Furlough

During the six weeks of furlough time Howard met with the church mission boards of our supporting churches. We are happy to report that they continue to be on board with our ministry in prayer and finances. We are ever so grateful for their continued faithful support. During these tuff economical times several supporters felt it necessary to cut their financial giving to our ministry at the beginning of this year. So we have been seeking the Lord as to how to make up the dollars. We were ecstatic when one of our churches doubled their support in order to help. Our budget may still be short but the message spoke volumes to us in the sense that God is able to do above and beyond all we can think or imagine!

As far as the three stranded cord letters we sent asking supporters to share the ministry with others, we have received one new supporter thus far. We also have received additional support from some who already are regular supporters. We understand that the bad economic times make it hard for everyone, and sharing a ministry in need of support is a difficult thing to ask at this time. (Believe me we live it) I would like to express our gratitude for those of you who have taken that step on our behalf. Even though we may not see allot of fruit from it at this time, we believe God will honor your obedience. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We continue to wait on God to show us how He will continue to raise the finances for the ministry this field term. Thank you for your prayers they are vital to our survival.

We had the wonderful opportunity to have two picnics for our past and present supporters during furlough. And we were so happy to share a meal with those of you who were able to attend. We had lots of good food, and just plain old interaction with one another. I only wish the picnic could have been a three day retreat so we all could have had more time to share with one another. We say a great big “Thank You” to our A-team for all their work to help make our picnics a success. The bond we hold with our A-team members is very special to us. We pray for each of them to receive all the good and perfect gifts which are ordained for them personally from their Daddy God.

North Dunedin Baptist Church Mission Team

When our furlough time was finished we headed home to host a mission group of twelve from Florida. We congratulated them for how they let the light of Jesus shine through them. They truly showed the love of Christ to the children of Carnegie. The group assisted our Children’s Director from Cedar Creek with Vacation Bible School. Most of the group seemed a bit nervous about working with children (not their area of expertise) but there was no need for their concern, they were awesome. The Bible school went great, it was once again wonderful to see a mission team working along side of the volunteers at Cedar Creek. Each day the number of kids in attendance grew and you could see the relationships the team were building with the kids and the Cedar Creek folks. Pastor Alan & some helpers set up Another goal The team also took time to visit the nursing home and gave a The Group plus Tyler gift to each of the people there. The church was so encouraged by the mission team that they honored the leader/church with a blanket and the team members with a Cedar Creek T-shirt during a special service for the team the morning they left. The youth leader desired to do something for the team for all they had done. He felt the Lord asking him to wash the feet of those who came to serve. It was a very intimate and meaningful time for all those involved. God has knit our heart together with the folks from Florida.

Reflection

Howard and I are always a little nervous about bringing in “new” mission teams. Those who we don’t know the church leader, or have a relationship with anyone on the team. There is always the concern that people with good intentions will come and bring offence to the Native people here. But we stand in awe of the wonderful, God fearing men and women of God that we have had the honor of hosting here in Oklahoma. We are so appreciative of not only playing a part in the churches here receiving a blessing, but also we always are especially excited to see God work in special ways in the hearts of those who come to minister. To put it in the words of the founder of Youth With a Mission, “Ruined for the ordinary”

A Rainy Day Game for the little ones

Worship Time!