March Newsletter '13

Greetings,

As always, Emily's favorite month was a good one. We've had a lot of good interaction with the students this month in both the high school and the Bible college. Then there is the reason why February is Emily's favorite month - Valentine's Day and her birthday!

______________

The Responsibility of a Missionary

It has been an unexpected blessing to serve as the substitute boys dorm parent over the past two months. Last month's unfortunate accident meant that I got to be the one to wake the boys up in the morning and tuck them in at night. When they had problems they came to me and I was able to guide and instruct their behavior down to their living quarters and interaction with one another. What I found is that they are children full of potential, but struggling for a place in this world, desiring love and respect, but finding the world too satisfying. The challenge has been a blessing as I've seen them grow through some trials and I've been given the opportunity to speak into their lives with wisdom and patience. Keep praying for the young people of this nation and generation.

I have also seen another aspect of growth and development through our Bible College classes. Here the students actually WANT to be in school and WANT to learn. We are have such an enjoyable time working through God's Word and the principles and concepts that can help to serve and grow their local church. Our program requires homework from the students and many of their assignments have shown intellectual stretching. They are moving towards practical implementation for their own lives and congregations from constant use within the curriculum. Please keep them in your prayers too as it is a sacrifice and challenge to be diligent in learning and investing your life in ministry. Two of our students in particular are representing brand-new churches and their work in our Bible College is playing directly into their role in leading these young congregations - keep them in your paryers.

Click HERE for my article on life with the boys
Click HERE for the update on Windermere Bible College

______________

Emily's Birthday and Valentine's Day

Emily had what she calls the best birthday ever. Maybe it was because we got to leave the island for a weekend. Maybe it was because she got a Mocha Frappuccino ever day. Maybe it was because she got to spend every day at one of her favorite places on earth. But I think the real reason it was her best birthday ever was because Micah decided to ask Jesus into his heart!

We had the best time at Atlantis, and it was so nice to have a break and a family vacation. The last 3 times we've traveled anywhere we've never gone anywhere as a whole family, so it was nice to getaway together.

And then of course February was wonderful for Emily because of Valentine's Day. We attended a couples retreat at the Training Center hosted by our good friends Wade and Tammy Weinburger. They did a great job highlighting the need for husbands to be committed to their wives and wives to their husbands. A mini-conference like this is rare to find on Eleuthera and we're proud of our friends for their diligent initiative and follow-through to make it a success.

Click HERE for more pictures from Emily's Birthday trip
Click HERE for pictures from the Valentine's Day Retreat

______________

Update

March is moving right along, and we have started it off with a rush as we've just completed our annual Windermere Fair Day in Governor's Harbor. And the 1 weekend, the only dates on the calendar for the Fair Day, just happened to be the ONLY days when the temperature was in the 50's. We understand that for much of the world, 50's this time of year would be beautiful, but for where we live, 50's are freezing cold. Very few people came out to the Fair, and we've just decided to host it again in May.

Micah is doing great at school. They just had their sports day events with running, jumping and throwing, and Micah came in 2nd in running and 4th in throwing, which isn't too bad considering all the competition. As we mentioned above he has decided to become a Christian and the story of his conversion is very heart-warming. Although the depth of a child's faith is somewhat shallow, I believe the Lord recognizes their response to His prodding and He gives them a "mustard-seed" of faith to see their need for Him. Micah understands this and this past Sunday he stood before the entire church congregation and announced that he had asked Jesus into his heart. We are very proud and want to ask you to keep him in your prayers as he learns what a Christ follower is.

______________

Prayers and Praises

Praise for Micah's response of faith to the Gospel and his desire to be called one who belongs to God
Praise for a restful weekend in Nassau and Emily's birthday
Praise for the opportunity to work closely with our boys in the dorm

Pray for Micah and his learning to listen to the Spirit and grow as a newborn Christian
Pray for the school: for the children and their struggles, for the Fair and our future plans, and for the Bible College and that our students can keep up with the workload
Pray for all the plans in March and preparation for the summer team season, next prayer letter will see the members of Our Saviour's on campus with us ready to serve!

______________

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers and your involvement in our ministry with God's mission. To find out more about support CLICK HERE.

- Ryan Emily and Micah