🌎 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