Friday, April 9, 2010

Bits from the Baja E-mail Update: April 9, 2010


Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you do not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2,3

As we prepared to celebrate the death and resurrection of our Savior, we could not help but be filled anew with the awe and wonder of His great sacrifice for us and be encouraged by these verses to follow his example in our lives. We pray that you had a meaningful weekend celebrating our risen Lord and his great sacrifice.

Phil had the privilege of leading a group of our youth to Rancho el Camino in La Paz where they participated in a special youth camp organized by the church there. The theme was related to Surviving and being Soldiers of Christ. We are so grateful for the clear Gospel presentation that was made as well as the challenges to believers to go deeper in their faith, living it out on a daily basis. Please pray with us that the seeds planted during the camp bear much fruit in the lives of our youth. (The picture is one taken of Phil with our youth who attended the camp.)

With the arrival of April, we also completed our first 4 years here full time. In so many ways, it seems the time has flown. We feel so blessed to be a small part of what the Lord is doing here in Mexico. With the completion of our first term, we will be making our preparations for our first home assignment beginning the middle of June. We greatly appreciate your prayers as we will need to pack up our entire house for storage while we are in the states in the midst of our normal activities and ministry. Please pray for wisdom as we decide what to take with us on our trip, what to leave behind and what we should give away. It is good to remember that this earth is not our home and an opportunity to get rid of some nonessentials and hopefully blessing others who may have need of them. We will also be driving many miles and are grateful for prayers for safety and sanity as we begin by driving up the Baja and then across the states to the Midwest, out East and eventually down South and back West again.

What a difference four years can make in the lives of our children as well. Four years ago, when we arrived, Abby insisted she would not learn Spanish and she wanted to go back to the states “to be by family and where they speak English” and she now has two especially dear friends, Regina and Elisa. Josh knew a few words of Spanish and now is quite fluent, sometimes even helping translate things. Micah wasn’t really even talking yet and is now about to finish Kindergarten. They are now experiencing the flip side as they anticipate a separation from many dear friends, their dog and the house they have come to call home. They are also excited to see family and friends so you can imagine some of the emotional roller coasters we are currently navigating. Please pray that we will be sensitive to their needs and that we would make these weeks before our departure ones filled with precious memories to carry with them while they are apart from their life here.

As always, we are incredibly humbled and grateful for your support for us in prayers, encouragement and giving. We look forward to seeing many of you in person while we are back in the states for our home assignment.

By His Grace,
Phil and Pattie