Will you go?

"Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.'" Matthew 9:36 - 38

God has been doing an amazing work in our lives in the short time we have been in training. He has put a great burden on our hearts for the people of Mexico who are lost and dying without the saving power of Jesus Christ.

We have several prayer requests for this week. First, there are several dates that need filling in 2009 for mission teams to come to Mexico. Pray that God would send groups to fill these slots. Also, please pray for the people in all the MAC region that they will have open hearts towards hearing the gospel. Specifically, pray for REVIVAL in Mexico City. Imagine what could happen if a city with 28 million people in the center of the Americas came to Jesus. Also, pray for God to call out others to share the gospel with the people in this region.

If you are interested in knowing more about Operation Go in the MAC region check out the OP GO blog at: http://macopgo.blogspot.com/

Are you one of the ones God is calling? Will you go?

He will teach us....

"Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." Exodus 4:11-13

Yesterday we arrived at our home for the next two months - the International Learning Center. We will be spending the next 8 weeks in intensive study before we leave for language school in Costa Rica. The staff at the center will teach us everything from the correct way to study language to theology. It will be a difficult time - trying to take it all in. However, it will also be a wonderful time as we have many opportunities for continuous growth in the Lord.

The learning center is set in a beautiful area and the people here have been very friendly. Please pray for us as we begin our training. Pray that our hearts and minds would be open to what we are being taught. Also, please continue to pray for the people in the Middle America and Carribean region that their minds and hearts would be open to the gospel message.

Update on our truck: It was found in Atlanta stripped of its engine and steering column. Please continue to pray as we wait for information from our insurance company.

" I will praise you in this storm..."

"He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him." Luke 8:25

"If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:10 - 11

There are many times when I have passed through storms in my life and truthfully considered giving up and running to the nearest ice cream parlor to drown myself in self pity and mint chocolate chip. Times when peace does not pass all understanding in my soul and the last thing I want to do is praise the Lord for his blessings. For instance, last Sunday night, we returned from a wonderful vacation only to discover our vehicle had been stolen while we were away - and along with it many of Travis' tools and purchases we had made in Atlanta. My heart broke when we pulled into the parking lot and an empty space was left where our car had once stood. I did not long to praise the Lord. In fact, I shamefully admit that I didn't even stop to ask Him for help but rather continued drowning myself in self pity for a few hours until some loving words from my husband - whose faith never waivered - set me straight.

Please pray for us as we deal with this situation - it is frustrating. Yet, we know that God works all things out to his glory. We do not know why our truck and belongings were stolen. However, we do know that God is faithful as he has proved himself time and time again. Pray that the Lord's will be done in this situation and that our attitudes and our hearts are reflectant of those who love Him and are called according to his purpose.

One of my favorite songs is by a group called "Casting Crowns." You may be dealing with a much bigger storm in your life. I encourage you to listen to this song and to know that our Father in Heaven has a plan and that we can praise Him even in the storms. Here are the words to the chorus: "And I'll praise you in this storm and I will lift my hands for You are who You are no matter where I am and every tear I've cried You hold in your hand You never left my side and though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm."

I will praise you in this storm...