June 2011 Update

Pardon the delay in an update! It's been a busy few months and we are eager to tell you all that's been going on here in the Pacific Northwest with our ministry and family....

Not long after we sent out our last update in February, Jose received the inevitable news that his mother had passed on to be with her Savior. Jose was able to fly out the very same day that he received the news, and was there in time for the last funeral service and the burial. He spent two more days with his family, including a very meaningful conversation with some of his brothers and his father. Praise the Lord for that opportunity! God also provided every penny of the $2000 or so that was needed to spend on airfare and funeral expenses...we are so humbled and grateful! Thanks so much to those dear brothers and sisters that God used to bless us in that way.Jose with his mother last August, before her health took a turn for the worse...

When it rains it pours...

It just so happened that the same week of this great loss to the family was also moving week for us. The apartment was half-packed, and the new house was in the middle of a few important pre-move projects that were to be completed that week. Our time was up - we had to move that very weekend. All it took was a feeble S.O.S. email to our pastors and suddenly our family was descended upon by many loving hands. Boxes were packed, a moving truck was rented, the new house was painted, cleaned, even some yard work done, and meals provided...all in Jose's absence. My throat still gets choked up and tears still come to my eyes each time I think of it. Indeed, when it rains...it pours...but with showers of blessing! Thank you so much to all those who poured blessings on us that week - wow.

Since the move we have been so thankful for every moment in our new home. On those rare sunny days, the children tumble outside, soaking up the pleasures of running barefoot in the grass (albeit soggy) and collecting roly-poly bugs in the dirt. What a joy it is to have the use of a garage, a yard, curbside trash service...the list goes on and on. Not to mention extending the blessing of our home to our beloved family of Spanish speakers. Several times we have experienced the joy of hosting dinners, times of meaningful fellowship, and even a couple late-night conversations with some who are struggling.
Some of the women now attending the group...

Thanks to God's gracious hand at work, the ministry with Spanish speakers has been growing by leaps and bounds. We now have over 40 adults in regular attendance on Sundays, more than 20 children attending EBC Sunday School classes in English, and a consistent group for Friday Bible study. And what a joy, what a blessing - many who have come bring willing hands and a servant's heart. Jose is no longer leading worship on his own with our sweet helper Jenna - they have been joined by a bonafide worship team, complete with a band, singers, and a committed worship leader! Our new worship leader, Abi, is a graduate of a Bible seminary in Guatemala, and we are excited about his participation and assistance in the ministry. Jose and Trevor, the leader of the Spanish Ministry leadership team, have begun a men's discipleship group, which will be meeting once or twice a month to pray together. Please pray for this group, that God would raise up godly leaders in these men, who will in turn bring up more disciples for Christ. We are so enjoying getting to know these precious people that God has brought to this group, and we pray daily for wisdom in pointing them to be more like Christ.
Easter breakfast potluck...

Our gorgeous babies in their Easter Sunday best...

Our new Guatemalan worship leader and his family...Monthly fellowship dinners have been moved to the church due to the size of the group. The last two dinners, almost every member has come - enjoying an evening of food and fun. Friendships are being formed between families as we sit and talk with each other, and as we play silly games that make us laugh so hard our sides hurt. When a new baby was born, many provided meals for the little family. When one new member was hospitalized and subjected to sudden surgery, others in the group rallied around her to take care of her needs. What a beautiful thing to witness and be part of! We praise the Lord for the care and the unity so far in this group...please pray for continued unity and growth.

Now summer is coming (slowly but surely!) and as we anticipate (please, Lord?!) some sunny days, we will be picking back up the Sunday outings to the park. Our purpose is to cultivate and encourage the family of believers, and draw in other Spanish speakers that may be at the park that day. We are facing some big changes as we grow - beginning June 19th, we will be teaching our own Sunday School in Spanish for school-age children! Please pray as we prepare teachers, choose curriculum, and lead these little kiddos to be more like Christ. We are also looking at the probability of moving our Sunday worship meeting time to 1 p.m., as we will soon be outgrowing the upstairs youth room that we have been using and will need to move to the sanctuary. This adjustment may be challenging, and we ask your prayers as we talk and plan!

Rebekah and Isabella on Awana graduation night...Rebekah finished all 3 books in Sparks and Isabella has one more to go!

This month brings with it Jose's final trip to Salem to teach Bible classes, as well as the last soccer games that he will ref (at least for this season!). And of course the last weeks of school for this year (hallelujah!). Please pray for our family as we struggle for lack of time together - pray that we will be able to recuperate from the past few months of added stress and look to Christ to figure out how to balance work, ministry, and family. We haven't figured it out yet, so if you have any ideas, please pass them on!

Our financial situation remains unchanged - Jose still has his two main sources of employment (for which we are truly thankful, especially given this economy) and Ruth continues to work part time. One of Jose's places of employment has even been struggling to pay their employees - we pray that God will build them up and bring in more sources of income for that institution. You may refer to the charts in February's post to see where we are at as a family. Meanwhile, the offerings that are provided through N.I.C.E. enable us the freedom to give to the Spanish ministry in various ways - and what a joy that is! Recently Jose purchased an upgrade to his Logos software program in order to pull from even more resources for studying, teaching, and discipling...thank you so much to those who are giving! Please pray for the remaining amount that would enable Jose to work part-time instead of over-time.
God bless each of you as you serve Him where you are!