We are so used to using phrases like, “That was AWESOME!” or “He/She is AMAZING !” I often find we have “dumbed-down” those words to mean little more than something good, fun, or exciting. Rarely do we literally mean a feeling of “AWE,” that catching off guard found only in true ‘amazement’ that would speak against reality’s odds of occurrence. So, when my first thought concerning my recent return from South America was, “That was an AMAZING trip!” I began to check my own comment.
Why? Why was this trip amazing? Was it due to the fact that everything I thought and hoped would happen…did? Was it because God provided for my financial needs for the trip and my family just 2 days before we left, in His incredible and often playful timing? Was it because of the numerous relationships and additional doors opened up to countries around the world that I had not even counted upon before? Or, was it that I had now more clearly grasped the immense plan of salvation that God has unfolded in our Universe, demonstrated in the redemptive story of His beloved mankind. Moreover, that He has invited me to take an active role in such a love story!
That is it! When, I looked at the source of my strength, the source of my joy, and the very reason why I do what I do, I felt that rush of euphoric “amazement.” It was due to the nature of how and who the Great I Am…is. He constantly chooses to work through and in the lives of humankind. He chose long ago to create us for a relationship. He chose to redeem that relationship via His own great sacrifice after we broke and confused it. He still elects fallible men and women engaged in their newly redeemed relationship to accomplish His wonderful will and even allows us a part in the proclamation to others of that very redemptive act by which we are allowed communion with Him. In other words, the fact that God Himself chooses to use my imperfect hands, mouth, and ways is AMAZING! More over, He doesn’t “use” my efforts in the sense of a task master or slave owner would use their servants. Rather, He invites me to join along side of Him in the garden of life, much like that of a father inviting his little girl to get her small work boots and spade (both gifts from the father, enabling the task) and join him outside in the field. Are you kidding me? I can even hear the echo of “YAY” sounding similar to what my own 4 little girls would sing in unison at such an opportunity. However, my soul is the owner of that exclaimed song which rings from my heart to the God that I know as Abba, inviting me to walk with Him.
YES! “Amazement” perfectly describes what I feel…I am overwhelmingly amazed at His invitation!
March 28, 2009
March 9, 2009
Headed to Ecuador
Just a quick update to let you know I am on my way to Quito, Ecuador right now to teach another course in Missions! We are so excited about these next two weeks! Please be in prayer for these students, my family and my teaching efforts. I know God is up to something AWESOME! Can't wait to let you know how it goes!
February 13, 2009
What Exactly Do You Do?
Most missionaries are asked that question often, but our favorite answer is a more ambiguous one. And, we like it that way. We show the love of God in a practical way to the people of this world. To some missionaries, a specific or “exactly” statement may mean they dig wells for villages without water. For others, it may mean they start or maintain an orphanage or food center. For many short-term mission projects, it usually entails some sort of construction project for a church, home, or school.
For April and me, it has meant one or all of the above at various seasons. However, to give a specific/exact answer: “We are teachers! We make disciples who can make other disciples.” Our goal is to always teach ourselves out of a job. Isn’t that the way Jesus did it? He trained disciples then left them to do their work. Even more specifically, I left Lee University as a professor of World Missions to help train mission students in the Latin world. The vision and call that God gave me years ago concerned the missionaries He was raising out of Latin America and other places that were former mission fields, but are now becoming the mission FORCE!
Now, I teach world mission seminars and intensive courses in our seminaries and schools scattered across South & Central America. My hope is that those students will join the missions program in Ecuador, or be a part of the newly created Latin Missionaries Sending Agency. The bigger picture is that each year we reproduce greater numbers of ourselves with disciples who can make other disciples. This exponentially changes the world faster than one gringo dropped off in the middle of the jungle. We can save 10 to 20 years of language training and cultural acceptance by sending Latin Americans to the remaining strongholds in South and Central America instead of an English speaking gringo. We are also finding that the acceptance for Latin Americans in Asian and Middle Eastern cultures may significantly speed our evangelistic efforts there. Even now, we have former students scattered across the globe sowing seeds in new fields -- multiplying our harvest!
Yes, from time to time God opens other doors, and I love going through them. Our favorite “extra” events came last summer with nearly 80 screaming Campus Choir members from Lee University, with New Hope’s youth group, and with the Bruce family, who gave puppet and children ministry seminars. (You can read about those events in some of our previous postings.) Typically, anything that can help promote Jesus is welcomed. However, we concentrate mainly on events that can help train and equip our mission and pastoral students for their fields and callings.
We are so thankful for the opportunity we have. We love each and every school and are always amazed at what they are able to do with so little. Part of the reason they are able to continue is through supported missionary teachers like April and me. We are NOT salaried, and receive NO reimbursement from the schools in which we teach. 100% of our funding comes from supporters like you who read our articles and posts. If you want to learn more about how to help sponsor our ministry and reach more than just one field with every seed you sow, please click here or you can call or e-mail us.
We are very thankful to play the role that God has chosen for us. We LOVE what we do. Thank you all for being a part of it.
--Matthew Jett
For April and me, it has meant one or all of the above at various seasons. However, to give a specific/exact answer: “We are teachers! We make disciples who can make other disciples.” Our goal is to always teach ourselves out of a job. Isn’t that the way Jesus did it? He trained disciples then left them to do their work. Even more specifically, I left Lee University as a professor of World Missions to help train mission students in the Latin world. The vision and call that God gave me years ago concerned the missionaries He was raising out of Latin America and other places that were former mission fields, but are now becoming the mission FORCE!
Now, I teach world mission seminars and intensive courses in our seminaries and schools scattered across South & Central America. My hope is that those students will join the missions program in Ecuador, or be a part of the newly created Latin Missionaries Sending Agency. The bigger picture is that each year we reproduce greater numbers of ourselves with disciples who can make other disciples. This exponentially changes the world faster than one gringo dropped off in the middle of the jungle. We can save 10 to 20 years of language training and cultural acceptance by sending Latin Americans to the remaining strongholds in South and Central America instead of an English speaking gringo. We are also finding that the acceptance for Latin Americans in Asian and Middle Eastern cultures may significantly speed our evangelistic efforts there. Even now, we have former students scattered across the globe sowing seeds in new fields -- multiplying our harvest!
Yes, from time to time God opens other doors, and I love going through them. Our favorite “extra” events came last summer with nearly 80 screaming Campus Choir members from Lee University, with New Hope’s youth group, and with the Bruce family, who gave puppet and children ministry seminars. (You can read about those events in some of our previous postings.) Typically, anything that can help promote Jesus is welcomed. However, we concentrate mainly on events that can help train and equip our mission and pastoral students for their fields and callings.
We are so thankful for the opportunity we have. We love each and every school and are always amazed at what they are able to do with so little. Part of the reason they are able to continue is through supported missionary teachers like April and me. We are NOT salaried, and receive NO reimbursement from the schools in which we teach. 100% of our funding comes from supporters like you who read our articles and posts. If you want to learn more about how to help sponsor our ministry and reach more than just one field with every seed you sow, please click here or you can call or e-mail us.
We are very thankful to play the role that God has chosen for us. We LOVE what we do. Thank you all for being a part of it.
--Matthew Jett
Tour of the Semisud Campus: just for FUN
I thought I'd give you a brief view of the Seminary in Ecuador. If this goes well, I'll post some photos of the other schools as well.
Left: One of my mission classes is taking a 5 minute break. aka: "I'm trying to regroup my Spanish thoughts!"
Right: Although we do have projectors and computers, sometimes a teacher just likes a good ol' white board & markers!
"Doot, Doot, Doot, looking out my back door!" This is the view from most of the class rooms in the new World Missions Building. If it wasn't too cold or too hot, I liked to teach with that huge window wide open! Oh wait, this was Ecuador where it is 70 degrees every single day of the year. So, I liked to teach with that thing open! You'll have to look at some other post about the country. One area where South and Central America does not lack is beautiful landscapes.
We also work with the local churches by offering training seminars, preaching, service projects, etc...
The following are some fun videos that will help give you an idea of what I think is one of the most beautiful campuses in the world. You may remember the WYEA and other projects that many of us supported to help construct some of the buildings you'll see. When I was first there 12 years ago, there were only 2 small shacks on campus. See how it's changed.
Kitchen, Dining Hall, & Dormitories
Administration Building
Library & Auditorium
Chapel
Student's Question
Garden steps from Dorms: the Dining Hall is on the left & Administration is on the right.
There are park benches, gardens, waterfalls, a sand-pit-volleyball court, and a soccer field scattered across the campus.
Left: One of my mission classes is taking a 5 minute break. aka: "I'm trying to regroup my Spanish thoughts!"
Right: Although we do have projectors and computers, sometimes a teacher just likes a good ol' white board & markers!
"Doot, Doot, Doot, looking out my back door!" This is the view from most of the class rooms in the new World Missions Building. If it wasn't too cold or too hot, I liked to teach with that huge window wide open! Oh wait, this was Ecuador where it is 70 degrees every single day of the year. So, I liked to teach with that thing open! You'll have to look at some other post about the country. One area where South and Central America does not lack is beautiful landscapes.
We also work with the local churches by offering training seminars, preaching, service projects, etc...
The following are some fun videos that will help give you an idea of what I think is one of the most beautiful campuses in the world. You may remember the WYEA and other projects that many of us supported to help construct some of the buildings you'll see. When I was first there 12 years ago, there were only 2 small shacks on campus. See how it's changed.
Kitchen, Dining Hall, & Dormitories
Administration Building
Library & Auditorium
Chapel
Student's Question
Garden steps from Dorms: the Dining Hall is on the left & Administration is on the right.
There are park benches, gardens, waterfalls, a sand-pit-volleyball court, and a soccer field scattered across the campus.
February 12, 2009
Another Ah Ha!
Have you ever had one of those…“This is what I’m meant to do with my life!” moments? For me, most of those moments come from the times I am either: singing praise, preaching, praying, or witnessing in some way. Several months ago, I wrote a blog about one of those moments. It concerned new converts, led by their pastor and former student from our seminary. I had the privilege of interpreting the recent training sessions for them, where my friend from the states taught them how to use puppets to preach the message of Jesus. I watched a few days later as years of my life paid off while they presented Jesus in a remote area to a people who had never heard the gospel. You can read about that by clicking here.
The most recent moment occurred recently during a 2-week intensive course that I was teaching in Spanish at one of our Seminaries in South America. The class was called “Contemporary Missiology,” and was attended by almost a dozen Master’s level South American graduates headed to the mission field. The moment was not a singular moment realized after the event had passed. Rather, it was a lingering joyful fulfillment that occurred every day during the course of that 2 week event and left me with a clear reflection to remember always.
With every day that I walked to the World Missions Complex from my room in the school’s dormitory, every time I stood up to teach, every answer uttered from my imperfect lips to every question falling on my fallible ears, God seemed to whisper the words spoken to Esther so long ago, “You were born for a time such as this!” Every experience/adventure, every move from yet another home, every foreign piece of food, every long and tiring journey through the night, every friend and family member left, every book read, every long and boring lecture I had endured through college then seminary, as well as the enjoyable ones…all of the task, troubles, trials, triumphs, and trophies were piled upon those moments for the following realization: This is That! That calling, that vision, that hope, that drawing and yearning that has been in my heart for so long. It IS being fulfilled right now…in THIS moment! I did NOT feel like I was in the wrong place. I was there because I belonged. I belonged not because of who I was, but because the GREAT I AM had been working for years to bring me to who I am now.
Every time I looked into the faces of those students about to sacrifice the rest of their lives for the same drawing and calling that I too have felt, it deepened my sense of belonging. The best thing was, I actually had answers for their questions. I actually had insights to their dilemmas, compassion for their sufferings, and hope for their concerns. It was flowing out of me with the same anointing God had poured during those moments of singing, preaching, witnessing, counseling, etc… I loved it! No, this was not even close to my first time to teach. Then why was it so special?
The vision that we have held in our hearts included one of those infamous “one day” statements. It was the reason we had made so many of those moves, spent so much time in preparation, given up so many “other” opportunities, and made so many sacrifices. The “one day” was to be a time when there was a dedicated Spanish missionary training facility, a dedicated Latin Missionary sending agency, and the need to teach intensive training sessions in all of the “networked” schools scattered across South and Central America. I hoped I would see that sooner than expected, but never dreamt it would be during the first decade of this millennium. This session was the first of what I always thought would be step Y or Z in the equation. Now, I have had to redefine step Y from the old track to step A in the new track. In many ways I feel like the training (though never over) has finally led us to the real or BIG race/course. The two facts put together is what overwhelms me. One, that it is already happening, and two, that I’m actually ready/equipped for it. He really has called us for a time such as NOW!
Yes, there is still a lot of work left for Him to complete, but don’t miss what I am saying. This was my pay-off moment. That moment that finally arrives when you open your eyes and look around and say, “It’s really finally happening.” Like a bride and groom trying to look around at the surreal scene before them in order not to let one of the greatest defining moments of their lives pass them by. This is what I have spent all of the time, money, emotions, relationships, and hope on for the past decade!
It may not mean as much to everyone else, but for me, it was a long time coming. The word that God had spoken to me when I felt compelled to leave my favorite University in the mountains of Tennessee to eventually call South America home, was finally and clearly being fulfilled. I left Lee because God had told me if I wanted to keep teaching the mission courses I was teaching, I’d better learn to do it in Spanish. He told me that He was making the former mission field into the Mission Force for this century!
I am so thankful to the godly men and women who share in this task. Part of the reason I have been overwhelmed in the past was that the task was so big. I have recently realized that when God is speaking to you, He most likely has been speaking to others. Yes, there is much work to be done, but God and godly men and women are working on that. I love watching His beautiful orchestration come together, and love serving whatever role I can. So many people have worked hard to get these programs and institutions rolling, and I am thankful to merely be a part of it!
The most recent moment occurred recently during a 2-week intensive course that I was teaching in Spanish at one of our Seminaries in South America. The class was called “Contemporary Missiology,” and was attended by almost a dozen Master’s level South American graduates headed to the mission field. The moment was not a singular moment realized after the event had passed. Rather, it was a lingering joyful fulfillment that occurred every day during the course of that 2 week event and left me with a clear reflection to remember always.
With every day that I walked to the World Missions Complex from my room in the school’s dormitory, every time I stood up to teach, every answer uttered from my imperfect lips to every question falling on my fallible ears, God seemed to whisper the words spoken to Esther so long ago, “You were born for a time such as this!” Every experience/adventure, every move from yet another home, every foreign piece of food, every long and tiring journey through the night, every friend and family member left, every book read, every long and boring lecture I had endured through college then seminary, as well as the enjoyable ones…all of the task, troubles, trials, triumphs, and trophies were piled upon those moments for the following realization: This is That! That calling, that vision, that hope, that drawing and yearning that has been in my heart for so long. It IS being fulfilled right now…in THIS moment! I did NOT feel like I was in the wrong place. I was there because I belonged. I belonged not because of who I was, but because the GREAT I AM had been working for years to bring me to who I am now.
Every time I looked into the faces of those students about to sacrifice the rest of their lives for the same drawing and calling that I too have felt, it deepened my sense of belonging. The best thing was, I actually had answers for their questions. I actually had insights to their dilemmas, compassion for their sufferings, and hope for their concerns. It was flowing out of me with the same anointing God had poured during those moments of singing, preaching, witnessing, counseling, etc… I loved it! No, this was not even close to my first time to teach. Then why was it so special?
The vision that we have held in our hearts included one of those infamous “one day” statements. It was the reason we had made so many of those moves, spent so much time in preparation, given up so many “other” opportunities, and made so many sacrifices. The “one day” was to be a time when there was a dedicated Spanish missionary training facility, a dedicated Latin Missionary sending agency, and the need to teach intensive training sessions in all of the “networked” schools scattered across South and Central America. I hoped I would see that sooner than expected, but never dreamt it would be during the first decade of this millennium. This session was the first of what I always thought would be step Y or Z in the equation. Now, I have had to redefine step Y from the old track to step A in the new track. In many ways I feel like the training (though never over) has finally led us to the real or BIG race/course. The two facts put together is what overwhelms me. One, that it is already happening, and two, that I’m actually ready/equipped for it. He really has called us for a time such as NOW!
Yes, there is still a lot of work left for Him to complete, but don’t miss what I am saying. This was my pay-off moment. That moment that finally arrives when you open your eyes and look around and say, “It’s really finally happening.” Like a bride and groom trying to look around at the surreal scene before them in order not to let one of the greatest defining moments of their lives pass them by. This is what I have spent all of the time, money, emotions, relationships, and hope on for the past decade!
It may not mean as much to everyone else, but for me, it was a long time coming. The word that God had spoken to me when I felt compelled to leave my favorite University in the mountains of Tennessee to eventually call South America home, was finally and clearly being fulfilled. I left Lee because God had told me if I wanted to keep teaching the mission courses I was teaching, I’d better learn to do it in Spanish. He told me that He was making the former mission field into the Mission Force for this century!
I am so thankful to the godly men and women who share in this task. Part of the reason I have been overwhelmed in the past was that the task was so big. I have recently realized that when God is speaking to you, He most likely has been speaking to others. Yes, there is much work to be done, but God and godly men and women are working on that. I love watching His beautiful orchestration come together, and love serving whatever role I can. So many people have worked hard to get these programs and institutions rolling, and I am thankful to merely be a part of it!
Campus Choir With Us In Ecuador
I find it difficult to fully comprehend and to somehow map out on paper all that happened during Campus Choir’s tour with us in
For some of you who don’t know,
Let’s face it, there’s not a lot of love between the Catholic Church and the many 
“denomination did not matter!” What mattered was that “your kids obviously love our Lord and savior and we are so thankful to get to praise Him with you!” I guess when one of the girls took off dancing to the side in a place that perhaps doesn’t see a lot of that, they must not have minded it so much. It was obvious to all of us who stood in that placed warmed by the very presence of God’s Holy Spirit that light from God’s Son was shinning through those high and brilliantly colored stained glass windows…
The secular campus of 
favor at first, but took a little turn toward spiritual warfare as the event drew near. We were not allowed to enter the facilities at first, but found favor at a different gate with a different guard. Then our instruments and sound equipment van was not allowed entrance. Then we were told we could not do it at all. It was about this time we began to pray. Eventually the write men showed up, God gave us favor, and we ended up
having the event in the middle of the campus, open air style, with all of our instruments and equipment. I’m sure you could hear us for miles. It was right in the middle of the day with thousands of students coming and going. Several stopped to listen, join in, cry, and pray with us. We really do not know what God may have done that day!
Unfortunately, one exciting door was closed to us. I was upset at first, but later God did what only He can do. Another door opened for us to sing on
Time doesn’t really permit me to tell about the multiple clinics we ran every morning 
and the lives that were touched there, or about singing at the seminary, churches, downtown parks, etc… We really may not know the fullness of what transpired that week until we ask Jesus face to face.
I just want to thank Jimmy & Johnna Phillips, Jonathan Kerley and the other Doctors, nurses, assistants, choir members, leaders, and musicians who poured out of their hearts the love of God upon the people of
Thank you God for an Awesome time!
New Hope’s Youth Group in Ecuador
We had a great time hosting New Hope Church’s youth group from Texas. They showed the love of God to the people of Ecuador through different forms of service projects. They blessed some feeding centers, orphanages, churches, and got to see some different faces of Ecuador. To read more or watch their video, visit their website at: newhopeforever.com. I really look forward to seeing how many missionaries that trip produced!
February 2, 2009
Financial Support for the Jetts
We are so thankful for your contributions that keep us on the mission field. Everyone that supports us is connected with the work and the fruits of this ministry, and we pray that God richly blesses you and your family.
If you would like to view the options to help support us financially, click here.
If you would like to view the options to help support us financially, click here.
December 7, 2008
Witnessing 101
While the girls were staying with their grandparents in Lexington, KY they met a new friend just a few doors down. Laura is a beautiful 9 year-old “ABC,” American born Chinese. After playing with her for a few days, Darby-Jewell requested that April ask Laura if she knew who God was. April and I explained to our little “Jewell” that she was the one making a relationship with this new friend. It would be a much better idea for her to ask Laura instead of us. Although Darby-Jewell is driven socially, she can at times be shy. Although she was not totally comfortable with the idea, she knew we were right. On the last day of our visit, the girls went out to play with their friend one last time. All the girls came in for a snack and a little rest. I was over at the computer typing and had a perfect seat for Darby-Jewell and Maria’s lesson on “witnessing when you think your friend is a Buddhist.”
After their “Manu,” (Grandma) had given all the girls their popsicles, Darby-Jewell became noticeably squirmish. Her face reminded me of times when I knew I needed to do something, but wasn’t totally comfortable. She quickly overcame her shyness for a greater fear of not sharing the greatest treasure and information for her new beloved friend who so desperately needed it. “Laura! Do you know God?” She exclaimed! Laura, partially caught of guard because of the timing and volume, replied in her sweet and soft-toned voice, “Yes, I know God.” Darby-Jewell scratched her head and paused for a brief moment with a puzzled look on her face. “But, you’re from China right?” “Yes, we’re from China,” replied Laura, “and we have God in China.” Darby-Jewell started with, “But…” then paused again.
After some confused and brief discussion between the two girls, Darby-Jewell exclaimed, “I just don’t know if we’re talking about the same GOD or not!” At this, Maria put down her popsicle for a moment and interjected, “Look…we’re not talking about some Rock! Some rock shaped like a FAT guy!”
The soft spoken Laura finally understood the confusion and spoke up. “My parents moved here from China 20 years ago. After they arrived, someone introduced them to Jesus, and they have loved Him ever since. I have gone to church all my life, and I DO know Jesus.”
A greatly relieved Darby-Jewell shouted with a smile, “Now that’s what I’m talking about!”
After their “Manu,” (Grandma) had given all the girls their popsicles, Darby-Jewell became noticeably squirmish. Her face reminded me of times when I knew I needed to do something, but wasn’t totally comfortable. She quickly overcame her shyness for a greater fear of not sharing the greatest treasure and information for her new beloved friend who so desperately needed it. “Laura! Do you know God?” She exclaimed! Laura, partially caught of guard because of the timing and volume, replied in her sweet and soft-toned voice, “Yes, I know God.” Darby-Jewell scratched her head and paused for a brief moment with a puzzled look on her face. “But, you’re from China right?” “Yes, we’re from China,” replied Laura, “and we have God in China.” Darby-Jewell started with, “But…” then paused again.
After some confused and brief discussion between the two girls, Darby-Jewell exclaimed, “I just don’t know if we’re talking about the same GOD or not!” At this, Maria put down her popsicle for a moment and interjected, “Look…we’re not talking about some Rock! Some rock shaped like a FAT guy!”
The soft spoken Laura finally understood the confusion and spoke up. “My parents moved here from China 20 years ago. After they arrived, someone introduced them to Jesus, and they have loved Him ever since. I have gone to church all my life, and I DO know Jesus.”
A greatly relieved Darby-Jewell shouted with a smile, “Now that’s what I’m talking about!”
October 18, 2008
All I Want for Christmas...
is my two front teeth,
my two front teeth,
see my two front teeth!
The Jett family has had lots of exciting things happening in our lives lately. However, not much tops this when your 5 and 6 years old and you and your sister can't say "Sally sells shells by the sea shore" without cracking the whole family up!
Wonder if they will all come in by Christmas?
my two front teeth,
see my two front teeth!The Jett family has had lots of exciting things happening in our lives lately. However, not much tops this when your 5 and 6 years old and you and your sister can't say "Sally sells shells by the sea shore" without cracking the whole family up!
Wonder if they will all come in by Christmas?
September 6, 2008
June 26, 2008
Matthew's Birthday!
Started the day off with a beautiful view of the volcano, Cotopaxi.
We were so glad to visit with Uncle Edgar who was here for a medical missions team.
Dinner in downtown Quito
Home for pecan pie made especially by Mama!June 25, 2008
Maria Grace lost her 1st Tooth!
Well, the big day came quickly for Maria who only two days earlier discovered that her tooth was loose. At 2 1/2 weeks before her 5th birthday, her first tooth came out. What a brave girl she was!
Just before the BIG moment!
Only a few tears later...it's gone!
With tooth under her pillow, she's ready for bed and the Tooth Fairy!June 21, 2008
Norah Matteline Jett
Born Saturday, June 14
Quito, Ecuador
4:35 pm
8 lb. 6 oz.
21 in.
Quito, Ecuador
4:35 pm
8 lb. 6 oz.
21 in.
Our new family of six leaving the hospital on Father's Day!What a great gift!
Big sisters holding Norah for the first time!
Daddy with his girls!
Norah at one week old!
Sisters!June 1, 2008
11th Anniversary!
Yesterday, we celebrated 11 years of marriage! Wow! How time flies! We have been so blessed in our marriage. I have such an incredible husband who is my best friend. I thank God every day for his love, listening ear, leadership for our family and love for God. He is truly wonderful and I am so blessed!
I love you sweetheart!
Happy Anniversary!
~April
I love you sweetheart!
Happy Anniversary!
~April
May 25, 2008
Baby's coming soon!
The baby will be here in about 2 weeks (June 10th) OR less! April is just about finished with the "nest" here in the house.
There is a newer hospital in the other valley called Cumbaya, "my Lord, Cumbaya!" It is in one of the prettier countrysides of Ecuador, and we both really like it. All of its facilities are new and it has a lot of amenities. Like a playground for our other girls to hang out in, Pizza Hut downstairs, and a water-birthing facility... ;)
You may not understand the stress of delivering outside the U.S., but for mommy, it has been a sigh of relief to find this place.
Please keep us in your prayers for a safe and healthy delivery of our baby girl!
There is a newer hospital in the other valley called Cumbaya, "my Lord, Cumbaya!" It is in one of the prettier countrysides of Ecuador, and we both really like it. All of its facilities are new and it has a lot of amenities. Like a playground for our other girls to hang out in, Pizza Hut downstairs, and a water-birthing facility... ;)
You may not understand the stress of delivering outside the U.S., but for mommy, it has been a sigh of relief to find this place.
Please keep us in your prayers for a safe and healthy delivery of our baby girl!
May 23, 2008
Dramatization of the Vision
I recently found out that not only did one of our earlier updates not get sent, it was erased forever. So, one of the most powerful stories was lost, but I’ll try to recreate it. If you want to skip to the main event, scroll down to #1-5!
Hopefully, everyone knows that our vision is to make disciples, who can make disciples, who can… When a pastor and friend of mine said he wanted to come over with a team, my first thought was, “I don’t really do teams, but I don’t want to say ‘NO,’ so…” We talked about his gifts and callings and what he could accomplish here in Ecuador. He is one of the top Puppeteers in the U.S. He gives seminars and classes concerning “Children’s Ministry” all over the country, and about 1/4th of his church is made up of children.
I immediately called Michael down on the coast of Ecuador where his family and 2 other couples have been planting a new ministry to the largely un-reached/ un-churched people of Atacames, Esmeraldas. There they basically start the new ministry by going into the public parks, playing games and giving food to the children there.
After a while, they get an invite from one of the parents to go into their home. From there, they start a cell group style meeting. As you can imagine when doing a Bible study in one of those homes, all the neighboring relatives come which include: Grandma, Grandpa, Cousins 1-10, Aunts & Uncles, Brothers & Sisters, Moms & Dads, and close neighbors. There can easily be 20+ people in some of the first meetings. After several house churches evolve, community events begin to grow as well as training of the new converts. During the past few weeks, the first walls went up on the new church building.
Getting back to my friend...You can now see how important those initial contacts with the children are. They can literally change the whole community and eventually build a church. So, we decided to bring my friend in for a couple of weeks. He was to give his seminars to the students here at the seminary in Quito and down on the coast with the new converts and missionary families.
It is easy to see the importance of training the soon-to-be pastors and missionaries from the seminary, but I want to focus on what happened at the coast.
1. The first blessing was that I was able to do the translating for the whole event! I was a little nervous at first, but was very pleased. I don’t know if I’ve ever had such a payoff moment. That one event seemed to make the year of my life spent in Costa Rica doing language training all worthwhile.
2. The 2 couples besides the Mills are from Bolivia and Argentina. April and I met them almost 12 years ago on our first trip to Ecuador from Lee. They are now graduates from the Seminary and are working here in Ecuador as missionaries, making disciples on the coast!
3. We spent the first day or so teaching the leaders and new converts how to make puppets. Puppets are so expensive and most often the people here depend on mission groups to bring some from the States as gifts. We removed that excuse! Now they know how to make Sesame Street and Disney quality puppets out of materials in their own town.
4. We spent the next day or so teaching them how to use the puppets correctly, and how to declare the Gospel with them. They also learned how to make balloon animals, drawings, and other clown tricks for the kids…anything to help declare the Gospel!
5. After spending another afternoon with just the leaders discussing Children’s ministry in general, we devoted an entire Saturday to actually using their new found gifts and talents (what an idea)! We went to the 3 local parks that the missionaries had been working with for the past half year. Then we went up into the mountains where my real story begins:
5 continued: Josué had just found the place a few weeks before. It was a small village that had no church and had NEVER heard of Jesus the Christ, Son of the living God. It is becoming more rare in Latin America to find such places, but they are there, usually among the outcast, racially unaccepted or poverty stricken areas. Josue went up the week earlier to get acquainted with some of the locals so that we could have some acceptance when we got there. We took the long bus ride up, walked up a difficult trail full of unpleasant smells and strange mud.
When we got to the village, we found what you might call the town center and park deserted. As some of us set up the small puppet stage and got out the balloons, the others went around asking people to come out to the “show.” Our little battery operated boom box and animal balloons eventually called the people and their children out of hiding. I translated again while my friend did a small portion of the service. After he was finished, we stepped back and let the newly equipped team do the rest.
I cannot describe fully what happened during that next half hour. I stood breathless as I watched a hand full of newly trained disciples using the puppets they made themselves declare in a simple and understandable way the name of my Savior to a people who had never heard. The sweet name of Jesus filled that stale air that had never carried such a beautiful sound before, like a perfume.
Then I looked at the leaders of these new disciples. Graduates and disciples themselves from the seminary that I love, and it dawned on me! I was literally watching the dramatization of the vision God gave me over a decade ago. I was watching Disciples make Disciples make Disciples! I started to weep.
Friends…This is what I will forever do with my life! In whatever form it may take, we must all make disciples who can make disciples who can…
2. The 2 couples besides the Mills are from Bolivia and Argentina. April and I met them almost 12 years ago on our first trip to Ecuador from Lee. They are now graduates from the Seminary and are working here in Ecuador as missionaries, making disciples on the coast!
3. We spent the first day or so teaching the leaders and new converts how to make puppets. Puppets are so expensive and most often the people here depend on mission groups to bring some from the States as gifts. We removed that excuse! Now they know how to make Sesame Street and Disney quality puppets out of materials in their own town.
4. We spent the next day or so teaching them how to use the puppets correctly, and how to declare the Gospel with them. They also learned how to make balloon animals, drawings, and other clown tricks for the kids…anything to help declare the Gospel!
5. After spending another afternoon with just the leaders discussing Children’s ministry in general, we devoted an entire Saturday to actually using their new found gifts and talents (what an idea)! We went to the 3 local parks that the missionaries had been working with for the past half year. Then we went up into the mountains where my real story begins:
5 continued: Josué had just found the place a few weeks before. It was a small village that had no church and had NEVER heard of Jesus the Christ, Son of the living God. It is becoming more rare in Latin America to find such places, but they are there, usually among the outcast, racially unaccepted or poverty stricken areas. Josue went up the week earlier to get acquainted with some of the locals so that we could have some acceptance when we got there. We took the long bus ride up, walked up a difficult trail full of unpleasant smells and strange mud.
When we got to the village, we found what you might call the town center and park deserted. As some of us set up the small puppet stage and got out the balloons, the others went around asking people to come out to the “show.” Our little battery operated boom box and animal balloons eventually called the people and their children out of hiding. I translated again while my friend did a small portion of the service. After he was finished, we stepped back and let the newly equipped team do the rest.
I cannot describe fully what happened during that next half hour. I stood breathless as I watched a hand full of newly trained disciples using the puppets they made themselves declare in a simple and understandable way the name of my Savior to a people who had never heard. The sweet name of Jesus filled that stale air that had never carried such a beautiful sound before, like a perfume.
Then I looked at the leaders of these new disciples. Graduates and disciples themselves from the seminary that I love, and it dawned on me! I was literally watching the dramatization of the vision God gave me over a decade ago. I was watching Disciples make Disciples make Disciples! I started to weep.
Friends…This is what I will forever do with my life! In whatever form it may take, we must all make disciples who can make disciples who can…May 19, 2008
Redeeming the Time
For those of you that don't know about our court case with the Mustang, here's the summation: My Dad and I often restore old or new cars to help curb some of our deficits in fund raising. We like old Mustangs and our largest investment to date came in the form of a 1965 model K-code fastback. That’s the one with the Shelby engine, for you car buffs. Well, to make a long story shorter, it was FAKE! The previous owner changed/forged a false VIN#.
Now after almost 3 years and 4 canceled dates, we are still in a court battle. We can not sell the car to anyone because we’d then be liable, but we cannot get Fast Freddy to give our money back. Needless to say, this was the opposite of curbing our mission deficit that has averaged $2,000/mnth over the past year. The court date was the main reason we returned to the States in March. For the 4th time, the court case was postponed, and yet we were in the States!
However, God is into redemption. He knew of many details long before we bought the return airfare for the court date. Read the other post about the passing of April’s grandmother which God knew of and perhaps turned into one of the main reasons we were there.
My parents also sold their home and the garage housing all of our “worldly goods.” The sell of their home is an incredible testimony as to what God is doing in their lives, but I’ll let them post that on their own blog. We were forced, but thankfully able, to move all of our things-as well as theirs-to their new 40 acres on the hill (cattle included).
We were happy to come home to Ecuador and rest after a difficult and totally different-than-planned trip to the States, but we are thankful to God for redeeming the time there.
Now after almost 3 years and 4 canceled dates, we are still in a court battle. We can not sell the car to anyone because we’d then be liable, but we cannot get Fast Freddy to give our money back. Needless to say, this was the opposite of curbing our mission deficit that has averaged $2,000/mnth over the past year. The court date was the main reason we returned to the States in March. For the 4th time, the court case was postponed, and yet we were in the States!
However, God is into redemption. He knew of many details long before we bought the return airfare for the court date. Read the other post about the passing of April’s grandmother which God knew of and perhaps turned into one of the main reasons we were there.
My parents also sold their home and the garage housing all of our “worldly goods.” The sell of their home is an incredible testimony as to what God is doing in their lives, but I’ll let them post that on their own blog. We were forced, but thankfully able, to move all of our things-as well as theirs-to their new 40 acres on the hill (cattle included).
We were happy to come home to Ecuador and rest after a difficult and totally different-than-planned trip to the States, but we are thankful to God for redeeming the time there.
May 5, 2008
Grandma's Passing
In mid-March, I was blessed with the opportunity to visit with my Grandma just days before her passing. God knew just the exact date and time I needed to be in the States.
It was such a special visit with her. She was waiting for me the night I arrived in her chair in the living room. She greeted me with a hug and her special smile and, of course, patted my tummy aknowledging our baby girl on the way.
The next few days were filled with caring for her and spending time with her until she was asleep for the night. I especially remember the day I had my turn caring for her alone when we read her healing scriptures together. I feel blessed to have had that special "moment" with her.
The days passed, and I was able to experience her death on Palm Sunday and her funeral and burial on Good Friday. I am so thankful for the timing of God to give this gift to me. It is a visit with my family I will cherish forever.
I love you Grandma!
~April
It was such a special visit with her. She was waiting for me the night I arrived in her chair in the living room. She greeted me with a hug and her special smile and, of course, patted my tummy aknowledging our baby girl on the way.
The next few days were filled with caring for her and spending time with her until she was asleep for the night. I especially remember the day I had my turn caring for her alone when we read her healing scriptures together. I feel blessed to have had that special "moment" with her.
The days passed, and I was able to experience her death on Palm Sunday and her funeral and burial on Good Friday. I am so thankful for the timing of God to give this gift to me. It is a visit with my family I will cherish forever.
I love you Grandma!
~April
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
