December 2014

Purpose… 

Over the past year I spent considerable time meditating on the idea of “purpose” with dad’s passing, mom’s necessitated move, pending sale of the family home and our own transition into the world of human trafficking.  I found myself regularly drawn to the haunting concept of “why”.  Why death? Why sickness? Why change? Why here, now, this way… From what I see in scripture and throughout history, God does nothing without purpose and meaning…Eternal meaning (Rom. 8 &9; Eph. 1). In His plan, there is not a single unanswered “why?”.  

Our God embodies the concept of purpose. Being made in His image, we are all purpose driven creatures. How many of this generation are looking for a “cause” to dedicate themselves towards yet are blind as to the weight of being brought from dust to existence for an eternal purpose? People want a “why” for life but often settle for pat answers rather than truth with deep meaning:

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Ps. 139)   -Intentionally designed.  

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Eph. 10)  -Divinely purposed.

What Joy and Comfort! Even our hardest times are married to Biblical promises of redemptive results for “those called according to His purpose”(James 1; Romans 8). It’s this certainty that enables us to walk through our darkest hours, and to then walk others through their own, such as those caught in the web of human trafficking. 

Having the understanding that very people consumed by the commerce of modern slavery carry the image and purpose of their Creator compels us to act. The young girls in hidden rooms across this country who can’t break their captor’s bonds are made in the Image of the Eternal King. The young and old unable to escape never-ending, back breaking servitude in homes, factories and fields right here in America are made in the likeness of our Lord!

With this in mind, and as the year draws to a close, we ask that you prayerfully consider partnering with us through a tax deductible donation as we seek to bring the Hope, Love and Eternal Significance ascribed by our Lord to each of these. Your support will enable us to begin the work of unifying many of fantastic ministries and non-profits in South Florida in a coalition to better meet the needs of those being crushed, bring information to those who can help rescue and be a stronger voice for those who have none.

We would love to share more about the various ministries we will work with and alongside, so please do not hesitate to contact us.

Online donations may be made via: http://www.uwm.org/give Designation "Missionary," then look for "Abegg" in the drop-down menu. 

Or Mailed to: 205 Regency Executive Park Drive, Suite 430, Charlotte, NC 28217. Please include a note: "For the Abegg's". 

Thank you from all of us!!!

 

United World Mission Missionaries

PLEASE STAY CONNECTED WITH US!

Blog: http://abeggloveletters.blogspot.com

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Heading HOME & New Ministry!

"And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left".  -Isaiah 30:20-21     What a year!  After being in CA for almost exactly one year, the Abegg family is FINALLY headed HOME and on to the new ministry we've been praying about and considering with my fellow LAM leadership for almost a year prior to merging with United World Mission...Oh yeah…for those who haven't heard, WE ARE OFFICIALLY UNITED WORLD MISSION MISSIONARIES!  We still carry LAM the LAM DNA of working with and under local leadership, and rejoice in all God is doing through this new organization. So as a quick recap of our past year: Latin America Mission begins merger process into United World Mission mid 2013.  Kevin given freedom to assist from CA in order to simultaneously care for ailing parents during a very difficult time. The Abegg's arrive in CA the beginning of Oct. 2013  "Grandpa" Robert Abegg graduates to glory in March 2014. "Grandma" Birgitta Abegg in need of care so Kevin assumes responsibility for estate with help of sister Lana. Kevin transitions from LAM executive Leadership to become United World Mission Missionary & the Abegg's begin to focus on anti-human trafficking efforts in primarily South Florida. Connections, conferences and education with the Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition are an immense assistance. Abegg's visit "home" for three weeks in June to recover from stress/exhaustion. Connect with George Veitia of SOL Network (Sharing One Love) and begin to plan for Abegg's return & new ministry. Grandma moves into her new home Oct. 2nd. & the Abegg's hit the road a few weeks later.  Still to come (PLEASE PRAY): Estate sale of the family Home in Martinez next weekend (11/14) & the house goes on the market a few days later. Traditionally the WORST time to sell a home, but we are trusting again in God's provision. So then…here we are, writing from Rapid City, South Dakota (Mt. Rushmore) as we travel Eastward, dodging winter storms, healing as a family, reflecting on all that this year has and will continue to mean for us, visiting friends, family and supporters and preparing to hit the ground running once back in Miami. We're excited about recent conversations with SOL director George Veitia  and the many, many opportunities in South Florida to make a difference and bring the Gospel with victims of trafficking. Said in a different way: MIAMI RANKS 3RD IN THE NATION FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING and is in DESPERATE NEED of education, coordination and Christ's love. Amongst other responsibilities, Claudia and Kevin will be assisting in the development and growth of a South Florida/Miami Dade coalition of organizations against human trafficking. Our time in the San Francisco Bay Area served us immensely with contacts and practices gleaned from organizations united with the Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition and ready to be implemented in the South Florida, Latin context. Likewise, my time overseeing LAM's partnerships throughout Latin America and partnerships with sending churches will also assist in our anticipated work. Please Pray for us as we continue to plan the coming year with United World Mission and Sharing One Love. Please Pray as we continue to grieve, heal and see God's hand in all we were lead through this past year. Please Pray as we seek to re-establish our support after an overwhelming year and relatively little communication with supporters.  Please Rejoice with us in God's faithfulness in caring for our family through a major ministry transition, major family transition and the sense we have that all He has done has Devine Purpose and is being used to make us "…mature and complete, lacking nothing". (James 1).  Also, PLEASE PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER  ontinuing, renewing or even increasing your partnership with us as we move into this next assignment, drawing from what the Lord has already done and anticipating His purposes in the coming years.  Checks may be mailed to: United World Mission PO Box 602002 Charlotte, NC 28260-2002 (with a note that it's for the Abeggs). Or online ( http://www.uwm.org/give/ ): Designation "Missionary," then look for "Abegg" in the drop-down menu. STAY CONNECTED WITH US!: Read more on our blog! Connect on LinkedIn!  Find us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/claudia.abeggguzman  https://www.facebook.com/kabegg Thank you from all of us!!! In His Hands / En Sus manos; Kevin S. Abegg United World Mission

Urgent Update -The Abegg's Love Letter

	The Abegg's Love Letters Don't miss in this update: ·      Catching our Breaths (from an INTENSE year) ·      Upcoming vision trip to Miami. (June 10-22) ·      NEW Anti-Human Trafficking Ministry ·      How to Update your Support to United World Mission due to LAM's merger. (URGENT!!!) It's been years since I've surfed, but getting pummeled by a wave that you thought you were riding, held under for what seems like an eternity not knowing which way is up, then finally breaking through the surface and taking a, desperate gulp of air is one of the most exhilarating feelings in the world…until the next wave hits! This year we've had those satisfying gulps and then gone back under numerous times: Latin America Mission merging with United World Mission  uprooting from home for a year due to Dad's cancer and passing in March. Mom's struggle with memory loss and the need to dismantle two homes…frankly, we're beyond "out of breath". The whole family would say that this has been the most difficult year of our lives, but we'd also say that God is, has been, and will always be Good! Our need to move to CA for a year to transition dad heavenward and mom to a healthier living arrangement was made possible during LAM's transition into UWM, "freeing" me from the confines of a physical office and allowing me to work from home (in CA). In God's wisdom, this put us in the heart of some of the US and World's most creative thinking and innovative programs to address the modern slavery of Human Trafficking. We've been able to meet with and learn from many Christ centered organizations, and received training that is not yet available in Miami, preparing us for our anticipated Fall return as UWM missionaries in the battle against Human Trafficking. The term "Human Trafficking" covers an enormous spectrum of abuses. According to the Polaris Project (a site we HIGHLY recommend for education and resources): In less than a week, Tue. June 10th, we will return to Miami for a two week exploration time with ministries, churches and organizations that are working in, or desire to work in this arena. Through our years with LAM, as director of International Partnerships and Director of US Partnerships, we have been blessed to develop an immense network of like-minded organizations with whom to begin this work, but we do have some urgent needs:   ·      Intercessory Prayer Partners: We are asking for 20 individuals willing to commit to pray for us on a daily basis and respond to prayer updates. This does NOT mean we don't want others who will regularly lift us up, but we're asking for 20 people who know they are prayer warriors to "step up and kneel down as we step forward".  Please let us know if you are willing to fight with us in this arena and we'll get back to you with specifics. ·      Network Builders: Those who can provide introductions to first hand connections with those who have hearts for, or significant connections to individuals, ministries and churches already involved in the fight against Human Trafficking, or desiring to support such a fight. ·      Financial Partners: This is Urgent! Over the years we have been supported by individuals, families, foundations, organizations and Churches. Stewarding the gifts He has given His Body, all have been amazing partners and made it possible for us to work in the trenches as we ALL respond to God's call. Please, Prayerfully consider whether the Lord may be calling you to enable us to take these next steps of faith by financially supporting this endeavor. (See below for giving options) The call for financial partners is an URGENT need especially following this past unique year of difficulty. Over the past 6 years, as part of LAM's guidance team overseeing International Partnerships and then US Partnerships, our family's income had been subsidized by the mission. Throughout this merger, UWM has offered me (Kevin) a paid position at their main office, but both Claudia & I have been convicted for over two years that we are being called and prepared for an Anti-Human Trafficking ministry which would get me out from behind a desk and back on the "missionary front lines". This is a step of faith for our family, and frankly life in Charlotte, NC looks very tempting, but moving there right now would not be following God's call at this point in our lives. I will however continue assisting in an advisory capacity. Please prayerfully consider partnering with us by regularly supporting our family and/or making a special gift on our behalf to: United World Mission PO Box 602002 Charlotte, NC 28260-2002 (with a note that it's for the Abeggs). Or online ( http://www.uwm.org/give/ ): Designation "Missionary," then look for "Abegg" in the drop-down menu. PLEASE STAY CONNECTED WITH US: Read more on our blog! Connect on LinkedIn!  Find us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/claudia.abeggguzman  https://www.facebook.com/kabegg  Thank you ! The Abegg Family   A few recommended Anti-Human Trafficking Links: Freedom Summit Resources: http://www.freedom-summit.org/2013/resources-2/ Bay Area Anti Trafficking Coalition: http://www.baatc.org (Info. applicable to the SF Bay Area and anywhere in the country)

By dad’s request, no memorial will be held since he had a celebration gathering in February, and in his own words: “I don’t want people crying over me since I’ll be free from pain and having fun!”

However, pictures will be posted and everyone is invited to leave memories of him or messages for the family at: https://www.thestatus.com (see instructions below if you have not previously visited). US Postal Mail may be sent to Birgitta and family at the home address (message me if you need this).

Likewise, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Kaiser Hospice Martinez, (see instructions below).

We as a family continue to celebrate his life, legacy and love, even as we mourn the vacancy in so many ways. Thank you so much for loving and sharing life with him and our family.

God bless and love to you from each of us;

Birgitta, Lana, Kevin and families.

Registering for Bob’s page on https://www.thestatus.com : If you have not previously registered, please click the “request an invitation” button on the home page just below the “login” button and fill out the brief form including the name “Robert Abegg”.

In lieu of flowers: check, or money order donations may be made to: 

Attn: Hospice Dpt.

Kaiser Martinez;

200 Muir Rd. Martinez, CA 94553.

Please include a note indicating “on behalf of Robert Abegg”.  Acknowledgements of donations and any cards of encouragement will be forwarded to the family.