October 2023 Newsletter

 

Being an Encourager We were able to worship in four congregations this past month.  During those services David preached three times.  In addition he made some weekday visits with pastors.  He spends a lot of time on the phone each month calling and texting pastors to check on them and encourage them.  This is not only the pastors in our local area but also our contacts in the Chiquimula area as well as several U.S. pastors.  We have always enjoyed the role of encouraging others who are serving in ministry.  This encouragement role is a large part of our current assignment with the IMB. We have six teams that we supervise.  These teams consist of twelve full time families, three single short term females, and one semester volunteer. We work closely with the team leaders and have at least one monthly video call with them.  All of them do Indigenous work in Guatemala and Mexico.  Much of our time these days is spent doing administrative type duties.  It is definitely a different role for us but is one we are learning to embrace and enjoy.

Sharing the Gospel David preaching at a Sunday morning service at the Baptist church in San Rafael. Another Step Closer to Guatemala The English family finished their time in training mid-September.  They will be flying to Mexico today to begin their year long time of language and cultural learning.  Pray for them as they travel and get settled in.  Pray that they would adjust quickly to life and language and that they would thrive in all aspects of life.  Pray especially for the adjustment of their three precious girls.  We cannot wait to have this family in Guatemala next year serving with us. Traveling This month we will be making a visit to Quetzaltenango to see our local IMB mission team. We will also be traveling to attend a Homeschool Conference with the mission board.  This is one of my favorite conferences to attend! It is a time of learning, networking, and training for the homeschool moms serving in the Americas. The boys will be taking achievement tests, participating in a Science fair, and more fun-filled educational activities.  David will be making a trip to Chiquimula to attend the graduation service for some of our Nearar folks who have been taking Bible classes.  We are proud of them for completing the courses and thankful for the opportunity they were given to study.  Pray for each of these that they would use the knowledge they have gained to share with others and lead them to the Lord. Our family celebrating Guatemala's Independence Day mid-September. Thank you for praying for us!