We are reminded, as we give thanks for this year’s outreaches, on-going ministries, and new initiatives, of the importance of approaching and continuing all of the above in a way that honors God.  Psalm 37 talks in general about the difference between the righteous and the wicked, but it also gives us in verses 3 – 7a the right approach with which to serve God:

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.  Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:  He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.  Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.

It truly is in the trusting, doing, dwelling, delighting, committing, and waiting that Christians, the church, and missionaries find the right approach in carrying out any mission.

FEBRUARY

Coming into this new month, in addition to house and hospital visits and phone calls, initial 2014 steps have been taken in each of the areas highlighted in January’s Prayer Letter.  We know that God must lead and that He must be honored.  Thank you for your prayers!

1)  In particular, a rift has arisen between the two sets of house parents who live on our mission property.  We await together the time in 2014 when the residences will again begin to receive children after the Foundation papers are finalized.  Daniel & Ingrid have been with us over three years and Jorge & Marylin are relatively new.  Both couples want to continue, but through some misunderstandings and discriminatory remarks made by Daniel with regard to Jorge & Marylin being “Peruvians” (i.e. foreigners) , it is doubtful that the two couples will be able to work together unless there is a reconciliation.

It is hard to tell at this point if the rift will be resolved and be replaced by the oneness and unity we must have in order to be a home to receive and mold abandoned children.  What is certain is that this issue will be taken up together this month.  Your prayers are very valued.  The board of the new Foundation will be meeting this month to begin casting vision and forming responsibilities, etc.  Oneness and unity are central to our going forward.

2)  I, Jack, will continue to visit certain websites and driving different areas primarily looking for a house to rent and also in search of a possible location/office available for church and mission purposes.  We know that God is aware of the need, but that He also has a perfect sense of timing.

3)  Please join us in giving thanks for every opportunity to extend Jesus and encouragement to others.  Judging from many of the circumstances “in play” here in Chile—as well as those many around you that you can think of—the huge need for him in the world is greater than ever.  Please pray that we all will be totally attentive to those that are part of our surroundings and not hesitate to extend and give testimony about Jesus.

Praising, praying, and fasting with you in our Right Approach, Honored God,

Jack & Janine