February 2024

“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”

Acts 13:2&3

On February 11th, 2024 we took part in a church tradition that has been around for nearly 2000 years. Grace Baptist Church banned together around us, laid their hands on us, prayed for us, and sent us out!

As we prepared for our commissioning service weekend, Kathleen and I, were often paused for a moment of reflection on the greatness of God and how blessed we are to be part of an eternal ministry. Missions has a far greater impact than just on sending us to Paraguay. We have been called as believers in Christ to make disciples of all nations and that means impacting lives for eternity. We have simply been called to do this very thing in another country as missionaries. As we sat and prayed together, we were humbled regularly in amazement that God would call us to such a task.

The weekend started with a dinner on Friday evening as family and friends came to join in the celebration. It was a great blessing to have representation from several of our supporting churches joining us for the weekend. We had great fellowship, food, and were challenged from the Word of God to consider our Samaria. Pastor and President of Adelphos, Patricio Oliva gave the charge that we would consider what might be our Samaria and how God has purposed the gospel to go to all nations.

Sunday morning was a great morning of memory making. Director of Adelphos-USA, Shawn Haynie, gave a charge to Grace Baptist Church as our sending church. They were charged from 2nd Thessalonians 3:1-5 to “keep praying, keep pure, and keep growing.” We were then charged by Pastor Dupignac as missionaries from 1st Corinthians 4:1-2 “Be Found Faithful.”

As missionaries, we agree to:

• Pursue holiness, humility, and harmony with team members, partners and supporting Christians as well as submitting to the authority of Grace Baptist Church.
• Demonstrate agreement with their sending church and Adelphos-USA in doctrine and practice.
• Communicate regular ministry updates and needs to leadership, prayer and financial partners.
• Communicate and consult Grace Baptist Church and Adelphos-USA regarding ministry choices and changes early in the decision process.
• Be a teachable servant and lifelong learner, engaging in development recommended by Grace Baptist Church and Adelphos-USA.

We praise the Lord for the work He has done, for the work He is doing and for the work He has prepared for us to accomplish. Our prayer is to be found faithful. If you missed the service I have attached it below and pray that you find it a blessing as we have.

As I work through the semester, I am excited for what the Lord has ahead for us. I have been paying extra close attention in classes to how the themes are taught and what methods are used in teaching. Please continue to pray as I take these courses that my understanding would continue to increase. I am very thankful for the men that God has brought together to aid in our further training.

We continue to make progress toward getting to the field. Please pray for Pastor Juan Carlos Escobar and his wife as they travel to the United States. We look forward to meeting up with them this month to discuss some of the details as to our arrival on the field. Also, please continue to pray for our partners in Paraguay as they seek housing for us on the field. The housing market has continued to be difficult, but we are confident that the Lord has the perfect place instore for us.