For the eyes of Yahweh roam throughout the earth to show Himself strong for those whose hearts are completely His.
2 Chronicles 16:9a
This past weekend was a time to reflect…not just skim over the Resurrection story, but really think about what our Savior did for us on the cross. I heard a quote from Barbara Johnson that said, “We are Easter people living in a Good Friday world.” It really made me pause. There are still so many people who live in this Good Friday world so full of fear, despair, and darkness, and this is as good as it will get for them. It’s what continues to compel us to go and tell that story of redemption. I’m so thankful for the hope that is only found in Christ Jesus. I know you are too.
We are also thankful for what Jesus continues to do. We are so excited about getting back to Cuba to see our friends and reconnect with the Church. Our travel plans have been a little up in the air because of some pretty tough covid restrictions (I may have been ok with all of them except the random quarantine for 8 days) but we recently discovered that as of April 6 all restrictions were lifted, so we will be going April 21-25. Our goal is to see what family-owned businesses (hostels and restaurants) made it through the covid shutdowns so we can secure lodging/food for future teams, and of course, meet with Pastor Ricardo, Yunior, Albert, and their families after a two-year-long separation. Pray for us as we travel and plan. Thanks.
We have some more exciting news to share as well. Jeff and Chris Bond, with Designs for Hope, will be headed to India at the end of June to connect with Jiwan! It has been several years since we’ve been back to Siliguri and worked with Jiwan, but Chris had some projects to check on in the southern part of India and Jeff knew of places in our part of India that could benefit from some clean water…and a plan was hatched, so to speak! The Lord has blessed us with a friendship with Chris and his ministry, and we know so many will benefit. There are so many times we’ve been in a village somewhere obscure and wished we knew of a way to get clean water to the people who lived there…and now we do thanks to Chris and the well projects he does.
For us, these last two years have been difficult, as it has been for all of you. We’ve done our best to stay connected with our ministry partners in various parts of the world, but being unable to go has been the worst part for us. This time has reminded me of the Prophet Elijah’s time spent in Cherith. The Lord has separated us in a season of preparation. He has sustained, shielded, and surprised us during this time and now we are ready for what is next. We step forward boldly knowing Who alone is our Source. Thank you for your steady reassurances and support as the Lord has surely used you during the time of waiting. You are a blessing to so many. I know I say that a lot, but you have no idea the sea of faces that come to my mind…literally hundreds or thousands of people that you have ministered to because you have helped us. Thank you isn’t enough.
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
