Summer Traveling

Shalom amigos!

We are currently on the last stretch of our trip as we write this first part of our July update.

It was refreshing to see several of our friends/supporters/family in Christ (in Arizona and California) and fellowship with them! We are so blessed to be part of a growing family in Christ in Guasave and also stay connected to the family of Christ we know in the States and abroad. What a treasure you all are!! I am grateful for the excitement we find in traveling, because it helps with the expenditure of traveling with young ones and the fatigue that naturally begins to set in and the vulnerability of traveling as foreigners. Last night after some rain and a beautiful light show (God’s fireworks display of lightning across the night sky) we got pulled over by the Mexican police for speeding. The long highway goes through towns which at times have speed limits of 25 mph. Unfortunately, the signs are not well posted (we didn’t see any), and the majority of cars on the road don’t go that slow so we went with the flow of traffic. We followed the police to their station and found out they required 2000 pesos and that was actually half off. It felt wrong, but we held our peace, pulled out the money and went our way. From previous experiences, we know when we still have a long way before us, it’s best not to argue with them unless absolutely necessary. We experienced the power of God’s peace to keep us calm and carry on. I don’t know how that phrase of “keep calm and carry on” can be performed genuinely without knowing Christ. But how fortunate that we have such power to access and activate through Christ.  

Psalm 84 comes to mind through these experiences.

4) How happy are those who reside in your house,

who praise you continually. Selah

5) Happy are the people whose strength is in you,

whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.

6) As they pass through the Valley of Baca,

they make it a source of spring water;

even the autumn rain will cover it with blessings.

7) They go from strength to strength;

each appears before God in Zion.

These road trips definitely reinforce that awareness that we are travelers passing by. No matter how we feel; excited at where we are in the journey or in great need of His mercy, He faithfully sustains and strengthens to meet each task and requirement set before us. And even though our kids still prefer they were living in the U.S., and their acquisition of the Spanish language is slower than we anticipated, we see the good that God is doing in their lives and the benefit of experiencing what life is like in both countries.

We are grateful for the opportunities we had to share God's word during our trip. This time in Arizona we shared at a Bible study, what we are doing, and dinner with some college students who were quite engaged in what we said. Ryan also had the opportunity to share at a home bible study and a couple of men's fellowship gatherings in California. It's such a blessing to be given these opporunities on both sides of the border!

The crew back in Guasave did great in our absence! Daniel, Kevin, and Hector have taken turns as they teach through the book of Titus together. The teaching has made impact on the congregation, and each week new people are coming in, and they continue with discipleship. Thank you so much for your prayers!

This month of July, we are looking forward to hosting a youth group from Merida, Yucatan - the church that Daniel was part of being coming to help us here in Guasave. We appreciate your prayers as we seek to make the most their availability to come and give us a hand with the outreach opportunities that we have here. May the Lord cause much fruit to abound from their mission trip to Guasave!

Last but not least, we want to thank each one of you who have partnered with us through prayer and financial support in the work we do here in Guasave. We are so grateful to God for how He has put it on your heart to join, encourage, and support us, AND believe Him that He will fulfill His Word! May He strengthen each of you, and in those dire moments of need and discouragement, may He be the lifter of your head, your defence, your shalom peace! May He provide, not just your financial needs, but the wisdom and words for every battle, and strength for the toils and daily burdens, with true rest for your souls.

Brothers and sisters- until the Lord returns or takes us home, may our connection, our friendship, and communication be about growing God's kingdom; encouraging one another in Christ and edifying our most precious faith! Grace and peace be multiplied to you!