have been asked many times how God called me into full-time ministry. Some people that dedicate their lives on a full-time basis, whether abroad or on US soil, share that one moment when it hit them. They remember the day and time, where they were and who they were with. Edwin had that experience. He was 13 years of age. He was with his father playing his trumpet in a small village. Many people were listening to “Papi”. This was towards the end of a long trip where many times a day Papi would preach and Edwin would play. One night, Papi’s voice began to fail and Edwin was asked to stand in and “preach one of Papi’s sermons.” As Edwin tells it, he packed a 45 minute sermon into about 10 minutes. He extended an invitation to become a child of the King. Thirteen people opened their hearts that evening and God entered giving them eternal life. Edwin knew then, that is what God was calling him to do. His plans to be a medical doctor wasn’t appealing anymore. The only path he wanted to pursue was preparing himself to share the gospel of salvation.
eing a third child in a home where my parents always housed missionaries as they came through town, getting to meet “really neat” people living in so many diverse nations using their gifts to further the kingdom, the seed began to grow in me. After Bill (older brother) married and moved to Brazil under OC International and then later Larry did the same, it just felt like the natural thing to do. I had been surrounded by missions my entire life. Many think my parents were missionaries since all three of us serve full time. The answer is no, but I am sure there were a lot of prayers from parents and grandparents because I never heard my brothers dreaming about any other vocation. Larry would even go to sleep every night listening to records of Billy Graham’s sermons. It was just the natural thing to do.
‘m feeling so much better now. My health has been improving daily. As I begin to attack the mountain of things that have been shoved aside due to poor health, one is to write our supporters. Where do I begin? That is when I thought of sharing some of the places God can use YOU in serving Him on our ministry team. I know I don’t have room to mention every support position, but as I name some, I hope that God either gives you THE CALL, THAT MOMENT of rush to get involved in missions, or just the nudge you need because it is THE NATURAL THING TO DO.
PRAYER – GOD answers prayer! His word exhorts us to pray for one another. We feel the strength behind your prayers as HE works miracles, gives us strength, keeps us safe in dangerous places, provides for ministry and brings workers as the projects grow. We need prayer warriors!
GIVE FINANCIALLY – How is Edwin able to hold mission conferences, symposiums for training missionaries, pastor’s conferences to challenge them in the area of church growth and missions. How can he mentor so many young evangelists? None of this would be possible without the monthly pledges and one time gifts. Currently we are still under our required support level. We need givers.
ENCOURAGEMENT – When times get tough, a note or email of encouragement lifts our spirits. It is a gift for some of you. You know just what to say. We have received that special hug just when needed. When is the last time you have responded when you heard “that little voice?” We need encouragement.
VISITS TO THE FIELD – Some of you, whether for vacation or just a short visit, have visited us on the field. What does that do? For us, it is the “lift” that we need. It is love in action. It makes our work easier. For you, it involves you in what we do, you really know how to pray for us and the needs to pray for, and most of the time, God changes your heart for world missions. You go home a changed person wanting to get involved in your church. We need your visits.
GET INVOLVED IN MINISTRY – God has given you a gift. You should be using it with your church family. Have you considered using your gift on the mission field for a short-term experience? There is not much that we can not put to use. The end of this year a group is going to Huehue to see what we do when short-term groups spend 10 – 14 days in Huehue. Do you want to join us? We need your gifts in use.
PROJECTS – Don’t feel that God is nudging you to get involved on a monthly basis? What about a project? From time to time we have had special projects. When Hurricane Stan wiped out complete cities, many either came down or donated to the project of rebuilding. Carlos and Edwin Garcia tragically died earlier this year, leaving Juana with 11 other children, the response rained down as a huge blessing for the family paying for funeral and helping them get on their feet. We need you for special projects.
SHARE OUR NEED – This is a dire need of our at the moment. During the last five years, we have lost churches due to internal problems at their end and also older supporters called home to be with the King. IT is hard for us to stop ministry and make new contacts, but you can share our need with your Bible study groups, Sunday school classes and mission committees. We really need new contacts.
I know this is a longer blog than usual. But my purpose in this is to say thank you for all that you are doing and to allow God to either CALL or to TOUCH those who are not involved to do what HE wants you to do. It’s exciting to be a part of TEAM.
As TEAM, we minister together for ONE GOD, ONE GOSPEL and for HIS KINGDOM.
EVIE