December 2020

Our First Prayer Letter!

To those of you who have not followed along on our journey over the course of the last year, you have missed out on a lot.  In January of this year we found a buyer for our home, while it was not even on the market.  In February we sold our home, had baby #5, moved into a rental, and became 100% debt free (and yes, it all happened in a 6-week window of time)! 

Being debt free meant we could finally move forward with our desire to serve the Lord in fulltime missionary service.  We were so excited to walk into the office of Pastor Dupignac and report the news as God had been working these details out for some time now.  However, something strange happened, March.

Not Holding Us Back

Who knew that while a lot of things came to a halt we would be progressing toward service?  We had already created a relationship with Adelphos-USA and it seemed like a natural fit for us.  Adelphos is a Chilean mission agency whom I have a strong tie through several connections with.  Adelphos began in 1992 by a group of fundamental churches of Chile with a passion for the great commission.  They believed that missions is for all churches, and that Chile should be no different. 

This ministry continues to grow throughout South and Central America and has expanded to Europe, Africa and the United States.  In June of 2017

Adelphos-USA was begun to help serve in the vision of Adelphos of Chile. 

Joining the Team

From March through September we (Kathleen and I) began the training process with Adelphos-USA.  This was a truly unique time of reading, writing, and meeting with Director Shawn Haynie.  We were blessed to be on this journey and so thankful for the opportunity.  However, September came too quickly, and we were boarding a plane heading to Illinois for a week of training and the big interview. 

On September 20, 2020 we met with the board of Adelphos-USA for a time of testimony, review of our calling and doctrinal examination.  That day we were voted on and were unanimously accepted as Vocational Missionaries with Adelphos-USA. 

This was not the end though, we returned to Grace Baptist Church of Kennewick, Washington and still had to wait on one more vote.  This was a little difficult because we were still on modified services due to state mandates.  However, on October 18, 2020 we were commissioned by Grace Baptist Church of Kennewick into the deputation ministry! 

Can I Share a Little Story?

I (Jared) grew up attending Grace Baptist Church.  It was through the faithful members of this body that I received the free gift of Salvation at the age of 5.  It was these same people that witnessed my baptism at the age of 6.  Many of the same men that I sat before for church membership still fill the pews.

These faithful people never gave up on me.  I was not always the perfect child, but that did not mean they discarded me and gave up.  I will save time and refrain from adding the names and illustrations as to how they impacted my life, but without their surrender to the Spirit I would not be here today.  I am humbled by the membership of Grace. 

Where are We Now?

Since our approval in October we have been actively engaging into this new ministry.  What does that look like?  Well, we have had several zoom meetings with family and friends who are interested in our ministry plans.  Added to that have been the occasional coffee with friends who have been so faithful in praying for our ministry, and phone calls to Pastors. 

I can honestly say that this has been a busy time, but also a very exciting time for our family. 

We have chosen Philippians 1:6 as our theme verse.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

These words that Paul wrote to the church at Philippi seemed very fitting for us as a family, knowing that there is nothing to difficult for our Lord! 

Current Prayer Requests

1. Pray for Paraguay as they face many of the same restrictions as the state of Washington.  It has had a great and lasting effect on many.
2. Pray for our family as we continue to make connections with churches and individuals who would consider joining our team.
3. Pray for how you can join our ministry to Paraguay?  Have you considered being a monthly support partner?  If you can’t do that, can you promise to pray for us regularly?

Thank you for taking time to read this, we hope it is a blessing and an encouragement to you! 

Jaha Paraguay Pe!

                           The Loucks Family 

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