What We See When We See 100%

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Rosalie

One
Hundred
Percent

…an extra set of hands for a tired team of servants leading Bible studies, keeping a church clean and running smoothly, planning outreach events, discipling believers, serving the needy, running English camps, teaching English, sharing testimony of the hope found in Jesus Christ, caring for the downtrodden and proclaiming the name of Jesus

…two new people making friends, building relationships and showing interest in the lives of people God is calling to Himself

…an emphasis on youth: a new passion for reaching and teaching junior high, high school and college age students

…an opportunity to start a club at the University of Alcalá

…young people putting their trust in Jesus Christ, telling their friends about Him, and influencing their culture for His glory

…Spain, transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit, no longer last in line because of financial struggles and economic downturn, but boldly speaking out in defense of the poor, the hungry, the widows and the orphans

…a Spanish national stepping out in faith to lead a Spanish church

…a team of partners who made it all happen getting credit in Heaven

…two or more gathered in His name, praying for the salvation of Spanish people loved by missionaries

…our sending church, inspired, sending out more missionaries to Spain, to Western Europe, to the unreached

…saying, “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Philippians 4:17-20 ESV)

Join us in fulfilling this vision?

May Days

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Rosalie

: Eat n swing

: Iced espresso

: All by herself

: Seared goat cheese

: Chorizo y pan

: Huevos Flamenca

: Mama’s baby clothes

: Fun at the park

: Late nap

: Gift from Daddy

: Children’s Ministry gift

: Susanna’s autograph

May is a month of celebrations. The weather begins to improve, giving this sun-worshipper a reminder of why I ever stayed in Seattle. We celebrated my birthday with brunch at our favorite Spanish restaurant, Harvest Vine. As always, one of the highlights of my birthday is receiving a card from the women’s ministry at my church. Gift-wise, I got to add some great pieces to my new, fuss-free wardrobe.

Then came Mother’s Day, which in the past has been bittersweet as I celebrate my grandmas and the women who influence me, including my amazing mother-in-law, while mourning the loss of my own relationship with my mom. Everyone told me this year would be different. I did believe them, but I didn’t know exactly how. It was a whole new world this year. Nothing but joy, especially because I received one of the sweetest things ever: a card that Chris got Susanna to “sign.”

Momentous Moments

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Rosalie

One of my students has a sweet, kind personality that seems to attract difficult-to-love people. I say difficult-to-love because I am trying to give grace to people who, in reality, are users. Selfish people who want to take advantage.

My student, who has spent the last year growing in her new-ish faith by leaps and bounds, endures these “friends” and tries to help them because it’s her nature. She supports them in their occasional efforts to improve (quit smoking, get better grades), but she also sets boundaries for her own sake. I am so proud of her, and I pray for her all the time. I pray that she would flee temptation, and instead have boldness to proclaim Christ to these people. They know there’s something different about her, and they think it’s weakness. I pray that God would show her how to put His strength in her on display for them.

Recently, she got some awful texts from one of these friends. Turns out they were meant for someone else. You should have seen me. I was so mad! I said, “you need to tell her off! Tell her if she’s going to write things like that she needs to be darn sure who she’s texting!” My friend was hurt, but she seems to brush it off. Later, though, she was telling me about how this girl talks.

I hate it when she says, ‘oh, God,’ or ‘Jesus,’ It’s not like she’s asking God for help or praying. It’s like she’s blaming God. That’s what she’s doing! She fails a class and she says ‘Jesus!’ like it’s his fault or something. She’s blaming God for something that is her fault!”

This was one of those moments. My friend gave sin a name not because she’d heard me say it but because the Spirit within her was offended. She is exactly right; taking the Lord’s name in vain is blaming God for something He didn’t do. It’s blasphemy! I don’t think she remembers the commandment. I don’t think she could define blasphemy in a test. But her heart was broken because the name of her savior was defamed, and that is worth so much more to God (and to me!) than obedience to His commands or knowledge of His ways.

April Prayers Bring May Answers

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Rosalie

That heading is so incredibly cheesy. I am so sorry. But it’s true: the prayers we (and YOU!) prayed in April have been answered. We bought our tickets and our registration and in June, we’ll be heading to PA to take the Old Testament class at ABWE’s training center. We are able to use our support account to pay for the trip (we are still living on faith, prayers and meager savings more than income and maybe you’d like to help us cover the cost? Just put our name in the little orange box on the right?), and we have childcare for Susanna during the days when we’re in class – a fellow missionary and candidate class buddy’s “Daddy Daycare.” We are so blessed!

Perhaps you’d like to read our April/May prayer letter and continue to pray for us as we raise support and put the Excellency of Christ on display every day.