“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:30 NIV)
As I have said and I do my best to put this verse into practice. It is the key to MOTE’s “O.F.” PRINCIPLE ….OTHERS FOCUSED! It is that place in our spirit, head and heart where God can use us to get outside of our COMFORT ZONE! We really desire to see others more important than ourselves. It is seen not just spoken! Sandee and I remind ourselves daily to have this O F attitude as this new year has become extremely busy. My Sandee has had to make many sacrifices as my partner and best friend. She stays home to hold down the operation and keeps stable and balanced while I begin to travel between Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Panama. Thank God they are all fairly close to each other keeping our MOTE budget in line.
Sacrifices. Yes! But God, who paid it all for us. YES LORD – YES! God the Holy Spirit enables us to “… keep a clear mind and to endure the hardships, do the work of an evangelist …” (2Tim 4:5) and to appoint and develop the leaders to oversee the good ministries that have “taken root and producin’ fruit”. (Sandee wanted to take my riddle out – I won:>) . In all of this we thank God for each of you. Your continued prayers and the Word of God energizes us through each and every day!
Sacrifices. Yes! But God, who paid it all for us. YES LORD – YES! God the Holy Spirit enables us to “… keep a clear mind and to endure the hardships, do the work of an evangelist …” (2Tim 4:5) and to appoint and develop the leaders to oversee the good ministries that have “taken root and producin’ fruit”. (Sandee wanted to take my riddle out – I won:>) . In all of this we thank God for each of you. Your continued prayers and the Word of God energizes us through each and every day!
PUERTO RICO - CHAPLAIN TRAINING:
It was with a happy heart that I was invited to speak at the chaplain training here in Puerto Rico, in the community of Isabela. I was given the opportunity to share my years of practical experience with new and seasoned chaplains, to encourage them and pray for them. It was such a blessing for me.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - UNEV (Christian University in Dom. Rep.) – Bethel Seminary San Diego -- MOTE
As most of you know, one of the main reasons why Sandee and I were able to relocate to safer and more strategically located island of Puerto Rico was the result of 6 years of training responsible local leaders to manage the ministries established by MOTE. Today, we confidently have that leader in the D.R., Pastor Felipe Mendoza. Felipe works closely with Sandee and I with the help of Pastor Lidio Puente, prison ministry coordinator and Johnny Roberts, MOTE’s licensed missions teacher. (FOR COMPLETE REPORT SEE ATTACHMENT)
PANAMA - It was with great excitement and anticipation as I made my first trip to Panama City last week. Pastor Lideo has gone before me to set up the MOTE prison reform program that was initiated in La Victoria. We were able to initiate the plans, meet with government officials, and go into the La Joya prison. I was able to hold MOTE’s first workshop. (FOR COMPLETE REPORT SEE ATTACHMENT)
So the month of May has been for Sandee and me a learning curve. How to set up a new home, travel, communicate with staff and leaders of different countries, and TRY TO take some personal time!! We really need your prayers for balance, peace and harmony in all things! Personally, I was also given good news this week that my new neurosurgeon will try epidural shots on my back and then the last option will be surgery!!! Thank you Lord!! And we are reminded that none of this could ever be done without our prayers and following the Lord’s guidance. And yes it is a sacrifice once again to be living in another country and all that it entails BUT GOD IS ALWAYS ABLE WHEN WE ARE NOT.
“So we fix our eyes NOT on what is seen but what is UNSEEN. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2Cor. 4:17-my emphasis)
It was with a happy heart that I was invited to speak at the chaplain training here in Puerto Rico, in the community of Isabela. I was given the opportunity to share my years of practical experience with new and seasoned chaplains, to encourage them and pray for them. It was such a blessing for me.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - UNEV (Christian University in Dom. Rep.) – Bethel Seminary San Diego -- MOTE
As most of you know, one of the main reasons why Sandee and I were able to relocate to safer and more strategically located island of Puerto Rico was the result of 6 years of training responsible local leaders to manage the ministries established by MOTE. Today, we confidently have that leader in the D.R., Pastor Felipe Mendoza. Felipe works closely with Sandee and I with the help of Pastor Lidio Puente, prison ministry coordinator and Johnny Roberts, MOTE’s licensed missions teacher. (FOR COMPLETE REPORT SEE ATTACHMENT)
PANAMA - It was with great excitement and anticipation as I made my first trip to Panama City last week. Pastor Lideo has gone before me to set up the MOTE prison reform program that was initiated in La Victoria. We were able to initiate the plans, meet with government officials, and go into the La Joya prison. I was able to hold MOTE’s first workshop. (FOR COMPLETE REPORT SEE ATTACHMENT)
So the month of May has been for Sandee and me a learning curve. How to set up a new home, travel, communicate with staff and leaders of different countries, and TRY TO take some personal time!! We really need your prayers for balance, peace and harmony in all things! Personally, I was also given good news this week that my new neurosurgeon will try epidural shots on my back and then the last option will be surgery!!! Thank you Lord!! And we are reminded that none of this could ever be done without our prayers and following the Lord’s guidance. And yes it is a sacrifice once again to be living in another country and all that it entails BUT GOD IS ALWAYS ABLE WHEN WE ARE NOT.
“So we fix our eyes NOT on what is seen but what is UNSEEN. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2Cor. 4:17-my emphasis)
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