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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Abegg ELL: News From Latin America amidst Covid-19

Join us in prayer for Ministry in Latin America amid covid-19 We pray that you are safe and healthy during this time of trial for our planet. Please let us know how we can be praying for you.  Lockdown in Central America & Caribbean Since the announcement of the Global Level 4 Travel Advisory ("Avoid all international travel"); we've worked with our missionaries throughout Central America and the Caribbean to decide whether it's best to "shelter in place" or if they needed to move quickly to relocate. Most are set up for the long haul in their host countries and are riding out the storm in their usual communities. We had to relocate a few due to being in a high-risk category or anticipating an end to their assignment in the next few months or even missionary kids who couldn't get flights back to US schools after a longer than anticipated visit with family.  Thankfully most are where they need to be now and those who had to return to the US are able to continue some aspect of their work online from their quarantine sites. As Regional Leaders, Claudia and I have had some amazing meetings with other leaders from every part of the world including Asia, Africa and Europe. It's been sobering to hear the firsthand reports of what this virus is doing, yet faith building to see how the Church is responding in times of crisis and direct physical danger. Please join us in praying for God's people to "Be His Church" during this time of global uncertainty and trial.  A quote by Dane C. Ortlund has encouraged me this week on being His Church wherever we are: "When the economy is tanking, opportunities to surprise our neighbors with our confidence and joy because of the gospel surge forward. Now is the time to be outside more, to be loving more, to be hospitable more. Love stands out strongest when it is least expected, rarest, but needed most." Join Us in Prayer Pray that Central America & Caribbean countries would be spared the brunt of this sickness.  Pray for understanding of the need for social isolation in a part of the world that is extremely communal by nature.  Pray that rural communities that don't have access to mainstream healthcare available in larger cities would be spared. Pray for San Jose, Costa Rica and other parts of Central America experiencing drought, water rationing and planned "shut-offs" sometimes up to 8 hrs. a day during a time when water is vital for sanitation.  Pray for protection and provision for missionaries and nationals throughout the region and worldwide. This from missionaries in Honduras: "I counted meats and veggies yesterday, and we have enough for 2 weeks still (bought a hunk of pig the other day from a neighbor, have local cows for milk, etc). The chickens seem sick but we found a nest today with 6 eggs & that gives us breakfast!" Thank God for His presence in every corner of every pueblo and city throughout this world and that His promises hold true.  In the words of Paul: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 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 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.  God bless! 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

Abegg ELL: Covid-19 Prayer Requests - Latin America Ministry

Join us in prayer for Ministry in Latin America amid covid-19 I've abandoned a formatted newsletter with pictures of recent ministry visits as this week has offered no time. This is a quick update, an appeal for prayer, and a request for you to let us know how to pray for each of you as we follow Christ through this unique period of history. Unprecedented Level 4 Global Advisory Our marathon started one week ago Thursday as Central American & Caribbean countries, the area we oversee, began limiting flights due to the Coronavirus. Emails, phone calls, and texts started trickling in from concerned or stranded missionaries. These increased over the weekend as missionary kids "MKs" in the US were forced out of college dorms with no place to go and borders closed to incoming air and land traffic. Then last Thursday, March 19th the U.S. State Department issued an unprecedented Global Level 4 Travel Advisory ("Avoid all international travel"); this came four days after the Level 3 Advisory ("Reconsider international travel").  A Level 4 means that the U.S. government cannot assure U.S. citizens of evacuation from a location if the situation becomes dire, obviously a concern for missionaries. Thankfully most of UWM's missionaries are well established in their host country and as prepared as possible to ride out the storm. A few with health concerns, those caught while traveling, and some with short term assignments had to scramble, but as of today, there are only a few pending situations. Still, with the fluidity of our global situation, we remain regularly connected.   Getting our Mask On & Then Helping Others... Anyone who's flown has heard the pre-flight instructions of: "In the unlikely case of a loss of cabin pressure...first place the mask on your own face and then assist those around you." Frankly, we haven't done a great job of this as we assist missionaries in our region but haven't attended to our own support as needed. Lord willing, we will stick to our plan of seeking new supporters starting in July, but as we face this crisis, we recognize that some of our supporters are facing financial challenges as well. The Abegg family is praying for each of you as our prayer and financial support team. Please let us know more specifically how to pray, and we ask you to intercede for our family and the overall body of Christ during this difficult time. Ask for God to provide His Body with "our daily bread", for the needs of missionaries overseas to be met, and our own family's needs as we care for and direct ministry in Central America and the Caribbean. If you are lead to join our prayer or financial team before we start our planned fundraising in July, please see the bottom of this letter for information. Without you, we couldn't do what we're doing! Please Join Us in Prayer As I write these requests for our missionaries, I see that they apply to every Christian during this time of uncertainty. As you pray, do so for those serving cross-culturally, but also for yourself to similarly represent Christ wherever He has you: Pray for the Gospel hope to shine clearly during this time of trial.Crisis opens doors and hearts to the hope we have in Christ. Pray that missionaries and fellow Christians in areas of significant suffering can communicate the gospel through words and actions, even during times of weakness and suffering themselves.  Pray for Central American & Caribbean countries to weather these storms. It's said, "When the US sneezes, Latin America gets pneumonia." Though there are reasons to be concerned with the economic effects of the Coronavirus in the US, the sheer scale of the US economy and resources available provide significant protections that are not available in the Central American countries where we and our fellow missionaries serve. Pray for wisdom and integrity of leadership. Pray that corruption would be reveled quickly and that righteous leaders would step forward and find favor. Pray that supply lines of essential materials be protected and vital services to continue during times of illness.  Pray that Central Am. & Caribbean health care systems would not be overwhelmed, and protection for the people of countries with a less than adequate medical system under normal circumstances. The missionaries that Claudia and I have the privilege to care for, and the partner ministries we labor with ultimately rely on the Lord's hand and provision every day (see Mat. 6:9-13) including during times of illness. Pray for the protection of these missionaries, and for the medical facilities that they and the nationals they minister to must rely on in times of illness. Pray for the medical ministries where UWM missionaries serve to be protected and to be able to handle the demands as people fall ill.  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 supporters. Please let us know how we can pray more specifically and effectively. It's our privilege and pleasure to do so and helps us keep up on how each of you is doing. Just hit reply and let us know!  In the words of Paul: "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 4:2-6.  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