Hello from Mexico City!
First of all we want to wish all of our fellow American’s a wonderful July 4th. We too remembered our independence even though we were many miles away. We prayed for America and her people. We also shared a meal with some of our friends in Mexico. Since a VBS meeting was already planned for the 4th we incorporated it into our plans and Kay prepared hamburgers and hotdogs, baked beans and chocolate covered marshmallows each with a tiny American flag. Our prayer is that God’s people will influence America to place her trust in Him alone and that as a result God will bless America.
We have been super busy over the past weeks and have much to share with you. But as always we will be BRIEF.
From June 18 through July 2 we have enjoyed the opportunity to be with Steve’s family. The annual family reunion took us once again to the beautiful Klamath Basin, to Fort Klamath to be specific. On the banks of Fort Creek and the Wood River family members and guests talked up a storm, eat huge amounts of food, reminisced and enjoyed the activities. Kayaking, playing pickle ball and looking through old pictures were only a few of the activities. It was also incredible to see how Steve’s cousin Randy had restored the old log house of 1926. Not only does it look like a beautiful log house, it is very modern in every way.
We were also able to attend the 160th Oregon Christian Convention in Turner, Oregon. It was great to see the tabernacle and hear the different speakers share. We shared in the Emmanuel Christian Seminary luncheon and had a wonderful time visiting with so many friends. The Oregon Christian Endeavor gathering was also a special time to see friends and reminisce. So much history to remember and to enjoy.
In Mexico our ministry continues full steam ahead. Our encouragement of the ministry at the Eagles Church continues unabated. We ourselves are now taking a backseat in leadership but encouraging those in leadership. Recent events included the father’s day celebration on Saturday June 23rd. There were games, lots of food and a Christian movie to challenge the men as husbands and fathers. Recent events also included a Women’s One Day retreat and a going away party and prayer time for Casey and Teri Hancock and family.
Reach intern, Ethan Hutchcraft, has been very busy serving the youth under the leadership of Joy Jimenez and helping Cornelio (maintenance guy) with many odd jobs around the church. He even learned how to lay a tile floor.
Our Bible studies continue even as the day grows closer for us to be fully moved into our new place in Tultepec. We now have a signed contract, keys and have started moving things to the house little by little. This morning, July 5th, Steve played soccer for a couple hours in the blazing sun. Next week he will not forget his hat! By the time the game ended 11 players were alternating in and out. We took our first load of things to the house and ate at the taqueria (taco stand).
So, that should catch us up for the most part. However, we have several prayer requests for you. Steve has been asked to lead a gathering of thanksgiving for a couple from the King of Kings congregation in Huehuetoca who are surrendering their lives in obedience to God by formalizing their union by actually getting married. They have been very active in the church in Huehuetoca and our fellow missionaries Casey and Teri Hancock have led them to make this decision. Since our team mates are on furlough Steve has been asked. This is the legal marriage done before a judge. Steve is leading a service of thanksgiving that will precede the actual words before the judge. Church wedding is also being planned for a later date that the church leaders will be in charge of.
A second prayer request is for Steve who will be preaching in two of our churches the same weekend as the thanksgiving service. Pray for strength.
Also, on July 20th we will receive a work group of 15 people from the Outlook Christian Church in McCordsville, IN. This group will be with us for 9 days and be a great advantage for the VBS! Please pray for this team that others will see Christ in them and that there will be a good time of bonding with the people.
And finally for the VBS that runs from July 23 – 28. We are all helping with the teaching, crafts, recreation and snacks. We will have between 100 and 130 children in attendance.
Oh, and please keep our move to the new house in your prayers. We’ll be taking things little by little until the end of the month when the moving truck will arrive to take the larger items and whatever is left. After the VBS and other activities we will be tired before we begin the final move.