🌎 Triumph and Trials -Abegg Family Ministry in Central America & the Caribbean.

Triumphs and Trials in Difficult Times  As we begin Advent season in a year unlike any I can remember, I crave a sense of "normalcy" and deeply anticipate the comfort of Christmas. Our family put up our Christmas tree and decorations a few days before Thanksgiving this year. We started early because more than ever our gratitude and thankfulness is grounded on God's steadfast love and Christ's sacrifice in the midst of a world that has lost sight of any moorings.  Back in March, when things started getting crazy, I chose to include a passage of scripture with my e-mail signature:  - Kevin S. Abegg UWM Regional Leader Central America/Caribbean "...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus…" -Phil. 4   The intent was an encouragement to the missionaries under our care as Claudia and I correspond with them. What I didn't realize was how much of an encouragement Paul's words in Philippians would be to me as I'm reminded of God's promise 20+ times a day! This year has presented countless opportunities to worry, but similarly countless opportunities to trust our Lord and receive His peace. The eternal peace and assurance that broke through at Christ's birth and later sacrifice on the Cross. That peace which "surpasses all understanding" and we even now prepare to celebrate in a few weeks at Christmas. Hurricanes 2020 Central America Our past 6 months have been overwhelming as we navigate the impact of COVID and hurricanes in Central America. During the 1st week of November, Hurricane Eta slammed through Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, Cuba and even flooded us here in South Florida. This was followed one week later by Hurricane Iota as a Category 5 storm on the same track through Central America. Entire villages were covered by mud while many UWM partner ministries had churches, outreach centers and care facilities flooded, as well as entire populations they care for covered in landslides resulting in hundreds of deaths. Please intercede for these communities and UWM missionaries and staff as we consider how best to meet so many needs. Pray for local governments already overwhelmed due to COVID and the new need of emergency housing to entire villages devastated by flooding or winds. Pray for the anticipated pandemic "spikes" as those fleeing disaster are unable to consider health guidelines. Likewise, as we enter this season of giving, please prayerfully consider joining UWM in providing relief through our National Partners who have not only suffered, but minister to those who have lost so much. Please visit: UWM 2020 Hurricane Relief Project.  Pandemic Lockdowns & Missionary Conferences One of the COVID causalities this year was the long planned UWM Regional Missionary Conference originally to be held in Costa Rica in May. We postponed twice and then opted to attempt an "online conference" with our 60+ missionaries throughout Central America and the Caribbean. It was a LOT more work than we thought but in the end a combination of instruction, encouragement, training and reflective retreat times resulted in what many missionaries reported as a "refreshing & uplifting time". Claudia and I came away encouraged as Regional Leaders that despite the separation and inability over this past year to be physically present in the many countries we cover, the Lord provided. Please pray as missionaries continue to battle fatigue from ministry diversions, forced isolations and concern for family far away. Pray for Claudia and I, along with all of UWM as we navigate the many challenges, seeking to minister and equip Christ's body across boarders with so much uncertainty of lockdowns and future changes. Join Our Team   Prayer Team  If you're reading this, you're in, so keep praying! Also... we'd love to hear from you. Let us know how we can be praying for you whether through an email or connect with us on What'sApp. Our work is 100% funded through donors like yourself. If you aren't already part of our financial team, consider joining with your tax deductible support by:  Giving Online UWM-Missionary Support Page   Give via US Mail  Mail check with accompanying note stating: "For the Abegg Family" to: 205 Regency Executive Park Dr. Suite 430, Charlotte, NC 28217 Give Via Phone Dial 800-825-5896 and talk to a very helpful person! In His Hands / En Sus manos; Kevin S. Abegg UWM/LAM Regional Leader Central America & Caribbean

Central America Ministry & the Abegg Family 🌎

On Mission, Online & On Target! Update on the Abeggs & Ministry in Central America & the Caribbean     Though we are still unable to physically visit the missionaries and ministries we care for and oversee, we've been in regular contact more often than ever before as each navigates the particular pandemic challenges to their miniseries and the countries in which they serve. There are a few areas that we're particularly excited about and would love to have you join us in prayer for:   COVID Opportunities: Sounds like a strange thing to be excited about, but Claudia and I find that when things don't go as we hope… like so much of 2020, God has some thing in store that we would have never considered. ProMETA, one of our partner ministries in Costa Rica has always provided online Biblical training all the way up to master's degrees. In the past we've had national pastors, missionaries, and entire partner churches take advantage of the theologically sound, economical and convenient courses, but now that the entire world has been forced online, ProMETA has emerged as a front runner in Latin America. I'm currently conversing with them on possibilities for new UWM missionaries to join them and ways that ProMETA can engage the needs of the rural Guatemalan churches. In discussing how COVID lockdowns have affected Latin ministry, one missionary commented "ProMETA's biggest problem right now is wiping that silly grin off their faces as we all try to figure out how to do what they've already been doing for years!" PLEASE PRAY for ProMETA, the missionaries and staff serving there and for wisdom as we consider with ProMETA's leadership on how we can work together to serve the church in Guatemala and throughout Latin America.   Likewise, please keep the Abegg Family in your prayers as we work with both missionaries and national ministries throughout Central America and the Caribbean where COVID continues to impact the population in a disastrous way. Lockdowns not only decimate fragile economies but render countless churches (most of which number below 50 members) unable to support their pastors and are faced with losing the very properties they meet in.  As a family we're looking for new members to join our work in this region. The economic challenges have meant both increased expenses and a loss of some supporters facing economic difficulties. We'll be sharing more in the coming weeks about in-depth opportunities to understand our work, but as always, feel free to reach out to us in advance, we're always thrilled to share what God is doing through your partnership with us.  See below for contact & support information.  I'd like to share an encouragement I sent to the missionaries in our region a while back, I hope you as well will find it uplifting during a time when we are surrounded by discouraging news:    As we look forward, there's constant chatter of a "new normal". These words are usually seasoned with tones of resignation, grief and disappointment. They just don't taste right when paired with anticipation or optimism (unless you're a producer of masks or provide online meeting platforms).  Still, I see in the Psalms, the Prophets and throughout scripture how suffering and hope are often pared in ways we wouldn't anticipate or choose, and like a masterful chef, God brings something unexpected out of peculiar ingredients.  I've recently marveled how the 1st century Church in Acts gives us real-life examples of believers, in the midst of Roman occupation and suffering themselves, carry a message of hope to an oppressed and lost world.   We are presented with a time that included sheltering in place (the upper room and meeting in secret in Acts 2 & Acts 12), fleeing persecution, imprisonment, death by stoning (Acts 8-12), the sword and colosseum animals… but at the heart of it all was a Gospel centered confidence that extended beyond the grave... Continue reading full article... Join Our Team   Prayer Team  If you're reading this, you're in, so keep praying! Also... we'd love to hear from you. Let us know how we can be praying whether through an email or connect with us on What'sApp. Our work is 100% funded through donors like yourself. If you aren't already part of our financial team,  Give Online UWM-Missionary Support Page   Give via US Mail  Mail check with accompanying note stating: "For the Abegg Family" to: 205 Regency Executive Park Dr. Suite 430, Charlotte, NC 28217 Give Via Phone Dial 800-825-5896 and talk to a very helpful person! In His Hands / En Sus manos; Kevin S. Abegg UWM/LAM Regional Leader Central America & Caribbean

I’d like to share an encouragement I sent to the missionaries in our region a while back, I hope you as well will find it encouraging during a time when we seem to be surrounded by discouraging news: 

And Our Lives Today

As we look forward, there’s constant chatter of a “new normal”. These words are usually seasoned with tones of resignation, grief and disappointment. They just don’t taste right when paired with anticipation or optimism (unless you’re a producer of masks or provide online meeting platforms).  Still, I see in the Psalms, the Prophets and throughout scripture how suffering and hope are often pared in ways we wouldn’t anticipate or choose, and like a masterful chef, God brings something unexpected out of peculiar ingredients.  I’ve recently marveled how the 1st century Church in Acts gives us real-life examples of believers, in the midst of Roman occupation and suffering themselves, carry a message of hope to an oppressed and lost world.   We are presented with a time that included sheltering in place (the upper room and meeting in secret in Acts 2 & Acts 12), fleeing persecution, imprisonment, death by stoning (Acts 8-12), the sword and colosseum animals… but at the heart of it all was a Gospel centered confidence that extended beyond the grave. A call of God’s mercy not only to the Jews as it had been for generations, but one that crossed racial and tribal lines. None of this was “business as usual” for the Jewish believers as members of the early church. Prior to the cross, the thought of receiving Gentiles as equals was unthinkable. Still, there was a fresh understanding of the God given continuity that didn’t start with Moses but stretched all the way back to Adam. God’s purposes had not changed since creation, they just weren’t immediately recognized by those who followed Him. Salvation was no longer just for the Jews, but the Gentiles as well. It was literally being poured out on their very Roman oppressors (Acts 10) and the traitorous Samaritans (Acts 8). This was not how the children of Abraham thought it would be. (See Peter’s testimony to the Jerusalem church in Acts 11). Step by step, God faithfully lead the apostles and the church in the direction He had planned from creation, ultimately extending His mercy to every nation, tribe and tongue (Rev 7:9).  

 

As we live through our current unique time and trials, like the early Church we must remember, and find hope in the continuity that has existed throughout scripture and throughout history. And like our forefathers, we are called to step forward in faith and follow God in new, often uncomfortable or even potentially dangerous ways. I encourage you to read Acts in its entirety. Already done so? Then read it again! Prayerfully look for how God addresses and annihilates first century walls of sin, fear, isolation, separation, segregation, exclusion, hopelessness, oppression and racism, using even sickness and death itself to bring His people where He can use them best. His Word and His plan have not changed one iota, but perhaps like the children of Israel, our understanding and attitude on how to follow Him in this “new normal” needs an adjustment. Though we ourselves wouldn’t combine the ingredients of suffering and mercy or even grief and grace on the same plate, our eternal Lord knows how to unite these and so much more for His glory and the eternal good of His people. 

FOCUS your eyes on the spiral…you’re feeling very distracted…

Whether taking a picture, studying for an exam or watching a movie, “focus” is essential. When Covid-19 hit and derailed plans for our missionary conference in Costa Rica and development of partnerships in Guatemala, I thought “OK, I’ll be able to focus and catch up on projects and correspondence”. Now, nearly half a year into this strange new world, I have way more in my inbox than when we started this whole thing! I didn’t anticipate how significantly the needs would increase with our partner ministries and missionaries, but neither did I anticipate all the residual clamor that has crept in through infection reports, lockdowns, international governmental responses (or lack thereof), and just plain, frankly useless noise.  Having to sift through such an amplified flow of information had me striving to work faster and longer just to keep up, yet neglecting to share with friends and supporters (both prayer and financial) the essentials of what we’re doing. Each morning I pray for our missionaries and projects in Central America, the Caribbean or around the world, and each morning I focus on something worthy of sharing with you and requesting intercession for. Yet by the time I sit down my inbox is screaming and my focus gets drown by other demands. So, I’m sharing these thoughts now, quickly before the next demand hits. Admittedly it’s “half baked” so as always take these thoughts to the Word, don’t just rely on my word. 

In discussing with Claudia my inability to find the summit of this current mountain of demands  we landed on a need to be clear on what we’re called to do as opposed to doing more and faster everything that is demanding our attentions. I have to say I like that word “called”. The understanding of “calling” relates to, or rather is the root of our modern word “vocation” which we commonly use to describe our jobs, but the meaning goes much deeper. A vocation, from the Latin word vocātiō, literally means “a spiritual call” or summons, such as an occupation that a person is specifically equipped for by God. Today we use the term “calling” in secular contexts, but the meaning actually originated in Christianity. So, if God has called me to a particular work, whether that’s missionary or masonry, He also equips me and makes me able to carry it out as a means to glorify Him. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Eph 2:8-10). 

So, a significant part of my responsibility lies in seeking Him for what I’m called to do, and differentiating it from what I’m not called to do. Does this mean that saying “that’s not my job” can be a spiritual exercise? I believe so, with the qualifier that where you dedicate your time and energy actually uses your gifts to glorify the King and further His kingdom. Serving coffee, brokering mergers, raising children, cleaning warehouses or managing missionaries. What am I called to do and not do today, and how do I honor God in the midst of it.  Oh… so much more to consider here, “tyranny of the urgent”, guidance given us in His word, knowing when to wait and when to push, but that’s it for now. I have other aspects of my “calling” to focus on, like dinner with Claudia and the boys. 

God bless!

Abegg ELL: God News & Urgent Needs in Central America

Join us as we pray for Ministries in Latin America during this difficult time. "If not for"  or  "Because of " ? How fast things have changed! In January we were preparing the Regional Missionary Retreat for 90 attendees from all over Central America and the Caribbean. If not for COVID-19, that conference in Costa Rica would have ended last week and the Abeggs would now be in Guatemala. There seems to be a lot of that going around these days. The "...if not for COVID..." song in its minor notes and that remorseful dragging tune. I'm guilty of singing along all too often. I'm in no way saying that COVID is a good thing nor that we should sing it's praises any more than it is appropriate to do so at the death and destruction of war. But God continues to remind me of His sovereignty, and asks what I will do with the circumstances He's ordained for this time. How should I respond after reflecting on scripture reminding me that nothing is outside of His hands? Verses like Acts 4:27-28,  Lamentations 4:37-38, Isaiah 45:7-8, and Romans 8(every last drop of it!) give hope and life. Understanding His providential care and purpose, how can I say (or live like) He messed up? And then I visit Paul in prison and his words to me: "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. -Colossians 4  So, in response, I lift my hanging head and raise my hands to Heaven pleading with God to not let me miss what He's doing right now... right in the midst of this Pandemic! Though I wouldn't choose this time, I want to follow Him through this time and witness HIS purposes. Then He gently adjusts my heart and I begin to see things in a different light, in His light.  I see ministries like Agua Viva in Guatemala providing hope that comes with basic necessities delivered to communities where necessity supply lines have been shut down for months. The willingness of faithful brothers and sisters to carefully and prayerfully deliver what food they can acquire is literally preventing starvation for families whose daily wages used to put one night's meal on the table. And the response they report is overwhelming, making "social distancing" an enemy when recipients want nothing more than to embrace their caregivers. In Costa Rica, the Farm ministry of Roble Alto can't sell its chickens, so instead, they provide poultry meat to Hospital Clinica Biblica which needs food for patients. La Clinica itself is donating Bibles to UWM missionaries who, while distributing food bags discovered fellow believers who don't have Bibles. In the midst of trials, God is at work in and through ministries that would otherwise keep to themselves. Yet now they are answers to one another's prayers in a time of need. As the US anticipates re-opening our economy, the COVID infection "curves" in many Central American and Caribbean countries continue to rise as the disease moves through often unprepared communities. Pray for rural churches & ministries throughout the region that have no means of support. While we are accustomed to giving online to keep US churches and ministries functioning, this isn't an option for most of Latin America, but some have found alternatives. FEDEMEC for example, a mission sending agency in Costa Rica, has an employee on a motorcycle visiting donors in their homes to collect the desperately needed support for overseas Costa Rican missionaries. Many challenges still go unanswered, so please pray for God's guidance. For instance, UWM missionaries in the Dominican Republic are looking for ways to help church members simply watch streamed sermons & stay connected. Not a difficult thing in the US, but in most of Latin America data download plans for phones are unaffordable, and in-home service is often nonexistent or simply outrageous in cost. Pray for answers to these challenges.  This was going to be a brief update, but it's hard to hold back when I see what God is doing in the midst of these "trials" (James 1, another fantastic encouragement in difficult times). Admittedly I battle varying degrees of frustration, and confusion over what God is doing, but from His Word, and seeing the world through a Biblical lens, I know that HE IS AT WORK IN POWERFUL WAYS. He never rests, and even through the many prayers that have yet to be answered, He draws us to Himself and to one another as His body. PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING. You are a vital part of this team and we are so grateful for your support and encouragement.  God bless! If your interested in joining our financial team please see the info at the bottom. Likewise if you or someone you know would be interested in helping with urgent projects in response to COVID, visit UWM's COVID RESPONSE page. How Can We Pray for You?: As I mentioned, we're praying for God's mercy, protection and guidance to be over each of our prayer and financial supporters. Please let us know how we can pray more specifically and effectively for you. It's our privilege and pleasure to do so and helps us keep up on how each of you is doing. Send us a note and let us know. Join Our Team   Prayer Team  If you're reading this, you're in, so keep praying! Also... we'd love to hear from you. Let us know how we can be praying whether through an email or connect with us on What'sApp. Our work is 100% funded through donors like yourself. If you aren't already part of our financial team,  Give Online UWM-Missionary Support Page   Give via US Mail  Mail check with accompanying note stating: "For the Abegg Family" to: 205 Regency Executive Park Dr. Suite 430, Charlotte, NC 28217 Give Via Phone Dial 800-825-5896 and talk to a very helpful person! In His Hands / En Sus manos; Kevin S. Abegg UWM/LAM Regional Leader Central America & Caribbean

The Good News, a Wedding Celebration 

and the Big & Little Things 

Carrie Smith, one of our family’s dear friends and a fellow UWM missionary, was slated to marry Justin Stafinski tomorrow, April 18^th. Carrie had wrapped up her time as a single missionary, packed up her belongings and moved up to Maine for the wedding. But as the couple finalized plans, the entire globe hit a Covid-19 speed bump that rearranged everything, including countless anticipated weddings worldwide. For Justin and Carrie, this meant no more than 10 people at the ceremony, and wedding guests couldn’t cross state lines much less find flights from Central America. As Maine’s government responded to Covid-19, the couple, through faith-filled tears, released their wedding plans and opted for a small ceremony, postponing a formal reception until the fall. Then, on the evening of Tue. March 31^st, Main’s governor Janet Mills announced a statewide “stay at home order” starting April 2^nd at 12:01 AM, barely 24 hrs. later and lasting until April 30^th. No leaving home, no exceptions apart from life-threatening emergencies and vital necessities. So once again, Justin and Carrie shifted their plans and sent the following email: 

“This move makes an April 18th ceremony near impossible to pull off since all non-essential gatherings are banned. They've also thrown in fines, penalties, and potential jail time for good measure. They are not messing around. And neither are we… Justin & I have decided to move our ceremony up. It will happen today @ 1pm. Surprise! We have a pastor, a venue, our marriage license, some in-person witnesses, and hundreds of you who'll join online -- what more do we need?!...”

And so…with nearly no notice, on a cold and windy day in Maine, Justin and Carrie were united in holy matrimony. The Abegg family, along with many friends and family scattered around the globe, was blessed to be online witnesses of their vows and marriage covenant.

Maine, USA

Miami, FL

Chimaltenango, Guatemala

San Jose, Costa Rica

Even the flower girl, stranded in Costa Rica joyfully performed her duty from 2,500 miles away!

So why do I share this? Apart from encouraging you to praise Lord for Justin and Carrie's God-glorifying union, I want to highlight how, in the midst of struggle, grief, and frustration, God calls us to the basics:  How do I honor Him in my circumstances? What is He calling me to do right now that can bring Him glory and reveal the hope that I profess? (See 1 Peter 3:15).  It’s easy to discount the seemingly small things like not grumbling at those we’re sheltering in place with or fighting slothfulness as our routines lay dead on the floor. Yet according to the Westminster Shorter Catechism, our “chief end”, and may I say daily responsibility, is to “…glorify God and to enjoy him forever.” Or as Paul puts it: “…whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Col. 3). 

Admittedly there’s plenty to grieve these days, but God remains…well...God. He doesn’t change, and I can say with confidence that He’s not only in control, He’s using this horrific situation for our good. We don’t need to be “happy” about suffering and death, Jesus wept at the death of his friend Lazarus, but through tears of faith and sometimes really hard decisions, we can know that He is ultimately in control and will bring Himself glory and good to those who love Him. Check out James 1, and then take a moment to talk to God about where He has you right now in both the big as well as what may seem to be “the little things”. 

God bless, and much love from the Abegg Family!

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