Dear Ones,
We've decided to Simply include a series of "jottings" this newsletter,
letting you know some of the things we have experienced in our walk for
Christ since we last wrote. God bless you as through this letter, you share
with us in life in Mexico.
The phone rang early in the morning, and Elsa's voice - not quite
brave, yet not nearly as frightened as it used to be - came clearly into our
bedroom. "Guess what we found at our front door this morning? A black chicken
with its throat slit." Elsa was trying valiantly to remember that God
is greater than the threats of witchcraft, but at the sight of that dead
chicken and its significance (black magic curse/death threat) she called
for some reassurance. Elsa and her husband, Gregorio, are lawyers who defend
employees in claims against employers. They had recently repossessed two
trucks to settle claims of employees who hadn't been paid by their employer
in more than three months. The "boss" is known to be involved with the Tampico
mafia and is said to have ordered "hits" on people who have crossed him in
the past. Gregorio and Elsa are certain the two circumstances are connected.
Pray with us for her budding faith, and that the Lord will use this to awaken
in Gregorio a desire to really know the ONE who is the real OVERCOMER in situations
like this.
"Señora Peggy, I dreamed about my aunt and my grandmother
the last two nights.I know they are both dead, but they told me in my
dream that THEY AREN'T DEAD AND THEY WANT TO TALK TO ME. My mother said they
are trying to tell me that I should light candles for them so they can find
their way back, and if I don't do it, they'll find ways to punish me.
What do you think?" Maribel has been asking lots of questions and
we have steered her to God's Word each time. She is thirsty for the crystal
clear water found only through His fountain of truth. This time of year (The
Days of the Dead - All Saints' Day) when the spirits of the dead are supposed
to make their way back to earth to visit their families is a very trying
time for those just reaching out toward the Light. Somehow they feel comforted
by the rites of darkness. Pray with us for Maribel and her family. Pray for
us that we will be sensitive to His leading and answer her questions with
wisdom and love.
"I'm going to call my student, Irma, to check on her absences and
give her the homework assignment." These words out of Jim's mouth irritated
me. After all, if we call every student (we teach English at the state university)
every time one is absent we'll be on the phone all the time. Besides the student
should take the responsibility of finding out the assignment for missed classes
himself, either by calling the professor or another student. At least that's
the way I saw things. But what I didn't reckon with was what God had in mind.
Jim made the call and was on the phone for over two hours that night as Irma
poured out her troubles. His call had come just in time to prevent her
from committing suicide. She was sure no one cared foy her at all, including
her family, and was prepared as the phone rang to take an overdose of very
strong medication which probably would have been fatal. She burst into tears
when she realized her English professor had called to say they had missed
her in class and wondered if she had been sick. He asked her if she had a
Bible and she dug out the standard, big, family Bible which is never read,
only displayed, and he helped her over the phone find some passages which
showed her that Jesus loves her and cares about her every thought, feeling,
need, and desire ... She has lots of problems and it takes a lot of energy
and wisdom to deal with the results of her troubled life. She is very skeptical
and bitter, but we rejoice in being able to share with her the LORD who LOVES
unconditionally and gives meaning to LIFE.
Which version of the Bible do you use? We have been surprised to
have so many people ask us that question. Since we live in Mexico, we use
a Spanish version when sharing with our Mexican friends. There are several
versions in Spanish, just as there are in English. While we don’t
have King James, American Standard, or New International versions as these
are in English, we do have the “Reina-Valera” revised 1960 and the “Dios
Habla Hoy” (Spanish of Good News for Modem Man) versions in our personal
library along with the Catholic Bible and New World Translation. If we are
sharing with a strong Catholic, we use the Catholic Version so he or she
doesn't feel we are twisting or distorting what the Bible really says by
using a "nonapproved" version. If a Jehovah's Witness comes to call, we have
the New World translation on the table along with the Greek New Testament
as we study. We even have a Mormon Bible, which we use along with a study
I (Jim) developed comparing it with God's Word. We give the Mormon a copy
of the Scripture comparison list, and ask him to honestly look them all up
weighing the evidence, then make an honest decision as to the origin of the
book of Mormon.
I KEPT MY PROMISE! These words out of the mouth of the smiling young
man standing before me with his arm protectingly around his lovely young wife,
sent chills of rejoicing up and down my spine. "You were right, the wait
was worth it, and our wedding night was very special, as I am sure our whole
married life will be." Isaac made a promise of moral purity two years ago
at the CIY conference, and reaffirmed it last year as an engaged young man.
We asked him and his wife to give just a few words of testimony. When they
finished, they were given a standing ovation with whistles, cheers, applause
and rejoicing. Praise God for this couple and others like them who make promises
and with God's help, keep them.
Approximately 400 gathered for the fifth annual Congreso Juvenil
(CIY) conference. It took place in the mountains just outside the
beautiful city of Cuernavaca. Everyone enjoyed the atmosphere and
the chance to make new friends and renew old friendships. Cynthia mentioned
that when she saw Carolina, it was as though they had seen each other just
last week, rather than last year. Cynthia came back strengthened and ready
to "wait" totally upon the Lord. Adrian will be baptized soon. He chose not
to be baptized at the conference because he wants his mother to be there.
We feel this is a wise decision, as she has prayed so constantly for him
during this past year. We are gratefil for CIY and all their efforts and
prayers to see the youth of Mexico come to a firm belief in the Lord Jesus
and His transforming, sustaining power.
AND THE ANGELS REJOICE! Christian Cerón was baptized
into Christ and became a real Christian on December 8th. His brother, Nestor,
was baptized four months earlier. They are sons of Lupita, the lady we baptized
on our first visit to Tampico in January 1994. What a joy it is to see their
earnestness and zeal to learn more about their new Lord and grow in Him. Please
keep them in your prayers.
SING IT AGAIN, GRANDMA! Matthew and grandma skipped through Meijer's
Department Store, while I sang "I love Matthew. I love Matthew. Yes, I do.,
Yes, I do. Grandma loves Matthew, Grandma loves Matthew, and Jesus does, too.
Yes Jesus does too." This is a song our children grew up on, and it was so
much fun to sing it to Matthew this summer. At first Matthew was a little
embarrassed by my effusiveness in a public place, but after a little bit
he decided he rather liked the idea of everyone knowing that grandma loves
Matthew. We spent 10 wonderful days with Jim, Debbie & Matthew in their
lovely new home in Columbus, Ohio. Time passed so quickly, but we tried to
pack as much "loving" into those 240 hours as possible. The two Jims went
to Promise Keepers together and enjoyed their father and son time. God truly
blessed the Hosken family when Debbie became a part of us. We are impressed
with her gentleness and wisdom. May God bless this wonderful family!
I NOW PRESENT TO YOU, Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Hosken! August 17th
found us in Joplin at a wedding. But it wasn't just any wedding, it was
the wedding of our son, Kenneth and Miss Jodi Van Sickle. Words fail me
as I try to describe this event. Beautiflil, touching, exciting, exalting,
all are good words, but they fall short of adequately portraying this event.
We rejoice in our new daughter-in-love and the joy and pride we hear in our
son's voice as he mentions her name. She is a bubbly, energetic, lovely servant
of the Lord Jesus Christ, and her love has brought completeness to Ken.
They live in Joplin, where Ken continues studying at Ozark Christian College
(his A average indicates that marriage agrees with him), works part time
at CFI (a trucking firm) and Jodi works as a rehabilitation therapist at
the hospital. Rejoice with us before the throne as they continue preparation
to be used by God in a special way.
"IF I STAND ON MY HEAD, IT WILL KEEP THE BOOGERS FROM FALLING OUT"
- Merilly, you really must write all these things down, I said as tears of
laughter ran down my face. Amos and Hosanna manage to keep Merilly and Stephen
on their toes 28 out of every 24 hours. Being in their home this summer reminded
us of our own "three ring circus" as our children were growing up. Their
home was the "center" as friends and family poured in for Ken and Jodi's
wedding. As always, we enjoyed being with Stephen, Merilly and the kids.
They rejuvenate us! They have recently bought a wonderful, old house that
emits "history" from every pore. We had fun poking into corners and discovering
things like "'tweeny stairs." (stairs between the walls for the kitchen staff
and servants to use without disturbing the family), a "children’s closet"
(used once for toys, punishment, then later for the telephone) and other
delights. Neat family - so glad they belong to us!
The Mexico branch of the family, Steven, Norma, Patricia & Stevie,
is planning on visiting us at Christmas time. We look forward to visiting
with this precious family. Peg and the young people stopped by on their
way to the Youth Congress, and Steve & Norma graciously prepared a marvelous
Mexican breakfast for them. Patricia and Stevie stayed home from school so
they could visit with Grandma for a few hours. What charmers they are! Smiles
that would melt hearts of stone, and ours definitely aren't stone. Mexico
City is a hard place to live -Steve has received threats against his life
because he helped save the life of a young man who had been stabbed. It seems
that the ones who had perpetrated the crime wanted him to bleed to death.
Steve has been selected to head up a community drive against crime, which
puts him in the target area. The contamination isn't improving either. Last
week each car was forbidden to circulate three days out of seven in an effort
to bring down the pollution count. Why don't they leave Mexico? That's where
he has employment, and he has a family to support. Pray for them.
It was great to see so many of our extended Mexican family at the
Youth Congress. Alfredo & Lupe, and Leo & Gladis were there helping
with classes, etc. What a wonder! Alfredo and Gladis both lived with us and
were married from our house. Leo was our very first convert in Mexico, and
now their children are attending the youth conferences. How time flies!...
Babies we held in our arms as their mothers rested after childbirth are
now parents themselves. Others are youth, playing instruments during the
praise sessions or leading discipling groups. How good it is to see faithfulness
in those God has allowed us to touch through the years.
9,779 kilometers (6,112 miles) covered and lots of warm hugs exchanged.
The doctor told Jim he could travel in the states this past summer using
it as an experiment to see how well his health would stand up under the varying
conditions. Well, we were able to visit with approximately ½ of our
supporters and encouragers during the 9 ½ weeks we were in the U.S.
As many churches no longer have corporate Sunday evening or Wednesday meetings
(most meet in cell or shepherding groups), we spent the weekdays visiting
with individual families. It was a pleasant, relaxing, and revitalizing summer.
We plan to do the same thing in 1998, visiting the other half of our supporters
then. Thus instead of trying to see everyone once every four years, we will
be visiting approximately half every two years. It also allows us to keep
up a little better on the growth of the grandkids and the graceful maturing
of our children, brothers, sisters and friends.
Paul had a computer! At first this statement may seem a bit incredulous,
but after a continued bout with my new computer for the last ten months,
I believe I can show you scriptural "evidence" that would indicate the apostle
Paul must have had one as well.
Ever want to do one thing and something else comes
up, or not do it and it comes up anyway?
Romans 7:15 & 19.
Can anything be more frustrating? - Rom. 8:20.
How can I get out of this mess? - Rom. 7:24.
Read the Manual! - Rom. 7:25.
There must be some hope for me somewhere, some
"light at the end of the tunnel!" - Rom.8:18.
Will this ever turn out right? - Rom. 8:28.
I can't take it any longer; this is too much for
me! - 1 Corinthians 10:13.
Read the Manual again! - Rom. 7:25.
There, see what I mean? Ah, but the answer is the same: For computers
or other problems of life, the solution is Jesus Christ. Consult Him regularly.
So when your hard disk "blows," your programs won't reload, but when you
finally get them replaced and loaded, then your monitor decides to quit and
you get six months behind, remember it happened to Paul also and read what
he put in the Manual - I Cor.10:13, Rom. 7:25 and Rom. 8:18. Hang in there,
sister/brother; it's worth the wait!! Now if I can get our mailing list reloaded
and updated while this is being printed, you might receive it before Christmas;
if not, you'll understand why.
We trust you had a wonderful Thanksgiving - How blessed we really are! And
then have a truly blessed Christmas - What a marvelous gift God gave the world!
Remember to share with those who don't recognize either the blessings they
enjoy or the One who has given so richly. Share Him with them that they might
become grateful, too! *“Happy New Year” and “Señor les bendiga.”* |
