Prayer

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Celebrating a Birthday in Costa Rica!

November 5, 2005 in Day2Day, Prayer, Thanks by Dave | Permalink

How does Jonathan, our almost three year old, celebrate a birthday in Costa Rica? By having an operation of course! Tuesday, November 8th is Jonathan’s third birthday, and we spent the last week and a half preparing by spending a lot of time in the hospital.

It started with some symptoms that we found earlier in October that necessitated minor surgery. However, the day after we scheduled the procedure, Jonathan fell and cut his face, requiring emergency surgery as the cut was very close to his eye.

Now all of this is difficult enough to deal with in the states, but try navigating through the emergency room in a foreign language! We were helped by a terrific team, however, and we want to take a moment to thank our doctor, Dr. John Longworth, Jay and Nancy Dickerson, the directors of CINCEL for providing translation and taxi services, as well as the entire school for their support, prayers and concern. Thanks goes as well to those who continue to hold us up in prayer. Your prayers do make a difference.

In this picture Jonathan is preparing for the final surgery, and, as you can see, the injuries haven’t dampened his spirits. Hey, he’s rough and tough right? The surgery went wonderfully well and the stitches in his face were removed at the same time. He’ll be able to celebrate his third birthday injury free!

Life Goes on During Language School!

October 24, 2005 in Day2Day, Language, Prayer by Dave | 1 comment

If there is one thing that we have learned so far here at CINCEL it is that life goes on even when you have left the country.

As we looked forward to language school, we expected the rigors of classes, the hours of homework, and the difficulties of navigating through a new culture, but you never quite grasp the effects of culture on everyday life until you attempt to live your everyday life in another culture.

While we were in the United States itinerating, we were blessed with wonderful health. However since we have landed in Costa Rica, four out of five of us have seen the doctor! In fact, Kelly just returned today from an appointment for Rebekah. We are also facing the prospect of minor surgery for Jonathan, our almost 3 year-old, in the coming weeks.

None of these situations are emergencies, and yet, when compounded with the rigors of language and culture acquisition, they serve as “extra stress”–that is Spanish, by the way, for extra stress–that can lead us into despondency.

Still with all of the things being thrown at us now, we are thankful for what we have: a comfortable house, food to eat, an opportunity to fulfill God’s call on our lives, and supporters like you to continue to hold up our needs to the Lord. So we choose to be thankful. As Dan Betzer’s byline stated today: “I cried for the lack of shoes until I saw someone without any feet.”

So we continue the struggle that is language school, realizing that life does not stop during this process, but eternally thankful for the strength that God gives us to accomplish all things…including scheduling a doctor’s appointment in Spanish!

Friends, we ask that you would pray

October 21, 2005 in Mexico, Prayer by Dave | Permalink

As I am typing this, Hurricane Wilma is tearing up the eastern coast of the Yucatan peninsula. Friends and family, we ask that you would pray. Pray for those affected by this storm. Pray for their health, their welfare, and most of all, for their souls.

We Made It! In the Midst of the Storm…

September 2, 2005 in CostaRica, Language, Prayer by Dave | Permalink

We have made it to San Jose, Costa Rica! We have been in Costa Rica since Tuesday and are now getting settled into a routine before classes begin on Tuesday. We are relieved and excited to be here although a bit overwhelmed at the realization that we now have the equivalent communication skills of a two-year old!

However, even though we have left the United States, we find that are thoughts are constantly brought back as we continue to hear reports on the damage and the situation on the Gulf Coast. We ask that you would continue to remember us, be we hope that you would find time to remember the victims of Hurricane Katrina in your thoughts and prayers. Also, if you feel so lead, I know of two excellent organizations that will facilitate your relief contributions: Convoy of Hope and Rural Compassion. Both are Assemblies of God ministries, and both are playing a large role in facilitating relief, spiritual as well as physical, to these distressed people.

Cinco de Mayo

May 5, 2005 in Culture, Mexico, Prayer by Dave | 2 comments

Greetings from the road! We are on the road in De Soto, Missouri, where we celebrated a wonderful Wednesday night service.

Today is the National Day of Prayer, and I hope that many people will be spending time praying for our country and the leaders that govern us. Also, today is Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican celebration that commemorates the temporary turning back of the French occupation at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, a celebration that signifies the Mexicans? determination to defend themselves. More recently, it has become celebration of Mexican culture, and a time each year that an increasing number of Americans can sample the Mexican fiesta.

It is our hope that in the midst of the celebration, each one of you will take the time to pray for our neighbors to the south. As you pray, ask that the Holy Spirit would be able to break down the Mexican resistance to the gospel, to allow them to open their eyes to the opportunity to have a relationship with God and the blessings that come when they make Jesus their Lord.

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