The Race Marked Out For Us

We just wrapped up our time visiting our supporting U.S. congregations and family. As introverts we always look at this time as potentially exhausting socially. But we are continually amazed at how God uses our brothers and sisters in Christ, our friends and family, to encourage us and inspire us to do more and be more Christ-like. We are also humbled that they would continue to provide for us and generously plan for future support. The theme of Missions Sunday at Eastside Church of Christ this year was from 

Hebrews 12:1-3: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

This year we completed 20 years on the mission field with Health Talents International. It certainly doesn't feel like that long, until we look in the mirror haha! But we look back and can see how God has moved and let us work in this mission to bring compassionate health care to the poor and underserved communities of rural Guatemala and share with them the transforming Good News of  New Life in Jesus.  He has provided financial and human resources through loving churches and individuals in the U.S. and Guatemala to make this mission possible. 

Sometimes it is good to look back at how God has provided in the past to remind ourselves that he will provide for the future needs of this mission and his servants.  We recall how the the mission grew from a few mobile community clinics to a network of regional clinics and surgery center, church leadership development, a child sponsorship program to encourage education and spiritual formation, scholarships to provide local professionals for the mission's future, an early childhood nutrition program to address chronic malnutrition, pastoral counseling and Christian psychologists to address marriage and family dysfunction and addiction. All of these ministries have have contributed to the growth and maturity of the local churches which has been the vision all along. 

Our roles in this mission have  changed over the years, and we are directing more energies toward staff development for future leadership. We pray that God continue to guide us in this mission and provide opportunities to share Jesus with our patients and their families. We ask the Lord to provide for this work and help us to be good steward of his resourses. 

We are thankful for  Eastside Church of Christ in Colorado Springs and Meadowbrook Church of Christ in Flowood, MS for their faithful and generous support and counsel. 

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17