God is Great! Year Two. Lasting Fruit.

Hola familia en Cristo!

God is great! He leads in ways we could not have known. This past month has been full of emotional ups and downs; not knowing what God is doing or where He is guiding; but trusting his leading hand all the way. It's been a refreshing time to meet with several of you these past couple weeks as we headed back to Southern California for a missions conference and variety of doctors and dentist appointments. We absolutely love the opportunities we have in Mexico to share the love of Christ with our neighbors. People seem to be intrigued with why we live there and the hope we have in the Lord. We do treasure every opportunity for fellowship with those with whom God has caused our paths cross. We love the multi-faceted family of God. While we greatly value the brothers, sisters, and churches God has given us through the years and the impact we have on each other's lives and ministry; there is also equal value in every new person and family in the process of making disciples as God has commanded us to do. This gives us tremendous joy, and we pray and trust that each new connection will have that assurance and joy which comes from being in the body of Christ. As John says, "that your joy may be complete." This past month before flying back we continued to meet with the two new believers in Palos Verdes and answer the questions they had for us. While we were getting our hair cut, Lucy was sharing with us the interest her husband was showing in becoming a Christian as well. It's been an amazing experience to see how God is working one day at a time! As we neared our departure to California this past month in August, Ryan attended a leadership conference there in Boca del Rio. After the series of meetings, conversations with pastors of various ministries, and much prayer, we have decided to continue serving in Sinaloa, Mexico independently through our non-profit organization called Narrow Road. We believe God has called us to this place, and yet realize that its not just a little village that God is giving us the opportunity to reach. As we prayerfully seek to move into the nearest city where we can continue to minister to the new disciples in Palos Verdes, we also look forward to establishing a bible study with the locals we've had the opportunity to talk to and offer a place to help them grow in the knowledge of God. Though living in the city was not part of our vision when we moved out one year ago, we definitely believe the Lord is guiding as we find much peace even though there are many details (such as where in the city we will actually live) that are still unknown. But, "thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place." (2 Corinthians 2:14) This past year of moving to village life in Mexico with our four young kids continues with new adventures awaiting us. Though we are physically tired from the traveling and commutes here in Southern California, all the fellowships we have with friends and sisters and brothers in Christ are rejuvinating our souls and strengthening us emotionally. Oh how blessed we are for all these friendships that energize our spirit because we share the same love and passion for Jesus! And we are grateful for the tests that God has allotted in our lives, because we see Hebrews 11:34 as a process that God is doing in our own lives: "out of weakness were made strong." And though feeling weak when strength is required is so difficult to face; there is a tangible assurance that God will deliver us whatever it may be. It's often not a "poof - it's all gone" sort of deliverance, but He leads us through the vulnerable circumstances. And I am amazed at His gentleness towards us through it. It's a character trait of God that continues to mesmerize me as I see the evidence in our lives over and over again. I believe Isaiah 40:11 will forever sum up our experience in having little ones to travel with and take care of: "He will feed His flock like a sheperd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young." There is no doubt that He is gently leading us through this season of life and ministry in Mexico and abroad. And we want to say from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your connection/ friendship/partnership with us in the gospel. Whether your partnership with us is through friendship, prayer giving, or financial support, or all three, we are immensely grateful! Our heart's desire is that we can share our lives with you in such way, that you are supported, encouraged, and motivated in whatever ministry/ies the Lord has placed you in to continue to trust the Lord with all your heart and bear lasting fruit that He is so worthy of! Until next time, shalom shalom! -Ryan and Esther Van Deusen