas Eve at Cristo Viene Home for girls. The kids played games, had a program, and let off fireworks to welcome in Christmas day. This past week, David helped mix cement and put in a jungle gym that the home was given for Christmas.

There is always happenings at the hanger too. These past few months one airplane was prepared to have tip tanks, the engines were changed between airplanes, as well as normal inspections and buying fuel. They have also stayed busy with flights, one of which is a local church that sent a medical team to an unreached village. We were involved in the meeting that arranged this flight and have hopes to see more flights and, God willing, missionaries and a church planted there. Pray that God will raise up workers to go to these remote areas. Our main pilot is home now on furlough, so be praying that a licence will be forthcoming for the other pilot.

Happy New Year!

Exodus 14:13 -14

Adapting to Life in Bolivia

2011-12-19T12:23:00.001-05:00

We just completed our second year here in Bolivia. Recently, I wrote a guest post for another blog sharing about the adjustment.

All the ladies in attendance at the grand dinner were well dressed and mannered. The delicious food was set before us with flair. Everything about this Christmas extravaganza shouted of excellence to the smallest detail. There were gifts given to the many pastor’s wives and then to the missionaries in attendance. My friend whispered to the hostess that there was one more. They called my name. I remember the swelling applause and the lovely Brighten bracelet that still adorns my wrist on occasion. Upon returning to my seat, my eyes began to fill and I was glad for the lowering of lights as the program began because I could not hold back the tears for the applause that I did not deserve.

Read the rest of this post at Quest for a New Perspective

Thanks to Gene Jennings from Quest for a New Perspective for inviting me to write this post. He wrote a guest post from Missional Mama about Purposeful Giving for the 31 Days of Missional Living project in October. Please take some time to read his post and see what he is doing with the next ten years to help reach the whole world!

October Happenings

2011-11-02T22:03:00.004-04:00

Just wanted to get on and give you a little update. I have not been on much recently and that is because I committed myself to a 31 day blog series on my personal blog which took up all of my blogging time. My topic was 31 Days of Missional Living. Feel free to click the link and see if you would like to read any of the posts.

Here are a few photos that show a glimpse into our October....

We took a formal church photo one night after church. This means around 10:30 P.M; you know when everyone looks their best. {Can you see my slightly sarcastic smile?}

During one of the youth events, we celebrated three birthdays. The two guys on the outsides are Pastors and the fellow in the middle is a leader. {yes, those are yummy cakes.}

Our church celebrated 19 years and had a grand celebration including guest speakers and many visitors. I was sick for part of it and was really sad to miss some of the festivities.

L was involved in a Tambourine dance with several girls while I and his friend waved flags. I was thrilled to have L involved in something that she enjoys as I often wonder if my kids are missing out as they don't have the same opportunities they used to at home. Please pray that God will direct us in the things that would benefit our kids and that I will trust God that that is enough.

This was the birthday cake which all the church ladies helped hand out on the last evening of the anniversary weekend. I enjoy being part of the helpers and have learned that they won't usually ask me, I just need to jump in and start helping.

Here is our little guy serving after the service. He enjoys helping put the chairs away and often tries to carry more then his little body can handle.

The kids found an experiment that made something explode and convinced Dad that it was a good idea. As you can see, they really enjoyed the entire thing.

Our single missionary in San Fernando came into Santa Cruz for a few weeks and this is the photo of the group as the day she headed back. Please be praying that God will send a national missionary couple to replace her asap as she is due to leave next June or so.

This is our pilot and our Pastor. We are hoping and praying about getting our church involved with one of the unreached areas where we fly. They have such a heart for missions and we could see it being a good fit. Please pray with us that God will direct us.

We had a cold going around our family for awhile that was keeping up knocked out, but we seem to be over that for now. We are thankful that it wasn't the swine flu as that was going around and all the schools here were closed for 10 days because of it plus people were wearing masks around the city.

David continues to enjoy his job. We are so thankful for the great SAM air team that we work with. God has been good to us. Pray for all the goings on in the hanger from flight scheduling, fuel purchasing, mechanics, and all the goings on that God would be glorified.

Please pray for our other ministries and opportunities that God brings our way. We have a friend whose brother is really sick that we have been visiting recently to encourage, Amy's Bible study was on a short break but will be restarting this week, church happenings and just the every day opportunities that fill our time. Pray that God will lead and direct us.

Thanks for reading. You are a blessing to us!

The One Who Went on a Mission Trip and Stayed for a Year

2011-10-21T12:08:00.000-04:00

So, what do you say about a gal who comes to Bolivia on a summer team and then stays for a year to fill a need? That is what Kayleen did. Last summer (2010) she came having been here before and knowing many of the missionaries which include her older sister, Heather. While she was here, she heard about the need for a 5Th grade teacher and God prompted her to stay FOR THE YEAR and she did!

I was drawn to Kayleen because of her love for God, encouraging nature, and joy! I am excited to see the plans God has for her as she is now back stateside. The goodbyes in missionary life are horrible. I know, however, that it is worth the investment! I am glad for the times my family and I had to get to know and be part of Kayleen's life for the past year.

Kayleen, I appreciated how intentional you were with me this past year to chat about what God was doing. You were a blessing to me and I miss you!

You can keep up with Kayleen on her blog, Hands for Mission, and she recently wrote a guest post for my Missional Mama blog.

Celebrating the Department of Santa Cruz

2011-09-24T11:56:00.000-04:00

Today celebrates the Department of Santa Cruz. We live in the city of Santa Cruz which is in the Department (like a state) of Santa Cruz.

The school that our kids attend held a program to celebrate on Thursday.

This photo was from the beginning of the program with two children representing each class and wearing typical clothing from different areas of the department of Santa Cruz.

Lily's class has been practicing this cultural dance for weeks.

Can you see her little feet in the back row?

She was thrilled to participate in this event and we are glad she is getting these kinds of oppotunities this year to not only learn Spanish but also culture.

The Great Car Switcheroo

2011-09-22T11:58:00.003-04:00

This guy wants to drive so badly that he jumps into open car windows.

We thought we would be without a car now, fully relying on taxis and micros to accomplish life here. You see, while we have some money in our vehicle account, we still need a good amount (at least $5,000) to purchase our own car.

Our first nine months here, we borrowed a car from our SAMair boss. Although we had yet to meet, the Throssels approved us using their vehicle while they were stateside. It was a huge blessing! At the point when they needed the car back, the Kienzle family was heading on home assignment and left us their keys. So this past year was again covered! As the year came to an end, we were anticipating handing the Kienzle family their car back and being without for a while. David seemed content with it, but I was wrestling with what life would be like without a vehicle.

At what seemed the last minute, another SAM family decided to go on home assignment. Within weeks of us planning for not having a car, we were again blessed with a vehicle to borrow. David dropped the Smith family off at the airport bringing their car back to use and on the very same evening he left the Kienzle's car for them at the base! It was cool! I am still so grateful to have a car to use!

It is our hope to raise enough this year to purchase an automatic car of our own. All the cars thus far have been stick, which I cannot drive. (I know! I know! Everyone tells me that I can learn, but have you seen how they drive here? I want to be able to concentrate on not getting hit and not worry about shifting gears too!) It will be a great help for us both to be able to drive. Please pray with us for this!

In the meantime, we are so grateful that we have had cars to borrow and for the generous missionary families who have trusted us!

The Pilot's Seat

2011-08-23T13:23:00.000-04:00

While Greg was gone for a few weeks, David took his seat and did an overhaul on it.

Leadership Conference in Peru

2011-08-19T12:47:00.000-04:00

David had the opportunity to attend the ETBIL Cumbre Latinoamericaca conference in Lima, Peru.

He came back very excited about what he learned and has set up a meeting to talk with our Pastor about it. We are praying about how God would like us to share and use the information gained.

Two of David's close Peruvian friends were also part of the conference which was a bonus blessing and he was able to see his family.

We are grateful and praise God for this opportunity! Please pray with us that God will grant us wisdom in how to proceed.

Friendship Day

2011-08-18T09:44:00.000-04:00

Friendship Day is a big deal here! Since it fell on the same night that the youth meet, they planned a black and white themed party to celebrate.

Can you find David?

There were so many new people and visitors which was great. David and I didn't have much to do except bring a 10 gallon Igloo cooler full of sweet iced tea and enjoy the festivities including games, a talk, and a gift exchange.

Chelsea, Elva, and Dpo

Chelsea was back for a few weeks this summer to help with English Village (training future missionaries and leaders with language learning skills to use in ministry). She was Elva's tutor in English Village for those few weeks which was fun since they knew each other from when Chelsea was living here and attending our church. Dpo is living with Elva's family this year and is part of our church participating in the youth and music ministry plus my kids take art from her at the school.

Lily's Birthday Gift

2011-08-15T13:12:00.000-04:00

On her birthday, Lily not only opened presents meant for her, but she also gave a gift.

She had 12 1/2" of hair cut off which we sent to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths Program. We learned that the wigs they make are donated free to women in need.

She ended up with this cute, sassy cut that is so much easier to comb and keep neat. I do miss her long hair, but it went to a good cause.

English VBS

2011-08-14T21:18:00.000-04:00

Every summer the children's ministry team within SAM runs an English VBS which my children look forward to attending. I am thrilled that my kids get this chance to have teaching outside our home in English.

This year I led the 5TH - 7TH graders around as basically the guide, ending each day with an overview and prayer.

The kids loved the arctic themed crafts, Bible stories, games, songs, and snacks. I could tell that it was an enjoyable week for everyone. The highlight for the staff was the two children whom asked Jesus in their hearts and the two others, in my class, who were not sure but thinking about it.

YWAM Team Visits Las Misiones

2011-08-13T13:45:00.000-04:00

There is a YWAM school called DTS in Peru.

The DTS is a school of information, transformation, and formation. Students grow in Biblical Information and Character Transformation, and are given the tools for Ministerial Formation. The school is designed for: 1) Young Christian leaders who will return home to train other youth to be leaders in their church, denomination and city. 2) Those who have been called by God to full-time cross-cultural missions. (Taken from YWAM's website head over there for more information)

After three months of studies, the students are put in teams and sent out to do ministry for the next three months. So, in July two groups came to Santa Cruz with one group working at our church for a week.

It was announced that they were coming two days before they arrived and housing was needed.

We happily welcomed Annie, Janine, and Pamela into our home. It was such an enjoyable week getting to spend time with the team and specifically the girls we hosted.

One of the "God Moments" for us was learning that Pamela had applied with SAM, our mission, and had not met any SAM missionaries on the field. How amazing that she was housed with us where we could tell her first hand about the mission and show her the ministry here.

The team worked hard each day helping with construction and cleaning at the church and doing different outreaches in the afternoons plus leading services.

It was one of the highlights of our summer (and we miss you, Annie, Janine, and Pamela!)

Family Time in Samaipata

2011-07-30T21:04:00.001-04:00

June and July have been busy months. I have several catch-up blog posts to write in the next few weeks so watch for them, but for today I want to share about our last few days which took us to the small mountain town of Samaipata for some much needed family time. So many people have recommended Samaipata to us and now we understand.

Here are a few of our small (three day/two nights) vacation highlights...

On our way to Samaipata, this eight-year old girl waved us down for a ride. She was coming home from school and only needed us to take her a few miles which we did happily. Can you imagine your daughter riding with just anyone she happens to flag down?

Arriving into Samaipata after an amazingly beautiful drive.

This shot was taken at the Cabanas where we stayed (Thanks to the Masseys). They had lots of open space for the kids to run and this fun swing that occupied much of their time. There were also lots of animals that my kids made friends with including a bird that I am sure was saying, "Mommy" when we were leaving!

Even though it was cooler, the kids enjoyed swimming. I am not sure if you can see David and the owner of the Cabanas sitting in the background of the photo. He was an interesting man telling us that he was a retired doctor and an inside-out psychologist. He spent a good while explaining what he meant about inside-out sharing that many of our issues stem from fear, worry, or anger and if we can let go of all of those our lives would be much better. It's fun to stop and listen sometimes and Samaipata seemed the perfect place to relax and leave hurry behind for a few days.

The morning of our only full day there, we found this amazing bakery with great bread and coffee which we enjoyed. Then we headed up the crazy, scary drive to visit the nearby ruins.

I did not realize until we got there that this visit would include a two hour walk, but it ended up being a joy for all of us as we looked for bugs, insects, and interesting foliage as well as viewing the ruins.

Some of the views were awesome!

On the drive back down from the ruins, the brakes on one side of the car froze which made for an extra scary descent. We stopped at this little stream to dip our toes while David checked the car. Of course, I fell in and had to ride the rest of the way with my entire backside wet.

This is the first garage that we had look at our brakes while I tried to sun dry. Since they could not find the part we needed, we had to find another place in town. It was an adventure and when we finally were able to eat lunch at 2:30 P.M., we inhaled it.

That night the kids enjoyed a soccer game with several of the local children while David and I had coffee discussing and laughing about the events of the day. I asked David several times if he thought the brakes were OK for our drive home and they were.

Some of the other highlights were building a fire and roasting marshmallows, walking around the small town, meeting the nice people, and seeing homes that were not behind gates plus the cool evenings made sleeping pleasant.

In the midst of busyness it is important to take some time and just be with family. Our kids needed this time where we unplugged from ministry and even technology and just were together. We look forward to going back there.

What kind of family time have you carved out recently? Any ideas to share?

Pillowcase Dresses Delivered in San Fernando

2011-06-17T09:34:00.000-04:00

Some of the pillowcase dresses that FBC of Perrysburg sent us back in January were lovingly given out in the village of San Fernando. Greg took them on a SAMair flight and Katie, who lives there, distributed the treasures. You can see how happy the women and girls are in the photos that Katie sent back to me below.

Katie is pictured here with her friend.

End of April and May Activities and Events

2011-06-13T09:37:00.000-04:00

There have been many things going in these past few months besides David's daily work in the hanger. Here are a few...

The couple in the middle of this photo (holding Ash) were here from Paraguay looking at the possibility of coming and working as a missionary aviation mechanic in our hanger. We are excited about the possibility and ask that you pray with us that God will open the way if it is in His will. They say that missionaries today are being sent from everywhere to everywhere. This is exciting as we look to partner with the Global Church to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

We enrolled the kids into the school at our church to help them learn Spanish and culture. The elementary school runs from 1:50 P.M. until 5:30 P.M, so we still have time to homeschool in the morning and have a little break after lunch before they head off for the afternoon. They have been there just over one month and we are seeing the language improvement. Lily's teacher told us that she wants to read in Spanish and will begin helping her this coming week.

The children line up on Monday mornings before heading to class.

We finally made a visit to Jason and Jenna's house, SAM missionaries who live about an hour out of the city. This is a picture of Isaiah who was part of a cow delivery while we were there. The guys took a cow to another village about 45 minutes further down the road. You never know what a day might hold here.

David had the opportunity to preach in the village church there that Sunday.

The church is the building in the back.

I turned another year older.

The youth came over and surprised me with singing and a cake.

We went to a church (within our association) anniversary lunch to be a support and encouragement. The kids are eating Sopa de Mani (peanut soup) which is one of our favorites.

The lady and son at the far end of the table were flown in with SAMair because the little guy needed surgery. They brought live chickens to barter the hospital bill with and had never used indoor plumbing like we have at the base. He recovered well and is now back at home.

This is Asher with his pre-K teacher. He is dressed as a duck for the Bolivian Mother's Day program at school. All the kids participated with songs.

Our First Quinceañera

2011-06-11T11:14:00.001-04:00

The Quinceañera is a big deal.

In some ways this coming of age party is much like a wedding. There are beautiful dresses, attendants (14 guys and girls actually), lovely decorations, good food, a special ring, all within a very formal occasion and party.

This was my first Quinceañera and we had a great time celebrating with Rosa (who works at the SAM base) and her family. Kendra looked like a princess in both of her hot pink dresses. I can see why a young girl would look forward to this day. (I am sure you can imagine the discussion we had with Lily that night.)

Events like the Quinceañera help us understand and become more a part of life here. Bolivia has such a rich culture and we are enjoying the process of understanding things little by little as we go along.

March 26, 2011

Clinic Grand Opening

2011-06-11T10:24:00.000-04:00

Placido and Toni are both doctors on our SAM team who have been working mainly with a people group outside the city helping meet physical and spiritual needs. Recently, they were given space above a new orphanage to hold a daily clinic and these photos were from the grand opening.

There were Ayoreos who thanked Placido and Toni for all they have done and continue to do for them. There language and manner of sharing is precious!

It really is a beautiful space to serve God and people. Please pray for the constant needs that come and that God will supply the money needed to help with all the medication, operations, and expenses that come from running this ministry.

That Language Thing

2011-05-11T21:38:00.000-04:00

I am teaching an Inductive Bible Study on Fridays to several young adults from my church here. I love teaching and speaking about the Bible, especially when it is in my native tongue. As you know, I live in a country where English is only occasionally spoken by some (like other missionaries) but Spanish is needed for living here. Certainly, I am improving in my abilities (although there are days where I feel like I took one step back or lost it completely) and sometimes I even fool others like the lady who asked me recently if I was from a neighboring country. HOWEVER, buying bread or giving directions to my taxi driver is completely different than trying to delve into some deep spiritual conversation about Galatians. I have to admit, I am not ready. I cannot do it!

The ladies that come to my house know me. They are so patient when I talk in a circle to try to say what I could easily say in English. They work with me, rewording things to sound beautiful and speak deep. I love it and I really enjoy the fellowship and building up that comes when you spend time with others who want to study and know God's Word as much as you do. These women desire to draw near to God.

Last Friday, one of the gals came early. We sat and chatted and I was telling her some things that I was learning from a book that I was reading. Disciplines of Spiritual Discernment by Tim Challies, I think. As the class was about to casually begin, I noticed that she was writing in her small pad and she sheepishly smiled at me and said something along the lines of "I don't want to forget what we talked about". I WAS BLOWN AWAY! The thing is that whenever there is a light bulb moment which involved me and my Spanish, I know immediately is had nothing to do with me. It was God speaking through my weakness, my limitations, my messiness and reaching a heart with His words. I like it because it allows me to never take credit for what God does and instead marvel at his ability to speak through even me.

I pray often that God will give me Spanish but in the meantime may God give me the words for the hearers that will speak life into them now.

What kind of challenges are you dealing with now?

Risen

2011-04-24T09:31:00.001-04:00

photo credit: Amber @ Amber's Articles

Matthew 28: 1 -7

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

photo credit: http://ambocullum.blogspot.com/

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

Forsaken

2011-04-22T11:29:00.000-04:00

Forsaken

Can you even imagine it?

Photo by Amber of Amber's Articles

for you and for me

Matthew 27: 45 - 61 (ESV)

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" that is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, "This man is calling Elijah." And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, "Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him." And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.

And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, "Truly this was the Son of God!"

There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb

Helping at the MK School

2011-04-13T16:55:00.001-04:00

My kids attend art class at SCCLC where most of our MKs go to school. They enjoy being there and are making friends. I have been able to help out at times by talking and listening to some of the new teachers, teaching a class, or periodic substitute teaching.

One Thursday morning and Friday recently, I helped with art class while the teacher was at a conference in Ecuador. Because there were not constant classes, Lily and Isaiah joined me and did school work on campus. They also helped with the classes like teaching the 1ST graders (pictures below) how to make paper hats when they had finished thier project for art.

On another day, I was also asked to dress up as a character and read to two of classes when they visited the library. So, I read King Bidgood in the Bathtub for the PreK while dressed as a queen including a paper crown that Asher made. Later, I read the first chapter of A Wrinkle in Time to the 6TH graders wrapping myself in a quilt as the main character does when the book begins

I am glad to be of help in small ways at the school and my kids benefit from the interaction as well.

Do I Need to Know How to Read to Go to Heaven?

2011-04-12T16:04:00.000-04:00

David and I have a good friend, Andy, who has come down the past two years to help medical students as they seek to meet immediate physical needs of as many Bolivians as they possibly can. Because of Andy (and last year his wife), we met the Wiebe family who hosts these teams and have been able to come alongside them by helping with translation.

It is especially enjoyable when you work with great medical students like Amy and Clay (pictured above) whom I enjoyed getting to know as much as the fellows I worked with last year (who reminded me of my brothers).

It is also amazing to meet the people who came in off the street like one sweet old lady with long braids hanging down her back. She was full of joy and easy to be around. I could imagine visiting her for tea if she lived in my neighborhood and leaving her home encouraged and loved.

When I met her, she sat silently while we shared the gospel with her neighbor. This was the last stop in the process of visiting the make-shift clinic. I translated and when her neighbor wanted to know more about what Jesus did for her on the cross, we shared and finally together we prayed as she put her faith in Christ.

The little old lady with the long braids actually attended the church where our clinic was held and she was thrilled for her much younger neighbor and friend. She enthusiastically told me where her heart lay in regards to Jesus and I was certain she walked with God.

But then she leaned close and with worry clouding her eyes, she placed her hand gently on my arm and asked, "Do I need to know how to read to go to heaven?" I was not prepared for that question. It was interesting and sad. "No, we can do nothing to earn salvation." When I told her that she did not have to be able to read, she thanked me over and over with a smile covering her face into her eyes. My hope is that God will secure that fact deep into her heart by His Word.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast. - Eph. 2: 8, 9

(The photos are all from the clinic but none are of the lady I wrote about unfortunately. It has been a joy to work side by side this year and last, with this team mainly from Tampa, FL, reaching people with medical and spiritual needs. I do not know all the numbers but as I recall they saw more than 1,000 people and over 400 made decisions for Christ. I was able to translate for two of those decisions. If you would like to read a little more, I also posted about it on my personal blog.)

One of Those WOW Moments (at Conference)

2011-03-09T20:41:00.001-05:00

When you bring a speaker that everyone hopes will keep preaching

and your heart praises God for His Word spoken well...

When your director (who can also throw your son around) casts vision into the future

and you begin to pray as never before that God will direct us as a mission

to do what He has for us...

When your kids learn more about God as they enjoy time with fellow MKs of all ages

because your team is full of amazing children...

When the fellowship is sweet,

making new friends from Columbia and Paraguay

that you are sad to see leave,

but excited as now the mission is bigger and wider spread

which means the Gospel is going forth

elsewhere...

When all that kind of stuff happens,

you fall on your knees

and thank God from whom all blessings flow

There is so much to process and share from this conference. It has taken me awhile to begin writing about it as I ponder what God is doing with us and in our mission. Our speaker reminded us that Jesus is God! It is basic to our faith but worth the reminder. May we always be reaching and teaching people about Jesus and what He did to bring us life. May we hear and follow the Holy Spirit's leading as we seek to share with our work, our words, and our life.

Please pray with us.

But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:31

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

The Great Regathering

2011-01-31T18:20:00.000-05:00

So, our family came to Bolivia with a vision and focus

to do thus and such

and share Jesus with this little section of earth.

Jason, one of our missionaries, is an amazing photographer.

Much like one looks through a telescope

zooming in on that one bright planet,

our one thing (aviation)

and we work with other missionaries who were zooming in as well

on their object, their vision, their one thing.

But sometimes we take on other telescopes

to mesh with the one we are already holding

and it can grow heavy

and it can be too much

to keep balanced

and watching

everything...

at the same time

or

we may be missing something,

possibly a focus we need

or certain areas that should expand.

and so...

as a mission, we are in a new season

of turning the scope inside

and pulling out our goals and vision

for ourselves, for our ministry, for our mission.

and

we are seeking God's voice to speak to us

and to make sure we are deeply connected

with source of our vision

in this

our great regathering

to push through and find the way we should go,

that ancient path.

Pray with us!

This weekend begins our Bolivia field conference with folks coming from the US, Columbia, and Paraguay. We are asking God to meet us here and show us the way He wants us to go. Pray that God will guide us to know that which is best as we move forward!

SAM 2020 is South America Mission’s dedicated renewal process. It is about understanding our times and making the necessary changes – personally, organizationally, sacrificially—to enable us to share in the realization of a beautiful vision: seeing thousands of dynamic churches making disciples in a way that gives a delicious foretaste of God’s kingdom come.