Trusting Papa-Oct 2009

“No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Sheer determination could be seen on Maddy’s face as she teetered and tottered, striving to keep her balance in this new endeavor to walk. Daily Rod and I would urge our granddaughter with words of encouragement followed by bountiful praise. Sometimes she falls! She then looks into our eyes, groans and gropes to get back on her feet, knowing that we are there to catch her if she topples or tumbles in a way that may endanger her. Maddy has placed her faith in us, knowing we are there to protect her from hurting herself. After all, walking is simply the next step in growth.


During one of our “learning to walk sessions”, as I watched Maddy stagger my direction, I heard a small still voice from deep with in my soul. My Heavenly Father was assuring me that he is my Papa. He is the one that woos me to place my trust in Him. After all, He only wants the best for me. Sometimes I go through some difficult times, things look doubtful and I am not sure what I am to do next or where He is taking me. I wonder how Maddy felt that first time she saw Nana and Papa standing with our arms outstretched with a ten foot gap between us. I do know that because of our relationship with her, she trusts that our intentions were not to harm her but to assist her, encourage her, protect her and support her in achieving her next accomplishment in life 101. How much more should we be as little children placing our trust in our Heavenly Papa?

Many of you have been praying for us as we have sent out prayer updates. Thank you! My brother Jack went through heavy chemo and full body radiation the first week of September. Now we pray the bone marrow donor’s cells graft with Jack’s cells. I can not express how grateful I am that both Rod and I can be here in Canada at this time supporting the needs of my bothers family as they go through this difficult time. It is also a huge blessing to be here for Rebekah as she transitions to life in Canada after living in a third world country for the past five years.

During a recent medical exam, the doctor detected something that needed further investigation with Rod’s heart. He will have an angiogram November 6. Our prayer is that all will go well so Rod and I can return to Mexico before Christmas healthy and whole. We are in utter awe that God had everything set up for this extended stay. He knew from the very beginning that we would need Jody and Angela house sitting El Faro while we are in Canada. Most of our office work, we are able to accomplish from a makeshift office where ever we happen to lay our heads on that particular day. Thank God for lap tops!! Thank God for other missionaries kicking in for us in our absence. Thank God for the opportunity to spend precious time with our families, friends and grandchildren. Thank God for His incredible love and words of encouragement. Thank God that our Heavenly Papa knows the beginning from the end.

Our Prison Ministry team have been serving diligently in our absence. September 14 was our first event for the women prisoners of the Ensenada Prison. The team was excited to share with me how the women in the prison responded to the dramas, testimonies and worship as they were served hotdogs and snacks. A message of hope was shared with the ladies. Women that did not know Jesus in a personal way saw their need to know and trust in His love that day. I am told it was an exhilarating time. We are not sure how long we will be in Canada. We have placed our trust in Our Heavenly Papa that He has our best interest at heart.