The Tabernacle Community

Dear Friends and Family,

Return to Las Mangas

So how is that winter weather treating you? Allison and I might miss various aspects of life in the United States but cold winter weather is not one of them. We arrived to our home in Las Mangas to find clear blue skies, highs around 80 and lower than usual humidity (which is still about 60%).

Before our return we had been praying that God would help us adjust to cross-cultural life in Honduras again. Well, our trip down was part of his answer to that prayer. We flew our first leg, Minneapolis to Chicago, and expected a leisurely layover before boarding our next flight. Then the Spirit Airlines agent told us quite matter-of-factly that not only our flight had been canceled but that we were only allowed to take one checked suitcase each. God was reminding us that the rule of life in the developing world (and maybe the kingdom of God) is expect the unexpected. Of course God worked it all out for the good. We spent a relaxing time with our friends in the Chicago suburbs (Thanks Kevin and Tammara!) and other friends coordinated the return of our extra luggage to Minnesota where Agua Viva teams will bring it down later.

Upon our arrival at Campus Adullam there were smiles and hugs all around. Joel came running out and gave us each a big hug, assuring us that he had missed us but prayed for us every day. It was so good to see Doña Maria and family, Jonathan Zoba and Devon who had each done their part in taking care of the place during the seven months of our Sabbatical (Thank you Jonathan Devon and Doña Maria). The next day we went to see the orphans and Don Victor. The orphans took about ten minutes to warm up to us, as if they couldn't believe we were really back. But soon we were back to the usual chatting, giggling, soccer and tickle fights. It was so good to see them! We had a joyful visit with Don Victor as well who continues to visit us weekly.

Generally we found the campus, the vehicles and the farming plots in good condition, even though some items are lost, weedy, stolen or broken. We have been learning to look to the Spirit's leading and pace ourselves in the work. The length of the "To Do List" and the 5 a.m. wake-up was overwhelming right at first, but we have "settled in" after a quick start, as runners like to say. Please pray that we would remain in Christ, step by step, spiritually hearing his leading and doing only what he would have us do.

Elvin

We have a new resident on Campus. Last spring we hired a young man named Elvin (known to some of you as Jay, David's brother from La Muralla). In 1997, when Elvin was eight his mother and three siblings were murdered. In response their dad became an alcoholic and so Elvin and his two remaining siblings were raised by their aunt. Also Elvin's hearing is impaired because of a birth defect. He is sincere, kind, strong and works very hard. When the opportunity came to hire him we were delighted. In May I asked him if he would stay on Campus during our Sabbatical. This month after our return he expressed interest to remain living with us. This is an answer to our prayers for someone to accompany Joel since he and I would no longer be roommates (in case you had not heard, I have a wonderful new room mate). So thank the Lord with us for the chance to be a blessing to and be blessed by Elvin. Please pray with us for him to trust Jesus and for his future spiritual growth.

Discipleship Group

In February we hope to begin the Discipleship Group (DG) again. We see a new interest in spiritual things among the young people in our town. Please pray with us for God's leading in who should be part of the group and how to proceed in the discipleship process. Allison and I desire and sense the Lord's leading to deeper relationships with these young people. Perhaps some of them would live with us at Campus Adullam where we could walk with Christ together on a daily basis.

Lilian and Erick, two members of the DG especially need our prayers. Erick faces violent antagonism at home from his unbelieving father, and Lilian has gotten herself into a very unhealthy relationship with a man. Just yesterday we had a terrific time of prayer and dialogue with Erick, and we have been in touch with Lilian. Please pray for us as we point these whom God has given us to Jesus.

Thank you all for loving God and us, for praying, giving and encouraging us in this work of Christ. We truly are partners with you. Your participation is an integral role of all that takes place here. Thank you for choosing to serve Jesus, our King with us among the poor in Honduras.

Praise the Lord for:
1. The marriage and loving partnership in the gospel that God gave to Allison and me
2. A good reunion with our Honduran friends and family
3. A growing relationship with Elvin

Pray to the Lord for:
1. Allison and I to remain in Christ as we adjust to married life and service in Honduras.
2. Elvin to trust in and surrender his life to Jesus.
3.. His inspiration in choosing members of and deepening the Discipleship Group
4. Erick and Lilian in their current battles

"Love never fails."