To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ;
Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. -Jude 1:1
Abegg Family Updates
As I mentioned in our last news letter, this New Year is full of changes & challenges. Up until a few months ago we were seriously considering ending our 16 years of full time missions work (see our November Blog entry for more on this), but the Lord made it clear that this wasn’t what He had planned. We are to stay right where we are with LAM and He will be using many of the things He has taught us over the past year about missions, the theology of missions and how to foster international partnerships as a way to assist US Churches in their missions thinking and action. Yet as I return to the office after a Christmas break and begin to consider what lies ahead I am wondering if…or rather know that I am not up to the task in and of myself. But thank God I don’t have to be since I, like anyone else am merely a tool in the Lord’s hands. That’s all I’ve ever been, be that in Chile, Cuba, California or elsewhere, and for me to take credit for what’s been accomplished would be like a farmer’s rake taking credit for the harvest at the end of the season. Already I’ve been encouraged by the initial response of various churches as I share the vision with them, and look forward to exploring the various ways LAM can be of assistance to their existing and developing missions programs, and I trust the Lord will provide even more of these divine appointments. Please keep this new “Department of US Missions” in your prayers, asking for wisdom, the Lord’s guidance and the ability to care for and assist partner ministries in what the Lord is calling them to do in World Missions. This is an exciting time, and we invite you to be part of where the Lord is leading us. Thank you for your partnership, prayers and support. God bless!
Lessons We’ve learned from our kids:
Christmas Carols have funny words:
“Hark the Hairy Angels Sing”
“Gloria! In Egg Shells Day Old!”
While building bunk beds for a friend:
“Straight edges” will not remain straight for long with little helpers at hand.
Wood stain also stains anything else it gets on, including clothes, hair and 4 year old tummies.
It’s hard to pinpoint what makes us “human”: Mommy: “Nico, this is Natalie. Her mommy dropped her off here for a few hours, would you like to play with her?” Nico: “No, I only like to play with humans.” Mommy: “Well, what is she?” Nico: “She’s a girl!”
Those advertisers are tricky!: Nico: “Daddy, they’re advertising a toy Yodda (of Star Wars fame) on the radio, but it’s really expensive!” Daddy: “Was that “toy Yodda” or “Toyota” like our old truck?” Nico: “Our old truck belonged to Yodda?”
We have more teaching to do in economics: Jeremy: “Nico and I are saving up to buy a Wii (video game system costing about $200.) and we already have lots of money!” Daddy: “Where did you get all that money from?” Jeremy: “The change dish next to your bed and we found some pennies on the ground!”
Specific praise, prayer and partnership opportunities:
Please pray for the Lord’s continued guidance, wisdom and provision as we step forward in faith and continue to work with Cuban Churches but also branch out to work with Churches in the US as they develop or improve their own missions programs.
Prayer for Monthly Support: As many of our supporters wrestle with financial difficulty, we have seen our monthly support dip to dangerous levels. Thankfully the Lord has equipped Kevin to work in home repair and Claudia through Lia Sophia jewelry sales to keep the bills paid. Our hope and prayer however is to be able to dedicate this time completely to the ministerial projects at hand. Please join us in prayer for this and for an increase in support in the new year that would allow us to do so. Please see “Support and Special Gifts” below if you would like to partner with us in this way.
Prayer for Roof Repair: Over the past year we have been attempting to save enough to re-roof the living area of our home. This has included refinancing (an answered prayer) and setting aside as much as possible on a monthly basis. Still, we are currently about $3,000. short and need to have the work done before the rainy season begins in April. Please pray for the Lord’s provision in this way.
Prayer for Chilean Wedding: Claudia’s youngest sister Christy will be getting married in Chile on May 28th. We hope to combine this wonderful event with visiting family, friends and churches as well as some ministry opportunities. Please join us in praying for the airline and other expenses of this trip, currently tickets are about $800. each.
Missionary Support and Special Gifts
Through the generosity and prayers of partners like you, we are able to continue ministering to the Churches in Cuba and assisting US churches in International Missions.
If you would like to make a tax deductible donation please take advantage of the links at the top right of the page or simply send checks to Latin America Mission with a note indicating “For the Abeggs” to:
Latin America Mission P.O. Box 52-7900 Miami FL, 33152-7900.
· Link to a Printable Donation Form. (click link for mail in donation form)
· Link to Online Donation page (click link for online credit/debit card donation)
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