The Gift of a Listening Ear

One of the greatest gifts I have received is a listening ear, particularly when the one listening also has a caring heart and wise words. As my family and close friends can attest, I process ideas verbally, either through journaling or, better yet, conversation. In fact, if I am "stuck" in a situation, talking about it with someone can clear my thoughts and help me find a solution I would struggle to find otherwise. Since this kind of listening requires time, a lot of energy, empathy, trustworthiness, and tact, it is truly a gift!

Commission to Every Nation (CTEN), our missions agency, has "pastoral care couples," who pray for, communicate with, and visit CTEN missionaries in a given region. Stephen and Tammie, the pastoral care couple for Central America, visited us for several days last week. We first met them in May 2011, when we were in the process of joining CTEN, and saw them on their last visit two years ago (picture) and at our orientation last year. In between, we have appreciated being in touch via email or Skype concerning prayer needs and administrative questions.

During their stay, Stephen went with Fernando to Garífuna Bible school classes, and Tammie stayed at home with me. Baby J thought she was the best because she helped him walk around whenever he wanted:

Tammie and I talked about many topics, from our families, to her travels in this region, to cooking, and to books about Christianity and missions. I especially appreciated sharing with her about being a wife and new mom on the mission field and receiving fresh insight and practical advice about some of my questions and struggles. By the end of our time together, I had more clarity about changes to make and renewed perspective and purpose for this time in life. What a valuable gift!

Tammie giving her time, energy, and kindness to missionary women reminds me of this verse:

"Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people." Philemon 1:7

New Member Orientation ... Two Years Later!

After flying from Honduras to Houston on June 9, we drove to Kerrville (near San Antonio) for New Member Orientation with our organization, Commission to Every Nation (CTEN). Although we have been members for two years, we had not yet attended orientation because Fernando's visa was still in process. During the three days (June 11-13) we met those who work in the CTEN office, learned more about how CTEN started and the vision God has given those involved, and enjoyed meeting other new members, some just starting their journey in missions and others with years of experience.

All staff and participants

We greatly benefited from learning more about practical elements of ministry, such as taxes and financial records, handling interpersonal conflict on the field, and addressing security problems in our countries of service. A key part of orientation we found helpful was partnership development, or support raising, which is what we will be doing during our time in the Northwest in the coming months. Perhaps the best part of orientation was spending time with people who love the Lord, are committed to serving Him and others, and have blessed us in numerous ways since we have been members.

With Richard and Jana Malm (CTEN president)

and Stephen and Tammie Burger (Central America pastoral care couple)

We were happy to see Stephen and Tammie, our pastoral care couple, again (you can read about their visit to Honduras in November), and we are thankful to be a part of the CTEN family. We are particularly grateful for their faithful prayer support, encouragement, and patience as we have had to wait two years to attend orientation and do full-time partnership development; their flexibility has allowed us to serve in Honduras even receiving less than half of our needed monthly support! We also appreciate their integrity in receiving funds donated by ministry partners. What a blessing to a part of this organization.

Pastoral Visit

This past weekend, Fernando and I enjoyed the visit of Stephen and Tammie, a pastoral care couple with CTEN (our missions organization). They visit CTEN missionaries in Central America to see how their work is going, spend time with them, encourage them, and pray for them. We shared conversation over meals and heard about how God has worked in their lives and in the ministries they visit in this part of the world. It was also fun for me to talk to them in English! :)

Tammie was able to come to discipleship group on Saturday, and we all went to church together yesterday. While Stephen saw Fernando preach, Tammie joined me as I taught the children's Sunday school class. It was fun to introduce them to people and share about how God is working.

Perhaps the best part of the time was when they prayed for us at the end. We are blessed to be part of such a supportive organization, and we are thankful for Stephen and Tammie's interest and encouragement toward us and the Garifunas!