Saturday, July 30, 2011

August Newsletter


The fields are ripe for harvest
The last few days, I have been enjoying the cooler, rainy weather of Oaxaca by getting outside and walking. The area where I now live is much closer to the beautiful, green mountains of the city. There are small farms on some of the hillsides and in the fields near my house. As I was walking, I could not help but notice the small, fresh plants beginning to grow in straight lines across the fields. Due to the rain, the ground is soft and moist—perfect for the young plants to grow. In a little while, it will be harvest time. The farmers who prepared the ground, planted, waited for rain and cared for the fields will begin to collect the products from their labor.
In June, a team of students came from Guadalajara and ministered in Northern Oaxaca at a Latin America Childcare school. They worked tirelessly all day, painting the school, playing and talking with the children, and then putting on an amazing Vacation Bible School program in the evening. So much preparation and hard work went in to making that week a success, and lives were changed because of it. It was a pleasure watching the kids participate in crazy relay games, but then they also put the same enthusiasm in to praising Jesus through song and would sit and listen intently as the Bible story was being told. The seeds that were planted will take root and grow. God’s Word does not return void and someday soon, it will be harvest time in the town of Teotitlan Flores de Magon.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Stateside
Following the trip to Northern Oaxaca, I had the opportunity to return to the States for about a month. Naturally, it was delightful to see my family, friends, and many prayer partners and supporters. I thoroughly enjoyed the time visiting churches and sharing about Mexico and I want to thank all of you for the love, encouragement and kindness you demonstrated while I was in Montana. Knowing YOU are behind me praying, giving, and encouraging me is a tremendous blessing. Thank you.
Looking Ahead
It’s the beginning of a new year for me here in Oaxaca. As I look ahead, I am excited about some goals and dreams God has put in my heart. It hasn’t yet been two weeks since I’ve returned to Mexico and already, God has given me new opportunities to minister. I am eagerly waiting to see what doors He opens and where He leads me over the course of this next year. Please will you join me as I pray for His guidance? Thank you.
Prayer Needs:
1. Obedience to the Holy Spirit—even when facing new or challenging opportunities.
2. Growth in the area of Language learning—I am currently being tutored in Spanish.
3. That God will open the hearts of the people of Oaxaca to His personal saving grace and that the Christians within Oaxaca will be exemplify Jesus well.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Blog Guilt

I'm feeling "blog guilt." I have neglected to communicate here for longer than I wanted, but it is on my list of things to do. I have been happily busy and I am excited to share what God is doing! "Talk" to you soon!