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Mission News

Mississippi Team

Ivan and Joyce Lehman, Luke Landis, and Josh Habel spent the week of November 8 in Poplarville, Mississippi, as part of the Partnership Home Project organized under the Eastern Virginia Mennonite Disaster Service Unit.           Our team completed the six-week project, helping to provide new housing for an elderly couple who have been living in a condemned trailer since Hurricane Katrina. By Luke Landis

Update from Peru

  (I Thessalonians 5:17-18)

            We are nearing the end of November, and traditionally our thoughts are centered around Thanksgiving.  Here in Cusco , this time of year does not generally carry the same sentiments.  First of all, in the history of the Andes Mountains , there were no Pilgrims and Native Americans who shared a meal  and gave thanks to God together for His many gifts.  Second, we are in the season of Spring in the southern hemisphere, and so agriculturalists are more focused on planting than on harvesting.  However, with fellow missionaries (and among those who have interest in learning about customs in other countries) we still take advantage of the opportunity to prepare a special meal and reflect on our Father’s many blessings to us.

            My list of things to be thankful for is long:  health, protection, abundance of food, clothing, family, salvation, ministry opportunities, growth of the school, property for the future of PROMESA, and the list could go on.  Truly, God has been gracious toward us.  What challenges me a bit is the phrase from verse 18 that says, “Give thanks in all circumstances.”  Giving thanks when life is moving along smoothly, when we see answers to our prayers, when we are experiencing good health, when people around us show us love and respect – that really isn’t difficult at all.  But in all circumstances . . . when there are stresses in family relationships around us and marital difficulties, when stomach tumors have appeared for the second time to a father of three young children, when students take advantage of generous and trusting teachers and classmates, when people don’t appreciate your efforts on their behalf, when you feel stressed with an endless number of activities and responsibilities, when there are many unanswered questions about the future (beginning with tomorrow).  How are we to give thanks in these situations and circumstances that have touched our family or those close to us?

            I don’t claim to have all the answers to these difficult questions, but God gives us some suggestions in His word.  “Be joyful always.”  This is more of an attitude than it is an action.  It says, “I will not be controlled by my circumstances, but I will allow God to be in charge, and I will choose to be joyful.”  This is “God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  God’s will for me is always for the good, so I will trust in Him to bring something positive in each situation as long as I am following in His footsteps.

            Specifically about land for the school, we are indeed very thankful for the 34-acre property that is under contract.  The church has a vision for the development of several programs (church offices, health care clinic, etc.), but of course the most pressing need and that which will occupy the most space is a home for the school, PROMESA.  $120,000 has already been paid and another $80,000 is needed to complete the purchase.  The church and school are working together to organize a major fundraising event for next Saturday, November 28.  We are selling tickets for plates of either chicken or trout.  There will also be a bazaar (yard sale) and a dessert contest.  Fundraisers here involve some dynamics that are quite a bit different from in the States,  making it hard to set goals like $20,000 or 30,000.  We are hoping to sell about 2,000 plates of food and make a total profit of about $3,000.  Please pray with us that this activity will be a success and something that will continue to unify the church and the school under one common vision.  Obviously, this leaves us quite a bit short of the amount we need to raise for the final purchase of the property, but we continue trusting that God will motivate others to partner with us in this venture.

            We are also praising God for two young women who will be coming to help teach English for the 2010 school year.  They are sisters from PA, Emily and Rebecca Martin.  This is another real answer to prayer!

            To you, our PMC family,  thank you for the many ways you support our family and the Peruvian Mennonite Church with your prayers, giving, and words of encouragement.  May you also be encouraged as you give thanks and reflect on God’s many blessings.

Much love,  Ron, Regina , Hannah, Jeremiah and Bethany Shultz

Donna is coming home…...

I plan to attend the We Care Christmas get-together in Atmore on December 11 and  soon after leave for Virginia. My We Care experience has been the richest experience of my life, and I am eternally grateful to all of you who stood behind me and to the Lord for His leading. I am also looking forward to getting back to my Virginia family. I should be there by the middle of December, and I look forward to spending the holidays with people I love. Thank you for all your support.        Chaplain Donna Wyatt

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