It's a jungle out there!

At least it was in Muncie this past weekend when we spoke at Northside Assembly of God during their missions convention!

Deep in the Northside jungle, we shared the gospel among all kinds of wildlife :)

Apparently though the turtle and fish had quite the adventure that night when their pond sprung a leak. Word has it the turtle survived the field trip, but the fish may not have been so lucky.

After meeting with the teens, the adventurous young adults enjoyed a buffet of missionary food, including octopus, seaweed, pig's feet and other delicacies. 

Stuart & I had a wonderful weekend with lead pastor Carl & Diane Bowden as well as youth pastor Casey, and children's pastors Stephen & Elizabeth. Thanks so much for your heartfelt prayers and generous support!

You too can partner with us to proclaim release to the captive of drug addiction and to set at liberty those who are oppressed by the sex trade. Let's make a difference together!

A full week of miles and smiles

Feels like we spent a lot of time due north as well as in the northwest part of our state this week. 

Last Monday we enjoyed a marvelous time of prayer at the Christian Celebration Center in Midland, MI before meeting with the Latin America/Caribbean missions council and team members. 

The evening began with a time of worship, a faith declaration, and then prayer for every supported missionary and the various regions of the world.

Look! They support our former neighbors and missionary colleagues Randy and Linda Lindsey!

On Tuesday, Stuart dropped me off in Fort Wayne and then headed down to Princeton, IN for the Southern Area Ministers Meeting. He arrived home late on Tuesday, rested up on Wednesday, and then we found ourselves in Merrillville once again on Thursday.

We stayed at the home of Christian and Cristina Pellegrini-Rath. A native of Tuscani, Cristina served a meal to die for :) After an update with missions committee members Tedd and Lexa, we spent a better part of the evening talking food and missions. Which come to think of it, is usually the topic of conversation whenever cross-cultural servants get together!

The following day, Stuart and I participated in a missions update and thank you video before speaking at the Oasis luncheon at Living Hope Church. 

What a fun group of people!

So thankful to Beverly (Oasis pastor), Cristina (phenomenal hostess), Living Hope Church, Pastor Todd Matchett and the missions committee for a great couple of days and their faithful support all these years.

On Saturday, Stuart shared breakfast with Pastor Bob Monroe and the men of Kendallville Assembly of God. Unfortunately, Stuart is out of town today and with him the photos he took of the event :) I'll put them up when he gets back.

Yesterday, we headed down to Diversity Church in Indianapolis with Pastor Jonathan and Nicole Ember. We are thankful for their support and vision for their community and the world. If you're in their neck of the woods next week, be sure to stop by Garfield Park Art Center for a Taste of Diversity. Looks like a lot of fun!

Interested in partnering with us to proclaim release to the captives of drug addiction and to set at liberty those who are oppressed by the sex trade? Just click here to donate on line!

Unexpected visitors, a last minute invitation, and other nice stuff

Friday evening we received an unexpected call from friends and fellow missionaries to Mexico City, Peter and Delia Breit. They were on their way to Fort Wayne for a missions convention with the Midwest Latin America District of the Assemblies of God.

So before we headed out to the northwest section of the State on Saturday, Stuart jointed Peter at Templo Aposento Alto with Pastor Samuel Castillo, who hosted the event.

Here are all the cute Breit kids posing for the obligatory MK photo. 

Alas, I remember those days, as do our kids :)

Stuart greets the pastors of the Midwest Latin America District.

He enjoyed worshiping in Spanish once again, as well as the challenging missions message from Peter to the congregation.

Thanks for the invitation!

Yesterday, we joined Hobart Assembly of God with Pastor Ryan and Rebecca McDowell. We shared both services with Larry Tomczak before heading down to children's church.

If you see them, ask the kids about the parable of The Lost Peso.

Big thanks to Pastor Ryan and Rebecca, and Hobart Assembly for their warm reception as well as Larry Tomczak for his prayers and words of encouragement to us. 

We have a busy, busy week this week. Please pray for us as we travel to Michigan tonight, Princeton, IN tomorrow, Merrillville, IN on Thursday, and Kendallville, IN on Saturday morning. 

Feliz Día de la Independencia, México!

Please partner with us prayerfully and financially so that we can proclaim release to the captive of drug addiction and human trafficking, and to set at liberty those who are oppressed by the sex trade. 

We can make a difference together!

Pentecostal Preaching and Lunch with Saint Mary

This past weekend, Stuart and I enjoyed catching up with old friends, (as the years go by I notice that phrase takes on new meaning), Pastor Bill and Cindy Richardson at Journey Assembly of God in Terre Haute, IN. 

We met Cindy back in 1990 when Stuart did his pastoral internship at Evangel Christian Center in Fort Wayne (now Hope Church), and then Bill a few years later when they met and married.

During the service, Stuart shared his testimony and then I had the pleasure of preaching on the Spirit of Pentecost.

Later we met this delightful woman, a Mexican Jew from Chiapas, Mexico. She shared with Stuart a tract entitled 4 Cosas que Dios Quiere que Usted Sepa (4 Things God Wants You to Know) that she hands out to Latinos in the area.

The day ended with a wonderful Sunday Brunch at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. 

The food, campus, and architecture were simply outstanding.

If you live in Terre Haute or just driving through make sure to stop by Journey Assembly, say "Hi!" to Pastor Bill and Cindy, and tell them Stuart and I sent you!

From Whom All Blessings Flow/Shawn Small Stories

I am a guest writer today over at Shawn Small Stories. Stuart and I met Shawn while serving as directors of New Vision Children's Home in Jamaica. Shawn has also written some marvelous books like The Via Crucis and The Via Advent that I personally enjoyed and highly recommend. So click on over to Shawn Small Stories for some adventure and wonder!

He gave himself so others could live

Missionary colleague Butch Frey posted this on Facebook yesterday:

This morning, in Poza Rica, Veracruz (Mexico), during what started out as a normal Sunday School time at one of our churches, a drug addict entered with a knife and began an attack upon those who were gathered there. One of the deacons placed himself between the attacker and the children and children's worker, and, literally gave his life in the process. Edgar Hernández represents the very best of the Mexican church. Fully committed to the cause of Christ, without an ounce of cowardice, he gave himself so that others could live. God bless Hno. Hernández and his family.

Emergency workers transferred another victim to a clinic with two knife wounds. Apparently, Hernández's wife was also hurt in the attack and is currently in the hospital.

As Butch has already mentioned, please stop a moment now and pray for the Hernández family as well as the church, Templo Cristiano del Divino Redentor, as they sort through this tragic event and the loss of a dear brother in Christ. May the Lord comfort them and surround them with wise and compassionate counsel in their time of grief.

Might we also stop and pray for the drug addict who caused this devastation. He represents countless thousands in Mexico warped by addiction and in need of deliverance. May the Lord surround him also with knowledgeable and wise counsel to deliver him from his addictions and fill him with the Holy Spirit.

Gracias.

If you can read Spanish, this news article also outlines the events of yesterday.

In which we say, Nü - Ark, not Nü - Wərk

I love the east coast! 

So glad for the opportunity to visit Pastor Alan and Tricia Baker in Newark, Delaware last weekend.

We felt quite at home at Parkview Assembly of God; a truly "multi-cultural blend of people that love the Lord and fellowship together as a family."

Saturday evening we enjoyed the wonderful World Cafe; an intimate gathering to converse with the beautiful people of Parkview Assembly.

Sunday morning, I preached the first service and Stuart brought it home during the second service.

Later we grabbed some Philly Cheese Steaks at Tony Luke's in Philadelphia with Ben and Jessi Bock (Student Ministries) and Alan and Tricia Baker (Lead pastor).

Afterward, we decided to get a group shot with Alan and Tricia. 

Amazing how the Liberty Bell photo-bombed us at just the right moment.

For those who may not know the history: 

Way back in 1990, when Stuart and I graduated from Southeastern University, we traveled to Fort Wayne, Indiana for our first official ministry opportunity with Alan and Tricia Baker. After serving as the pastoral intern at Evangel Christian Center, Alan hired Stuart as one of his associate pastors. Likewise, Rick and Angela Forker also joined the team. Later we would all become missionaries: Alan and Tricia, Belgium; Rick and Angela, first to Germany and now in Italy; Stuart and I, first in Jamaica and now in Mexico City.

Making a Connection from Mexico City to West Lafayette

Although we lost an hour of sleep Saturday night, we gained some precious connections and conversations on Sunday when ...

Stuart and I shared our hearts for Mexico City with Connection Point Church in West Lafayette, IN.

After a wonderful sermon by Pastor Ted Brust we enjoyed lunch and fellowship with our friends, Pastor Zach and Liz Rainey.

Creativity and fellowship abound on Main Street in Connection Point Church where Stuart stands with Liz.

Thanks, Pastor Ted for the opportunity to share our ministry with you and your congregation!

Magic Mexican Gum

Like most missionaries, we include items on our display table people can take home with them. Adults usually reach for the prayer cards and mints, but kids prefer the tiny centavos and the Mexican gum.

Recently, after hearing me encouraging the kids to grab a pack of gum, an elderly gentleman quipped:

"If you chew that gum, you'll be able to speak Spanish."

I've never seen gum fly off the table so fast.

New Salem Sweethearts

Our travels this weekend brought us to New Salem Assembly in Petersburg, IL to meet up with friends Pastor Erick and Lisa Luper.

Since 8 inches of snow postponed their Sweetheart Banquet last week, Stuart and I had the good fortune to join their delectable celebration on Saturday evening before our ministry time on Sunday. 

Many thanks to Pastor Erick who artfully prepared the rib-eyes and the youth who heartfully served the sweethearts.

Surprise! We even nabbed a sweet smelling door prize.

Thank you, New Salem Assembly for a blessed weekend!

Burkesville, KY . . . aka, somewhere without snow

Itineration is a busy time of travel and fundraising for missionaries, but we are thankful for the opportunities to reconnect with friends and partners in ministry.

This weekend we enjoyed the hospitality of Owen and Elise Kieffer at The Old Coe House Bed & Breakfast, while we were in Burkesville, KY for a service at Living Word Ministries.

Stuart and I have known Pastor Dana and Jennifer Coverstone and family (Keilah, Micah, & Hannah) since the dawn of time.

Just kidding.

But we shared some wild and wonderful memories when they ministered at our children's home in Jamaica. 

See the video below on how to really tell the story of the mad-man of the Gaderenes so that your kids never forget it.

Alas, our service yesterday did not feature pigs, but it was wonderful all the same.

After I preached, Pastor Dana asked the children and youth to come around Stuart and I and pray for us.
(I'll post a pic as soon as I get it)
I believe this sends a powerful message to our younger generation that God uses and calls our kids and youth at any age.

If you are ever in Burkesville, KY make sure you stay at The Old Coe House Bed & Breakfast (Stuart says they have the best waffles and blueberries) and visit Living Word Ministries (say hi to Pastor Dana for us).
It'll be a weekend you'll never forget!

Missionary Monday . . . Let's keep in touch

As I prepare our next newsletter for your perusal and enjoyment, please take a moment to subscribe to our e-version by entering your email to the right. 

That's it, just look to the right and under the words 

Receive our Nifty Newsletter by Subscribing Here! 

just enter your email address.

Easy peasy.

Now we can keep in touch and all will be right with the world.

Gracias.

Missionary Monday . . . on the road (and in the air) again

Two weeks ago, snow and icy roads forced a state of emergency in Fort Wayne which upset travel plans for both our university students. Stuart made a harrowing trip to Indianapolis the next day to drop off Wesley to meet his ride. Then on Wednesday, Olivia and I joined Stuart on a 4 1/2 hour drive to Indianapolis to catch our flights.

Here I am trying to manage a selfie with Olivia.

We got to the airport with about an hour and 20 minutes to spare. Stuart and I headed to Florida and Olivia flew back to Texas.

Big thanks to Pastor Carl and Alice Stephens for allowing us to share our heart for Mexico City at Faith Assembly of God in Orlando. Also, thanks to Pastor Marcos and Margarita Gonzalez for the fellowship afterward. 

On Thursday morning, we joined Faith Christian Academy for morning devotions.

Here we are sharing the parable of the lost peso. 

Yes, we are more than happy to do children and youth services!

Friday, we traveled up to Jacksonville to meet friends and prepare for our service at Freedom Christian Fellowship. We stayed with Brian and Kim Ball, long time friends of Stuart. Brian and Stuart served together in the Marines and Brian was responsible bringing Stuart to church and pointing him to the Savior.

I desperately needed a vitamin D infusion before heading back to the frozen tundra of Indiana, so we stopped at Wekiwa Springs for a cool canoe ride and then walked around Saint Augustine.

We loved our time with Pastor Stephen and Patty Powers at Freedom Christian Fellowship. 

Thanks for your hospitality!

We made it safely back to Fort Wayne last Monday. 

I started my final semester at Southwestern Assemblies of God University, Sophia enjoyed her first semi-formal at Leo High School, and Stuart visited Jasonville Assembly of God. 

I wish I could have been there, but Stuart enjoyed catching up with Sam and Marcia Bush as well as many others on Sunday. Thanks so much for your support!

Missionary Monday . . . We wait for him

For God alone my soul in silence waits; truly, my hope is in him. Psalm 62.6

Waiting, waiting, waiting.

Been doing that a lot this past month. Maybe I should say this past year. Now that I think about it, I've spent a lot of time waiting these last ten years.

In 2003, the Assemblies of God officially commissioned Stuart and I as missionaries. We traveled extensively and worked exhaustively as we waited (impatiently) for 18 months until we arrived in Jamaica on July 4, 2005.

Since then we have traveled to Costa Rica to work on learning Spanish to prepare for ministry in Mexico. Missionary colleagues promised us that magic moment when our brain would “click” and we would exclaim, “¡Aha, podemos entender español!”

Um, still waiting on that click.

God is no stranger to waiting, though. Thousands of years God waited, but when the right time came, he sent his Son, born of a woman ... (Galatians 4.4).

Through the season of Advent, our family lit candles as we waited to celebrate his birth.

We lit one Advent candle to remind us that the prophets foretold of his appearing (Isaiah 9.6). We lit two candles to remind us he was born a man in Bethlehem (Luke 2.4-7). We lit three candles to recognize that we like the shepherds must come to Christ, believe in him, and tell the good news to others (Luke 2.8-12). We lit four candles to anticipate Christ's second appearing and focus on his salvation (Luke 2.13-14).

Advent is the season of anticipation.
Of longing.
Of waiting.

But some things are worth the wait.

Merry Christmas,
Stuart & Wendy

Christmas newsletter

Missionary Monday . . . Christmas break

It's the most wonderful time of the year . . . 

when you get to pick up your university student at the airport :)

Olivia wasn't camera ready, so we use a photo from last year.

Not that you would know better.

She looks the same today.

Just a little travel weary.

Last week, IPFW Chi Alpha pastor, Laurie Atz (below), honored me with an invitation to be a part of a panel discussion on relationships with her students.

Check out their Facebook group for more details of this great ministry.

Sophia sang a solo at Leo High School's Yuletide concert.

Bright lights make for washed-out look, but her voice is still beautiful.

Our Schnauzer, Captain Jack and newcomer, Atticus, show you what friendship is all about.

¡Bienvenidos a . . . Missionary Monday!

 It's Missionary Monday - time to give you some highlights of the past week.

Pastor David Eales invited Stuart to Rock Solid Ministries in Richmond, IN. Stuart spent the better part of an hour answering all kinds of wonderful questions about Mexico and our ministry.

Afterwards the youth group gave our family a gift box covered with encouraging notes from everyone. 

Thank you, Rock Solid Ministries, for partnering with us in ministry!

Yesterday we had a great time at New Life Community Church in Marion, IN. 

Pastor David and Shami Grieve invited five missionary families to be a part of A Taste of Missions to highlight our ministries and help his congregation to go Beyond, so all can hear the gospel!

Here I am serving up everyone's favorite - tacquitos with salsa verde.

We had a lot of inquiries concerning the recipe for taquitos. 

They are super easy to make.

Just roll up some shredded chicken in a corn tortilla and fry in a pan. 

*Or you can go the super-duper easy route and buy the Goya brand taquitos from your favorite international grocery :) 

Don't forget to serve with some salsa verde - La Costeña is our favorite brand.

Foto Fun Thursday

I'm joining a few of my missionary friends today for Foto Fun Thursday.

In Mexico City, we lived close by to a fairly large park. Very often on the weekend we would take Jack, our dog, to the park for a change of scenery. All kinds of food vendors, like this young woman selling cotton candy and chamoy covered apples, enticed your curiosity and your senses.

Which reminds me, this weekend we will be at New Life Community Church in Marion, IN for a Taste of Missions. If you love missions and want to sample some authentic Mexican food, join us on Sunday!

This is part of the Foto Fun Thursday Link-In, started by Tammy over at www.missionarytrek.com