Why should my heart be sad?

“Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.” Luke 13.1

Very little is known of this particular incident from the biblical record. All we do know is that Pilate slaughtered a group of Galilean pilgrims while they were offering their sacrifices in Jerusalem. Even historical records from that time period reveal nothing; only that atrocities such as this were consistent with Pilate's reputation.

Recent tragedies in our country and around the world remind us once again that such cruelty has a long and powerful reach. Like you, I'm sure, these senseless tragedies have troubled me deeply. Yet, while contemplating life in the midst of a particularly stressful day, I came across this timely reminder on social media:

This is my Father's world.

O let me ne'er forget

that though the wrong

seems oft so strong,

God is the ruler yet.

Like the songwriter, I know all is not right in this world. Tragic events, barbaric acts of violence, and unjust systems can at times shake us to the core. And although cruelty may seem to have a long and powerful reach, it can never out-distance nor out-maneuver God's saving grace and redeeming love.

This is my Father's world:

why should my heart be sad?

The Lord is King; let the heavens ring.

God reigns; let the earth be glad!

*Stuart and I thank you for your prayers and financial support. Because of your faithfulness and generosity we have reached the top of the Itineration Pyramid. Yay! The next order of business is securing our temporary residency visas. Please pray with us as we gather all necessary documents and set an appointment at the consulate. Once we secure our visas we can make travel arrangements. We hope to complete the process and be back in Mexico City within the next month! 

We look forward to returning to Mexico City to proclaim release to the captives of drug addiction and set at liberty those who are oppressed by the sex trade. Thank you!

Printable PDF Summer 2015

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A new beginning starts with joy

What a joy to visit our close friends Pastor Rick and Angela Forker at Joy Fellowship Church yesterday. We and the Forkers started out in ministry together at Evangel Christian Center (now Hope Church) in Fort Wayne many moons ago. But now, after serving as missionaries in Germany and Italy, Rick and Angela bring their cross-cultural and pastoral experience to New Haven, Indiana.

Not only did we celebrate a new beginning with our friends on Sunday we also met some special people from Mexico at their church - because as you know Mexicans are everywhere - and we love that!

So here's José from San Luis Potosí pictured next to Stuart. Stuart and I have stopped through San Luis Potosí a number of times while traveling north from Mexico City.

Since it was my birthday as well, I chose to satisfy my craving for some authentic Mexican comida at Salsa Grille in George's International Grocery. 

Tacos de carne asada, elotes, guacamole, and horchata - it just doesn't get any better than that. Unless you are actually in Mexico City which ....

we will be in less than a month! 

Yay, we made it! Let's do the happy dance!

Thanks everyone for joining with us to reach the top of the Itineration Pyramid. We really could not have done this without you. We appreciate your continued prayers as we pack up our stuff, apply for our visas, and finalize our travel plans.

You can still be a part of our missionary journey through prayer and financial support. We also invite you to sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on our ministry.

Thanks again amigos!

A Pentecostal Countdown

We just returned from our District Council where we had the opportunity to listen to one of the greatest missionary speakers, Dr. Greg Mundis (the Executive Director of AGWM), preach on Pentecostal Empowerment. I loved it when he said, "God's plan is an incarnate witness," because I've been preaching this all year: 

The Spirit of Pentecost is the Spirit of missions and the Spirit of missions is relational. God entrusts his message with his people, God empowers his people with his Spirit, and then he sends them to go into all the world because missions must be incarnational. It must be relational.

Christ's compassion and hope motivate us to engage our community, but the Spirit of Pentecost empowers us to go and make disciples. Stuart and I are returning to Mexico City because the Spirit of Pentecost has empowered us and because missions is relational.

As Roger Stronstad has said, Pentecost "is not just a spiritual blessing; it is a responsibility." In other words, a true Pentecostal embraces the missional command of Jesus to send, to go, and to make disciples.

I feel like I've posted this photo a gazillion times now. Well, here's to a gazillion and one because only 10 days remain to gather all our funds in at AGWM and receive financial clearance to return to Mexico City. 

We are so encouraged by how so many of you have responded. Hardly a day goes by without a pastor calling to say they received a special offering for us or an individual emails and writes they prayed for us and then dropped a check in the mail for our work account. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are making the climb to the top of the Itineration Pyramid possible. If you would like to join the journey with us just click here. If you prefer snail mail, just send your offering (with our name and account # (251128) in the memo line) to: 

AGWM 

1445 N Boonville Ave 

Springfield, MO 65802

Thanks again and let the countdown begin! 

Spring 2015 Newsletter

Let's Speed the Light from Bethel to Beyond

Didn't have a long drive yesterday as we hopped on over to Huntington, IN to be with Pastor Mike Pieart and the good people at Bethel Assembly of God. We enjoyed a beautiful time of worship, ministry, and prayer. Thank you Bethel Assembly for faithfully supporting us since the beginning of our missionary journey!

We're headed to the Indiana District Council today. While I'm attending the Credentialed Women's Luncheon, Stuart will meet and greet at the Speed the Light (STL) Luncheon. For those who don't know, STL provides "essential transportation and creative communication" for missionaries around the world.

In fact, Speed the Light has helped us conquer the mountainous terrain of Jamaica and the crazy-busy streets of Mexico City. Thank you Indiana District youth, youth pastors, and DYD Steve Furr for helping us Speed the Light in our corner of the world!

*Disclaimer: no STL funds were used to purchase the family dog. Just the vehicle :)

Just a short time remains to get all our funds in to receive financial clearance to return to Mexico City. Your generosity today will get us to the top of the Itineration Pyramid!

http://s1.ag.org/mexicocityorbust

Spring 2015 Newsletter

It's the King's Way or the highway

I didn't get to spend Mother's Day with my kids, but I think we spent it in the next best place possible. King's Way Assembly of God in Versailles, KY packed it all in yesterday as we discussed Pentecost and the mission of God in Sunday school with Pastors Josh and Kylie Roberts, honored Pastor Holly Divine upon receiving her ordination (seriously, can you think of a better signature than Rev. Holly Divine),

listened to a beautiful tribute to women and moms everywhere by Lisa Johnson, and then shared our ministry "interview style" with Pastor Jeff Johnson.

Lastly, we enjoyed a wonderful meal at Bella Notte with Pastors Josh and Kylie Roberts, and Kylie's parents, Jamie and Ellen Urquhart. 

Yes, the Kentucky sun was bright yesterday, but so were our hearts when we left for home. So actually it was the King's Way and then the highway for us, but we were OK with that :)

Thanks so much King's Way Assembly. You have supported us from the very beginning of our missionary adventure and we appreciate your great big heart for missions and missionaries!

Thanks everyone for your one-time donations and new monthly support. Pretty soon I'll be able share a photo of us dancing for joy on top of the Itineration Pyramid :)

Spring 2015 Newsletter

Let Me Tell You What Love Does

Stuart and I spent a glorious weekend at Tri-County Assembly (TCA) as a part of their spring missions convention. 

First, Pastors William and Janelle Rodriguez invited us to share our ministry and preach the word on Saturday evening at their church Esperanza de Vida.

O, how we have missed being surrounded by Latino voices worshiping and praising God. There's nothing like it! What a beautiful group of people who love and pray for one another with abandon. 

Muchisimas gracias!

Here's someone many of my missionary friends know. Monica has been praying for our family and sending birthday cards to our kids since we were missionaries in Jamaica. She is a delightful woman with a genuine heart for missions and intense love for missionaries.

On Sunday morning, after a fun time of sharing in Sunday School, Randy Hurst encouraged and challenged us through the preaching of the word and with numerous testimonies of what Love Does in response to the Lord's leading in our lives.

At the close of the service, everyone prayed and considered their responsibility in the Great Commission to give, to send, and to go. The young people and kids of TCA set a big example by being the first to bring their faith promise cards to the altar.

Thank you Pastor Brad & Angie Rosenberg, Pastor Hugh & Joan Rosenberg, and the whole TCA family. You have supported us since the beginning of our missionary journey and you continue to amaze us with your kind and generous hearts. You are an example to all of us as to what Love Does:

Love prays, love remembers, love cares, loves gives, love sends, and love goes!

Spring 2015 Newsletter (It's the whole enchilada and then some)

The Button of Destiny (Not really, but you won't know where it leads unless you push it)

Itineration: an idiomatic ode to the end of the road

You know how it is. If it's not one thing it's another. Another day, another dollar. And so it goes. But I need to cut to the chase. The time is now. The end is near. It's Mexico City or bust by the first of June.

Drastic times call for drastic measures. But hold your horses, dear friends; no need to fear. I'm not pulling your leg or yanking your chain. I'm just going for broke and letting the cat out of the bag. We need your help.

I don't want to get in your face, under your skin, or drive you up a wall. But since you can't take it with you anyhow, why don't you take a leap of faith? Go out on a limb. Go the whole nine yards.

You may think I'm off my rocker; not playing with a full deck. But really, I'm just at the end of my rope and I'm wearing my heart on my sleeve. So could you put the pedal to the metal? Cut us a little slack? Send us some dough?

Make no bones about it, the process is a piece of cake. And For Pete's sake, it's quicker than a New York minute. Just push the button and make our day. I promise, it won't cost you an arm and a leg. Just a little faith.

Hats off to you, friends. It's time for us to get this show on the road. And your gift today will be the icing on the cake!

**But seriously folks, we just have a few more weeks to finish climbing the Itineration Pyramid and raise $15,474. Fortunately, because of the generosity of people like you, we are more than halfway there. All Assemblies of God World Missionaries must raise monthly support as well as a cash budget before we are given financial clearance and released to the mission field. The cash budget includes monies to pay for airfare to the field, rent/utilities deposits, language school, and visa expenses.

We eagerly look forward to returning to Mexico City to proclaim release to the captives of drug addiction and set at liberty those who are oppressed by the sex trade. 

Thank you!

Printable PDF Spring 2015

If you prefer, you can snail mail your offering to: 

1445 N Boonville Ave Springfield, MO 65802
Just put our name and account number (251128) in the memo line.

Spring has sprung

What a beautiful spring day to enjoy a pleasant drive up to Butler, IN yesterday to be with Pastor Daniel and Kelly Davidhizer and the good people at Christian Assembly of God.

We couldn't help but notice that spring has sprung at Christian Assembly of God as they celebrate all kinds of new life there: a new pastor and family, a renewed love for missions, and new hopes and dreams for their church and community. If you live in the Butler area, head on over to Christian Assembly of God on US-6 and enjoy some life affirming relationships and activities!

We just have a few weeks left to climb the Itineration Pyramid and raise $15,474.

Fortunately, because of your generosity we are about halfway there!

All Assemblies of God missionaries must raise monthly support as well as a cash budget before AGWM releases us to go back on the field. The cash budget includes monies for airfare to the field, visa expenses, rent/utilities deposits, language school and other related expenses.

Please consider a one-time gift to our ministry today and get us to the top of the Itineration Pyramid!

Muchisimas gracias.

All the way to Victory

Our travels this weekend took us to a neighboring city to a church we've known for a long time yet has been on quite a journey since we first met. 

Thank you Victory Christian Fellowship and Pastor Aaron and Morgan Brockman for your invitation to share our ministry. After joining with you in prayer, praise, and the preaching I believe we all have a better understanding of what it truly means to get back to the heart of worship. Gracias!

If you're in the Columbia City, IN area and you are looking for a different church, making a difference then look no further than Victory Christian Fellowship.

And be sure to tell them Stuart and Wendy sent you :)

Yes, we're still climbing the Itineration Pyramid, but you can help get us to the top with your one-time offering today! 

Don't delay!

The time is now!

Give, give, give!

Ok, so maybe the air is a little lighter up here. 

But we sure would appreciate your help :)

Thanks!

Almost there!

In 2010, our family climbed the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacán, Mexico. Our muscles strained, our brows sweat as we ascended the 366' steep climb to the top. What sweet relief to reach the pinnacle and take in the spectacular view.

How many comparisons can I make between that day and our time of itineration :)

We strain in hope, we sweat with anticipation, but alas, we are nearly there!

Assemblies of God World Missionaries must raise monthly support as well as a cash budget.  The cash budget includes monies for airfare to the field, visa expenses, rent/utility deposits, work projects/equipment, language school, and other related expenses.

 Our focus this month is to raise $15,474 in cash.

Please, help get us to the top of the Itineration Pyramid with a one-time gift to our ministry. 

I'm sure the view will be great!

Thank you!

S.A.M and the Pyramid

A last minute cancellation became a wonderful ministry opportunity for us this past week at Fort Wayne First Assembly's Senior Adult Ministries (SAM) luncheon.

Stuart shared a little about what we'll be doing in Mexico City and then I spoke on the three gifts Jesus gave his disciples: He gave them a meal, he gave them a cross, and he gave them his Spirit.

Thank you Pastor Frank and Carol Sitcler and everyone at the Thursday luncheon.

We enjoyed our time with you!

Back in 2010, our family climbed the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacán, Mexico. Our muscles strained, our brows sweat as we ascended the 366' steep climb to the top. O, but what sweet relief to reach the pinnacle and take in the spectacular view.

How many comparisons can I make between that day and our time of itineration :)

We strain in hope, we sweat with anticipation, but alas, we are nearly there!

If you didn't know, Assemblies of God World Missionaries must raise monthly support and a cash budget.  The cash budget includes monies for airfare to the field, visa expenses, rent/utility deposits, work projects/equipment, language school, and other related expenses.

 Our focus this month is to raise $15,474 in cash.

And then we reach the itineration pinnacle.

Hooray!

Please, help get us to the top of the Itineration Pyramid with a one-time gift to our ministry. I'm sure the view will be great!

We're in it to win it!

Since we didn't make it to Nashville, IN on Valentine's day (remember our epic Valentine's day at Area 51), we thought we'd try again it on Saturday to break up the drive on our way down to Evansville. We were ten minutes from home when we discovered car trouble. 

Is this a joke?

Are the fates against us?

Would we ever get there?

Fortunately, we got home with no problems, rented a car, and then enjoyed a warm, sunny afternoon in Nashville! 

So glad we made it to Evansville so we could join Pastor Jay and Kimberly Nicoson and Oak Hill Christian Center for a great missions Sunday!

We met and conversed with a lot of wonderful people like Doreen from Zimbabwe, Noel from Jamaica, as well as two youngsters whose family originated from Mexico City.

We spoke in "big" church and kids church on this missions Sunday. Thank you pastors Amy and Aaron DeWitt and all the great Journey kids who helped look for our lost peso. And congrats to Eva who found it!

We're in it to win it!

Although $542 is a great number, it's time to lower it. 

Mexico City March Madness continues all this week so

join the team and help get us through the final elimination round!

http://s1.ag.org/marchmadness2015

Thank you!

Until the Whole World Hears again

So grateful we returned to Indianapolis on Friday to finish out missions week with Pastor Brian and Sheli Correll and New Beginnings Assembly of God.

Elephant thank you to missionaries Bernie and Brenda Smith for the great testimonies coming out of Togo and the West Africa Advanced School of Theology (WAAST).

On Saturday, the Women of Worth (WOW) ministries hosted a fun and inspiring luncheon.

Generosity and encouragement flowed from everyone involved. 

Thank you women of God. I believe in the sisterhood!

Don't forget:

March Madness all the way to Mexico City!

Hopefully later today I'll be sharing a new and improved (and lower) monthly goal :) 

(Just waiting on the official email.)

Let's get this done together!

Become a ministry partner today: http://s1.ag.org/marchmadness2015

Thank you!

While you're at it, join our Facebook group.

March Madness: Final Elimination Round

It's happening!

We're down to needing $635 monthly!

Let's get this done together.

Become a ministry partner today: 

http://s1.ag.org/marchmadness2015 

Thank you!

March Madness: Final Elimination Round

This is it! 

March Madness all the way to Mexico City!

We're in the final round. Only $700 in monthly commitments needed. 

Become a ministry partner today: http://s1.ag.org/marchmadness2015

Thank you!

Watch, Pray, Act, Give: Teen Challenge Mexico City

Watch: Three Teen Challenge residents share their testimony in this video. Although it is all in Spanish even if you don't speak the language I think you can understand their story as they share through art. Enjoy and please pray for Teen Challenge Mexico City/Reto a la Juventud and its directors Gamaliel and Alejandra.

Pray: Blessed Lord, you ministered to all who came to you: Look with compassion upon all who through addiction have lost their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of your unfailing mercy; remove from them the fears that beset them; strengthen them in the work of their recovery; and to those who care for them, give patient understanding and persevering love. Amen. (BCP)

Act: “This is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.” Isaiah 58.6-7

Give: Every heartfelt gift or monthly commitment (no matter the amount) brings us closer to our return to Mexico City (and we are very close). Thank you for your support.