Dear Prayer Warriors:
It’s here! 2014 is here! As we glimpse at the year ahead, we have much to lay at the feet of our Lord and Savior – Jesus Christ:
January - May = Perspectives Course every Monday night
March 22 - David and Erin get married
April – House to sell May - Jonathan graduates high school
July - OMS/MFM International Conference
August – Begin language school in Costa Rica
Praise ~ One of our GREATEST Blessings:
In hindsight, we remember living (developing) our personal testimony, but how many of us look at the trials and struggles of our children and realize that they too are developing their very own personal testimony?
We have been living in the midst of Jonathan’s testimony for the past few years. He has had many struggles, and many times all we could do was to trust in the Lord, have faith in God’s plan for Jonathan’s life, and PRAY!
On Christmas Day, while confined in the belly of a whale, Jonathan’s eyes were opened to his desperate need for a Savior and he prayed to receive Christ Jesus as Lord of his life. He willingly surrendered his plan (which had not been working) for the plan that God has for him.
Some would look at his confinement as a curse or embarrassment, but we choose to look at it as a blessing and beautiful redemption. Just as God supplied the whale for Jonah, he used Jonathan’s confinement to save him, protect him, and redeem him. We can’t begin to share the entire journey in a monthly update, but we rejoice and we thank you for standing in the gaps for us with your prayers even when you don’t know the circumstances. We really don’t know where we would be today without your prayer support! THANK YOU so much and please continue to pray for Jonathan.
Praise ~ David GraduatedRejoice with us as we celebrate David’s graduation from Greenville College. He graduated a month early with Cum Laude honors and is now at home working full time and preparing for his wedding in March. David and Erin plan to move to Wilmore, Kentucky where he will begin seminary in the fall at Asbury Theological Seminary.
Pray ~ Perspectives
We will audit our very first seminary class this semester. The World Christian Movement class will begin next week. Most of you may know it as Perspectives. We have only heard wonderful things about this course and know that we need to have a bigger perspective of what God desires for the world. Pray that our minds and hearts will be open to all that God has for us.
Pray ~ Make Plans Now
Please prayerfully consider making plans to join One Mission Society for their International Conference and the Men For Missions 60th Anniversary on July 10-13 at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana.Many years ago, before we were serving as missionaries with OMS, we planned our family vacation around this conference. It’s a very simple way for God to broaden your world “Perspective” without taking a seminary course. Eric Simpson, pastor and Indianapolis Colts team chaplain will be the keynote speaker. You will hear field updates from around the world and they will also offer children and youth programs.
Whether you have been on a short-term mission trip with Men For Missions or not, you are cordially invited to come and celebrate 60 years of God’s faithfulness through this ministry during this conference.
For more information go to: http://www.menformissions.org/events/default.asp
Pray ~ Begin Preparations
Through various meetings, we have begun preparations for our return to living and serving on the field of Ecuador. In the months ahead, we will be working to raise additional support needed for our return. Please pray for additional financial supporters. We are seeking those that are willing to join our team in a monthly support role as well as those willing to give a one-time gift. No gift is too small or too large!We plan to continue with our current ministry responsibilities until our departure in August. Please pray for wisdom to prioritize our schedules as they are already filling up.
This has been a lot of reading for one update! Thank you for making it to the end. May God bless you and continue to lead and guide you this very day.
Blessings to You!
Doug and Cindy
