Newsletter – February 2016
Greetings from (a very) sunny California! News has been slow in coming over the last few weeks, but it is time for us to give you an update, and ask for your prayers as we continue the process of Deputation and seek partners to continue our ministry and mission in Belize!
But first things first, many of you have been waiting for pictures from the wedding! Our photographer has sent us the final cut of over 700 pictures, and they look amazing! Please feel free to check them out and to share in our joy!
Over the last few weeks, we have been visiting with churches and other supporters, even as Mary Beth has begun classes and we have almost completed the process of moving into our for-the-time-being studio apartment in Fullerton. On January 31st we were honored to visit Holy Trinity Parish (Ocean Beach), and the following Sunday, January 6th we returned to our primary sending church, the Anglican Church of the Resurrection (San Marcos) where they are already missing Mary Beth, her presence and her piano playing.
This weekend itself will prove to be quite busy. Tomorrow (Friday) I will be headed to a clergy meeting for the Diocese of Western Anglicans, and on Saturday will be presenting about our mission at the annual meeting of the diocesan House of Delegates (i.e. Synod). Immediately afterwards, we will then fly east to Nevada, where we will spend the rest of the weekend with the good people of Christ Church of the Sierra (Reno) who for years have been key supporters of our ministry. We plan to be back in Southern California again by Tuesday so that Mary Beth can get back on campus, preparing for her senior piano recital to be held on May 6th.
In other news, Lent has begun and with it a serious and introspective character to life. It is difficult for me to be away from my friends and ministry in Belize, and the somber mood of preparation for Holy Week and Easter seems to resonate for me during our sojourn away from the mission field proper. Financial support is coming slowly, and it is tempting to lose heart as we wait on the Lord. But Mary Beth and I believe that the Lord has indeed called us to Belize, and he will prepare the way for us to return. And so we ask you again to join in praying for God’s provision and providential hand in preparing the way for our speedy reunion with our beloved friends in the Cayo District.
In the meantime, things continue on very well at St. Andrew’s and St. Hilda’s. This past Sunday both churches held their Annual General Meetings, and with the guidance of Bishop Wright and Deacon Tulloch, the leaders for 2016 are already jumping into action. My “State of the Church” addresses (one for St. Andrew’s and one for St. Hilda’s) were given in my absence, and I commend them for your reading as well. I am excited to see where the Lord takes our churches over the next few months, just as I am excited to return and be wtih them once again.
So, thank you all for your prayers, for your support, and for your encouragement. May the Lord richly bless you!
Jesus, the Prince of Peace |
Pray for the children |
St Frumentius students with Grant and faculty member Jeremiah Maet, taken the day before the trouble began. |
“Mosquito” used in our Mothers’ Union teaching on Malaria, during the dramatic presentation of “Helping Each Other when Little Things cause Big Problems” |
Jesus, the Prince of Peace |
Pray for the children |
St Frumentius students with Grant and faculty member Jeremiah Maet, taken the day before the trouble began. |
“Mosquito” used in our Mothers’ Union teaching on Malaria, during the dramatic presentation of “Helping Each Other when Little Things cause Big Problems” |
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
How can this not be one of the most wonderful, beautiful statements ever uttered by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? It has comforted me and encouraged me many times over. The darkest time is no longer dark, but filled with the light of hope and love when I remember this promise. I will never be alone, never without love and hope, no matter what this life brings. I have repeated this to countless people suffering from tragedy, anguish, or fear. I pray it brings them the comfort it does me.
This wasn’t Kennet’s first rodeo. He knew what was coming! |
Recently, it occurred to me that Jesus made this promise is not only for the diffiult times, but the happy ones too. It was hearing “SPLAT!” that did it. It began with a funny game I brought back from the US to play with the medium boys called “Pie In the Face!” It is a simple game. You spin the dial and turn a crank the required number of times, your face positioned just right. At a random moment, SPLAT! You get hit in the face by whipped cream! Hilarity ensues. Very quickly, the game devolved into taking turns getting hit in the face. Everyone had to participate!
It was as funny the 50th time as it was the first time. And who do you suppose laughed the hardest? I am sure it was Jesus, sitting there with us, holding his breath until Kennet, or any of us “lost” the game again, then bursting out laughing!
Then again, I heard a “SPLAT!” This time it was a water balloon. I don’t remember who the perp or the victim was but it didn’t matter because seconds later we had pandemonium. Water balloons flying across the courtyard, children shouting with victory or laughing in defeat. It was every man, woman, and child for themselves! Then….(imagine foreboding music) the big guns came out.
There was Menguin, house dad for the big boys, standing in the middle of the courtyard swinging a hose over his head, promising all a well aimed spray! That unleashed the more strategic warriors and the bowls and buckets appeared. Every faucet, placed for fire prevention, was going full force. Filling a constant supply of balloons, buckets, plastic cups and anything else that could hold water. And who was in the middle of it, pointing out vulnerable victims, directing balloons to their target? I am sure it was Jesus, whooping along with everyone else, laughing to see Menguin get his from a bucket from behind!
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When Jesus promised to be with us always, he meant always and in every situation, including pie face and water wars. I was filled with joy when I could see him there, face covered with whipped cream and hair dripping wet from a well placed balloon strike. That is what love is…To cry with us, to struggle with us, to grieve with us, and to throw water balloons with us!
As the child’s hymn goes,
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
SPLAT!