Greetings from a cloudy Baja!
This will probably be short since it is starting to sprinkle and we have been having issues with losing our power when it rains. You may already be aware of Hurricane Jimena that is heading our way. Every other hurricane has turned back out to sea when it got close since we have been here, however, it does not appear that it will be happening this time around. We would especially like to ask prayer for those who are living in little more than shacks and the potentially devastating effects this could have here. The economy was already struggling greatly due to the economic crisis and the swine flu but this will add yet another blow to the people here who are already struggling. Please pray that these difficult times will not drive people to desperation but to seek the only true and lasting hope in Jesus. Please pray that Iglesia Emanuel will continue to be a light in the community in the midst of the darkness.
Quick update on Phil's study with "M"...he showed much interest in knowing more about the Bible and spiritual things. It is obvious he has some knowledge but also misinformation as well. It is very encouraging to see someone hunger and thirst to know more though and we are praising God for this opportunity. There are other stories we could tell about what the Lord is doing but you will have to wait for our prayer letter which will hopefully be completed and sent out soon.
On a personal note, we have had sickness hitting one family member or another almost the entire summer but this month it has been a flu bug that has been pretty nasty. Everyone has had it except for Pattie (because Mommas aren't allowed to get sick, right?). Unfortunately, it appears the Luke may be entering round 2 with it so we would also greatly appreciate your prayers for health right now. He was up early this morning with a fever and we hope to get him in to the Dr. this morning before the weather worsens because he may need an antibiotic.
As always, thank you for partnering with us and for your prayers.
By His Grace,
Phil and Pattie
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Bits from the Baja E-mail Update: August 27, 2009
“Jaime died! Jaime died last night!” was Lina and Irene’s greeting to us a couple weeks ago on Sunday morning at church. (Jaime is “J” who has been attending our cell group and for whom we have been asking prayer regarding his struggle with alcoholism.) Since he was alone and poor, there was no family to claim the body (this process includes paying the govt. a fairly large sum). As a church body, we felt it important to claim the body and hold a memorial service since he had been attending our cell group regularly in spite of his ongoing personal struggles. This provided an opportunity in the community and among his friends (many of whom are struggling alcoholics, including “G”) to share the Gospel as well as a powerful testimony. Please, continue to pray for his friend “G” as well as many others who attended the memorial service and have expressed interest in turning their lives around. A resulting blessing for us has been to see several in our cell group determine to reach out more to Jaime’s friends, visiting them and sharing with them. They have seen the need and are doing something about it.
Right on the heels of Jaime's death, our field was holding its annual conference of missionaries where the various ministry areas report on what the Lord is doing, discuss future plans as well as business matters and have a special time of encouragement through a special speaker. This year, we had the added blessing of one of our supporting churches, FCC of El Centro, California send a team who helped minister to all of the missionary families. They ministered to our children and youth as well as cooking our meals during the conference. We are so grateful for their willingness to come and serve our families.
We would like special prayer today for Phil as he will be meeting with a gentleman to begin a bible study this afternoon. “M” is a waiter at a local taco place. Over time, we have been able to develop a relationship with him and have invited him to our cell group and church. Unfortunately, his work schedule has made it difficult to attend either. However, the last time we were there, he told us that he has a bible someone gave him and has tried to read it but does not understand it and wants help. Phil will begin meeting with him today to do a series of studies. Please pray for Phil to be able to explain clearly and for “M” to understand.
Once again, we are overwhelmed with your love, concern and prayers for us. Your partnership with us is such a blessing. Thank you for your prayers and for being a part of our ministry team.
By His Grace,
Phil and Pattie
Right on the heels of Jaime's death, our field was holding its annual conference of missionaries where the various ministry areas report on what the Lord is doing, discuss future plans as well as business matters and have a special time of encouragement through a special speaker. This year, we had the added blessing of one of our supporting churches, FCC of El Centro, California send a team who helped minister to all of the missionary families. They ministered to our children and youth as well as cooking our meals during the conference. We are so grateful for their willingness to come and serve our families.
We would like special prayer today for Phil as he will be meeting with a gentleman to begin a bible study this afternoon. “M” is a waiter at a local taco place. Over time, we have been able to develop a relationship with him and have invited him to our cell group and church. Unfortunately, his work schedule has made it difficult to attend either. However, the last time we were there, he told us that he has a bible someone gave him and has tried to read it but does not understand it and wants help. Phil will begin meeting with him today to do a series of studies. Please pray for Phil to be able to explain clearly and for “M” to understand.
Once again, we are overwhelmed with your love, concern and prayers for us. Your partnership with us is such a blessing. Thank you for your prayers and for being a part of our ministry team.
By His Grace,
Phil and Pattie
Friday, July 31, 2009
Bits from the Baja E-mail Update: July 31, 2009
Greetings once again from hot and steamy Mexico!
This summer seems to be rushing by at the speed of light for us. There are so many things going on and lots of exciting stuff happening. We’ll try to highlight a few:
In our previous update, we mentioned “J” and “G” who have attended our cell group. Thank you for your prayers for them. They both returned the following week and once again, it was very apparent that they had been drinking. At the end “G”, in tears, asked what he could do because the alcohol was destroying him, hurting his family, etc. It is very hard when he receives such mixed messages from “J” who professes to follow Christ but sees nothing wrong with his drinking which is a very obvious stumbling block to his friend. Please pray for wisdom in how best to minister to them both. Please pray that they continue to reach out and in spite of the effects of the alcohol that God’s truth would penetrate to the very core of their beings. Pray that “G” will continue to want more and search for the truth and victory over his addiction in Christ. Please pray that “J” will acknowledge his problem with alcohol and how it is hurting his friend and that he will repent.
This evening, we will be showing the movie Fireproof at our cell group. We were able to stop by our landlords this week and talk with them for a while and invite them. There seems to be a continued interest in spiritual things. Please pray that this will be one more stepping stone to their faith in Christ. We would appreciate your prayers as well for all the people our group has invited to come and that seeds would be planted in many people’s hearts.
Several of our youth are struggling spiritually or going through some difficult times in their family or their family is struggling because of the economic crisis. Please, pray with us for them, that they would turn to the only place that offers true peace, comfort and direction.
Thank you so much for your partnership with us in spreading His good news!
This summer seems to be rushing by at the speed of light for us. There are so many things going on and lots of exciting stuff happening. We’ll try to highlight a few:
In our previous update, we mentioned “J” and “G” who have attended our cell group. Thank you for your prayers for them. They both returned the following week and once again, it was very apparent that they had been drinking. At the end “G”, in tears, asked what he could do because the alcohol was destroying him, hurting his family, etc. It is very hard when he receives such mixed messages from “J” who professes to follow Christ but sees nothing wrong with his drinking which is a very obvious stumbling block to his friend. Please pray for wisdom in how best to minister to them both. Please pray that they continue to reach out and in spite of the effects of the alcohol that God’s truth would penetrate to the very core of their beings. Pray that “G” will continue to want more and search for the truth and victory over his addiction in Christ. Please pray that “J” will acknowledge his problem with alcohol and how it is hurting his friend and that he will repent.
This evening, we will be showing the movie Fireproof at our cell group. We were able to stop by our landlords this week and talk with them for a while and invite them. There seems to be a continued interest in spiritual things. Please pray that this will be one more stepping stone to their faith in Christ. We would appreciate your prayers as well for all the people our group has invited to come and that seeds would be planted in many people’s hearts.
Several of our youth are struggling spiritually or going through some difficult times in their family or their family is struggling because of the economic crisis. Please, pray with us for them, that they would turn to the only place that offers true peace, comfort and direction.
Thank you so much for your partnership with us in spreading His good news!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Update on Enrique and Lesson in Getting "Dirty"
Thank you so much for praying for Enrique. After several days in the hospital and shortly after taking some medicine prescribed by a specialist to help with breaking up the kidney stones, he felt much better and has had no problems since. He even attended cell group with his family the evening after being released from the hospital. Both he and his wife gave beautiful testimonies of how they sensed God's presence with them througout and the prayers of many. They also shared that his boss was not going to penalize him for missing work because of how hard a worker he is. With the economy the way it is here, this is a huge blessing for him and his family. We do feel very blessed to have Magy and Enrique as part of our cell group and church family. I am posting a picture from a recent visit with them at their home of our kids with their two daughters, Elisa & Karla.
There is a gentleman who has been attending our cell group fairly consistently for a couple of months. Apparently, he had attended a Bible study in the home where we meet for cell group several years ago. Unfortunately, "J" struggles with alcohol. He has attended AA here, he has made a profession of faith and knows much of the Bible. We were saddened when he did not show up to cell group for a few weeks in a row and heard that he had once again started drinking. He showed up last Friday and even brought a friend with him, "G". They had obviously been drinking and part of me at first felt frustrated that they had come in such a state but then I remembered Jesus' life. I am sure he had drunken people come to him many times and He always saw beyond the surface to the heart. In that moment, the Lord really spoke to my heart about judging and grace. If it weren't for His incredible grace poured out in my own life, I could be there too because at one time, I was just as lost. So, instead of spending time thinking about how they should not be there in such a state, I prayed. I prayed that the Bible study would penetrate through the effects of the alcohol. I prayed that His Word would take root in the soil of their hearts. I prayed that they would choose Christ over drinking. I prayed that we would always extend compassion and encouragement to follow Christ without condemnation and judgement.
One of the things I have loved most about the new "adventure" we have undertaken with the cell groups is that we are getting out of the four walls of the church property, the comfort zones of our own homes and the homes of "church folks". Sometimes we are confronted with the not so pretty aspects of life and that is ok because I am convinced that this is exactly what makes Jesus smile...He was not afraid to get a little "dirty" so why should we? Thank you Jesus for this amazing opportunity we have to get a little dirty so we can share the water of life with those who thirst.
The story is not over yet...On Tuesday, when we met as a core group for planning and prayer, guess who came by? While we were praying, we heard someone shout outside the gate, "Felipe!" It was actually interesting to see different people's reactions. Some implied that Phil should just ignore him because he had probably been drinking. Phil chose not to ignore J and G. When he went out to talk to them, J was asking for money to buy food. Since Phil was pretty sure that this was not really what he wanted the money for, he offered to take them to a nearby store and buy some food. As they walked, G began to ask questions about our faith and actually asked about J (who at the time was drunkenly talking about the Bible and singing hymns). He asked Phil why J drank like that if he was a Christian. Very good question and a good reminder to live what you speak. Phil was able to share that we cannot look at people since we all have the flesh in us that is drawn to sin but that we must always look at Jesus as our example. He told Phil he was planning on coming back again to our cell group on Friday. Please, pray that G will return, with or without J, and that he will continue to hunger for truth. While Phil was talking with G, J happened to disappear and then reappear with a sack containing bottles of beer. While this saddens us deeply, we also know that Jesus can give J victory and ask that you pray with us that J will choose the path of victory over his addiction.
We are convinced that the story is still not over....
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Some Meandering Thoughts on Life Here & Prayer Request
When we started this blog, I honestly thought that I would be posting at least weekly. Unfortunately, the reality of our busy schedule has made that difficult. I envisioned sharing cute stories about the kids, ministry news and other interesting experiences in our lives here in the southern Baja of Mexico. (In fact, I sometimes feel guilty for not posting more often.)
It has started to really warm up here and I must admit, this mom is no fan of the heat like my husband is. Today, when I walked into my kitchen to start getting our lunch ready, it was absolutely stifling and knowing this is just the beginning can be a pretty depressing thought to say the least. My wonderful husband did get me a new blender for Mother's Day so I can at least make fruit smoothies and frapacinos to help us get through the heat a little more comfortably. Doing school in the heat can also be challenging at times, but with a little grace and lots of patience with each other, we are doing it. I love to home school and the flexibilty really helps so much as missionaries but I do find myself envying those who have 3 months off from school right now. The up side is that my kids won't have much time off so they won't forget as much (at least that is my hope) and having a routine (as much as possible down here) really does help every one. We are all much happier and do so much better.
Something really cool has happened for our family esecially for our daughter, Abby. (I shared this in our most recent prayer letter...if you want to see the letter, follow the link to the left and select the Sping 2009 letter) Magy and her oldest daughter, Elisa, just "happened" to come by our church on the Sun. evening last month when we were celebrating Mother's Day. We do not normally have meetings at the church on Sunday evenings so we know this was not just a coincidence. Her family had moved here from Mex. City a while ago and they were trying to find a church that also had meetings in the evenings since her husband, Enrique, often has to work Sunday mornings. After talking some more, we discovered that Magy is home schooling their oldest daughter who also happens to be close in age to Abby. Their family has been faithfully attending our cell group as well as church services and Elisa and Abby have become good friends. In fact, we had been praying for more girl friends for Abby, especially in our cell group as she is surrounded my boys. Last week, Magy and Elisa also shared with us that they had been praying too. Elisa had been praying for another little girl like her who is home schooled. (Home schooling is not very popular here and this is the first Mexican family we have met here who home schools.) Enrique and Magy are having a difficult time right now and we would appreciate your prayers. On Thurs. Enrique began experiencing severe abdominal and back pain. After going to the ER in the middle of the night, he was sent home with pain meds to control the pain for suspected kidney stones. Yesterday morning, they called us around 5:30 to ask for a ride back to the ER because the pain had worsened in spite of the pain meds. After an entire day of waiting on lab results, it was confirmed last night that he has kidney stones in both kidneys. They are still waiting today to hear from a specialist regarding what course of treatment they can provide, if any, beyond pain meds. Please pray for strength and energy for Magy since someone has to stay with Enrique at the hospital all the time to care for his needs. (The socialized health care system here does not provide for full nursing care in the hospital.) Please also pray for special grace on behalf of Enrique's employers. With the economy the way it is here, many are losing their jobs. Missing work, even for a medical emergency, could cost him his job.
It has started to really warm up here and I must admit, this mom is no fan of the heat like my husband is. Today, when I walked into my kitchen to start getting our lunch ready, it was absolutely stifling and knowing this is just the beginning can be a pretty depressing thought to say the least. My wonderful husband did get me a new blender for Mother's Day so I can at least make fruit smoothies and frapacinos to help us get through the heat a little more comfortably. Doing school in the heat can also be challenging at times, but with a little grace and lots of patience with each other, we are doing it. I love to home school and the flexibilty really helps so much as missionaries but I do find myself envying those who have 3 months off from school right now. The up side is that my kids won't have much time off so they won't forget as much (at least that is my hope) and having a routine (as much as possible down here) really does help every one. We are all much happier and do so much better.
Something really cool has happened for our family esecially for our daughter, Abby. (I shared this in our most recent prayer letter...if you want to see the letter, follow the link to the left and select the Sping 2009 letter) Magy and her oldest daughter, Elisa, just "happened" to come by our church on the Sun. evening last month when we were celebrating Mother's Day. We do not normally have meetings at the church on Sunday evenings so we know this was not just a coincidence. Her family had moved here from Mex. City a while ago and they were trying to find a church that also had meetings in the evenings since her husband, Enrique, often has to work Sunday mornings. After talking some more, we discovered that Magy is home schooling their oldest daughter who also happens to be close in age to Abby. Their family has been faithfully attending our cell group as well as church services and Elisa and Abby have become good friends. In fact, we had been praying for more girl friends for Abby, especially in our cell group as she is surrounded my boys. Last week, Magy and Elisa also shared with us that they had been praying too. Elisa had been praying for another little girl like her who is home schooled. (Home schooling is not very popular here and this is the first Mexican family we have met here who home schools.) Enrique and Magy are having a difficult time right now and we would appreciate your prayers. On Thurs. Enrique began experiencing severe abdominal and back pain. After going to the ER in the middle of the night, he was sent home with pain meds to control the pain for suspected kidney stones. Yesterday morning, they called us around 5:30 to ask for a ride back to the ER because the pain had worsened in spite of the pain meds. After an entire day of waiting on lab results, it was confirmed last night that he has kidney stones in both kidneys. They are still waiting today to hear from a specialist regarding what course of treatment they can provide, if any, beyond pain meds. Please pray for strength and energy for Magy since someone has to stay with Enrique at the hospital all the time to care for his needs. (The socialized health care system here does not provide for full nursing care in the hospital.) Please also pray for special grace on behalf of Enrique's employers. With the economy the way it is here, many are losing their jobs. Missing work, even for a medical emergency, could cost him his job.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Bits from the Baja E-mail Update: June 2, 2009
The end of April and May were very eventful to say the least! We had a great turnout for the Children’s day Mini-Olympics event. On the heels of this came the influenza scare. Thankfully, there have not been any cases reported here in our area. As you already know, the economic crisis was taking a toll on many but with the influenza scare, the situation has worsened considerably with many more losing their jobs because of the further decline in tourism and halting of many construction projects. Please, pray for the Church to be a light amidst the financial crisis and for us to learn to depend more fully on Him as a result.
We had a few firsts this past month that we are excited about…On Sunday, May 24th we had almost 200 people attend. We also had our second baptism in the space of about a month- another incredible first! Lives are being changed and people are choosing to follow Christ and it is exciting to play a small part in it. Please, rejoice with us over these two couples who have committed to following Christ: Abel & Wendy and Yudith & Pedro. We also had our first division of cell groups, birthing two new cell groups. We are looking forward to having two more additional ones be birthed in a few months.
Keep an eye out for the Spring edition of our newsletter, “Eager Steps” which will be coming out soon, including more pictures. Thank you for your faithful prayers, encouragement and support. We pray you are able to rejoice with us in all the Lord is doing here in the Baja of Mexico!
By His Grace,
The Eager Family
We had a few firsts this past month that we are excited about…On Sunday, May 24th we had almost 200 people attend. We also had our second baptism in the space of about a month- another incredible first! Lives are being changed and people are choosing to follow Christ and it is exciting to play a small part in it. Please, rejoice with us over these two couples who have committed to following Christ: Abel & Wendy and Yudith & Pedro. We also had our first division of cell groups, birthing two new cell groups. We are looking forward to having two more additional ones be birthed in a few months.
Keep an eye out for the Spring edition of our newsletter, “Eager Steps” which will be coming out soon, including more pictures. Thank you for your faithful prayers, encouragement and support. We pray you are able to rejoice with us in all the Lord is doing here in the Baja of Mexico!
By His Grace,
The Eager Family
I am having a hard time editing and arranging the photos and am too tired to figure it out right now-sorry.
Top Left: Entire group with church leadership at the baptism
Top Right: Phil congradulating Abel
Bottom Left: Phil had the blessing of assisting for the first time
Middle Right: Kids lining up to receive their medals after the competion
Bottom Right: One of the games during the mini-olympics
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