Praying for Conversions - October 2019

"Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you." ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:1 ~

While the Apostle Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica was of short duration, he saw many people come to saving faith in Christ. Acts 17:1-4 tells us that after hearing the Gospel for three weeks, many people converted to Christianity. Paul later asks these believers to pray that the Gospel would have the same effect around the World as it did in them (2 Thess. 3:1). The phrase, “have free course” is similar to our phrase “spread like wildfire.” This is our prayer for the people of Ecuador. As you pray for missions, pray that the Gospel would spread like wildfire, that it would rapidly cover the land and multiply believers. Pray for the conversion of souls in Ecuador and around the world!

As we write our updates, there are some months when we have to look at the calendar to remember where we have been. October was one of those months for us – we’ve traveled so much, that it is easy to forget all that happened! In the past four weeks, we traveled to 5 different states, totaling to about 3,400 miles.

At the beginning of the month, we traveled to Kansas to assist with a video for our missions organization. Thankfully, this video did not involve any falling houses, flying monkeys or eccentric wizards. This video is a deputation promotional video for new candidates of BMW. We, along with our coworkers, were interviewed on our deputation process – what we learned, expectations, etc. This was a profitable occasion for us to reflect on our deputation time. While our journey may not have been a yellow brick road, we are so thankful that we serve a good and sovereign God Who lovingly established our steps the entire way (Prov. 16:9). It is hard to believe that our season of deputation has ended, but we eagerly anticipate our next steps!

After Kansas, we traveled to Illinois, were Jeff’s grandparents live. We have stored some of our belongings there, so we needed to retrieve some items in preparation for Language School. Our coworkers joined us as we prepared for a combined meeting with them. It was a privilege to share our last deputation meeting with our coworkers. This meeting providentially took place at the church where Jeff and the Woodfins served during their college years. This opportunity was a blessing in many ways.

God has graciously allowed us to spend November in Greenville, South Carolina. He has even provided an apartment for us to use, rent-free! We praise God for the opportunity to spend an entire month with our church family. Jeff plans to take on an online missions class in addition to completing several other ministry projects. Lisa has the opportunity to meet with a Spanish teacher to aid in her preparation for Language School. God has been so kind to us.

In December we will finalize our plans for Language School. Please pray for wisdom as we solidify details regarding housing, insurance and the transition to Texas. We will also be taking advantage of time with both of our families over the holidays. Jeff’s parents will complete their furlough and return to Ecuador in January. Please pray for them as they transition from state-side ministry to on-field ministry. Please continue to pray that God would provide more workers for the ministry in Ecuador. We don't have much there, but you can find our remaining ministry itinerary HERE.

As always, thank you for your continued prayers on our behalf. We could not do what we are doing without you!