Faith, Trust, Hope, Believe, Know....All these words truly have a definite impact on how we view life and it's many dramas we get thrown into on a daily basis.
At this moment in life when we have finally after 7 years "get it" regarding marriage and what loving someone in your life more than yourself means and how it can change the way you look at every detail in your life be it great or small....we find ourselves embarking a new test that will truly challenge how much we believe in the Sovereignty of Almighty God and His unerring direction for our future in Christ Jesus.
Monday, we will be visiting an Oncologist outside of the VA hospital. As most of you know the VA Urologist, Dr Sulup, in no uncertain terms, told me (karen) that there were no treatment options for Angel other than the hormone injections which are not a cure but merely a bandaid to help slow the cancer down. Without hormone injections he has maybe 2 years of life left, with hormone injections he could possibly live another 5-10 years but clearly stated nothing was guaranteed. To say the least for about a day I was in a state of shock that a doctor could so coldly share this information over the phone to a patient's spouse. His words were, "the horse is out of the barn and there are no options."
But I am so thankful we serve a big big God and regardless which way this goes our trust is in Him as our times are in His hands.
Last week I had the most wonderful time with my granddaughter Karynne ( if you go to myspace.com/oyola4hisglory you can see pictures or our time together). Karynne is another blessing from our Almighty Lord. After 6years of not being able to have contact with her, she is back in our lives and we are loving every minute of it.
Emotionally I(karen) am keeping strong. Waiting on the Oncologist's report. We have so many decisions pending. We are definitely going back to Peru in October and will be packing up the house, selling what we can to make travel easier and less costly. The only thing is will be heading to the desert of Piura or heading back to the USA for medical reasons regarding Angel. This is hard on both of us in that our heart is to serve our Lord and we love Peru. So we wait for direction from the Spirit of God.
We ask that you pray pray pray pray pray continually for us. Financially we will really be stretched this month in that after rent and expenses we will have less than 200.00 to live on. We so need not only the spiritual support but more than ever the financial support to make it thru these next few months and all the decisions to be made and carried thru.
If we return to the states we are asking our Lord to direct us as to where to live...my (karen's) desire is to be able to bring our pets with us...it will be painful to leave them behind especially in a country that does not care for animals as our pets are accostumed to being loved and cared for.
We will also need direction in employment as we both desire to stay involved in missions and the Great Commission. So we share this that you may be specific in your prayer covering. Know you are loved, appreciated and prayed for always.
In His most precious love
karen
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
July 16, 2008
I am at a loss for words...I ask that you please cover us in prayer during this trial....We know we are to return to the field but at the same time the cancer has returned to Angel's prostate. According to the doctor at the VA hospital there are no options.
We covet your prayer covering. Angel is much stronger than I. Please pray that I will keep focused and not let the enemy overtake my thoughts. May we be strengthened in our prayer life and faith and may our Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob receive all the glory, honor and praise.
Peace be unto you in Jesus' name.
We covet your prayer covering. Angel is much stronger than I. Please pray that I will keep focused and not let the enemy overtake my thoughts. May we be strengthened in our prayer life and faith and may our Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob receive all the glory, honor and praise.
Peace be unto you in Jesus' name.
Monday, June 30, 2008
June 30, 2008
I cannot believe tomorrow is July already! I'm in a sort of slump due to having gained back almost all of the 20lbs I had lost. But am determined and with the help of God will have victory over this battle.
Today is quiet. The complex has been relatively quiet. No children around and most of the missionaries appear to be out of town. We will be heading north to New Port Richey for the 4th of July as we will be house sitting for friends of ours until the 11th. I will make the most of the time there and enjoy my grandbabies and family there along with being able to visit some friends at CCWC.
My EKG came back normal so I am waiting to hear from Dr Mike as to what my next step should be. MVI has a cardiologist who I may go see if I don't hear from Dr. Mike soon. He is on vacation. We should hear news of Angel's biopsy in another 2 weeks or so.
Waiting! Waiting! Waiting! Waiting!
Seems to be all we are doing lately. We are both anxious to be serving and returning to the field but our Lord has us in a holding pattern of Waiting.
Our supporters have been wonderful in continuing to support us while we are here. I must get out thank you cards this week for sure.
Not sure what I'm doing today except for reading and trying design a new prayer card.
Maybe some reading and working on a women's teaching.
Going to rest some. Will note more later
Prayers needed for: 1. Michael Allessandro - dear friends of mine. He has been released from the hospital and at home with hospice care. Pray for his wife Barbara as she just recently had her mother pass on to be with our Lord and now her dear husband will be leaving her as well.
2. Karen's son Peter - Deliverance from all that binds him...
Restoration of his marriage and for his wife Amy to return to our Lord and do what is right under His eyes. Also pray for their children: Trevor, Micah and Derek who are being greatly affected by all the turmoil that separation brings.
3. Angel & I - that all our reports come back great and we will be able to return to Peru with a clean bill of health.
For all who have asked for prayer know you are in our hearts, minds and prayers. We love and appreciate you all.
Today is quiet. The complex has been relatively quiet. No children around and most of the missionaries appear to be out of town. We will be heading north to New Port Richey for the 4th of July as we will be house sitting for friends of ours until the 11th. I will make the most of the time there and enjoy my grandbabies and family there along with being able to visit some friends at CCWC.
My EKG came back normal so I am waiting to hear from Dr Mike as to what my next step should be. MVI has a cardiologist who I may go see if I don't hear from Dr. Mike soon. He is on vacation. We should hear news of Angel's biopsy in another 2 weeks or so.
Waiting! Waiting! Waiting! Waiting!
Seems to be all we are doing lately. We are both anxious to be serving and returning to the field but our Lord has us in a holding pattern of Waiting.
Our supporters have been wonderful in continuing to support us while we are here. I must get out thank you cards this week for sure.
Not sure what I'm doing today except for reading and trying design a new prayer card.
Maybe some reading and working on a women's teaching.
Going to rest some. Will note more later
Prayers needed for: 1. Michael Allessandro - dear friends of mine. He has been released from the hospital and at home with hospice care. Pray for his wife Barbara as she just recently had her mother pass on to be with our Lord and now her dear husband will be leaving her as well.
2. Karen's son Peter - Deliverance from all that binds him...
Restoration of his marriage and for his wife Amy to return to our Lord and do what is right under His eyes. Also pray for their children: Trevor, Micah and Derek who are being greatly affected by all the turmoil that separation brings.
3. Angel & I - that all our reports come back great and we will be able to return to Peru with a clean bill of health.
For all who have asked for prayer know you are in our hearts, minds and prayers. We love and appreciate you all.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
June 8, 2008
We have spent such a wonderful time with my son and friends this weekend. A great lunch on Thursday spent with Pastor Strayer from CCWC. We are now back in St Petersburg. Angel left for church while I decided to spend some quiet time alone in prayer and reading of the Bible.
I have been so challenged to reflect on my walk with God.
Psalm 71:17-18 "O God, You have taught me from my youth; and to this day I declare Your wondrous words. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come."
Open our eyes dear Lord to see you...there is an awakening of Your presence stirring around the world. Help us Lord to keep revival pure and holy. So often our human nature is to step in to help you out as if you could not be magnified in Your doing. Draw us back to You my Lord, in Your mercy, Lord. Let the revival be that of a true conviction of sin in our lives and a hunger and desire for Your mercy to flow. In that true conviction let their be deep repentance which brings on an awakening of the depth of Your love, forgiveness, mercy and love. In this repentance,Lord, let a burning firery flame rise up within us, setting us ablaze to run and tell all who are before us of the Truth we find in Christ and the call for all men to rise up and worship Him, that He alone be Lord of our lives, of His great mercy and love which through our surrender to Him brings the promise of eternal life forever with Him. As Your Spirit is poured out on all men and women, may those of us who are sealed by the blood seek not after miracles but be so abiding in Christ that the power of His majesty manifested through us as His sanctified vessels bring salvation, healing, and wonders to those who have yet to know Truth. This is the revival my heart cries out after. That as Your Spirit causes a commotion in the normality of our daily lives, may the world not be pulled away for the absurdity of it all but be drawn to the Father for the magnitude of the manifestation His presence.
"Whatever you shall ask in My name that will I do." John 14:13
Am I taking time to realize what is the central point of power?
"If you abide in Me - You shall ask what you will and it will be given you."
Am I abiding? Am I taking the time out of each day to abide? Oswald Chambers tells us that the disciple who abided in Jesus is the will of God, and his apparently free choices are God's fore-ordained decrees. How often we miss the simple work of God manifested in our daily lives for the craving of some great showcase working. In the midst of any great revival we must remember that His greatest works were done one on one in the middle of relationship.
For me this is the glorious truth. Abide--Rest--Be Still--Wait--Hold on--Trust--Believe--Know
In the quietness of your soul--He speaks! And in Him, His fruit you shall bear.
I have been so challenged to reflect on my walk with God.
Psalm 71:17-18 "O God, You have taught me from my youth; and to this day I declare Your wondrous words. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come."
Open our eyes dear Lord to see you...there is an awakening of Your presence stirring around the world. Help us Lord to keep revival pure and holy. So often our human nature is to step in to help you out as if you could not be magnified in Your doing. Draw us back to You my Lord, in Your mercy, Lord. Let the revival be that of a true conviction of sin in our lives and a hunger and desire for Your mercy to flow. In that true conviction let their be deep repentance which brings on an awakening of the depth of Your love, forgiveness, mercy and love. In this repentance,Lord, let a burning firery flame rise up within us, setting us ablaze to run and tell all who are before us of the Truth we find in Christ and the call for all men to rise up and worship Him, that He alone be Lord of our lives, of His great mercy and love which through our surrender to Him brings the promise of eternal life forever with Him. As Your Spirit is poured out on all men and women, may those of us who are sealed by the blood seek not after miracles but be so abiding in Christ that the power of His majesty manifested through us as His sanctified vessels bring salvation, healing, and wonders to those who have yet to know Truth. This is the revival my heart cries out after. That as Your Spirit causes a commotion in the normality of our daily lives, may the world not be pulled away for the absurdity of it all but be drawn to the Father for the magnitude of the manifestation His presence.
"Whatever you shall ask in My name that will I do." John 14:13
Am I taking time to realize what is the central point of power?
"If you abide in Me - You shall ask what you will and it will be given you."
Am I abiding? Am I taking the time out of each day to abide? Oswald Chambers tells us that the disciple who abided in Jesus is the will of God, and his apparently free choices are God's fore-ordained decrees. How often we miss the simple work of God manifested in our daily lives for the craving of some great showcase working. In the midst of any great revival we must remember that His greatest works were done one on one in the middle of relationship.
For me this is the glorious truth. Abide--Rest--Be Still--Wait--Hold on--Trust--Believe--Know
In the quietness of your soul--He speaks! And in Him, His fruit you shall bear.
Friday, June 6, 2008
June 6th,2008
I would ask that you keep my son, Peter, in your prayers. He is in the middle of a storm and for him it is raging. I believe I shared before how his wife decided to have a life of her own and has separated herself not only from her husband but also from her God. On top of the emotions of having your family life disrupted by the decision of another, Peter recently lost his job due to employee reduction. He is seeking God, attending church, counseling and men's groups, what he desperately needs is employment. So I ask that you press in as we believe God is preparing exactly what he needs when he needs it. Pray that he continue to draw off the strength of our Lord during the high waves of the storm and that soon he will be resting on calm seas.
My grandson, Trevor, last friday, the 30th of May,graduated preschool. We were blessed to be able to be a part of it.
My granddaughter, Karynne, is going to be in Florida the end of June and I cannot tell you how excited I am to be seeing her. It has been 6-7 years since I have laid eyes on her and at least 5 years since we have even spoken due to outside influences but I can say, Praise God, all is restored and she is back in our lives. She is a beautiful young lady now and we have a lot of catching up to do. Can't wait!
This weekend we are visiting friends in the New Port Richey area. We are truly blessed to have such a loving family of believers surrounding us.
In the weeks to come I want to share some things I have been learning about the Christian walk. I just finished a book on the life of Hudson Taylor and the Inland China Mission. Our Lord spoke to me in a powerful way through Hudson Taylor's life and I trust the message will inspire you as well.
We are at our friend's Rusty and Linda Boles' home with the intent of going through the boxes we left here before going to the field. After Angel & Rusty took down several of the boxes, Rusty asked why we wanted to go through them. Our main reason was because we felt we should see if any could be gotten rid of to free up space in their attack. Rusty let us know that unless he dies or they sell the house the boxes were fine there and not bothering anyone. So I decided not to go through them and at this very moment they are attempting to get the boxes back in the crawl space. Not as easy as taking them down. I feel so bad!
Anyway I do want to mention what appears to be a move of the Spirit of God around the Eastern side of the States. I am always excited when God moves and we experience the power of His presence. I refuse to debate as to whether this move in Lakeland, Florida or North Carolina is of God or not. What I will say is this: Red flags go up in my spirit anytime someone begins to speak anything other than what is in the Word of God. And when I begin to hear someone sharing that they went to heaven and interviewed the Apostle Paul or that they have angels they speak to and who guide them these are clear warning signs to me that something is amiss.
Aside from all the obvious there is an underlying concern which has to do with the divisions between those who are engulfed in the signs and wonders and those who are taking the more cautious approach choosing to discern spiritually that which is before them. This is absolutely what satan desires. To take what may have started out as a true move of the Spirit and now has become a tool to set a division amongst the believers of Jesus Christ.
I have experienced it myself as I shared with a brother my concern of what I am seeing. The division comes when those who choose to run after the signs and wonders take on the attitude of being more highly spiritual or attuned then those who choose to thank God for what He is doing continuing to move forward in their Christian walk. I'm sorry but I don't ever remember reading in the bible where the disciples ran after signs and wonders. Quite the contrary, after Christ's death and the Spirit fell upon them, signs and wonders followed them. These signs and wonders are not for us believers but for the unbeliever pointing them to the greatnesss of God and for His glory. Call me hard headed but I refuse to run after miracles, angels or anything that sets itself up before God. One brother told me I needed to get myself to Lakeland to receive my healing. Odd! I thought I get to God for my healing! You see I believe that if God who is all Sovereign, willed to heal me I would be healed no matter where I am. Sometimes he may use one of His servants to bring healing and other times it is through the faith of the individual and other times it is through death of the earthly body being transformed to a new glorious body.
My thinking is that while all these leaders, believers, and thrill seekers are spending their days encamped around these so called movements how many neighbors, family members, co-workers etc are dying without the knowledge of the great love of Christ and His saving grace. Should we not spend our time exemplifying the heart of Jesus, preaching His gospel and having the signs and wonders of His power follow us? My question is if they are not following you....why not?
The power of Christ is not just for certain gifted chosen few. The moment you surrender your life to Christ, His Spirit dwells in you and as you trust Him, you will see miracles more than you ever imagined. Listen! I may not see miracles of limbs growing, or tumors falling off but I have seen miracles of lives on the path to ruin radically changed and on fire for the gospel of Christ.
This is the greatest miracle we should be seeking after.
As I get off my bandstand, I just want to say that I do believe in a miracle working God and I do believe that He heals even today. I know that it is His will that I be healed. But I also know that He is Sovereign God and while I await His timing for my healing He is free to use this vessel as a testimony of His glory even in the midst of pain. I hear people now saying that they are commanding angels and talking to angels and their angels even have names. Oh my beloved, read your bible. Not once in Scripture did any of the great prophets, diciples and men of God ever command an angel. The only angels with names that we know of were Gabriel, Michael and Lucifer any other reading of an angel was always mentioned as the Angel of the Lord, which many times referred to Jesus. The only one who ever gave directions to angels in Scripture was God, Himself. Even Jesus could have called down legions of angels to rescue Him from the dreaded walk down Calvary and yet He did not. I believe this is a strong example for us. If Christ as the Son of Man refused to call down angels who are we to think we have power to command those which were created to serve God alone?
Well, these are my thoughts for today. I pray that for those of you who read this before you get offended please seek God on these matters. Ask Him for His discernment and wisdom. Test the spirits as we are commanded to do in His Word. While we run after signs and wonders so many are on their way to hell. Let's use our resources to hit the pavement running with a message of a God who loves and whose mercy and grace is calling all sinners home. Of a God who loves so immensely that His Son was sent to take on a debt we could never repay. That in Christ alone we find the Way, the Truth and the Life. May we look for the miracles of Salvation and allow the power of God to fill this earth through His humble people.
May God richly bless you today , may His face shine upon you, may He be gracious toward you and make His countenance be on you and may He give you peace.
In His Most Precious Love....karen
My grandson, Trevor, last friday, the 30th of May,graduated preschool. We were blessed to be able to be a part of it.
My granddaughter, Karynne, is going to be in Florida the end of June and I cannot tell you how excited I am to be seeing her. It has been 6-7 years since I have laid eyes on her and at least 5 years since we have even spoken due to outside influences but I can say, Praise God, all is restored and she is back in our lives. She is a beautiful young lady now and we have a lot of catching up to do. Can't wait!
This weekend we are visiting friends in the New Port Richey area. We are truly blessed to have such a loving family of believers surrounding us.
In the weeks to come I want to share some things I have been learning about the Christian walk. I just finished a book on the life of Hudson Taylor and the Inland China Mission. Our Lord spoke to me in a powerful way through Hudson Taylor's life and I trust the message will inspire you as well.
We are at our friend's Rusty and Linda Boles' home with the intent of going through the boxes we left here before going to the field. After Angel & Rusty took down several of the boxes, Rusty asked why we wanted to go through them. Our main reason was because we felt we should see if any could be gotten rid of to free up space in their attack. Rusty let us know that unless he dies or they sell the house the boxes were fine there and not bothering anyone. So I decided not to go through them and at this very moment they are attempting to get the boxes back in the crawl space. Not as easy as taking them down. I feel so bad!
Anyway I do want to mention what appears to be a move of the Spirit of God around the Eastern side of the States. I am always excited when God moves and we experience the power of His presence. I refuse to debate as to whether this move in Lakeland, Florida or North Carolina is of God or not. What I will say is this: Red flags go up in my spirit anytime someone begins to speak anything other than what is in the Word of God. And when I begin to hear someone sharing that they went to heaven and interviewed the Apostle Paul or that they have angels they speak to and who guide them these are clear warning signs to me that something is amiss.
Aside from all the obvious there is an underlying concern which has to do with the divisions between those who are engulfed in the signs and wonders and those who are taking the more cautious approach choosing to discern spiritually that which is before them. This is absolutely what satan desires. To take what may have started out as a true move of the Spirit and now has become a tool to set a division amongst the believers of Jesus Christ.
I have experienced it myself as I shared with a brother my concern of what I am seeing. The division comes when those who choose to run after the signs and wonders take on the attitude of being more highly spiritual or attuned then those who choose to thank God for what He is doing continuing to move forward in their Christian walk. I'm sorry but I don't ever remember reading in the bible where the disciples ran after signs and wonders. Quite the contrary, after Christ's death and the Spirit fell upon them, signs and wonders followed them. These signs and wonders are not for us believers but for the unbeliever pointing them to the greatnesss of God and for His glory. Call me hard headed but I refuse to run after miracles, angels or anything that sets itself up before God. One brother told me I needed to get myself to Lakeland to receive my healing. Odd! I thought I get to God for my healing! You see I believe that if God who is all Sovereign, willed to heal me I would be healed no matter where I am. Sometimes he may use one of His servants to bring healing and other times it is through the faith of the individual and other times it is through death of the earthly body being transformed to a new glorious body.
My thinking is that while all these leaders, believers, and thrill seekers are spending their days encamped around these so called movements how many neighbors, family members, co-workers etc are dying without the knowledge of the great love of Christ and His saving grace. Should we not spend our time exemplifying the heart of Jesus, preaching His gospel and having the signs and wonders of His power follow us? My question is if they are not following you....why not?
The power of Christ is not just for certain gifted chosen few. The moment you surrender your life to Christ, His Spirit dwells in you and as you trust Him, you will see miracles more than you ever imagined. Listen! I may not see miracles of limbs growing, or tumors falling off but I have seen miracles of lives on the path to ruin radically changed and on fire for the gospel of Christ.
This is the greatest miracle we should be seeking after.
As I get off my bandstand, I just want to say that I do believe in a miracle working God and I do believe that He heals even today. I know that it is His will that I be healed. But I also know that He is Sovereign God and while I await His timing for my healing He is free to use this vessel as a testimony of His glory even in the midst of pain. I hear people now saying that they are commanding angels and talking to angels and their angels even have names. Oh my beloved, read your bible. Not once in Scripture did any of the great prophets, diciples and men of God ever command an angel. The only angels with names that we know of were Gabriel, Michael and Lucifer any other reading of an angel was always mentioned as the Angel of the Lord, which many times referred to Jesus. The only one who ever gave directions to angels in Scripture was God, Himself. Even Jesus could have called down legions of angels to rescue Him from the dreaded walk down Calvary and yet He did not. I believe this is a strong example for us. If Christ as the Son of Man refused to call down angels who are we to think we have power to command those which were created to serve God alone?
Well, these are my thoughts for today. I pray that for those of you who read this before you get offended please seek God on these matters. Ask Him for His discernment and wisdom. Test the spirits as we are commanded to do in His Word. While we run after signs and wonders so many are on their way to hell. Let's use our resources to hit the pavement running with a message of a God who loves and whose mercy and grace is calling all sinners home. Of a God who loves so immensely that His Son was sent to take on a debt we could never repay. That in Christ alone we find the Way, the Truth and the Life. May we look for the miracles of Salvation and allow the power of God to fill this earth through His humble people.
May God richly bless you today , may His face shine upon you, may He be gracious toward you and make His countenance be on you and may He give you peace.
In His Most Precious Love....karen
Thursday, May 29, 2008
May 28th
Well we have been here almost a month now and I still am not sure what all this is about. All I keep hearing from our Lord is to just rest in Him and so.....I'm resting....and resting....and resting.....hmmmmmmm.
Last week I went for a check up. After mentioning that I've been having some chest pain with numbing in my left arm he decided to do an ekg. There was some irregularity in my heartbeat so he ended up sending me to the ER. Praise God all the tests turned out negative and they sent me home with directions to get a stress test just to make sure but as far as they could tell everything was just fine with my heart. Thank you Jesus.
As many of you know, Angel also has been getting some much needed checkups. He will be going for a biopsy June 23rd because his PSA was high. The doctors wanted to start him on treatment but because all the other tests came back negative for cancer Angel told them he will not do anything as far as treatment until they do a biopsy that proves the cancer is back. So we wait believing!
Our puppy dane, Yana, is doing really well with the vet in Lima, Peru. We're told she is taking to their 10 year old son and is finally starting to eat although she still needs a bit more weight before the vet will spay her. I must say I miss her so much and hope she doesn't get too too attached. Our other babies are doing good also.
We heard from one of our good friends in Tarapoto and he needs our prayers. Pastor Pablo and his wife Monica are two of the most balanced pastors in Tarapoto. Their focus is on reaching the lost, baptising and making disciples then sending them out. Exactly what we are called to do, rather than what most of the churches in the area are doing and that is trying to see who can win the most gringos to bring in the most money for their churches. In Tarapoto there is much division, greed, envy, backbiting, jealousy, and insecurity among the churches which profess to be followers of Jesus Christ. Pastor Pablo has done a wonderful job at staying focused amidst all the distractions while maintaining peace with the other pastors in the area refusing to get involved in all the bickering. They are being wrongly sued by their previous covering and while we believe the courts will decide in his favor we ask that you lift them up in prayer that they remain focused on what God has called them to do and trust Him implicitly.
Well, day is ending. Tomorrow we go to see our 4 year old grandson, Trevor, graduate preschool. I can't wait, it's going to be so cute.
Last week I went for a check up. After mentioning that I've been having some chest pain with numbing in my left arm he decided to do an ekg. There was some irregularity in my heartbeat so he ended up sending me to the ER. Praise God all the tests turned out negative and they sent me home with directions to get a stress test just to make sure but as far as they could tell everything was just fine with my heart. Thank you Jesus.
As many of you know, Angel also has been getting some much needed checkups. He will be going for a biopsy June 23rd because his PSA was high. The doctors wanted to start him on treatment but because all the other tests came back negative for cancer Angel told them he will not do anything as far as treatment until they do a biopsy that proves the cancer is back. So we wait believing!
Our puppy dane, Yana, is doing really well with the vet in Lima, Peru. We're told she is taking to their 10 year old son and is finally starting to eat although she still needs a bit more weight before the vet will spay her. I must say I miss her so much and hope she doesn't get too too attached. Our other babies are doing good also.
We heard from one of our good friends in Tarapoto and he needs our prayers. Pastor Pablo and his wife Monica are two of the most balanced pastors in Tarapoto. Their focus is on reaching the lost, baptising and making disciples then sending them out. Exactly what we are called to do, rather than what most of the churches in the area are doing and that is trying to see who can win the most gringos to bring in the most money for their churches. In Tarapoto there is much division, greed, envy, backbiting, jealousy, and insecurity among the churches which profess to be followers of Jesus Christ. Pastor Pablo has done a wonderful job at staying focused amidst all the distractions while maintaining peace with the other pastors in the area refusing to get involved in all the bickering. They are being wrongly sued by their previous covering and while we believe the courts will decide in his favor we ask that you lift them up in prayer that they remain focused on what God has called them to do and trust Him implicitly.
Well, day is ending. Tomorrow we go to see our 4 year old grandson, Trevor, graduate preschool. I can't wait, it's going to be so cute.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
On our Way
Tonight we embark on our new journey. Yana, our Great Dane, is settled in with her new temporary family during our abscence. All her labwork came back good so we are at peace.
My emotions are still a bit mixed as far as wanting to stay and wanting to go but I know with each day His peace will come as I seek Him more and more.
We stayed at a really nice mission house in Lima. It's too bad the missionary who has known about this for years has never shared the information. We still don't understand why missionaries are like this. Mistrusting other missionaries, unwilling to share information, unwilling to work together. This is a great area in need of prayer.
We have been truly blessed to stay here and have met some really nice brothers and sisters in Christ.
We arrive in Orlando tomorrow morning some time...they keep changing the arrival times so right now it looks like 8:30am.
Today as I read the word of God, I meditated on this Scripture...."We know that we are of God and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understandingso that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true,in His Son Jesus Christ. Little children guard yourselves from idols." (1John 5;19-21)
We are only of God when we have come to the Cross in repentance having received forgiveness by the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Once having done that we now are of God and in Him and He in us. We are not only to read and study and memorize His word but more importantly than all this we are to Do His Word. How many people sitting in the church today, hear, read, memorize and brag on all this yet take little to no time to obey and Do His Word. We are like ones with dirty faces who look in the mirror and see all the dirt but then once having walked away from the mirror we forget what we have seen. We choose to wallow in it just as we choose to wallow in our sins never taking on the miracle of washing in the cleansing of His Most glorious Word allowing it to change us from glory to glory.
In Christ, who is Truth, we come to full understanding. I greive for those such as Oprah Winfrey who having heard the word never came to the full understanding...having had it fall on the shallowness of her heart and so many others follow her.
His word says to "guard your heart from idols".
As we travel, my prayer is that many will come to see the beauty of Christ in us and receive the knowledge of Truth. His Truth.
Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6
Well I am off to pack and get ready for our night's journey.
My emotions are still a bit mixed as far as wanting to stay and wanting to go but I know with each day His peace will come as I seek Him more and more.
We stayed at a really nice mission house in Lima. It's too bad the missionary who has known about this for years has never shared the information. We still don't understand why missionaries are like this. Mistrusting other missionaries, unwilling to share information, unwilling to work together. This is a great area in need of prayer.
We have been truly blessed to stay here and have met some really nice brothers and sisters in Christ.
We arrive in Orlando tomorrow morning some time...they keep changing the arrival times so right now it looks like 8:30am.
Today as I read the word of God, I meditated on this Scripture...."We know that we are of God and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understandingso that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true,in His Son Jesus Christ. Little children guard yourselves from idols." (1John 5;19-21)
We are only of God when we have come to the Cross in repentance having received forgiveness by the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Once having done that we now are of God and in Him and He in us. We are not only to read and study and memorize His word but more importantly than all this we are to Do His Word. How many people sitting in the church today, hear, read, memorize and brag on all this yet take little to no time to obey and Do His Word. We are like ones with dirty faces who look in the mirror and see all the dirt but then once having walked away from the mirror we forget what we have seen. We choose to wallow in it just as we choose to wallow in our sins never taking on the miracle of washing in the cleansing of His Most glorious Word allowing it to change us from glory to glory.
In Christ, who is Truth, we come to full understanding. I greive for those such as Oprah Winfrey who having heard the word never came to the full understanding...having had it fall on the shallowness of her heart and so many others follow her.
His word says to "guard your heart from idols".
As we travel, my prayer is that many will come to see the beauty of Christ in us and receive the knowledge of Truth. His Truth.
Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6
Well I am off to pack and get ready for our night's journey.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
On our way to the states
It is Wednesday evening and neither Angel nor I can sleep. Tomorrow we leave for Lima with our Great Dane, Yana, to board her for 6 months with a veternarian. We will be in Lima for 5 days and then head out to St. Petersburg, Florida where we will be on furlough for those 6 months, April through October.
I must say my emotions are like a roller coaster and the only way I can keep them in check is to keep my eyes on the Cross. When I focus on the Cross, nothing I seem to be going through pales close to what my Savior did for me. For the love He has for us, He endured the pain, shame, rejection, abandonment, and all the horrors of mankind so that I might look to Him for His strength during my days of trial and testing. Jesus never lost sight of His purpose here on earth. He never allowed distractions, friendships, or storms to keep Him from walking that long dark road of Calvary. He was focused. His eyes were on the Cross. He knew it was at the Cross where He would be victorious over sin and death and it would be at the Cross where all men would be set free. I hunger for this level of focus. Yet I come short so many times.
With this new journey, it is the first time Angel and I have no clear vision, no real direction except that we are going to Florida and not much more at this point. It is a strange and unusual place to be and yet an exhilerating place. Strange and unusual because we have always had a plan, a goal, a direction and now we are just hanging out there on a limb. Exhilerating because we know without a shadow of a doubt our times are in the hands of the Master and whenever your life is totally surrendered to His Will your life will never be the same.
2008 - The year of New Beginnings.
"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2
I must say my emotions are like a roller coaster and the only way I can keep them in check is to keep my eyes on the Cross. When I focus on the Cross, nothing I seem to be going through pales close to what my Savior did for me. For the love He has for us, He endured the pain, shame, rejection, abandonment, and all the horrors of mankind so that I might look to Him for His strength during my days of trial and testing. Jesus never lost sight of His purpose here on earth. He never allowed distractions, friendships, or storms to keep Him from walking that long dark road of Calvary. He was focused. His eyes were on the Cross. He knew it was at the Cross where He would be victorious over sin and death and it would be at the Cross where all men would be set free. I hunger for this level of focus. Yet I come short so many times.
With this new journey, it is the first time Angel and I have no clear vision, no real direction except that we are going to Florida and not much more at this point. It is a strange and unusual place to be and yet an exhilerating place. Strange and unusual because we have always had a plan, a goal, a direction and now we are just hanging out there on a limb. Exhilerating because we know without a shadow of a doubt our times are in the hands of the Master and whenever your life is totally surrendered to His Will your life will never be the same.
2008 - The year of New Beginnings.
"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
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