“I can endure all these things through the power of
the One who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
Whether your year has gotten off to a great start or things could be better, we have the
assurance that the Lord is with us and for us. With that confidence, let’s press on and consider how we can impact the Kingdom for His glory this year. Let’s be Kingdom-minded as we go about our days, intentionally seeking out the lost and the hurting. Missions can happen
anywhere, at any time!
Jeff and a team from Thorington Road Baptist Church recently returned from Cuba. It was our first trip since all the challenges began with Venezuela, and we weren’t quite sure what to expect. For now, not much has changed on the island. We do believe the Cuban people will eventually feel the effects unless the Lord intervenes on their behalf, which is our continued prayer. While there, Jeff spent time with Yunior and Albert planning, dreaming, and seeking the Lord together. Yunior shared about a pastor friend in Bolivia who is in need of help. This summer, Jeff and the guys hope to travel to Bolivia to meet with this pastor, and who knows what the Lord has in store. It’s all part of the great adventure of walking in obedience with Him.
While the men were meeting, the three ladies who went enjoyed sweet time with Yaili, Yissel, and the rest of the women, painting, crafting, and encouraging one another. They had a wonderful time building relationships and being encouraged together.
Our next mission trip is scheduled for February 20–23. Our daughter, Kelsey who has recently joined the TREC board has a team ready to go. Following that, a team from Camden will be there February 26–March 2, and a team from Heritage in Prattville will travel March 12–17. There is also a possible trip from Thorington Road Baptist Church at the end of March or in April, and we are still working through those details.
Speaking of the board, we have recently restructured and added new members. We are
transitioning from an advisory board to a working board, allowing more people to actively come alongside us in the Kingdom work that needs to be done. Our current board members are Craig Clement, Jeff Benefield, Malcolm Smith, Nicole Pinkham, Kelsey Duke, and Jeff and Trudy
McFarland. We are prayerfully working to strengthen TREC and hope to add a paid staff member in the coming year. We are excited and expectant to see how the Lord will move and lead us forward.
Thank you for your faithfulness to pray for us and the work the Lord is doing around
the world. Someone once told us,“God is faithful and has rewarded us with friends
like you who do not forget or abandon us.” Your faithful and generous hearts keep us
working and moving forward when the world says it’s hopeless. We know, as you do,
the time is short and people need Jesus!
Thank you for TRECing with us!
Jeff and Trudy
