Well, I'm stuck in Santillo, Mexico due to hurricane Alex. This hurricane thing is new to me. We don't see much hurricane action in Montana! :) Alex is making it's path just south of us, and that's where we are supposed to be heading. But, you know what? It's all okay. God is very clearly at work, even in this storm. Here's a few quick things that God has been up to:
1. Wednesday morning--we left Texas later than planned because we met a family who are moving to Oaxaca City. They are also missionaries and their kids will be attending OCS where I will be working. They had a car accident and are waiting to get their car fixed. We "happened" to be at the same hotel, same time, sitting at a nearby table eating, when they overheard us mention Oaxaca. They shared their troubles with us and we were able to encourage them and pray with them before leaving.
2. Wednesday evening--we were not able to get as far as planned because of our "late" start, so we stopped at Saltillo instead of further south. Mike mentioned at breakfast Thursday, that if we had gone to the city we were hoping to reach, we would now be in the center of the hurricane. Hmmm...perhaps God provided for our safety??
3. Thurday--so today, we are hanging around the hotel and waiting out the storm. So far, I've had a chance to play games with Katie (missionaries' daughter), study Spanish and even do this blog! God is giving us a day to rest and relax, as well as, get caught up on some needed work.
Life doesn't usually go as planned. There are always bumps along the way. But through it all, "He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge." Isaiah 33:6a We can trust the Lord. He knows what He's doing and it's always for our good. The process of the journey is worth the end result.
Let the packing begin! As I write this, I am thinking about how I will be on a plane in exactly one month. Yes, that’s right, June 29th I will be flying to San Antonio, TX and meeting the Hadingers! From there, we will cross the border and drive down to Oaxaca. Believe it or not, I’m looking forward to the two day drive. We’ll see so much of Mexico and it will be an easy way to get to know Mike, Ilona and Katie quickly! There’s nothing like a good road trip!
Once I arrive, I will help Mike and Ilona with summer teams. We will have outreaches to some of the surrounding indigenous communities where we will be helping with vacation Bible schools. I may also get to help around the Bible College where Mike teaches. As I adjust to my new surroundings and as the Hadingers get to know me better, they will plug me in as needed in other areas of ministry, as well. I’m looking forward to sharing the stories with you in the future!
Financial Update
God has proved His faithfulness through the generosity of the body of Christ. I am happy to report that my fund-raising is complete! That means that as long as those who have made monthly commitments to support me keep on giving or begin giving now that I will be leaving, I will be able to stay in Mexico for the next year. If you are one of my faithful monthly givers, thank you! As the year progresses, your giving will be absolutely vital to keep me in Mexico. I thank God for you and pray that God blesses you in abundance. Thank you to all who have given!
Prayer Needs
1. Saying goodbyes to my family, the kids I have cared for these past years, and friends.
2. Transitioning from Montana to Mexico— moving, meeting the Hadingers and getting settled in Mexico.
3. Summer teams and other ministry I will be involved in once I arrive. Pray that God will open the hearts of the people of Mexico and prepare us to reach the children through vacation Bible schools.
Donations can be mailed to:Assemblies of God World Missions
1445 North Boonville Ave.
Springfield, MO 65802
Account Number:
294780-2, Janene Snyder
Email: janene.snyder@ma.agmd.org
Thank you to all who participated in the Cinco de Mayo dinner. So many people helped make the dinner a success. Many people donated food, time, service, and money. And, I am happy to announce that because of God's faithfulness and your generosity and obedience, I will be leaving for Mexico in 5-6 weeks!
Thank you to all who have prayed. Thank you to those who gave money to help with the financial need. Thank you to my family and friends who have supported and encouraged me to fulfill what God has put in my heart to do.
And finally, thank you God. You have done this. You opened doors for me to share. You put the desire in others to pray and give. You have been and are continuing to work out all the details right before my eyes. You encouraged me when I doubted. You calmed me when I became anxious. You filled in my gaps and worked through my weaknesses. All of this is a testimony of Your faithfulness! Thank you!