Friday, September 20, 2013

Answer to Prayer, Trip to Spokane, and Baby Stuff

Answer to Prayer

In our last post, we asked for prayer that Fernando's citizenship interview would be scheduled before we travel to the Midwest at the end of next month. Yesterday we received notification that his interview will be the day before we leave! We are thankful it will not conflict with travel plans, since Fernando will be gone for several weeks, and thank you all for praying about that. *Please pray for the interview to go well.


Trip to Spokane

This past weekend we went to Eastern Washington, stopping in Yakima to see one of my cousins. It had been over 12 years since we had seen each other last!



In Spokane we stayed with one of my good friends from high school, and we enjoyed seeing her sister, meeting some of her friends, and hearing more about what she has been up to. We appreciated her hospitality and had fun visiting some places around the area.



Baby Blessings

One of my friends teaches birth classes and offered to teach us for free! We have only gone twice but have already learned a lot. Plus, it's fun to see her every week!

Another friend had a lot of extra baby boy clothes she no longer needs, and my mom and I had fun going through them together (the two bags below). I couldn't ask for more supportive family and friends during this time!



Plans and Prayer Requests
  • Fernando will give the sermon at our church's Hispanic church service this Sunday. *Pray that the Lord will speak through Him.

  • On Wednesday I will share with a women's Bible study about our ministry. *Pray for clear communication, rich fellowship, and for receptive hearts to how the Holy Spirit may prompt each person to get involved in supporting God's work in Honduras.

  • We continue to enjoy meeting with friends and supporters. *Pray for each conversation to be filled with God's grace and mutual encouragement.

Thank you, friends! We hope you are doing well and remember you in our prayers!

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Long-Time Friends, Special Events, and Baby News


Here is an update of what we've been doing in the past few weeks, along with praises and answers to your prayers:
 
Church Visits
 
We shared at a church in Tacoma on August 25, and people were very interested in getting involved in supporting pastor training and church planting in Garifuna communities. The pastor encouraged everyone to join our partnership team, and we felt refreshed worshipping and fellowshipping with brothers and sisters who treated us like family.
 
This past Sunday Fernando gave the sermon at the Garifuna church in Burien where we visited last month:
 

He spoke about Joseph from Genesis and how this story illustrates who Jesus is and what He has done for us, which was a great reminder and encouragement to everyone. Afterward we had a great time sharing a meal and getting to know people better. I was really happy to have conversations in Garifuna (even with some Spanish thrown in!) and hear more of these sisters' stories.


Friends, Supporters, and Mentors

We have seen many people in the past few weeks, sharing with supporters about how God has used their prayers and partnership to help individuals, groups, and projects in Honduras. There is nothing better than saying, "Thank you!" face-to-face.

We also have met with pastors from my home church, Grace Community, whose interest in our lives and ministry, as well as their advice, is greatly appreciated.

I was thrilled to introduce Fernando to a friend of mine in her early 90s. She was a pastor's wife for many years, and she informally mentored me when I visited her during high school and college years. Her wisdom and influence have helped me in crucial decisions and have motivated me to live my life for the Lord. What a blessing to have older Christians to learn from.

Over Labor Day Weekend we hosted a BBQ with good friends from high school and their families, the first time we'd all been together in over ten years!




Fundraiser Dinner

On Friday, the Hispanic congregation of Grace Community Church put together a beautiful fundraiser dinner event for us, with proceeds for special ministry projects we have coming up. We are so thankful for Pastor Esau and his wife, Erin, and everyone who came up with this great idea, planned a delicious meal, and did a beautiful job organizing and decorating. Many people helped in a variety of ways with a willing and loving attitude, including a woman who helped all afternoon in the kitchen after taking a half-day off work!

About 70-80 people came, including family friends and church members, a great turn-out! After dinner, Fernando and I shared a bilingual presentation about our backgrounds, how God is working among the Garifunas, the vision God has given for our work there, and how people can get involved. Here are a few pictures:
 




Thank you to everyone who helped, attended, and contributed to the Lord's work! We loved seeing you all there.


Happy Baby News

Yesterday we found out that we will be having a boy! We are grateful for a healthy pregnancy and are almost to the half-way point. Thank you for praying for our baby!


Praise/Prayer Update
  • Thank you for praying for Fernando's citizenship process. He just completed the biometrics (fingerprinting) requirement, and we are waiting to receive notification about his interview/civics test. **Please pray he can be interviewed before we travel to the Midwest at the end of October.

  • Thank you for praying for our monthly partnership level. In the past few weeks, this has increased from 49% to 57%. Praise God! **Please pray for God to clearly lead those He would have partner with us and for Him to work through upcoming speaking opportunities.

  • We will be in the Spokane area this weekend. Please pray for safe travels, God-appointed opportunities to share with people, and an encouraging time with the friends and family we see.

Thanks for visiting our blog!