September Newsletter '07

Greetings,

September was a good month, but boy what a busy month. It was so packed that I’m having to send this updated prayerletter a few days late. Below you’ll find one of the many events this past month held and some updates and goals we have in our vision of ministry in the Caribbean.

Plano Hot Air Balloon Festival

Emily had to talk me into it, but this month we packed up and headed over to the Plano Balloon Festival. Now I should explain that this is a hot-air balloon festival, not simply balloons of any size. Really, the Balloon Festival is a lot of fun, I have to admit that Texans really enjoy these large scale events and there’s an atmosphere about them that is exciting (no doubt you’ll be reading about the Texas State Fair in our next prayerletter).

If you’d like to see some of the pictures of the hot air balloons check out the longer article HERE.

Comprehensive Ministry

With every day that passes we’re getting closer to our deployment to full time mission work. This is very motivating for me to think through all the factors that influence our ministry. One in particular is our long term vision. When I tell people about the ministry in the Caribbean, I explain that there is a Christian presence, but there is little in substance towards authentic Christianity (by this I mean that people can often “talk the talk”, but not “walk the walk”… perhaps much like America).

With CMA our answer to this problem is, in part, training and equipping local pastors and enabling them to more effectively teach and shepherd their congregations. Ultimately, change and spiritual growth are fostered through relationships, and it is this dynamic of discipleship and training that we hope to deliver on each of the islands throughout the Caribbean. Imagine what the Christian church could look like if pastors had adequate resources and theological training. Our hope is that the Lord would be helpful to us in that goal, that we might be helpful to the island’s ecclesiological leaders, that they might be helpful to the Church as a whole.

You can learn more about CMA at www.missioncma.com

Update
We are getting closer to begin raising support and beginning to ask for commitments from those who have been following our journey towards missions. There is an enormity of work to be done, and a limited amount of time. Emily is rolling on through her 1st trimester, it’s been a little bumpy, she has felt sick and tired quite a bit – but from what I’ve heard that can be a good indication of a healthy baby. School and work are going well for both of us, but managing the time is a constant challenge. I would also like to say a genuine “thank you” to those of you who write us back from these little updates; your comments, thoughts, prayers, and interest in our lives is truly a blessing and encouragement.

Prayers and Praises
Praise that Emily is still healthy well into her kindergarten school year.
Praise such wonderful relationships we’ve made at our church – to see the church as the people is such a blessing
Praise for paying off more financial debt as we seek to enter the mission field debt-free.

Pray for the work of the ministry on the islands, pray for the hearts of the people – that they might be receptive and prepared for the Lord’s harvest
Pray for us as we seek to manage our time and talents in this final year of preparation
Please pray that the Lord would continue to show Himself faithful in meeting our needs as they arise.
Check out our answered prayer requests here: CLICK HERE.

Thank you for keeping up with us and our progress in ministry. We so value your prayers and support, and we would ask you to take a moment and pray for our journey and how you can play a part. To find out more CLICK HERE.