Our latest newsletter is now available on-line in PDF format. Just click on the image below or here to read about our upcoming change of address:
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That’s right friends! You’ve read correctly. We have received the final clearance necessary for us to leave for the field. This means that we will be leaving for Costa Rica on August 3oth in order to study Spanish. We will be living in San Jose and studying at CINCEL, the Assemblies of God language institute for all Missionaries headed to Latin America.
Thank you to you who have helped us with your support, and especially your prayers. Without you none of this would have happened!
It’s been a bit since I have added to the blog, but that does not mean that there hasn’t been activity in the Godzwa household. In fact, we’ve been busier than ever, and we have seen God do some wonderful things. Since our last budget update, we’ve moved to 90% in our monthly support. Adding in the commitments that have yet to be recorded, we have received 97% of what we will need in order to minister in Mexico. We need only $170 to complete our budget. On top of that, our cash is nearly raised!
Although we’ve not received official clearance, we are getting things ready to leave the states by August 28th. We have our house up to rent, and we are beginning to weed out the stuff that we have accumulated through our 13 years here in Missouri. It’s amazing to see how many T-shirts one can collect in that time!
We want to thank everyone who has been instrumental in making this happen. Thank you to all who have prayed for, supported and continue to stand together with our ministry. You are deeply appreciated!
I was attending the I Love America fireworks display put on by James River Assembly when it hit me that this would be our last Fourth of July celebration on American soil for the next 3 years. We sang the National Anthem, and I began to cry, aware suddenly of how much my country truly means to me. I asked myself again, “Why am I doing this? Why am I leaving my friends, my family, everything I have ever known and loved to go to a place that is strange and unfamiliar. The answer came seconds later: “Because I have called you.” That was enough for me.
So we go, and even though departing is bittersweet, we know that the rewards of obedience will far outweigh the disappointments. For we know that God will work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
When running my last marathon, I ran great until the last few miles. I was running along with a full head of steam just a mile previously, but after mile 21, I felt as though my energy had been completely drained. It was a struggle just to keep my feet going.
I was glad when my friend Eric met me at the water stop just after that crucial mile. He was energetic and smooth, offering words of encouragement as he ran. I found that I as I looked at him I began to feel better. I began to feed on his energy and fall into step with his stride. That mile that he ran with me gave me the energy that I needed to be able to finish the race in my best time ever.
I was talking with our itineration manager on Friday He told me that, in order to be able to buy our plane tickets for language school in Costa Rica, we would need to finish our support raising by July 31st. That means that our last $1600 of monthly support would have to be in by the end of this month. Hearing this news gives me that feeling that I had at mile 21 of the marathon. We are working so hard and we have gained so much ground, but the goal still seems so far out of reach.
That’s when I can take comfort in the words of the writer of Hebrews: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..” So often, I think of Jesus as standing before me, almost as a loved one would stand at the finish line of a race, but now I realize that Jesus has not only gone before me, but He is also running with me, and as I focus on Him, falling into his pace, and hearing His words of encouragement, the race becomes runnable again.
Does the task before you seem to be too big to handle? Know that Jesus is working with you to complete, and with the two of you working together, there is nothing that you cannot accomplish!
A quarter of our budget that is! Yesterday, following our service @ Highway Assembly in Brighton, MO we reached the 75% milestone. Thank you to Highway Assembly and to our the latest supporters who joined them in helping us make it to this point in our fundraising:
Leaman & Angie Geosling of Springfield, MO
and
First A/G of Tipton, MO
They’re both Godzwas. They’re both missionaries, but can you guess which one is going to Mexico?
Dave got the chance to team up with his twin brother, Mike, when they had the opportunity to share about missions together in Mechanicsville, MD at Living Word Community Church. Mike shared about Chi Alpha at American University where he has served as campus pastor for 6 years. Dave had the opportunity to share about Mexico and our plan to follow Jesus’ commmand to make disciples there.
Following the preaching, they were able to minister together in music, as they lead an extended time around the altar. Even though it is almost 10 years since they graduated from CBC, this was the first time that they have been able to minster in the same service. Thank you, Pastor Wickham, for providing the opportunity!
Now about that lead question: If you said that Dave is the one on the left, then you guessed correctly!
We are now at 73%! We are thankful to these latest supporters who have helped us reach this goal:
First A/G of Park Hills
First A/G of Camdenton
First A/G of Mountain View
and
Charles and Faith Berges of Brooklyn, NY
We’ve been blessed as we’ve been itinerating in Southern Missouri and beyond to be able to foster wonderful relationships throughout our fellowship. We want to thank those of you who have had a part in helping us along the road and those of you who have gone the extra mile to include us into your church family. One such relationship was deepened as we got a chance to share lunch with Matthew and Kristi Mason in Ellington, MO.
Rebekah had a fun time playing with Caitlin while the boys got to play on pastor’s drumset following our excellent lunch at the Orange Blossom. Even more fulfilling was the chance for Kelly and I to share in the joys and challenges that come with following God’s call as we spent the afternoon together. Isn’t this what carrying one another’s burdens all about?
Thank you Masons, and thanks to all who have made our itineration a joy.
We’ve moved that much closer to Mexico. We are at 71% thanks to these supporters:
Russellville A/G
Solid Rock Fellowship A/G of Lexington
Licking A/G
We appreciate all of you that are standing with us!
