Living in the Subjunctive - September 2020

“Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other;

I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and

from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘

My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.”’

~ Isaiah 46:9-10 ~

In the Spanish language, there is a mood called the Subjunctive mood. It is used to express situations of doubt, desire, emotion, necessity, or uncertainty. If there’s anything that 2020 has shown us, it is that life is full of uncertainty. Established plans were cancelled. Common, everyday activities were halted. More than ever, our plans are unsettled. You could say that we are living in the year of the subjunctive. While it is difficult to live in such ambiguity, we as believers can take heart. God is still on the throne, and we can trust that He will carry out His plan. In the midst of pandemics, social unrest, political tensions - we need not fear living in the subjunctive. His counsel stands and He will accomplish His purposes - for our good and His glory (Rom. 8:28-29).

This past month went by so fast. We are constantly in awe of our Lord and His sovereignty over all events. We have seen Him working through all of our studies and relationships to strengthen and prepare us for Ecuador. Mid-September, our stay-at-home order finally ended. We are thankful that restrictions are lifting, and some things at RGBI are returning back to normal. Our chapel services are now in-person, contact sports are permitted, and we are attending church again. Lisa had the opportunity to invite some Ecuadorian students for coffee. This was a great way to practice Spanish and learn more about Ecuador. We praise God for these opportunities because they assist us in our preparation for Ecuador.

Due to the challenges of COVID, some of Lisa’s classmates have left for their respective countries and plan to continue studying through Zoom. As is the custom in Latin America, when someone leaves, there is a “fiesta de despedida” (goodbye party). In the past two weeks we attended two despedidas. This has provided a good cultural experience. The Latino culture is very oral; in the US, it is common to write a letter or a card to someone who is leaving. But in Latin America, these sentiments and words of wisdom are expressed verbally during a time of prayer and testimonies. Again, we are thankful for the opportunity to learn more of Latin culture!

While we are focused on our work here, we are also making plans for when we leave RGBI. Please pray for wisdom as we work on these details. Our tentative plan is to spend December and the first part of January in Illinois and PA, followed by a visit to SC. Our desire is to fly from Atlanta, GA to Quito, Ecuador mid-February. Of course, this is all Lord-willing, or as they say in Ecuador, “Dios mediante.” Please pray for the ministry in Ecuador. Many people are fearful of COVID. Please pray that government restrictions will lift soon and that the believers will meet together again.

Thank you for your faithful prayer and financial support!

In His service and yours,

Jeff, Lisa, & Simon

Mayfield

Simon Says:

I turned two years old last month! To celebrate, I went to the zoo, and then Mommy made me an Elmo cake. I am learning the phrase, “Buen Provecho,” (the Spanish equivalent of “Bon appétit”), but it is hard to say. I like singing “The Wheels on the Bus” and “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.”