February Update

Hello all:

February was a change for us. It was mostly good with some minor disappointments, but a reminder  and understanding that God is still in control.

Benny Baker, our executive director, and his wife Donna, returned after being out about 6 weeks for surgery. It is good to have them back as our work load has been lightened. Thank God for his successful procedure and healthy return.

Our trip to Managua for a couple days of R&R before a very busy March was welcomed and included what we hoped would be our final trip to the immigration authorities. Turns out they enjoy our company so much they would like for us to return again on 14 March. This was disappointing, but we see it as minor. Maybe next time...

Sheila and I have been looking for a house to rent as we prepare for what is next here for us. While the convenience of the mission apartment is great, we need to be looking ahead. We would love to have some things we are missing by living in the mission apartment: fresh air, some neighbors, windows that look outside instead of to hallways and other offices, less bus honking, a garden so Sheila can grow cilantro, to name a few. There are good options, but they come and go quickly so being ready with the right timing to pull the trigger is everything.This is an area where we have seen some additional minor disappointments, but we know it has been for the best. The search continues. We are hoping to rent our home in Georgetown soon in a way that covers our costs a little better. 

Our house in Georgetown has had several issues which have hit our savings account fairly hard. We were fortunate to have enough savings to address the issue. The work is almost done. We are down to needing to re-insulate the attic. 

We were treated by a group of wonderful people, based out of Center, Texas to a few days at the beach in Montelimar, south of Managua. Not only was the time relaxing and rewarding, but the bonding of friendships was even more valuable. These folks were here almost two weeks and are a great reminder that work ethic is everything - something that we all need reminding of frequently.

We are blessed to have so many supporters who believe in what we are doing here. We are grateful to have you first and foremost as prayer warriors who have directed prayers to our Master, who in return has blessed us exceedingly. Secondly, we have been provided for financially. Although there are times when finances are tight, we still are taken care of and still have so very much more than those around us. Thank you for all you do. We can't say this more sincerely.

The young preacher in the Apanas community, Juan Carlos, with whom I have been helping in the development of a children's program, has registered 185 children for Sunday school. Talk about blessings! This is requiring a complete shift in how we have been doing things in the development and direction of the program. REALLY seeking God's continued guidance in this! 

This month's themes for your concert of prayers:

• Completion of the immigration process and receipt of our Nicaraguan ID's on 14 March
• Completion of the application step in the adoption process 
• Sale of the truck in Georgetown to replenish savings account
• Successful rental of the Georgetown house after the work is completed
• Success of finding a house to call home outside of the mission
• Effective work this month with the 100+/- guests coming to serve along side us
• Continued blessings as we evaluate and re-evaluate each project and process of the work being done by Mision Para Cristo
• Effective teaching of the importance of transparency and honesty among work and workers of Mision Para Cristo
• Juan Carlos and I as we work with the children of the Apanas community