Good News from Honduras (written by Fernando)

"Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave." Exodus 18:20

 

"What are you doing?"

Moses thought that Jethro simply wanted to know what he was doing. So he proceeded to describe his work, his unending responsibilities, and all of the activity that revolved around him. Actually, Jethro had already observed these things and instead wanted to communicate this message to Moses: "The way you are working is harming yourself and these people."

Then Jethro told Moses how to improve for his own good and also for the good of the people. What he most needed was to "teach, train, educate, and instruct" so that the people themselves would know how to act and what to do, instead of depending solely on him.

 

 

Several weeks ago I (Fernando) had the joy of seeing pictures of Garifuna seminary students, our brothers and sisters, graduating after completing their first level of theological training. It was also encouraging to hear how much this event meant to their lives. Some shared that they cried for joy, and others told us they had never graduated from anything before in their lives, and it was truly a great blessing to be a part of that experience. I am convinced that these small steps ("Studying the First Principles" series) will help the Garifuna church leaders "show [others] the way they are to live and how they are to behave."

 

 

 

 

I do not completely agree with graduations in theological studies; I am convinced that theological training should be an ongoing and lifelong process. However, reaching this point is good for reflecting on the journey thus far and for recognizing once again that God has been faithful. My brothers and sisters went through countless difficulties: family conflicts, illnesses, ministry conflicts, and more. But they have persevered, and praise God because He never leaves us to walk alone, and He has shown His faithfulness to these students, His children and servants.

 

 

"Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them." Psalm 126:5-6



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!

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!

My Bible and God's Faithfulness

The other day I (finally) accepted the fact that my long-time study Bible needed to be replaced: the binding has come apart, pages have been detached, and Proverbs and Isaiah have become almost unreadable:

 

My parents gave me this Bible around my 18th birthday. The black leather cover was impeccable, the gold lining on the pages was shiny, and the cover fit perfectly.

At that time, I had not yet traveled outside of the U.S. and Canada or gone on any mission trips, I didn't have a boyfriend, and I hadn't taken any linguistics courses. I did know that I wanted to serve in some kind of mission work, that I felt increasingly drawn to Latin America, and that this new Bible was more than a kind gift - it was my guide for whatever the future held.

Twelve years later, this Bible is marked and underlined, and the cover bulges with prayer cards, pictures, cards and notes, notecards with verses, bookmarks, and more. (There is also a mosquito who met its demise somewhere in Psalm 119.) Here are just a few:

I have taken this Bible with me to 13 countries and on airplanes, trains, buses, taxis, pick-up truck beds, canoes, and the back of a burro climbing a mountain path. With adventures, transitions, new roommates, and good-byes, it has represented God's faithfulness and that His Word is unchangingly true, His presence unendingly constant, and His message deeply needed at any time, in any culture, and in any circumstance - whether accompanied by optimism and a morning cup of coffee, or questions and Kleenex (actually, a roll of toilet paper in most places!) in the middle of a sleepless night.

I have tucked away evidences of God's faithfulness in this Bible that remind me of His good gifts and prevailing purposes:

• A tiny hand-sewn Cuban flag.
• A stand-by plane ticket that gave me the last available seat just in time.
• Notes from linguistics students from Mexico, El Salvador, Brazil and Peru, some of whom are now learning Hindi, Mandarin, and Nahuatl as they serve around the world.
• Small cards from unforgettable people who have hosted me and welcomed me into their communities in Mayan towns in Guatemala, or in capital cities.

I am thankful for God's Word in my language and for how He has taught and guided me in the midst of adventures, uncertainties, and changes. I am equally burdened for those who have not yet heard and believed His Word, and for those who are like the Ethiopian in Acts 8 and are waiting for someone to help them understand, grow, and make disciples of others.

Here is my new Bible:

See how the pages are clean and intact? (And I doubt there are any mosquitoes trapped inside yet.)

I am looking forward to the next leg of the journey.

What Do You Think of Washington?

"What do you think of Washington?" Many people have asked Fernando this question, usually followed by, "Isn't it beautiful?" This makes us smile because it happens frequently and because we truly are enjoying summertime here. This is what we have been up to:

We've been seeing friends and supporters in the area, learning about how they are doing and how we can pray for them. In turn, we get to tell them about testimonies from Honduras, challenges and needs there, and how to pray and help. Thank you to all who have taken us out or invited us to your homes for meals!

After visiting a friend in Bellevue, we stopped at Coulon Park on Lake Washington.

With my long-time friend, Heather, at Kerry Park in Seattle.

We spent a weekend in Bellingham, where I attended college. It was fun to show Fernando around and spend time with friends. We went to church with some friends, and the pastor invited us to give a presentation this fall about our ministry. Hearing about how our friends are actively involved in their churches and community encouraged us, as well.

Spending the evening at Boulevard Park.

We spoke at a church in Tacoma that partnered with me when I was with Wycliffe and has prayed for me during the past seven years. We appreciated the warm welcome and the pastor's encouragement during this time of support-raising.

We visited a Garifuna congregation in the Burien area. It was beautiful to worship with Garifuna brothers and sisters in Washington, learn about how the church began, eat a great home-cooked meal, talk to people in Garifuna, and meet relatives of good friends in Honduras. The pastor has invited Fernando to preach there sometime this fall, so we are looking forward to seeing them again.

 

 

Worshipping at the Garifuna church (video).

 

To celebrate Fernando's and my parents' birthdays, my grandma and aunt came over for dinner and cake. Here is Fernando with his gift, a Seattle Sounders soccer jersey:

 

 

 

Our baby is growing well, and the second trimester is going great. A close friend of mine is expecting her baby next month, so my mom convinced us to take this picture together at her baby shower:

 

 

Here are some prayer requests and upcoming activities:

• Fernando's citizenship application is being processed. Please pray for everything to go quickly and smoothly in the coming weeks, as we wait to find out when he will be interviewed.

 

• Praise God for several people who have responded to God's leading to be monthly financial partners. This a huge answer to prayer! Please pray for our monthly support level to increase (we are at almost 50%).

 

• The Hispanic congregation at my home church, Grace Community, offered to help us hold a fundraiser dinner; proceeds will go to special ministry projects. The ladies will make a traditional Latino dinner, and we will give a bilingual presentation with pictures, videos, and testimonies. It should be a fun event! We are so thankful for their willingness to help in this way! It will be held Friday, September 6, at 7:00 P.M. **Contact me via email, Facebook, phone, or the comment section of this blog for more details and/or to RSVP.** Please pray that God will be glorified and bless those who are making this possible!

 

• Pray for us as we prepare to share with churches, community groups, and youth groups in the coming weeks. We plan to spend a weekend in Spokane next month, so **let us know if you or anybody in that area would like to get together!**

 

Thank you for visiting our blog and praying for us!

 

P.S. What do you think of Washington? If you don't know yet, you should come visit! :)

Trip to Oregon

We just got back from spending a fun week in Oregon seeing family and friends. Here are a few highlights:

 

It was great to catch up with some good friends/roommates from college. A big thanks to them for their hospitality!

 

We spent several days with my dad's family... but, sadly, I was too busy talking and laughing to remember to take pictures until it was too late! I always enjoy seeing my uncles, aunts, and cousins, and this time it was special that Fernando could meet them. I am very grateful for all they did to make us feel at home, and for all of the fun conversations we shared. I already miss them! Here's a picture of Fernando with the newest member of the family:

 



From there we visited good friends who also continually bless us and those we work with in Honduras through their prayer and generosity. We enjoyed fishing with them on a lake, as well as sharing about what is going on in our lives.

We also had lunch with one of my mom's college friends and her husband. Not only was it good to see them, but it was special because God used her life to lead my mom to Christ.

Before returning to Washington, we enjoyed some time at the Oregon coast so Fernando could see the Pacific Ocean. You might notice we are more accustomed to the warm, breezy Caribbean, and not the cold, windy Northwest coast! But, we still had a great time.

We thank God for safe travels, good health, and the family and friends He has given us, who have encouraged us and are such an important part of our lives and ministry.

As we gear up for a busy month of August, with a full schedule of meeting with friends and supporters, we invite you to pray that:

• We would walk closely with the Spirit and keep our eyes on Jesus in the midst of busyness.
• God would use us to encourage everyone we spend time with.
• God would prepare opportunities for us to share about how others can be involved in helping Garifuna pastors receive adequate ministry preparation and supporting the growth of the Garifuna church.
• The Holy Spirit would clearly lead those He calls to partner with us, and that God would richly bless them.

Thank you for your prayers, care for our lives, and support for our brothers and sisters in Honduras!

Praises and Happenings from Our First Weeks in Washington

Hi everyone! Here is an overview of what our first few weeks in Washington have looked like:


Piles of Paperwork

• We've been compiling information for Fernando's citizenship application are looking forward to the day when immigration paperwork is a thing of the past!

It feels endless...!

• Fernando has been studying for his driver's license test and will soon start studying for his citizenship civics test.
• We mailed out our summer newsletter along with an updated brochure about our work in Honduras and a prayer card with a new picture. Amidst all the stamps and envelopes (!), it was fun to write personal notes to people. (Please let us know if you are not yet on our mailing list and would like to be added! We'd love to send you a prayer card.)

Involvement at Church

• We have attended both English and Spanish services at my home church, Grace Community in Auburn, and it's been fun to see lots of people and introduce them to Fernando. Everyone has given us a very warm welcome and made us feel at home!
• We shared about our ministry with the Hispanic church family, and Fernando gets to play soccer with the men on Sunday afternoons.

 

• Last summer, I met with the small group that "adopted" us as missionaries and prays for us, and now we get to join them each week. They're currently doing a study on parenting, so, as parents-to-be, we are soaking up all we can.
• I've been attending a weekly women's Bible study and really like getting to know them women as we study God's Word together.

Filling the Calendar

• We have been preparing travel itineraries for our trip to Oregon this month and a trip to the Midwest this fall.
• We've seen some family, friends, and supporters, and we're looking forward to seeing many more in the coming months! The best part is hearing about their lives, introducing them to Fernando, and sharing about how God is working in Honduras.

Sharing our happy baby news with my aunt

• We have been blessed by the kindness and hospitality continually extended to us. THANK YOU! Please do let us know if you'd like to meet for coffee or a meal, or if you'd like us to share at your church or with a group of friends. We'd love to see you.

New Experiences for Fernando

It's been fun to introduce Fernando to places, food, and activities that are part of life here:

• My dad took Fernando fishing at a lake in the mountains.

• Fernando and I went up to Lake Tipsoo.

• Some good friends invited us to a BBQ on 4th of July. 

Praises

Thank you to...

• Our friends Morgan and Genevieve for giving us a printer they no longer needed.
• My friend Rachael for giving me some maternity clothes.
• My wonderful parents for home-cooked meals and helping us get settled.
• Our Honduran friends and family who call and email us (we miss them so much!).
• Everyone who has invited us to their home, shared a meal with us, prayed for us and our baby, and made us feel so welcome. We love you!