There & Back Again: From the Jungle to the Mountain

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Happy July, beloved! This month, Husband and I would like to share more details on our wedding anniversary trip to Cancun, Mexico and one on the horizon to Queretaro, Mexico, in hope to stimulate praise and prayer. 

At the beginning of June, Husband and I had the blessing of traveling to 'la jungla' - the jungle in Cancun - to celebrate our 8th year of marriage (May23rd). One concept Husband has been learning at the Training Center, and I have been reaping the benefits of, is for the man to take the lead and 'get away with his wife' (Song of Solomon 7:11). With uncertainty at work since January 31, fiscally, it seemed unwise to proceed with our travel plans. Below that, I did not want to go so far away for so long just the two of us. By God's sovereign grace, I received counsel from a sister that exhorted me to submit to and rejoice in my husband's leading and trust the Lord for the provision of emotions to follow. My heart continues to melt under the warming embrace of the gospel, and my desires came into alignment with my obedience. Not only that, because of some offers and points, almost all of our trip was paid for, and I am still working at CBU (with a potential job transfer in the works). It was such a nice time celebrating all the Lord is doing in us individually and as a married couple; resting from work (it was an all-inclusive :); and enjoying food, creation and uninterrupted time with one another. We want to encourage you to celebrate your union (or singleness), make the sacrifice of time and resources and trust the Lord to provide, as you feast on His love and care for you.

Contreras Family: Israel & Marisa & sons Santiago (12) & Pablo (9)

On Saturday, July 29-August 5th, we embark on a trek up 'the mountains' to Queretaro for a short term mission trip.  Top priorities are: encourage the pastor, his family and church (Iglesia Biblica Misionera de Queretaro aka IBM) and serve their congregation by leading English classes and crafts for their Vacation Bible School (for more specifics, click here). Husband and I were invited and given a yes from our church to go, be a blessing and see how God will use this as we keep moving forward toward serving in Italy. When I shared with my boss after being out from work all of June, her words were: "Who am I to get in the way of the Lord." I was speechless but not surprised. Note, the city is approximately 6K' above sea level, comparable to Denver, Colorado at 5.3K'. When I learned of the elevation, panic set in - the one time I went to Denver, I got very bad altitude sickness, plus a migraine - but I committed it to the Lord. The next morning's reading in "New Morning Mercies" was Psalm 121: "I will raise my eyes to the mountains; From where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who watches over you will not slumber" (vv.1-3, NASB)." My panic was quieted, my eyes went back to God and I confessed my fear and desire for ease and control over the outcome.

Short Term Mission Team aka STM MX: Rick & Avi Valadez, Irving & Katelyn Cruz; Bernie Cestone, Stacy & Bryan Shaw 

(planning meetings below)



The Lord has been so patient with me in my weakness and doubt, and continues to love me, use me and show Himself faithful and more merciful, though He never changes - we pray you can see the same in your own life. You may or may not be married, but in what ways are you celebrating what He is doing in and through you? In what ways can you confess and ask Him to grow you? You may not be called to go to a foreign place, but where has the Lord strategically placed you to live a quiet life, in line with the scripture, ready to give a defense for the hope that is in you? Or like us, in what ways are you being prompted to come alongside others that are serving abroad? We thank Him for carrying us over mountains in the past, and we are confident He will do the same on near and distant ones. This confidence is growing, as we fix our eyes on Jesus - we pray you are doing the same.

Praise Reports:

  1. Husband completed a legal settlement, and his retirement is now his/our sole property;
  2. Husband and I had a lovely lunch and stroll around Victoria Gardens with my parents and Zachary;
  3. Jacob came by the house for a few days to visit; elders from Cornerstone and at Forest Home continue ministering to him; and
  4. Zachary is registered for fall classes at Norco Valley college and got his drivers license.

Prayer Requests (the Lord's will in all):
  1. (STM MX) Unity of mind and spirit as well as physical strength and protection;
  2. (STM MX) God to be glorified by the week in México; 
  3. (STM MX) Opportunities to disciple and evangelize;
  4. (STM MX) Encouragement of the Contrerases, host families & IBM church;
  5. (STM MX) 60 Vacation Bible School participant sign ups (5 as of 7/20/23, 30 as of 7/25/23);
  6. (STM MX) Financial provision for the team (click here if you are led to give, & thank you if you have already given!);
  7. (STM MX) IBM plans to give a special offering to the venue that is providing the VBS space at no charge, since they are believers and want to further the proclamation of the gospel;
  8. The 3 Valadez brothers as they consider different housing options for Ama Valadez;
  9. Wisdom, endurance & to walk in the Spirit, with ongoing health challenges, daily dealings with sin and a work situation (Avi);
  10. Witnessing opportunities; and
  11. Hacob & Zachary to bear consistent/genuine fruit of salvation.

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