August 17, 2008
-
Much has happened in a short time:
In the past 2 months God has been moving us rapidly toward Italy. Amazing progress has taken place. God has called many to join us in winning Italy for Jesus. We have been overwhelmed by the support of our church family.
Garage sale and home fix up: Mary and I would like to say, “THANK YOU” to all who have been such a great help in getting us ever closer to Italy.Thanks to the crew who helped make our garage sale a great success, especially Sharon Embry and Maria Hernandez. And thank you to all who helped us get our home ready for sale. So many came and cleaned, organized, painted, remodeled and landscaped.We have left our careers: In a pure act of obedience we have left our jobs and committed to move forward in faith towards the mission God has for us in Italy. On July 31, 2008 both of us resigned our jobs, Mary as middle school youth minister and Joe as a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual.
FUMC Niceville throws a farewell celebration for Mary: On July 20th FUMC Niceville put on a major production to celebrate the years of faithful service Mary gave to the youth of Niceville, FL. So many grateful friends came out to show their love and appreciation to Mary. The church asked folks to contribute to our mission fund and over $20,000 was raised. Praise God and all those who love Him.
Team building: Mary got the ball rolling and praise the Lord for His presence in so many hearts. To date we have received commitments for over 75% of our monthly financial need and more than half of ouroutgoing expenses.
Our schedule: Greater Europe Mission (GEM) requires that we spend about 10 weeks in training here in the States before we head to Italy. From September 10 through Novermber 19, 2008 we will be at the Center for Intercultural Training (CIT). Our courses will include cultural understanding, ministry and work related issues, team issues, language acquisition training and personal struggle awareness. We’ll be in Niceville for the holidays the we’ll go to Rome in the beginning of 2009.
Grove Hill UMC: On our first team building trip away from our home church we headed to Grove Hill UMC in Grove Hill, AL. The pastor is Rev. Dave Rhodes, our long time friend and prior associate pastor of FUMC Niceville. While Dave was on a youth mission trip he asked us to leadworship and attend Sunday schools to tell of how God has spoken to us. It was a wonderful time of fellowship with other believers. We made new friends and they made us feelat home in Grove Hill.Folks joined our team.God is amazing! We look forward to more excursions like this one.
Please pray for:
-us to stay in God’s will as we answer His call.
-many more people to join in God’s call to minister in Italy
-the hearts of Italians to turn to God
-God’s will in the sale of our home
-provision for the care of our animals
