Tag Archives: jesus

March and April 2024

“…Arise, and anoint him, for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brother. And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward…”

1 Samuel 16:12b-13a

Samuel had been given the responsibility of anointing the king who would lead over the nation of Israel. This came with the great responsibility of walking close to God and listening when He called. Saul had failed and in chapter 15 we see where he sinned in fearing the People rather than the Lord. It was now time for a new king and Samuel had to be listening for God’s instructions. When studying how God appoints men for service it is humbling to know that He desires to use all of us in ministry. We all have a crucial role that God has appointed us to, and we are responsible to respond to that calling in our lives.

The month of March flew by and gave us many wonderful opportunities to make memories. We began the month with an overnight get away and had a great time of fellowship With Pastor Fodge and First Baptist Church of Quincy. Following that we began preparing for the kid’s pine car derby. I am not much of a woodworker, but it is always a joy to sit and envision with the kids and to attempt to create their idea.

A huge thank you goes out to Mr. Young! He has been part of the Loucks family pine car making since I (Jared) was a kid. Always fun to have the kids work with him on shaping their cars. Temperance made a globe and added an airplane from Washington to Paraguay. Adara-Dasha said she wanted her car to be the “Salt of the Earth” and so we had fun adding a saltshaker to the top of it. Jedidiah wanted a red-white-and blue car to represent both the United State and Paraguay.

As mentioned in our last update, we were also blessed in March to have Pastor Juan Carlos Escobar and Alejandra visit for a week. It is always a blessing to have Pastor J.C. at Grace Baptist Church and to hear what the Lord is doing in life and ministry. It was also great to have them around and to share some time together. We even got to celebrate Abuela Alejandra’s birthday with a special dinner and dessert.

One of the things that was on the agenda of conversations was when do we depart for Paraguay. We are excited to announce that we have purchased tickets and fly out to Paraguay on June 10th. A few things that we ask for you to pray for us concerning are one for housing in Paraguay. We were informed there are options for housing, but they are waiting for something more ideal to arise. Please pray that we can find a home near Pastor Sergio Escobar and his family. This would put us close to fellow laborers as well as to the local church. Another thing is that we are in the process of getting our Apostils on our background checks. Pray that these would get returned quickly in the mail so that we will be ready for the residency process.

The Kids made a short video answering some questions about what lies ahead for them. If you have a few minutes we think you will enjoy it.

The things the kids will miss most about going to Paraguay is their family and friends. It has been a journey through deputation and language school but being home around the people that for lack of a better term, “smell like you” just feels right. Temperance grew up with some of these gals, and others she has gotten to know over the last few months. She will begin youth group the beginning of May and move to Paraguay a month later. One of the things that keeps her excited about the next step in our lives is the encouragement that these girls are to her.

Prayer Requests:

  1. Pray for housing to be secured in Paraguay.
  2. Pray as I (Jared) finish classes at Rio Grande Bible Institute
  3. Pray as we pack our bags and prepare to say our goodbyes.

Thank you for taking a moment to follow us along this journey. We serve a great God and understand that we cannot do it alone. Your prayers have truly encouraged us along the way! Now, how can we pray for you?

Jaha Paraguay Pe!

The Loucks Family

February 2024

“Then Job answered the LORD and said: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”

Job 42:1-2

As part of my homework, I have read through the book of Job in three different translations.  Each time I read through it I was reminded to give thanks for the godly people that have been placed in my life.  Those people that God has used to shape us, to mold us, and make us stronger.  Those who have walked with us through the good and bad times and to know that it is God who has placed them into our lives that His work could be completed in our lives.  What beautiful truths to reflect upon and encourage us along the way. 

With all the changes that were made to our plans we felt such great peace knowing that it is God who is directing our steps.  I (Jared) have been taking classes online at Rio Grande Bible Institute and am in over my head.  Classes are Monday, Wednesday and Friday and I spend Tuesday and Thursday reading, writing and making sure I am understanding.  It is a full load of classes with a full load of homework, but God has been blessing in each step of the process. 

As explained in the last email the program changes at Rio Grande Bible Institute were developed for helping missionaries that are aiming toward Preaching and Teaching ministries.  Taking the classes allows me the opportunity to learn how to teach in a Latino culture.  Already, it has been a great help in things to do and not do in teaching Latinos.  I am thankful for the men that God has placed as Professors in the classes and am already looking forward to using what I am learning. 

The time here in Washington continues allow us plenty of time for the kids to get school done, enjoy time with family, and make great memories. Kathleen and the kids keep busy each morning while I am doing school with their own school tasks. We celebrated not long ago that the kids finished their 100th day of school for the year. Elijah is catching up on schooling and LuVerna is reaping many of those benefits as she sits and takes in what mommy is teaching.

Commissioning Service February 11th ,2024 at 10:45am!  That’s right, we are just a couple weeks away from our commissioning service and are excited for all that the Lord is preparing for that weekend.  Friday Night, February 9th, we will be having a Commissioning Service Dinner at Grace Baptist Church in Kennewick, WA starting at 6pm.  We want to make sure you know that you are all invited to join us for this special time of fellowship!  Our guest speaker for the evening will be President of Adelphos-Chile, Patricio Oliva.      

Prayer and Praise:

  • Pray as I study that the Lord would continue to give me the necessary strength and understanding
  • Pray for safety as representation of Adelphos-Chile and Adelphos-USA travel to Washington to be with us during the commissioning service.
  • Pray for family and friends as they travel for the commissioning service also. 
  • Continue to pray as our Ministry Partners in Paraguay continue looking for us a home.
  • Praise that the first couple weeks of classes have gone well.
  • Praise that Kathleen and the kids are enjoying having her back teaching them and being together in the home. 

Thank you to the many of you who reach out with prayer requests. It is a true joy to take those requests to the kids and to be praying for you all. If you have any requests, you know how to get ahold of us! Thank you for your faithfulness in praying for us and the ministry that God has called us to. 

Jaha Paraguay Pe!

The Loucks Family