Happy 2015!
We hope and pray that this year will be one of rich blessing and growth in your life. Starting the new year is a good time to reflect on what has happened in our lives in the past twelve months, especially those times of very evident blessing from God.
FAMILY: Our family is growing…since July we have been enjoying the smiles and cuddles of grandson #2, Mateo, born to our daughter Andrea and husband; if all goes well, in April we will have grandson #3; Beth and her husband are expecting their first child. Ben is doing well and lives in Chicago. All our immediate family is still within a fifteen minute drive, so we are blessed to participate in their lives.
COUNSELING MINISTRY: Lori obtained her counseling license in August, an important advance in our focus on caring for Latin American missionaries and Hispanic families. In answer to our prayers, in November she and a Mexican colleague presented a workshop at the Mental Health and Missions Conference. The focus of the presentation was the development and the unique needs of the missionary movement from South and Central America, where sending churches play a key role in providing holistic care to their overseas missionaries.
MISSIONS COACHING: Dick continues to do coaching and mentoring of those who are looking forward to a ministry in cross-cultural missions. Much of that is focused on college campuses; Moody, Trinity and Wheaton are the primary campuses he visits, seeking out those students who are looking for overseas internships, or a long-term commitment to work internationally. Being on campus is an opportunity to network with like-minded people and to develop friendships. One new area of interest is outreach to Muslims; there are a number of people in the Chicago area who seek to build bridges and live out the gospel for Muslims. Different elements in our lives have brought that to the forefront, and there are new opportunities to put that into practice. Not far from our house there is a center for outreach to immigrant groups and they are asking for help. An open door!
In October Dick was able to contribute to what is really a “God thing;” our two big areas of ministry interest dovetailed into one: Latin American missionaries and Muslim outreach. He participated in a conference in Spain for Christian workers in North Africa, many of whom are sent from Latin America. What a privilege to be supportive to those who live and work in difficult places, representing the Lord Jesus.
NEW MEMBER CARE OPPORTUNITIES: There are a number of doors that are open to us at this time, and we do want to help with all of these needs, but we look for God’s timing and resources to be able to do it.
Helping develop a member care program for a mission based in Bolivia;
Visiting and backing workers in North Africa;
Providing more SYIS workshops in Mexico and other areas of Latin America;
Counseling in the Chicago area in a bilingual setting.
THANK YOU FOR PRAYING FOR US: Your prayers are important to us; we can rejoice in facing life together in God’s care.
Please pray for:
Lori’s ongoing health challenges. A number of tests were made this Fall; inflammation continues to affect her body.
Wisdom in how to balance ministry opportunities.
Effectiveness in one on one contacts in coaching and counseling.
The ongoing growth in those we have ministered to and served with over the years. There is joy in watching the results, even if we are not present with them.
The birth of our grandson, due in April.
Financial needs. We are living with the many challenges of being under supported.
Thankful for your continued faithfulness in prayer and giving,
Dick and Lori
