Update 12/26/14

"It's Impossible", said Pride. "It's Risky", said Experience "It's Pointless", said Reason "Give it a try", whispered the HEART. ~ author unknown ~ As we say goodbye to 2014, we reflect on God's faithfulness, the path that He prepared for us and those that touched our lives on this year's journey.  We confess, that there were times that we allowed pride, experience, reason and so much more to rob us of all that God had for us. Unlike the quote above, we know who the author of 2015 is and we know that He speaks to our hearts.  We are really looking forward to 2015 and all that God will reveal about Himself, His plan for the world, and our small part in it.  Let's remember to pray for each other to Trust in the Lord and lean not on our own understanding. Thank you for journeying with us.  Thank you for your incredible love and support in 2014 that enabled us to do what God is calling us to do.  Thank you for praying for our moms while they were visiting us.  What a blessing it was to enjoy the beauty of God's creation together here in Costa Rica. Click here for on-line giving.  We are praying for 10 new monthly financial partners in 2015.  We are trusting God to touch the hearts of those that we need.  If it's you, we would love to hear from you!  How can we/OMS serve you and your church to be the light of the world?  If we can assist you in anyway to you do what God is calling you to do, please let us know.  CONTACT US: Magic Jack - 217-784-2092 Costa Rica Mailing Address: Douglas Tankersley Instituto de Lengua Espanola Apartado 100-2350 San Jose, Costa Rica America Central   This was the first time in 23 years that we celebrated Christmas without our kids.        WE DON'T LIKE IT!!  Our usual Christmas creativity & motivation was lacking to say the least.  Thankfully, we received this little tree from Cindy's mom as a housewarming gift.  Yes, those are presents UNDER the tree!! We will be leaving for Medellin, Colombia on January 6 - 11 for meetings with our OMS national church partners.  Please be in prayer for these meetings.  Pray that we will be able to communicate effectively and have accurate understanding of God's vision.  Even though we are on break from classes, our Spanish learning continues as we attend church, build relationships with Costa Ricans (baking vocabulary) and review all that we have learned.  Our next trimester begins on January 12 - April 24. We may not be the cutest, but we are in the ILE Big Brother/Sister program and will be welcoming our Little Brother/Sister on January 2 to the Spanish Institute.  We will help them transition into life in Costa Rica before school starts.  Please pray for Bubba and Sara.

Update 11/25/14 - Abundant "Fall" Living

Abundant "Fall" Living Okay, so this is the rainforest and we have seen a lot of rain.  There are no other seasonal signs in Costa Rica.  It's either rain or sun.  But the Christian life is full of seasonal living.  November/Thanksgiving reminds us of ABUNDANCE.  As we take time to give thanks, we are overwhelmed by the abundance that the Lord gives us each and everyday.  This Thanksgiving, we will be celebrating with about 130 folks from the school on Wednesday night and then again with our landlords on Thanksgiving Day.  Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! We don't say it enough - Thank YOU!  Thank you for giving to God's work around the world.  Thank you for praying for missionaries around the world.  Thank you for your ABUNDANT love and support for us. We thank God for you!!   Visa Renewal Trip - We arrived in Costa Rica on a 90 days tourist visa, and needed to leave the country for 72 hours to get another 90 days stamp. That trip was a huge success, and one without any difficulties.  Rejoicing!!   Our moms will be here for a visit from December 13 - 20.  Please pray for their health and safety while they are here. We know that God will provide some much needed encouragement with their visit.   Our first trimester is ending on December 12.  We have had an ABUNDANCE of Spanish.  We received our mid-term grades and we're doing very well. This first trimester has been quite intensive and rumors have it, that second trimester is even more challenging.  We have a long break in between trimesters, and praying that the "dust" will settle.   Every year the Spanish Institute works with Roblealto child care services to put on a Christmas party for orphans of San Jose, Costa Rica.  This year we had over 130 children.  They played games, heard the Christmas story, ate pizza, smashed pinatas and each one went home with a Christmas gift.  We got to meet each one as we worked the fishing pond!  What a blessing!!  Please pray for these kids and their families.    Click Here for Year End On-Line Giving CONTACT US: Magic Jack - 217-784-2092 Costa Rica Mailing Address: Douglas Tankersley Instituto de Lengua Espanola Apartado 100-2350 San Jose, Costa Rica America Central Blog:  http://tankersleys.blogspot.com

Update 10/11/14 -We've Been Transplanted

Dear Prayer Warriors: 

We've Been Transplanted:

Cindy found these flowers the first week we arrived in Costa Rica. It's a good reminder that we and most of the people that surround us, have been transplanted temporarily into another culture. As with a newly transplanted flower, it may show some signs of stress from having it's root system tampered with. It may begin to droop, it may loose some flowers, and parts may even die. But with proper care and a little TLC, it won't take long before it's thriving and blooming again. Please pray for those of us that have been transplanted.

The Rainy Season is Here!
We are in the height of rainy season. We see the sun for a little bit in the morning but it's been raining every afternoon and into the evening. It rains WALLS of water! It's great for studying but not so great for line drying our clothes.



Language Study:
We are into our second month of language learning and we are learning and relearning so much. We have 2 hours of grammar classes, an hour of conversation and an hour of Phonics each day. We break for lunch and spend the afternoon on homework. Pray that our language learning will be an act of worship to the Lord and that He will bless every effort.



Our New Church: Iglesia Cristiana Misionera - El Lugar

Iglesia Cristiana Misionera

(Christian Missionary Church) The first Sunday we arrived, we heard Spanish hymns and praise songs from our terrace. We didn't have to look far, when we found our new church right at the end of the block. They use Powerpoint during Sunday School which makes comprehension so much easier and song books for praise and worship. It's a small mission-minded church and we are already building some relationships. Pray for us as we seek to encourage and serve our new church.

Monkeys at the BEACH!
Costa Rica celebrated their Independence Day on September 15, which gave us a day off from classes and an opportunity to visit the black sand beach of Doña Ana with a large group of classmates.

Encouraging Support:
OMS Member Care sends more than just Farkel support. There are 3 OMS families studying at ILE at this time. We are so thankful for a mission that cares about this time of learning. We were thrilled to have some one on one time with Kelly Chambers as well as some OMS family group time! Thank you OMS for sending us physical encouragement!! Praising God for our mission organization!

La Paz Waterfall Gardens:
The school offers tours to experience the culture and beauty of Costa Rica. Doug had the most beautiful toucan on his HEAD! We were up close and personal with so many varieties of butterflies, hummingbirds and frogs. The monkeys, cats and snakes were in cages! There were 4 very impressive waterfalls and over 1000 steps to climb to see them! We took so many amazing pictures but left the cord to our camera in the states. UGH!! Praising God for His amazing creativity in nature and animals.

Cindy Turned 50!
Her grammar teacher had a small party for her during class. Her language class (shown here) presented her with flowers and took a field trip to a local coffee shop to celebrate! Doug topped it off with a great dinner and chocolate cake! All celebrations aside ~ her 50 years boil down to God's incredible faithfulness in her life! Thank God for His daily interventions!

CONTACT US: 
Magic Jack - 217-784-2092
Costa Rica Mailing Address:
Douglas Tankersley Instituto de Lengua Espanola
Apartado 100-2350
San Jose, Costa Rica, America Central

Thank you in advance for giving!

Blessings to You!
Doug and Cindy

Update 08/30/14 - Everyone is Settled

Dear Prayer Warriors,

August was a month for moving again! Last Saturday we arrived in San José, Costa Rica, and we were grateful to be greeted by Steve and Hannah Skinner at the airport. Steve and Hannah are currently attending the Spanish language school and will soon be assuming responsibilities of running the OMS Guesthouse in Quito, Ecuador. We are now settled into our upstairs studio apartment in San José. We have to go through 3 locked gates/doors, walk through the landlords dining room, and up the stairs to another locked door which enters their master bedroom, which has been converted into rental property. We feel pretty safe! 

God answered prayers! One week prior to our departure, God revealed where Jonathan was to live in St. Augustine Beach, FL. Pray for Jonathan to find employment as soon as possible. 

David and Erin have relocated from their MINI studio to married housing at Asbury Seminary. We dropped by with a few things for their new home on our way down to Florida. Pray for them as they adjust to their new schedules of employment and classes.

Orientation at the Spanish Institute is underway. The 4 day orientation is quite extensive. We have completed our oral and written placement exams and should find out which levels we will be placed in, on Monday. Classes start next Tuesday, September 3. Pray for us as we continue in this life long learning of Spanish, so that we can be well equipped to transition into rural church planting and effectively share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Join us in praying for God's direction on how we can be used to come alongside many young families that are here. From experience, we know how difficult it can be to transition into a new culture and new assignments/roles as a family. We want to be a source of support and encouragement to them while we are here.

Our Home Church ~ GCBC

What an incredible blessing it was to attend and serve in our home church during our second term of missionary service. Our need for this church is so multifaceted. During our first term, this church was faithful in their financial and prayer support to us. During our second term, as their faithfulness continued, they opened the storehouse of love to us during some of the most difficult days of our ministry. They were full of encouragement, wisdom, patience, compassion and abundant understanding. They were a huge part in the healing that we received and preparing us to serve overseas once again. We look forward to how God will use this church during our third term. We hope to see many of them on the field. 

Blessings, 
Doug and Cindy

Update 07/16/14 - Engage Your Heart ~ Expand Your Vision

Dear Prayer Warriors,

“Do you not say, ‘Four more months and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” John 4:35

“WHO grabs your attention, but doesn’t grab your heart?”

These are just two of the many divine teachings that struck a chord with us during our time at the OMS – International Conference, and they continue to challenge us as they linger and resonate in our hearts and minds.

Many would expect to hear John 4:35 at a missions conference, but when we heard this verse in context and realized that Jesus was responding to the disciples that went into Samaria looking for food, we were so challenged to “open our eyes”.

Like the disciples, how many times have we gone into a place (our community, our home, our church) with our preconceived ideas, our prejudices, our hurts and our judgments, with our eyes closed and hearts hardened to those around us? The Jews/Disciples hated and despised the Samaritans and chose for themselves that the Samaritans were unworthy of the hope that they knew in Jesus. Jesus responded to them saying, “Open your eyes…. The fields are ripe for the harvest.”

As we go about our day, so many people grab our attention. This can be by how they look, how they act, how they live, what they post on Facebook or so many other ways. And just like the Disciples reactions to the Samaritans, the attention grabbers in our lives can easily become tainted by our past or preconceived judgments in a way that these folks no longer grab our hearts. Our eyes can become closed and hearts can become numb to the fact that they so desperately need the encouragement, love, grace and mercy of Jesus.

Please pray that as we move forth in ministry, that people will grab our hearts and not just our attention.

Thank you and Praise
Thank you for praying. We’ve had a wonderful time visiting, worshipping together, and sharing with our supporting churches. There are still additional churches that we’d like to visit prior to our departure.

Pray
On July 29, we will be loading a U-Haul of things for Jonathan, David and Erin. On the 30th, we will set out for Wilmore, Kentucky to drop off a load for David and Erin as they move into married housing at Asbury Seminary. Then, we will continue on, arriving into St. Augustine, FL on July 31 to get Jonathan settled. Please pray for all the logistics of these relocations, as well as our apprehensions of saying “goodbye” to our children.

Pray

As we draw closer to our departure date and accept invitations to “one last meal together” or seeing our children get settled in without us, or wrap up precious ministries, or narrowing our necessities to 2 bags a piece, we are beginning to feel the sacrifices that the Lord is asking of us and we need prayer! We will be leaving the USA on August 23rd, and will first travel to Costa Rica to attend additional language studies before continuing on to Ecuador.

Thank you and Praise
We are so thankful for several one time financial gifts and several new monthly supporters! We love it when God has obviously touched a heart on our behalf and paves the way for us to continue on in ministry. We can’t thank you enough for investing in us and what the Lord is calling us to do. We pray that He confirms and blesses your vital role on our ministry team.

Blessings to you,
Doug and Cindy

Update 05/30/14

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Challenge ~ “GO, SEND, or DISOBEY” (John Piper)

This is one of the quotes that recently concluded our 15-week World Christian Movement (Perspectives) class.  A simple, yet bold challenge for all of us. 

Praise and Pray ~ House Closing/Moving

We closed on the sale of our house on May 23 and have relocated to a rental until our August departure.  It was a bit overwhelming with the task of moving earlier than we planned, however the Lord provided and we are very thankful.  Our new address is 507 Carriage Lane, Gibson City, IL 60936.  Phone numbers are the same. 

Pray ~ MFM/OMS Regional Ministries Conference – May 19-23

Due to our move and Jonathan’s H.S. graduation, we were unable to attend this year’s meetings.  Please pray for them as they seek God’s direction for the year ahead and celebrate God’s faithfulness as they plan for MFM’s 60^th Anniversary celebration in July.

Praise ~ Jonathan Graduated – May 24

David and Jonathan

Rejoice with us as we celebrate Jonathan’s High School graduation.  He has walked through quite a valley these past two years and we have much to rejoice in, praising God for His protective hand and faithfulness in Jonathan’s life.  He is still working full-time working on a farm and butchering.  Please pray for God’s direction as he plans to relocate to Florida at the end of July.

Pray ~ Speaking Schedule

We have several opportunities to share about our role in what God is doing in Ecuador.  Please keep these in your prayers:

o   June 15 – Ovid Community Church – We will be sharing about our future ministries in Ecuador and training a team to use the Evangecube.

o   June 21 – GAB Women’s Night, Paxton, IL – Cindy will be sharing

o   June 22 – Fame Evangelical Church in Moweaqua, IL – We will be sharing during the sermon time.

o   June 29 – Gibson City Bible Church – Doug will be preaching

Pray ~ Support Raising

Prior to our return to Ecuador, we need to raise support for some one-time expenses.  Earlier this month, we sent out several letters to potential supporters asking for their prayer and financial support.  We have also created a blog page as we seek to utilize social media to help raise the additional support needed to return to the field. Click here to read.  Please pray that our needed funds will come in.

Blessings to You!

Doug and Cindy

“And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” (Luke 1:47-49 ESV)

Returning to Ecuador - We Need Your Support!

As we prepare to return to Ecuador, God has confirmed His direction for us to serve as church planters in remote areas near Loja. We will be serving with other OMS-Ecuador missionaries as a part of a new project called “West Loja” as the overall, long-term strategy to plant churches in the western part of Loja province. The province of Loja on the southern border of Ecuador is one of the least reached areas in Ecuador for the Gospel. 70,000 people live in the nine southwestern counties, four have a very small church, and five have no evangelical witness that OMS has been able to locate.

Will you please prayerfully consider joining our ministry team through your prayers, your one-time gift and/or a monthly financial commitment?
So how can you give?

Here are some various ways in which you can support us:

1. The easiest way to give a one-time gift, is by going to the One Mission Society website, and using your credit card: http://www.onemissionsociety.org/give/thetankersleys
    
2. Here is a link to a Faith Promise Card that is typically on the tear-off of our Prayer Card: http://tinyurl.com/Tankersleys-Faith-Promise.  This is a card which allows you to prayerfully commit to a “faith promise” between you and the Lord as He directs and provides. You can print this card out, and indicate a one-time giving, or designate an amount that you promise to give over the next five years. It could be given monthly, annually, semi-annually, etc.
     
3. If you would like to give monthly, but not have the task of remembering to send it in each month, you can complete an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Form to have your monthly amount transferred from your checking account. Print out the form and send it to the address indicated on the form. Here is the link to the EFT form: http://tinyurl.com/EFT-Recurring-Checking Please be sure to indicate: “802314 – Tankersley”.
    
4. You can also set up an EFT with your credit card through Paypal: http://www.onemissionsociety.org/give/thetankersleys (select: "Monthly Gift")
   If you prefer to give to our ministry by simply mailing a check in the mail, you may do so by sending your gift to our gift processing center:

                        One Mission Society
                        P.O. Box 1648
                        Monument, CO 80132-1648

Please make your check payable to One Mission Society. Be sure to include our missionary name and account number on the memo line or in an attached note “802314 – Tankersley”.

If you have any questions about becoming a partner of our ministry through your support, we would welcome an opportunity to visit with you.

Thank you so much for your consideration in your giving to our ministry.  We look forward to how God will use our partnership for His glory. We are so thankful for you and your vital role in our ministry. Your giving will be helping to make an eternal difference in the lives of many.

"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Cor 9:7)