Greetings!
When I was 15 I went with my family to Promontory Point...the place where a golden spike was driven to unite the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads. If memory serves me, they had to re-lay some of the tracks because they were going to miss by a few feet but eventually, they were able to connect the east coat with the west coast and reduced travel time between the two from over a month to less than a week on two, parallel, metal rails.
Uncle Stan, who passed away last month, was a train enthusiast. In fact, perhaps my earliest memory of him was joy riding on a commuter train in Chicago. I also remember his model train sets and visiting train museums with him. Maybe I've been thinking about trains as a unique way of memorializing him?
Or maybe I've been thinking about trains because of what I've seen God doing lately? Jeremiah 29: 11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." That sounds like a track that's going somewhere...a sure and steady path forward...just like a set of train tracks.
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The Impact Summit held in Costa Rica, October 12 to 16, was like hammering a golden spike to unite ministries that span continents. Leaders from Impact Latin America, which supports the Community Church Planting movement in the region, and leaders from Impact Middle East which facilitates the multiplication of disciples in that region of the world, joined with leaders from the East Michigan Conference who want to see such a movement ignite in their part of the world for a few days of collaborative learning. Relationships were built and connections made so that best practices can be shared for the rapid expansion of the Kingdom of God!
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We also had the honor of hosting the Board of Bishops, the Area Directors and Jan & Gerry Coates in Costa Rica for their bi-annual meetings. Despite a slow start caused by heavy rains, flooding and mudslides that turned our two-hour trip into a six-hour one it was such a sweet time of sharing and strategic planning. We are seen here enjoying some time with the Lorenz family, missionaries in CR.
What does that have to do with trains or tracks, you ask? Well, one of the most important roles in leadership is to discern God's will and then guide others along those tracks.
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While we were all there, Ricardo had the privilege of participating along with the Bishops in the ordination of fellow missionary and mission District Leader, Dennis Leon, this past weekend. Dennis said, "It wasn't my ambition to be ordained, it was more a matter of God leading me down this path and being obedient to his call." Thank God for the obedience of Dennis and many others like him who serve in Latin America as they answer God's call by following where He leads.
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How exciting it to see mission district after mission district and conference after conference adopt the Area mission and vision. Their reports at annual meetings...like the most recent ones in Honduras, and the united celebration of the Costa Rica and the 360 mission district, were so encouraging as we see that God is on the move. A team from the Latin American Area attended the provisional general conference in Mexico last month, and they are adopting the vision as well. In fact, since his election earlier this month, the new Mexican Bishop Hector Perez, has joined our Area Leadership team! |
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Realizing the need to keep people "on track" we are establishing a Sabbatical policy for Conference Superintendents and Mission District Leaders. Thanks to the generosity of many, we were able to send Supt. Patricio Alvial and his wife, Yalilli, on sabbatical from August to October. Prior to sabbatical, their situation was critical. After three-months of rest, professional therapy and mentoring, they are returning to ministry with healthy rhythms and a much brighter outlook. |
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There are many ways to help other key leaders in Latin America take a sabbatical. If you would like to join a group to pray for them or if you have a home or vehicle that could be used for these purposes, please send us a message. If you would like to make a financial donation to help cover the expenses of sabbaticals or for a little more information, please click on the sabbatical image. |
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Of course, it was good to have Jonathan riding along with us when he came home for fall break (family seen here with a friend of Juliana's). In addition to 6 days of intense goalie training, we also enjoyed just being together at home. It was a true joy ride...which takes me back to Uncle Stan. He wasn't only a train enthusiast. He was also a conductor...not a train conductor but rather a spiritual conductor because he guided and directed others in their walk with Christ as a pastor. He also willing allowed God to use him as a conduit through which His love flowed to others!
Loving others always puts us on the right track because...God is love and everyone that loves is born of God! Let's trust in the plans that He has for us and continue to lead others along the right track!
We are so thankful for each of you and the fact that God has put you on the tracks of our lives to serve as conductors of His love and goodness! Blessings,
Ricardo, Beth, Juliana and Jonathan
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