Learning How to Trust

 

"Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in ALL your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."  (Proverbs 3:5-6)

 

Can I be real with you today?  When it comes to money, it's difficult for me to trust the Lord.  I look at the numbers and my brain begins to whirl with worries and what ifs.  God has always come through and provided for my needs, but I still start to sink like Peter did when I look around at the waves.

 

This afternoon, I found out that my missionary account is quickly running out of money.  Basically, the amount of donations that come in each month is not enough to cover what it costs to live here in Costa Rica.  I was able to get by with a lower budget in Mexico, but the cost of living is higher here.

 

For the past two and half plus years, God has used you to be a part in keeping me on the field.  I want you all to know that I am always grateful for your help, whether it was by praying, encouraging or through giving.  You have all made a difference and I am so thankful for your help.

 

At the same time, I need your help again, please.  God has given me an amazing opportunity to attend language school so I will be more able to minister upon my return to Mexico.  And, since it is a requirement that I attend language school as part of my preparation for life-long ministry overseas, it is far more cost effective for me to stay here now and finish; instead of returning to the States for more fund-raising.  Staying in language school until December  will help me every day for the rest of my missionary career. 

 

Would you be willing to pray and give so I can continue here?  Perhaps you might even consider giving on a monthly basis from now until December, just to help me finish language school.  If you would like to help, there is a link on the right side of this page where you can give online.  If you prefer to mail in a check, the mailing adddress is listed there too.  Please include my name and account number on any donations so the money is credited to my account.  (Janene Snyder, 294780-2)  All donations are tax deductible.

 

And please, will you pray for me?  I want to have more faith.  I know God is forever faithful.  He is my Jehovah Jireh and He does provide.  "And, my God will meet ALL your needs according to the riches of HIS glory in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4:19)  My heart wants to believe, but sometimes my head has a little trouble.

Mission Minute, February 2013

What a whirlwind!

In early December I said my goodbyes and moved away from my lovely Oaxaca, Mexico.  I flew to Oklahoma City to visit my (then) boyfriend and meet his family and friends and then the two of us drove up to Montana to spend Christmas with my family.  On Christmas Eve, Daniel proposed and we became engaged.  About a week and half later, I packed up everything again and moved to San Jose, Costa Rica for language school.  It’s been a wild, but wonderfully exciting ride and I am so thankful to once again have my feet on the ground, so I can plant a few roots!

 

Introducing…Daniel Hazelrigg!!

God has brought the most amazing and Godly man in to my life.  Daniel Hazelrigg is a new Assemblies of God missionary from Oklahoma, who is currently in language school with me and who will also be serving in Southern Mexico.  We met almost two years ago when he came to visit Oaxaca.  God has been in this from the start and with the blessing of our families and directors; we plan to marry in January 2014 and then head to Chiapas, Mexico, where we will serve together as career missionaries.  Please pray with us about our future life together.

Did you say, “Career” missionaries?

 I am currently classified as a missionary associate with the Assemblies of God which is a one-two year commitment.  Last spring, God again confirmed to me that I am to serve in missions for life, so I am now beginning the process of changing my status to that of a career missionary.  This process will be extensive and over the next year my budget will be increasing, so please pray with me that God will continue to provide what is needed.  If you would like to participate in this opportunity with a one-time donation or by committing to give on a monthly basis, please see the information below.

Chisel away!

I am now a student at the Assemblies of God language school, CINCEL.  How appropriate that the Spanish word “cincel” means “chisel.”  Over the coming months, I know that God and my teachers are going to put their chisels to work on me.  In Jeremiah, God is pictured as the potter who molds the clay.  May God mold my life and may my teachers have their way so I will be prepared to serve in Mexico to a greater capacity.  Please pray that God gives me understanding and perseverance as I study.

Thank you!

As always, thank you for your faithful, continued prayer and support.  You make my ministry possible.  I am able to do what God has called me to do because of good people like you.  I am forever grateful.  Thank you!

News From Oaxaca

Day of the Dead

Earlier this month, the Mexican people celebrated the Day of the Dead.  This is similar to Halloween in some ways, but it has a much deeper spiritual connection in Mexico.  People build altars and decorate the graves of their deceased loved ones.  They will gather at their graves, eat the favorite foods of the departed and sometimes brings gifts or sing together.

This Day of the Dead is considered so repulsive by the Christian church that my Pastor preached an entire sermon against the evils of it.  She quoted the Scriptures, “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” and “He is not the God of the dead but of the living.”  (Hb 9:27; Mt22:32b) My pastor knows the danger of “playing” with spiritual things and wanted to warn us.

English Class

At the end of October, we concluded the English class at church.  Not only did the children come away with some basic English, but they also had the opportunity to hear key Bible truths about how to have a relationship with Christ.  Through the use of Bible stories and verses, fun learning games and other special activities, the students came away with a clear understanding of the Gospel. 

 

Maria had not come to church events before, even though my pastor had invited her family many times.  But, when they learned an American would be teaching an English class, they allowed Maria to participate.  Though Maria did not make a public decision for Christ, she did have the chance to hear the message of Truth in her time with us.  Seeds were planted and we will continue to pray for her.

Truth Seekers Bible Memory Club

Each week the kids crowd around me to say their verse, so they can choose a prize from our basket of goodies.  Many of the kids have made our Honor or VIP List for learning either five or ten verses so far this year.  One little boy, Carlos, jumps up and down while he says his verse and Rachelle, says, “YES!!” with an enthusiastic arm pump after hers.  Their excitement is contagious and entices others to try.

 

Oaxaca Christian School 

For a little more than two years I have been working at Oaxaca Christian School.  Getting to know the staff, families and the amazing MKs (missionary kids) has been a joy.  In December, I will be closing this chapter of my life and heading to language school for many months.  Being able to fluently speak the language will ultimately be the key to realizing the dreams God has put in my heart for ministry to those who need Spiritual Truth here in Mexico.  I know that God has great things ahead and I am looking forward to that, but at the same time, it is difficult to think of leaving people I have come to love.

Thank You

Thank you for continuing to pray for and financially support this ministry.  It is an exciting privilege to see God at work here in Mexico, but none of this would be possible without your faithful support.  Your obedience is bringing blessings to people thousands of miles away.  Thank you!