Random Stuff

Wow, we've been really inconsistent here lately.  It's amazing how we've come to depend upon technology and how frustrated we get when it's not available.  I'm thankful for access to the world wide web today.

Here's the random trail mix in our lives:

• This week, Norberto's brother, Marcos called to tell us his new computer store in the capital had been robbed.  His clerk, a youth in the church, was held at gunpoint, his hands were tied, his mouth was taped and the thief locked him in the bathroom while he stole between $2-3,000 worth of merchandise.  We pray that the acts of violence, stealing and corruption would end.
• Our tribe is recovering.  Norberto had pneumonia, and Timmy is back in school today (after a case of bronchitis).
• Chicken slaughter is tomorrow.  We have designated titles (head hunter, pluckers, dipper, cleaners).  Care for pictures?
• Julie's preaching this weekend on John 7:37-38, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.Whoever believes in me, streams of living water will flow from him." 
• Zach, our new intern, arrives today and will be with us until mid-July.  Please pray that God uses Zach in mighty ways here. 
• Julie's step-grandfather passed away.  These are the times when it's so hard to be far away from family.  I just wish I could go and be with my grandmother and listen to her share her heart.  At least I got to pray with her and him on the day of his departure from this world.  Oh, how I'm SO thankful for skype.
• Our niece, Melea Chaim, was born in the States!  She's so beautiful and we are grateful for a healthy birth and the gift of life. 

Setting Our Hope on Him

It’s been a month of downs and more downs for us here.  We had a close call with a neighbor’s brush fire that got out of hand. Today we got word that the church was robbed while we are still rallying from the catastrophe of the radio unfortunate lightning strike that caused thousands of dollars worth of damage to the equipment.  Since that incident (on April 25), we’ve had no internet or telephone.  Not to mention, we can’t get rid of the fleas that are plaguing our feet (and our dog) every single day.

We recognize that these situations are no coincidence.  Before Jesus sent out his twelve disciples he told them, “Stay alert. This is hazardous work I'm assigning you. You're going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don't call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove.” Matt 10:16 (the Message)

It seems that God is wanting to teach us the importance of being content in all circumstances. That’s what kept Paul going when life got hairy.  After all, the guy was beaten, shipwrecked, bitten by a snake, put into prison, stoned, and persecuted.  But Paul had faith in the living God to see him trough his trials. ‘On him we have set our hope,' wrote Paul, 'that he will continue to deliver us'.

That is our prayer during this time of constant trials.  The power of Christ will keep us running victorious.

Silence for a Season

We apologize that we've been MIÄ lately.  We got back from Peru only to find out that the radio station had been struck by lightning and the majority of all its equipment was destroyed.  We lost all but 1 computer (6 burned), both sound boards, televisions, 3 kw of the transmitter (2 are remaining), monitors, our phone system, the electrical part of the generator, radios and much, much more.  We are still tabulating the full extent of the damage, but it nears $75,000.

We have not had internet since the storm, due to the fact that the radio housed the third party internet service for all three communities here and all their equipment (more than $15,000) was burned as well.  We just got our phone service back today and hopefully, will regain internet access this weekend.

In the meantime, we appreciate your prayers for the radio ministry. We trust God to bring glory out of this situation and our hearts are calm, despite the circumstances.