So I haven’t had Internet for awhile but it has not been fixed and there should be less difficulties for me to update all of you on what HE is doing down here in South America.
Well not to be too general but just to say PRAISE HIM for His faithfulness and steadfast love. HE is moving in some incredible ways and all we have to do is watch and give Him the glory! We are learning to be ready in and out of season to proclaim His Truths, as there is not a day that looks like the other in my life right now. This is challenging but also rewarding as I have such a peace that only comes from Him for each of my day’s to do lists. I know that HE is going to show me exactly what HE wants me to do each day, HE is going to do exactly what HE wants to do each day, and HE will glorify His Name amongst all people.
A friend that I went to Guatemala with came to visit me with her husband last week. They arrived on Thursday night and so Darlys and I came in early from Palenque so that I could pick them up. Mandy served as a Jman in Peru for a year and a half and she met Jim, who was a volunteer working in Peru. They returned to the states last year and were married in December. They currently live in Florida where Jim is a youth leader and Mandy has a part-time job. They were so excited to be back in South America and chose to come here instead of Cozumel for vacation!
On Friday, we head out to the farm for our women’s study and time with the kids. It was so great for both Jim and Mandy to be amongst women and men who believe the same things and are living out their faith. We finished up the Lies book with the women and it was great to see how HE had identified different lies in each of our lies and the Truth HE had given us to combat those lies. HE really has united the four of us during this study and it was refreshing for Mandy to be around women who are in love with Our Dad. Jim also had an opportunity to spend some time with Mike and just share their life experiences. Of course we had time with the kids and time to just be silly.
We left the farm and went to Aida’s house where she had prepared a typical Cartagena lunch for Mandy and Jim. She got to meet my Colombian adopted family, eat some amazing food, and just experience the culture here. There was a futbol game on and so they really were able to experience all of coastal life. After several hours, we head back to the apt and allow them to rest.
Saturday AM, we each spent our alone time with HIM and just rested in His Words. Mandy and Jim both commented that it had been a long time since they just sat and read a lot in His Word. Praise Him, for giving them the opportunity to rest in HIM. That afternoon, Luz Mercy came for our discipleship time. We had a great time of sharing, reading, and pryr. Please join us in pryr as to where He wants us to read/study during this time He has ordained together. The youth came to the house for our Romans study and we had an excellent discussion. It was neat to watch them looking for answers in His Words and not just relying on commentaries or people to give them the answer. Mandy and Jim were glad to be apart of this study as they saw Him working in youth’s lives here in Cartagena. That night, I took them to the Old City. We walked on the wall, ate at Crepes, and walked around the city.
Sunday, we headed to the local club. They were able to share with the youth in the Sunday school class and experience a Colombian service. Oh and they were able to experience the heat that we have each and every Sunday. We went to eat lunch, rest, and then took them to Bocagrande to see the nice part of the city. The best thing about this day was just our conversations that we had together, with the youth, with the people of the club, etc. HE was in the middle of everything we did and we were blessed because of it.
Monday, I took them to Playa Blanca to experience the beautiful beaches and once again, HE ordained some time to share His Truths together and to the people on the island. It was a blessing. While we were at the beach, I received a phone call from Ddr telling me that I needed to pry for her family. Her son had spent the night out with another teen from the local club. They did not know what to do as the father of the girl was extremely mad and asking for the two to get married or for their family to pay them. It was an extremely delicate situation that Jim, Mandy and I took before Him as we prepared how to be used in this family.
Tuesday, we packed up and headed to Palenque. When we arrived, we went to Krstn’s house to learn how to make one of the coconut treats that the Palenqueras are famous for making. While we were there, we were able to share some of His Stories and then HE lead Jim to share with the 5 people in the house. It was neat to watch Him work amongst the lives of these people in the house, opening up opportunities to share Truth and allow His Spirit to change them. That afternoon, we went to Mnl and Ddr’s house expecting to just pry for Ddr because she was not feeling well. When we arrived, surprisingly we found the entire family home and HE led Jim to share with the family a story from His Word. It was neat to watch how the two guys and Mnl were completely different with Jim there. They opened up and were very interested in listening to His Truths. It was a huge praise and just drove me to my knees, asking for Him to send a man to this village. We went back to the house to give Jim time to prepare for his teaching that night, and to just rest. It was extremely hot and the heat just sucks the life out of you. That night, Jim had the opportunity to teach/preach in the local club and HE truly used Jim to challenge these people. And we had an amazing time of worship, allowing Mandy and Jim to see how the Palenqueros worship.
Wednesday, we wake up after an extremely hot night and seeing that neither Jim nor Mandy slept very well and were tired. Mandy led our AM devotional and then we each spent time alone in His Words while we waited for Ktln to come to the house. Ktln arrives and we just sit and allow Mandy and Jim to share their lives with Ktln. We pry and then head out to visit a woman in the village whom HE had placed on Ktln’s heart to visit today. Darlys went back to Krstn’s house while Jim, Mandy, Ktln and I went to Mr’s house. What a divine appointment. We began by just listening to her, sharing His Truths with her, and then something incredible happens. As Jim is describing faith to the women, Ktln’s eyes began to twinkle…she finally got it. Something that we had been talking about and reading about for months, HE opened up her heart to understand that faith comes from Him. It was so great to see her understand this Truth and then watch her teach it to Mr. It was incredible to watch Him use Ktln to teach on faith to Mr and for Mr to come closer to understanding. WOW…what an incredible morning!
After lunch, Zn came over for help with her English, which takes about 2 hours and gives me a chance to share more of His Truths with her. While I was working with Zn, Darlys, Jim and Mandy spend time in His Words. When Zn and I finished, I reminded her to come to the House of Words, to bring her friends, and her brother with her. She started to refuse but then I reminded her of the 2 hours we just spent doing her homework and she said she would see me later. We head out to visit a couple more people in the village and then come back to the house. When we arrive, Susie (the YWAM M) came back and Jynr is also at the house. Darlys and I began to ask Jynr what he had planned for the activity tonight and for some reason he said because Susie was there that he wasn’t going to do what he had planned. Well, HE had already shared with me what HE wanted to do during the House of Words and so I had the youth ask Mandy and Jim any question they wanted to know. Of course they wanted to know about the USA, how they met, and their relationship. About the time that Jim was sharing their story, Zn walks in with 6 of her friends, her brother and 3 of his friends. I was praising HIM for His Faithfulness in bringing all of them.
As they listened to Jim and Mandy’s story of meeting, being friends, pryng, and getting married, you could tell the youth truly did not understand. So we asked what is different about their story than the normal way of life in Palenque. Well, HE took that question and opened up hard hearts to share all kinds of things. Using Zn’s older brother, he shared the normal way people get together and get married. Then through another question, he began to share about the hurt he feels because of the normal way of life in Palenque. His father has two different families and he shared how it hurts for his dad to spend more time with the other family then him. From there, the flood gates opened as each youth shared about their home life and the hurt they feel. We were able to connect all of this pain back to His Plan for marriage, which looks like Jim and Mandy’s story. Jim challenged the guys to be men and not fall into the same trap as their fathers, grandfathers, uncles, etc. It was a huge break through in the lives of these youth. Zn’s brother, his friends, and her friends had never come before and were the ones who share the most. Even though the electricity went out, a huge storm blew in, these distractions did not mess with what HE had planned for this evening. Due to the heat, lack of electricity, and other circumstances, we decided to head back to Cartagena late Wednesday night.
Thursday was a great day of just being together again, running Mandy and Jim’s last minute errands, showing them more of the city, and just being in His Presence. It was so great to have the two of them here and the fellowship that we had together. I loved serving alongside of them and sharing life with them. HE is so good.
Friday, I took them to the airport and then headed to the farm. We arrived and to our surprise all the kids were there because they did not have school. It was so great to see all of them and hear about their lives. Julie had some errands to run, so it was just the three of us for the first week of James. It was a great time of discussion between the three of us and Stacy shared some new events in their lives. There are possibly 4 children (whose parents are drug addicts and use the kids to sell their drugs) and 2 orphan boys that might be coming to the farm. Stacy shared that she and Mike felt a peace about having the 4 children (ages 7-2) in their home as a part of their family. Wow, from 7 to 11 people in the family! They really felt a peace if these kids were to come that they were to be a part of their family, to live with them, she would home school them, and raise them as their own. The two boys would move into the boy’s room at the main house and probably go to school like the other kids. They were going to go on Saturday to the island to meet the kids and see what HE has planned.
As she shares all of this, we finish talking about the first chapter of James talking about pure and true religion is visiting orphans and widows and not being stained/polluted by the world. HE began to convict me of all kinds of things in my life. HE started asking me if I would be willing to give up everything, and move onto the farm to be a house parent to a house of orphans, work at the club plant with women, and help evangelize this small town. I sat and just processed what HE was saying. I stayed there all day long, thinking and processing and confessing sin to Him. I realized HE was convicting me of not pryng enough for these beautiful people that HE has brought into my life and not asking me to move but seeing if I would be willing. The rest of the day, I washed clothes, cleaned the house, and did school work.
Then Ruth comes over and shares some more exciting news with me. It looks like they will be moving to Buenos Aires, Argentina to take a new job with the board. What a praise! Unfortunately, they will be moving sooner than later and I will once again be alone but I am so excited for them and this new opportunity. The job is perfect for this family, they have spoken to the other team members, and they really feel His Hand over the entire situation. So, now I must take advantage of the time I have left with this great family that He has allowed me to be a part of for a couple of years. Praise Him for His faithfulness and steadfast love.
Saturday was another great day serving Him. Luz and I had an amazing time of pryr and study in His Words. She has felt called to go and live and work on the farm. She wanted to go without the permission of her parent’s and so we have been pryng for several weeks now as she waits to ask for their permission. This past week her father said it was okay for her to stop studying accounting in college and focus more on what she feels that HE is calling her to do! Praise Him for answering our pryrs! The Romans study with the youth was once again, incredible. HE is using His Words to challenge them in so many ways and I love to be there to watch it. It is a privilege to be used to teach them how to study His Words and to drink deeply when they do read His Words. I love how He is moving these youth’s heart to Him and forming them once again into a team for His glory. It really has been a great week of watching Him answer pryrs miraculously, work in crazy ways, connect Truths in marvelous ways, and time to rest in Him.
Thank you for pryng for me and for the work here.
Well not to be too general but just to say PRAISE HIM for His faithfulness and steadfast love. HE is moving in some incredible ways and all we have to do is watch and give Him the glory! We are learning to be ready in and out of season to proclaim His Truths, as there is not a day that looks like the other in my life right now. This is challenging but also rewarding as I have such a peace that only comes from Him for each of my day’s to do lists. I know that HE is going to show me exactly what HE wants me to do each day, HE is going to do exactly what HE wants to do each day, and HE will glorify His Name amongst all people.
A friend that I went to Guatemala with came to visit me with her husband last week. They arrived on Thursday night and so Darlys and I came in early from Palenque so that I could pick them up. Mandy served as a Jman in Peru for a year and a half and she met Jim, who was a volunteer working in Peru. They returned to the states last year and were married in December. They currently live in Florida where Jim is a youth leader and Mandy has a part-time job. They were so excited to be back in South America and chose to come here instead of Cozumel for vacation!
On Friday, we head out to the farm for our women’s study and time with the kids. It was so great for both Jim and Mandy to be amongst women and men who believe the same things and are living out their faith. We finished up the Lies book with the women and it was great to see how HE had identified different lies in each of our lies and the Truth HE had given us to combat those lies. HE really has united the four of us during this study and it was refreshing for Mandy to be around women who are in love with Our Dad. Jim also had an opportunity to spend some time with Mike and just share their life experiences. Of course we had time with the kids and time to just be silly.
We left the farm and went to Aida’s house where she had prepared a typical Cartagena lunch for Mandy and Jim. She got to meet my Colombian adopted family, eat some amazing food, and just experience the culture here. There was a futbol game on and so they really were able to experience all of coastal life. After several hours, we head back to the apt and allow them to rest.
Saturday AM, we each spent our alone time with HIM and just rested in His Words. Mandy and Jim both commented that it had been a long time since they just sat and read a lot in His Word. Praise Him, for giving them the opportunity to rest in HIM. That afternoon, Luz Mercy came for our discipleship time. We had a great time of sharing, reading, and pryr. Please join us in pryr as to where He wants us to read/study during this time He has ordained together. The youth came to the house for our Romans study and we had an excellent discussion. It was neat to watch them looking for answers in His Words and not just relying on commentaries or people to give them the answer. Mandy and Jim were glad to be apart of this study as they saw Him working in youth’s lives here in Cartagena. That night, I took them to the Old City. We walked on the wall, ate at Crepes, and walked around the city.
Sunday, we headed to the local club. They were able to share with the youth in the Sunday school class and experience a Colombian service. Oh and they were able to experience the heat that we have each and every Sunday. We went to eat lunch, rest, and then took them to Bocagrande to see the nice part of the city. The best thing about this day was just our conversations that we had together, with the youth, with the people of the club, etc. HE was in the middle of everything we did and we were blessed because of it.
Monday, I took them to Playa Blanca to experience the beautiful beaches and once again, HE ordained some time to share His Truths together and to the people on the island. It was a blessing. While we were at the beach, I received a phone call from Ddr telling me that I needed to pry for her family. Her son had spent the night out with another teen from the local club. They did not know what to do as the father of the girl was extremely mad and asking for the two to get married or for their family to pay them. It was an extremely delicate situation that Jim, Mandy and I took before Him as we prepared how to be used in this family.
Tuesday, we packed up and headed to Palenque. When we arrived, we went to Krstn’s house to learn how to make one of the coconut treats that the Palenqueras are famous for making. While we were there, we were able to share some of His Stories and then HE lead Jim to share with the 5 people in the house. It was neat to watch Him work amongst the lives of these people in the house, opening up opportunities to share Truth and allow His Spirit to change them. That afternoon, we went to Mnl and Ddr’s house expecting to just pry for Ddr because she was not feeling well. When we arrived, surprisingly we found the entire family home and HE led Jim to share with the family a story from His Word. It was neat to watch how the two guys and Mnl were completely different with Jim there. They opened up and were very interested in listening to His Truths. It was a huge praise and just drove me to my knees, asking for Him to send a man to this village. We went back to the house to give Jim time to prepare for his teaching that night, and to just rest. It was extremely hot and the heat just sucks the life out of you. That night, Jim had the opportunity to teach/preach in the local club and HE truly used Jim to challenge these people. And we had an amazing time of worship, allowing Mandy and Jim to see how the Palenqueros worship.
Wednesday, we wake up after an extremely hot night and seeing that neither Jim nor Mandy slept very well and were tired. Mandy led our AM devotional and then we each spent time alone in His Words while we waited for Ktln to come to the house. Ktln arrives and we just sit and allow Mandy and Jim to share their lives with Ktln. We pry and then head out to visit a woman in the village whom HE had placed on Ktln’s heart to visit today. Darlys went back to Krstn’s house while Jim, Mandy, Ktln and I went to Mr’s house. What a divine appointment. We began by just listening to her, sharing His Truths with her, and then something incredible happens. As Jim is describing faith to the women, Ktln’s eyes began to twinkle…she finally got it. Something that we had been talking about and reading about for months, HE opened up her heart to understand that faith comes from Him. It was so great to see her understand this Truth and then watch her teach it to Mr. It was incredible to watch Him use Ktln to teach on faith to Mr and for Mr to come closer to understanding. WOW…what an incredible morning!
After lunch, Zn came over for help with her English, which takes about 2 hours and gives me a chance to share more of His Truths with her. While I was working with Zn, Darlys, Jim and Mandy spend time in His Words. When Zn and I finished, I reminded her to come to the House of Words, to bring her friends, and her brother with her. She started to refuse but then I reminded her of the 2 hours we just spent doing her homework and she said she would see me later. We head out to visit a couple more people in the village and then come back to the house. When we arrive, Susie (the YWAM M) came back and Jynr is also at the house. Darlys and I began to ask Jynr what he had planned for the activity tonight and for some reason he said because Susie was there that he wasn’t going to do what he had planned. Well, HE had already shared with me what HE wanted to do during the House of Words and so I had the youth ask Mandy and Jim any question they wanted to know. Of course they wanted to know about the USA, how they met, and their relationship. About the time that Jim was sharing their story, Zn walks in with 6 of her friends, her brother and 3 of his friends. I was praising HIM for His Faithfulness in bringing all of them.
As they listened to Jim and Mandy’s story of meeting, being friends, pryng, and getting married, you could tell the youth truly did not understand. So we asked what is different about their story than the normal way of life in Palenque. Well, HE took that question and opened up hard hearts to share all kinds of things. Using Zn’s older brother, he shared the normal way people get together and get married. Then through another question, he began to share about the hurt he feels because of the normal way of life in Palenque. His father has two different families and he shared how it hurts for his dad to spend more time with the other family then him. From there, the flood gates opened as each youth shared about their home life and the hurt they feel. We were able to connect all of this pain back to His Plan for marriage, which looks like Jim and Mandy’s story. Jim challenged the guys to be men and not fall into the same trap as their fathers, grandfathers, uncles, etc. It was a huge break through in the lives of these youth. Zn’s brother, his friends, and her friends had never come before and were the ones who share the most. Even though the electricity went out, a huge storm blew in, these distractions did not mess with what HE had planned for this evening. Due to the heat, lack of electricity, and other circumstances, we decided to head back to Cartagena late Wednesday night.
Thursday was a great day of just being together again, running Mandy and Jim’s last minute errands, showing them more of the city, and just being in His Presence. It was so great to have the two of them here and the fellowship that we had together. I loved serving alongside of them and sharing life with them. HE is so good.
Friday, I took them to the airport and then headed to the farm. We arrived and to our surprise all the kids were there because they did not have school. It was so great to see all of them and hear about their lives. Julie had some errands to run, so it was just the three of us for the first week of James. It was a great time of discussion between the three of us and Stacy shared some new events in their lives. There are possibly 4 children (whose parents are drug addicts and use the kids to sell their drugs) and 2 orphan boys that might be coming to the farm. Stacy shared that she and Mike felt a peace about having the 4 children (ages 7-2) in their home as a part of their family. Wow, from 7 to 11 people in the family! They really felt a peace if these kids were to come that they were to be a part of their family, to live with them, she would home school them, and raise them as their own. The two boys would move into the boy’s room at the main house and probably go to school like the other kids. They were going to go on Saturday to the island to meet the kids and see what HE has planned.
As she shares all of this, we finish talking about the first chapter of James talking about pure and true religion is visiting orphans and widows and not being stained/polluted by the world. HE began to convict me of all kinds of things in my life. HE started asking me if I would be willing to give up everything, and move onto the farm to be a house parent to a house of orphans, work at the club plant with women, and help evangelize this small town. I sat and just processed what HE was saying. I stayed there all day long, thinking and processing and confessing sin to Him. I realized HE was convicting me of not pryng enough for these beautiful people that HE has brought into my life and not asking me to move but seeing if I would be willing. The rest of the day, I washed clothes, cleaned the house, and did school work.
Then Ruth comes over and shares some more exciting news with me. It looks like they will be moving to Buenos Aires, Argentina to take a new job with the board. What a praise! Unfortunately, they will be moving sooner than later and I will once again be alone but I am so excited for them and this new opportunity. The job is perfect for this family, they have spoken to the other team members, and they really feel His Hand over the entire situation. So, now I must take advantage of the time I have left with this great family that He has allowed me to be a part of for a couple of years. Praise Him for His faithfulness and steadfast love.
Saturday was another great day serving Him. Luz and I had an amazing time of pryr and study in His Words. She has felt called to go and live and work on the farm. She wanted to go without the permission of her parent’s and so we have been pryng for several weeks now as she waits to ask for their permission. This past week her father said it was okay for her to stop studying accounting in college and focus more on what she feels that HE is calling her to do! Praise Him for answering our pryrs! The Romans study with the youth was once again, incredible. HE is using His Words to challenge them in so many ways and I love to be there to watch it. It is a privilege to be used to teach them how to study His Words and to drink deeply when they do read His Words. I love how He is moving these youth’s heart to Him and forming them once again into a team for His glory. It really has been a great week of watching Him answer pryrs miraculously, work in crazy ways, connect Truths in marvelous ways, and time to rest in Him.
Thank you for pryng for me and for the work here.
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