Sept 19, 2006

Greetings dear friends in Christ!

“What doin Papa?  What doin?”  asked our nearly two year old grandson Brody as I worked sorting boxes of tools and supplies in preparation for our fast approaching departure to Mexico.  As I explained we were packing to go to Mexico, he quickly offered “Me help you.  Me help Papa!”  My heart sang with joy knowing that our  loving God had Brody in the palm of His hand, now and forever, as he shared his young servant heart.  Whether Brody realized it or not, God was beginning to do a good work in him that would touch many lives and span through eternity.

Later I reflected upon our brief conversation, and I realized our quest to serve “Abba Father” was the same as Brody’s, a matter of the heart.  And that the question each of us raises to God in defining our call to serve does receive an answer from Him.  Answers often different for each of us - depending on our season in life, gifts, experiences, and equipping - but always an answer that challenges our servant hearts.  Answers that challenge our independence, that put to the test our dependence upon Him, challenging us to live by faith rather than sight.

Then as we step out in faith and face the challenge in obedience, the God stories begin to flourish for each of us, as He leads us forward.  Our most recent God stories are the provision of a strong ’92 4x4 ford pickup, topper, ’78 Nomad RV trailer, and a welcoming by friends in Progresso Mexico with a place to park them.  Most importantly an invitation from a gospel teaching church, that is in walking distance from where we will live, with a young Pastoral family filled with passion to serve those who have not.   La Iglesia del Buen Pastor is currently feeding daily over 100 school children, is planning a Christian grade school combined with an adult education and life-skills program for parents seeking life change.  We are very enthused by the invitation to join in establishing these works in Christ!

“What doing Papa?” for us will be answered in Mexico during this next season of our lives.  We pray that you will join us in prayer, allow us to help you develop a short-term mission to help these new works in Progresso, and would join us in any fashion you are led of God.  We are completely dependant upon the Holy Spirit and the Body to this fruit we are called to bear.  As you are called to ask or answer the question ‘What doin Papa?”  we pray God be with you in the fullness of His riches and glory.  Thank you for your sustaining love and wonderful friendship in Christ Jesus.

May God richly bless you,

Tom and Collette

P.S. Praise God!  We currently have received $1,500 toward the JET pack evangelism tool!