Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with THANKSGIVING, let your request be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6&7
The above verses have been one of my key scriptures for the past two months. As I shared in the last update, we began a new believer’s study with those that recently accepted Christ into their lives. It was super exciting at first, but we had to make sure we did not give up when some of them would cancel a study or not show up.
There are many unanswered questions when sharing Jesus with those that have made a profession of faith: Are they serious? Have they truly accepted Jesus into their hearts? Fortunately these are not for me to judge. I just need to be faithful in what God has called me to do—share His love and the gift of salvation He offers. One of the ladies we have been ministering to told us that she desires to be baptized based upon her new faith in Christ. It’s very exciting to see new believers reach this point of personal conviction and decision.
Seventh annual ladies retreat
In 2006 Denise Meyer and I first thought about a retreat for the ladies we were ministering with. We had never planned or organized anything like this before. We did not realize how many ladies would come from different areas in Belize. I know that God brought Anna Mensie to us at just the right time. She has been a great help in organizing this event through the years after our first retreat. Her past experience of retreat planning in the States provided the direction and support that we needed. To God be the Glory!
We praise God for the provision to have the ladies retreat this year in a camp where all the rooms had AC and the setting was very relaxing. We thank Debbie Douglas from California and Sarah Vincent, missionary in Mexico, for coming and blessing us with God’s Word. Many times speakers from the States worry about making sure the message they are about to give will be culturally friendly. One thing I see over and over again is that we all experience the same problems—maybe at different times—but we all need to hear what God’s Word has to say to us. We all need to forgive and love one another no matter how different God has created us.
Many have asked if I have had any little ones in my care since we came home from our trip north at the end of July. Truthfully, I did pray and ask God, if it were His will, to please not let the social worker call until the 7th of October. I desired the first month to get Cory back to school and to plan our 7th annual ladies retreat without little ones to care for. I had no intentions of turning down a little one in need. So, I had to chuckle when the social worker ended up calling on the 8th of October. The little one, however, was not ready with his supplies to come to us until the October 11th.
Treajone will be two years old at the beginning of November. Yes, he is a little small for his age. I do not know his family background so I do not know if his family is of small stature or if he has suffered malnutrition. He has adjusted well and is a joy to have around.
