tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63862095576591228322024-02-19T17:18:36.045-08:00The Least of TheseAnd the King will answer them, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."
Matthew 25:40 ESVGerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6386209557659122832.post-60658696332182504732014-09-05T06:49:00.000-07:002014-09-05T06:49:25.763-07:00Workers for the Harvest"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matthew 9:37-38 (TNIV)<br />
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Have you ever thought about the enormous need everywhere you turn? And I'm not just talking about one type of need, but rather all the people around us who are hurting physically, emotionally, mentally, and, yes, spiritually. There is a world of people who are in pain, suffering, and seeking hope.<br />
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As a missionary, sometimes seeing the needs around me is completely overwhelming. Oftentimes, I wish I could do more. But, the truth of the matter is, I am just one. Our missionary team, although united and gifted in many different areas, is small. The needs always seem bigger than our abilities. (And, yes, that makes us totally dependent on Him . . . but that is a topic for another blog!)<br />
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It's interesting, really. In Matthew 9, Jesus recognizes that the harvest is abundant. His exact wording according to the TNIV is "The harvest is plentiful." He knew that the needs we find around us are many, too many to meet, in fact. Yet, his next statement is one that should convict: "but the workers are few."<br />
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Since returning to McAllen to serve in full-time ministry, I have been overwhelmed by the needs all around me. There are neighborhood youth who want to play basketball in the Taylor Community Center's (TCC) gym. There are young men in our community who want to play on the TCC soccer field. There are children outside our doors, ready to learn from the Bible, at 5:15 PM every Thursday night, even though Bible Club doesn't begin until 6:00 PM. There are ladies calling me, wanting to "shop" in our clothes closet, <i>The Sparrow's Nest, </i>because their kids have outgrown their clothing and the father is out of work. There are women who take a bag of rice to feed their family, joyful that it's something that will fill their children's tummies. There are marriages on the verge of divorce. I have sometimes wept at the needs at the end of the day when I've had time to process all I've witnessed and heard.<br />
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The truth of the matter is that the workers are few. There is a broken world looking for hope, and yet our staff is already stretched to the limit. We are joyfully serving, trusting in the Lord's strength to enable us to reach the lost world around us. But, I can't help but think, why are there so few workers? Has God quit calling people to serve? The answer to that is a resounding "NO!"<br />
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The one true God we serve is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8)! He is still calling His children to serve, love, and reach out to a lost world. So I am left with another question. Who is not responding?<br />
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This is not a call to feel guilty. This is a plea to pray about how God is calling YOU to serve! He may not be asking you to pack your bags and move to the mission field ---- and yet, maybe He is! Or maybe He's asking you to step out in faith and serve in your local church. Maybe He's asking you to step out and invite a neighboring family over to your house for dinner, where they can see a Christ-filled home up close and personally. Maybe He's asking you to humble yourself and do a job that you have always seen as "beneath" you, but that would bless someone abundantly and help someone see Christ in you. Maybe He's challenging you to step out of your comfortable bubble of Christian friends and grab a coffee with someone who may need a tangible touch from the God they don't yet know.<br />
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The needs are many. Will you take a moment today to ask God how you can be ONE of the workers He is seeking? Then, step out in joy and obedience. You'll be amazed how one Spirit-filled individual can make an incredible difference in the huge harvest field!Gerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6386209557659122832.post-63002317854956590672013-03-26T09:07:00.000-07:002013-03-26T09:07:10.836-07:00Broken PiecesOne of our sons just turned two, and for his birthday he recieved some Thomas the Train toys. He was thrilled! <br />
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Pretty soon, Daddy was on the floor with the boys, putting the tracks together so the locamotives could go in a big circle. They boys had hours of enjoyment with those little trains. <br />
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Well, Daddy had to leave, which left the boys in my care. As they continued to play with the trains, their play got rougher; afterall, they ARE little boys! It didn't take too long for the tracks to pull apart and end up in scattered pieces.<br />
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It didn't take rocket scientists to figure out that the trains would no longer work on the broken track. One of my sons looked up at me and said, "Mommy, it's broken!" as tears welled up in his eyes. I didn't hesitate! I hugged my little guys and reassured them, "Don't worry! Mommy knows how to fix it." Within a few minutes, that track was put back together as good as new, and my boy were once again playing with their little trains.<br />
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As I was walking away to get back to my housework, the Lord gently reminded me of a very important truth. <em>I know how to fix broken pieces, too. </em>Now it was time for tears to well in MY eyes! What a wonderful reminder!<br />
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As Gerson and I serve here in McAllen, we have the opportunity to meet many people --- and the vast majority come through the door of Taylor Community Center with shattered lives, trying to figure out how to pick up the fragments and put them back together. <br />
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In January, we began our clothes closet ministry. We've named it <em>The Sparrow's Nest</em>, based on the passage of Scripture in Matthew 6 about God caring for the birds of the air and clothing the grass of the fields with flowers. As God has brought families thought <em>The Sparrow's Nest, </em>many have opened up and told me why they find themselves in a place where they need clothing. Their lives are ripped apart and many enter with little hope of life getting any better.<br />
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My heart has been broken time and time again as individuals have shared with me the cirumstances in which they find themselves. Some are running from abusive situations. One family had a house fire and lost everything. One father had been separated from his wife and children due to paperwork/visa issues. Each story is unique, but all of them come looking for Hope.<br />
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What a joy it is to embrace each one and remind them that is SOMEONE who can take their broken lives and bring healing! Our desire is not only to give away clothing, but to also give hope for their future. We know that Christ is the Healer, the one who picks up the pieces of broken hearts and puts those pieces back together. With each individual who comes through, we have the opportunity to share that truth!<br />
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Would you pray for us as we continue to love and share hope with each family who passes through our door? We listen, help them find the clothes they need, pray with them, offer them a Bible, and remind them that there is Someone who can take the fragments of their life and put it back together again.<br />
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I may be very capable of putting together play train tracks, but I know <em>The Sparrow's Nest</em> and our own resources are not enough to restore the broken pieces of the lives who those who are hurting. I am so thankful to be a small part of the process as we point them to the One who IS the Answer and who knows just how to take their broken lives and turn them into a beautiful, working masterpiece again!Gerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6386209557659122832.post-2935947250401117672012-08-29T13:07:00.000-07:002012-08-29T13:07:13.897-07:00Growing Seeds<i>I began this post when we were in Bolivia. Due to slow internet connections and lack of time, I did not finish it until now. May it be an encouragement to each of you as you read how God is moving in the lives Bolivian young people!</i><br />
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When Gerson and I left Bolivia to serve the Lord in McAllen, Texas, it was bittersweet. It was bitter because Bolivia holds a dear place in our heart. Gerson is from Bolivia, and it is where he and I met, dated, married, and started our life of marriage and ministry as a couple. It was sweet because we knew the Lord was leading us, and we knew God doesn't make mistakes.<br />
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More often than not, when one is in full-time ministry, it is hard to see the results of one's labor. I remember leaving Bolivia wondering what seeds we had planted and how those we had had the privilege to disciple would fare, since our departure from Bolivia was very sudden due to my high risk pregnancy with Jayden. (If you want to read more of THAT story of God's faithfulness, go to gersonybetsy.blogspot.com and click on the posts from the fall of 2008!)</div>
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Coming back to Bolivia after several years has opened my eyes to how the Lord is working in the lives of His children here in this country. The greatest joy for me upon our return has been to see how God is growing the seeds He planted while we were here. I'd like to share some of these with you, praising God who is the One who is doing the work in these individuals!</div>
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The first group of people we had the privilege to meet with was the Boanerges or "Sons of Thunder" cell group from the University Church. Gerson was the founder of this group of young men. When we left, he left Limber, one of the young men in the group, with the baton of leadership. Limber has done an incredible job with these young men and the group has grown. (There was a small group our first evening with them due to several conflicts that night.) There has been so much growth that it was decided to split the group into two cell groups --- one for married men and one for single men. Another man from the original group, Gonzalo, now teaches the married men. What a joy to see not only the growth of numbers, but the depth of growth we witnessed spiritually in these young men. Several came by the house and talked with us one on one about what God is doing in their life. What a joy to hear the testimonies! I'm excited about how God is using these young men to impact Bolivia! <i>Pray that the Lord will bring the single men a godly wife who will join them in ministry. That was a concern on many of their hearts as they spoke with us. </i><br />
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<i> Limber with Edson --- they became fast friends.</i></div>
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Another joy for us was to see Gabriel and Angelica. We met them back in 2008 because Gabriel's brother attended the Boanerges cell group. He had shared with Gerson that his brother and sister-in-law were going through a hard time and he was concerned for them. Gerson reached out to Gabriel and we began meeting with this young couple in our home. They were struggling in their marriage, and Gerson and I had the amazing privilege of sharing God's perspective of marriage with them. They had had a civil wedding ceremony, but as they studied God's Word, they really had a desire to have a religious ceremony to consecrate their marriage to the Lord and renew their wedding vows. December of 2010, they had a beautiful wedding to do just that!<br />
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We were unable to return to Bolivia to attend their wedding, but while we were here in Bolivia this time, Gabriel and Angelica invited us out to eat one evening, and then the following week cooked a traditional Bolivian meal for us. During that time of fellowship, they showed us pictures of their wedding and gave us the video of the special event! What immense joy to see this couple grow in their love for each other as their love for the Lord grows! They also shared with us that Gabriel is feeling the Lord's leading to formally study the Bible, even though he is a successful businessman. He doesn't know what the Lord has in store for him, but he wants to be prepared to serve Him completely! The fact that he is willing to be obedient to the Lord in so many huge areas of his life is a testimony to how God is working in this man and his family!<br />
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<span id="goog_1216351634"></span><span id="goog_1216351635"></span>Another couple we were able to see was my best Bolivian friend from Trinidad, Blanca Elena, and her husband Roberto. They made the sacrifice to travel overnight by bus to spend a weekend with us. When I lived as a single missionary in Bolivia, God sent Blanca across my path through our church Sunday School class. Blanca quickly became a close friend, and I was thrilled when she and Roberto, with whom I was on the praise and worship team at church, began to date. They got married 4 months after Gerson and me. This couple has an incredible passion for the Lord and have become leaders in a small church plant in Trinidad. Blanca recently quit her job, allowing her to plunge freely and whole-heartedly into ministry! What an incredible privilege to see how God is using this couple to further His Kingdom!<br />
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There are just a few of the people who have impacted our lives and who we see God using in ways we never imagined when we lived there. The seeds fell on fertile ground and grew fruit. Now that fruit is sowing seeds and others are coming to know Christ through them. Our joy knows no bounds! Praise the Lord!<br />
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Please pray for these young people. As they shared their ministries with us, they also shared their struggles, hurts, and desires. Pray they will remain strong in the Lord, focused on Him, and that He will continue to bless their lives and ministries. </div>
Gerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6386209557659122832.post-38303164481765736812012-08-01T08:30:00.001-07:002012-08-01T08:30:25.514-07:00I'd Like to Introduce You to . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Gerson's Father: Fermin<br />
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Gerson's dad is from a part of Bolivia called Los Yungas de La Paz. In his prime, Fermin was a professional soccer player for a team in La Paz, Bolivia called Municipal. In total, he spent 6-7 years playing soccer either professionally or semi--professionally. He's a jack of all trades, however, and also worked with heavy machinery when Gerson was a young boy. One of his bigger projects was asphalting the runway in Tarija. He also mined and worked various other jobs to help support his family throughout the years. Playing professional sports in Bolivia is not as lucrative as it is in the States. He made enough to support the family, but did not make an overabundance to continue supporting them once he was out of professional sports.<br />
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Currently, Papa Fermin is working at the Bolivian Evangelical University (BEU) here in Santa Cruz. He is the athletic director. He views this more as a ministry than a job. In addition to organizing the BEU's sports teams for the Santa Cruz University Olympics each year, he also coaches the girls' indoor soccer team. He has also taken over the BEU soccer school that Gerson helped found in 2005 and coaches soccer to young boys from the neighborhoods around BEU.<br />
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Gerson's Mom: Dora<br />
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Dora is from Tarija, Bolivia. Her joy in life is cooking! She loves to be in the kitchen cooking for her family. And she's a TREMENDOUS cook! From the time she gets up in the morning until it is time to serve lunch, you can find her slaving away in her kitchen. This is her way of serving her family.<br />
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Mama Dora has diabetes. As I've mentioned in a former post, she's quite the business woman. She has no medical insurance, so she finds ways to raise money to cover her medical expenses. She sometimes cooks empanadas, or other such treats, to see at the soccer games where Papa Fermin coaches. She also has begun a jewelry business. She makes beautiful jewelry and has built up a clientele, both here and in Tarija. If any of you is interested in buying some of here jewelry, let me know! I can hook you up!<br />
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Gerson's Brother: Aldo (in the blue shirt)<br />
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Gerson has a half-brother, Aldo. He and his family live on the other side of Santa Cruz, so they do not come over to his parents' house often. Aldo is taxi driver and that is how he supports his famiy. Judith runs a little store from inside their house, selling staple groceries to families in their little barrio (neighborhood). We're happy that so far we've seen Aldo and his family 3 times since we've been here!<br />
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Aldo and Judith have three precious children. Hudson is the oldest. He is 8 years old and loves school! He reminds us a lot of Jayden. Jairo is 6 years old. Their little girl is Alison Jamie and she is 3 years old. It's been a joy watching Jayden and Edson getting to know their Bolivian cousins. We hope they will get to spend even more time with them before we head home.<br />
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Gerson's Sister: Cathy<br />
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Cathy is the family care-giver. She is a true SERVANT! She lives with Gerson's parents and takes marvelous care of her mother when she is sick. She also keeps the rooms of the house clean, does the yard work, and helps in the kitchen when Mama Dora is sick. She has just finished taking her classes at BEU to get her degree in English. She has her final exam to take, and then she can graduate! She works at a Christian school within walking distance of their home, where she teaches English to elementary children.<br />
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Gerson was the first Christian in his family. He prayed for the others and Cathy was the next person to understand her need for Christ. Cathy and Gerson began praying together fervently for the rest of the family, and one by one, they all accepted Christ and are living for Him! Cathy is a real prayer warrior and loves the Lord. I can't wait for God to bring along a godly man who will embrace her, her gifts, and her ministries. She is a woman on fire for the Lord!<br />
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Gerson's Youngest Sister: Silvana<br />
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Silvana is a professional basketball player here in Bolivia. We went to one of her games, but she didn't get to play because the other team didn't show up. We were disappointed and hope that she will play again before we leave. As I stated above, although she is considered a professional, the pay is nothing like you'd expect for a professional athlete in the States. However, she does make enough to support herself. She rents an apartment several blocks from her parents and lives independently --- which is NOT normal for a young female in this Latin culture.<br />
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Silvana also goes to school. She is studying something called "Physical Activity." The way I understand it, this type of degree would allow her to be a PE teacher, own and run a gym, or even coach sports. She still has two years of studies ahead of her. She is the sister who joyfully washes our clothes by hand for us. She has also helped a lot by helping me take care of the boys.<br />
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So, now you have met Gerson's family! This is them in a nutshell. :) I am blessed to have such incredible in-laws who embraced me and accepted me from the first moment Gerson introduced me to them. It's a joy to be reunited!Gerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6386209557659122832.post-19344543718118115112012-07-28T18:39:00.000-07:002012-07-28T18:40:02.882-07:00Our Humble Home (For a Month)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is the road where we live for the month we're in Bolivia. Gerson's parents' home, which they rent, is the one with the huge tree --- NOT the one with the razor wire on top the wall.<br />
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Although the house doesn't have all the comforts of our house in McAllen, it does provide for all our needs and contains an abundance of LOVE!<br />
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This is the room Gerson and I share with Edson and Jayden. My amazing mother-in-law raised the money to buy the toddler bed and crib for them by renting out the trampoline to neighborhood kids in the evenings! What an business woman!<br />
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The kitchen is the structure in the background where Gerson is working. The second day we were here the wind was so strong it almost blew the tin roof off the kitchen! Gerson and his dad got to work putting heavy wooden rods on top. The room where we sleep will be the dining room when we leave, so for the time being we mostly eat outside on the plastic table where you can see Jayden sitting.</div>
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Don't worry about the rustic conditions. My mother-in-law believes in cleanliness. Even though she cooks in rough conditions, she maintains a clean kitchen! She doesn't even have a sink in which to wash the dishes; instead, she uses plastic tubs.<br />
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If you are a detailed person, you may have seen the washer and dryer in the back of the kitchen. However, since Gerson's family has just moved to this new house, they have not been able to hook up the washing machine to water yet. Therefore, all of our clothes have to be hand-washed! Bless my sister-in-law, Silvana, for washing our clothes for us! I'm thankful she actually ENJOYS this chore. I've never had such clean clothes in my life! </div>
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After washing them by hand, she had to hang them all up to dry. Don't worry ---- she really did have a sense of humor about it. She loves serving in this way!<br />
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Our bathroom is NOT an outhouse, for which I'm very thankful. Our sink is outside, but at least the toilet and shower are INSIDE. :)<br />
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Bless my father-in-law for realizing and understanding that his "gringa" daughter-in-law considers hot water for showering pretty close to a necessity --- especially during these winter months. The temp can drop into the 50's during the night and can stay pretty cool throughout the day. This gal doesn't like cold showers on HOT days, let alone COLD days! Most Bolivian homes do not have hot water heaters, nor do the they have heat in general, so if the cold remains for several days, it feels colder than it actually may be. So, Daddy Fermin installed a rustic hot water heater. If I explained how it worked, it would probably make you nervous for my safety, so I won't go into details. Suffice it to say that I flip that black switch and turn the white switch on the shower head, and VOILA, I have enough hot water "to skin a pig," as they like to tell me. This gal is happy with whatever hot water I can get! :)<br />
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The kids take even a more rustic approach to bathing. They bathe out in the yard. We heat water on the stove in our almost-outdoor kitchen, add a little cold water, and my two boys are happily splashing away.<br />
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Although it may seem backward and lacking in today's luxuries that many consider needs, this home is full of joy, laughter, love, and the Holy Spirit! I will admit it is sometimes a hard life. But, it's a GOOD life --- one full of blessings that can't be put into dollar signs!Gerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6386209557659122832.post-15598039500108242562012-07-27T07:37:00.007-07:002012-07-27T07:40:56.782-07:00Bye-Bye USA, Hello Bolivia!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is a long journey to Bolivia, and for us it was especially long this time. Our missionary friends and co-workers, Tim and Kim Benner, drove us from McAllen to Brownsville at 5:00 AM on July 18th. I had told Jayden we would eat at McDonald's when we arrived at the airport. That was a big mistake, because Jayden doesn't forget promises! Little did I know that the Brownsville airport didn't have a McDonald's. It only had one restaurant and it was outside of the security checkpoint. Needless to say, my little guy was disappointed!<br />
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I continued to tell him that eventually we would find a McDonald's, but I had no idea how difficult it was going to be! We had a short layover in Houston, and although our flight got delayed, we weren't sure how long the delay was going to be and we needed to remain at our gate. There was no McDonald's in view. Again, Jayden was saddened.<br />
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We arrived in Miami, picked up our luggage, and headed out to wait for our hotel shuttle. We considered eating in the airport before heading to the hotel, but we knew that the hotel had a restaurant and were hoping there would be restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. We caught our hotel shuttle, checked into our 5th floor room, and headed downstairs to try to find some food. Would you believe there were NO restaurants besides the hotel restaurant within walking distance. Needless to say, the hotel restaurant was a far cry from McDonald's!<br />
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After a night in the hotel, my boy STILL had not forgotten about Mommy's promise to eat McDonalds. (Now, I was getting a tad bit nervous since I knew we wouldn't be finding a McDonald's in Bolivia!) We checked in at the Taca desk, checked our luggage, and decided to go ahead through security and find our gate, even though we were about 4 hours early to the airport. As we were going through security, I hear Jayden's voice cry out, "MCDONALD'S!" much to the amusement of the elderly gentleman who was checking our passports and tickets. He grinned and said, "My son always had a nose for french fries, too." I asked the kind man where McDonald's was and he pointed behind himself and said, "Right after you get through security, there is a McDonald's." Sure, enough. My son had already spotted the sign, hence the enthusiastic yell. I was praising the Lord I got to feed my son McDonald's! We were one happy pair! You can tell from Jayden's smile he was thrilled with his lunch.<br />
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From Miami we had a 5+ hour flight to Lima, Peru. From there we had another 2+ hour flight to Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The boys did not sleep much on the flight from Miami to Peru, but by the time we caught our last flight, they were both tuckered, as were Mommy and Daddy. We took Edson as a lap baby, so he was on our laps the whole way. Talk about a challenge with a toddler who never slows down! Thankfully we had 3 seats and he and Jayden were able to share a seat for part of the time.<br />
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Both boys are small enough that at one point we had them both laying down in Jayden's seat with their heads on our laps. By the end of the trip, I was carrying a sleeping Edson and Gerson was carrying a sleeping Jayden. We were ALL exhausted.<br />
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We were greeting in Santa Cruz by quite a welcoming committee! Gerson's mom and dad, pictured above, were there. In addition, both of his sisters came as well as his brother, sister-in-law, and our 2 nephews and niece! We weren't expecting EVERYONE to come since we arrived at 2 AM. That was sacrificial on their part! We were given plenty of hugs, and since Gerson's brother is a taxi driver, we had safe transportation back to the house.<br />
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We stayed up late talking. I think we finally went to sleep around 4 or 4:30. We slept a couple of hours and then the boys woke us up, ready to start the day. The boys were starving and wanted to eat breakfast. Thankfully, about that time a woman was walking by our gate selling fruit. Edson saw the bananas and started pointing, wanting to eat them. We called out to the lady and invited her into the yard. </div>
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We made her day by buying a large bunch of bananas for the boys, as well as some delicious strawberries. How I've missed the fresh Bolivian fruit!<br />
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So, eating fresh fruit was the beginning of our first day in Santa Cruz. The boys haven't stopped eating fruit since. We can't keep our kitchen stocked with enough bananas, grapes, strawberries, and papaya to keep the boys full! They are both eating super well and LOVING the Bolivian treats!Gerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6386209557659122832.post-70275193031023106802012-07-23T13:58:00.001-07:002012-07-23T13:58:43.775-07:00Bits and Pieces of Travel AdventuresHere we are in Bolivia after two and half years of being away. I knew we had arrived in South America when we landed in Lima, Peru and were told we had to go through security after getting off the plane to catch our connection to Santa Cruz. I´m used to not having to go through security if just catching a connection, so both Gerson and I were startled when we were directed to a LONG line of people waiting to go through security. We thought we had less than an hour until our connecting plane left, and by looking at the long line in front of us, we thought we´d be spending the night there in the airport. However, thanks to our two little guys, we were given preference and ushed to the front of the line where we, once again, went through the whole drill of removing our shoes, belts, watches, etc. Were we ever relieved to get through that!<br />
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Our next adventure was to find Gate 18, which according to our flight attendant was where we would find our connecting flight to Santa Cruz. We got there, out of breathe after hurrying through security and carrying both kids plus all our carry on baggage, only to find out that it WAS NOT our gate. Once again, panic set in. Time was flying by and according to our boarding passes, the flight was about to leave. We found a arrival and departure board and looked up our flight. Hallelujah! It was just a few gates down at Gate 26 and it was going to be leaving an hour later than we had thought!<br />
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Once we arrived at the correct gate, I left the kids with Gerson and headed to the bathroom. Remember, the last airport in which I had been was Miami. The restrooms there are plenitful and spacious. There is an abundance of stalls in each restroom and rarely is there a long line because the women can go to another restroom down the same cooridor and use one of its 30 stalls. Basically, the wait is SHORT: Not to be in Peru. There were only 3 stalls in the only women´s restroom I found. One stall was locked, although no one was in it. The other two stalls were full and there was a waiting line. I was also reminded of what continent I was on when I read in Spanish, ¨Please do not throw the toilet paper into the toilet.¨Yup. We´d arrived in South America! ¨ To be honest, it made my heart happy!<br />
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We made our connection to Santa Cruz without further problems. We were blessed, however, to meet a lovely lady from Tarija, Bolivia while waiting to board our last flight. In the course of our conversation, she learned we were evanglical (Christian) missionaries. She beamed and replied, ¨Then we speak the same language!¨ What a joy to find a fellow Christian travelling with us! Her husband owns a hotel in Tarija and she invited us to come and have coffee with her when we visit Tarija next week.<br />
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How did the kids do? They were amazing! (I wish I could download the pictures onto this blog that we took of them during our trip, but I´m at an internet cafe and it would be a little tricky. Hopefully, we´ll get internet access in the house where we are staying tomorrow. Time will tell. We are staying with Gerson´s family and they just moved last week to a different house. They haven´t had time to get the internet installed. That was on our list to do today, but grocery shopping was more important! ;) )<br />
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Back to the kids . . . they were troopers! The first day they didn´t cry at all and enjoyed both flights. We stayed in a hotel in Miami, which ended up beimg a fantastic way to break up the trip. The second day of travel was a bit harder. The flights were longer and the kids were worn out from the previous day´s excitement and schedule. There was some crying and some rough moments. but considering we spent 12 hours ON planes and it took us just under 48 hours from the time we left our house on Wednesday morning to when we landed in Santa Cruz on Friday morning, I´d say they did super well!<br />
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The funniest thing that happened with the kids was when Jayden looked out the window as we were landing on one of our flights and yelled out, ¨Look, ants!! A LOT of ants!¨ I looked out the window and saw a LOT of CARS!!! Gerson and I laughed and laughed! It was a joy to see things from his three year old point of view.<br />
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Thanks for all your prayers. I have so much more I want to share with you, but at this point it´s going to have to wait. I need to go back ¨home¨ and have ¨tecito¨ (light supper) with my family. We love you all and appreciate your prayers more than you know. Gerson has already preached once and is scheduled to preach 2 more times in the coming weeks. I´ll keep the updates coming as much as possible. I will also try to have photos uploaded soon.Gerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6386209557659122832.post-66295823922091955162012-07-11T09:36:00.000-07:002012-07-11T10:38:17.307-07:00Mommy Ponderings"I want better for my kids than what I had." <br />
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This is a phrase I have heard over and over again by so many parents. It's even been said in our household a time or two (or maybe more, if I'm honest!). But lately I've been ponding that phrase. As a mommy who is on the journey of a lifetime raising 2 incredible, busy and energetic sons, it's rare that I have time for much introspection. Today as I was fixing lunch with my sons underfoot, for some reason that often-used phrase came to my mind and the pondering began.<br />
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In probably 99% of the cases where I heard that thought expressed, it has been in the context of material possessions. It has been in the toy store where I see parents contemplating what to do for their child who is throwing a tantrum, or at least expressing his desire, for his parents to purchase the popular toy. Too often, the parents give into the child, stating their plan for THEIR children to have it better than THEY had it! (Been there, done that!)<br />
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It also comes up in coversations with other parents. We tend to "brag" about the most recent purchase to make our children's lives more enriched, more stimulating, more educated, more . . . well, you fill in the blank. It seems like the more we give our children materialistically, our peers and fellow parents applaud and express their desire to do the same for their kids. <br />
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To be honest, I've fallen into this popular trend too often. Why do we feel our kids need better than us? Are we so unhappy with our childhood? Are we so unhappy with our parents' parenting? What are our childhood memories and why do we want to "one-up" them with our children?<br />
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Now, let put in a disclaimer here. If there is a parent who is reading this who grew up in a terrible household with abuse, neglect, or emotional issues, I'm not referring to you. Of COURSE your desire is to give your children a better life --- one without the abuse, neglect, and emotional toil you grew up with. I'm referring to those of us who grew up in loving homes with two parents who loved us, disciplined us in a godly manner, supported us while teaching us of the consequences of our choices. I'm talking about those of us who had food on our table daily and new clothes at the beginning of each school year. Why do we desire so badly to remember those blessing as "not good enough"? Isn't that what we're saying when we say, "I want better for my child"?<br />
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This is what I remember from my childhood.<br />
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My parents LOVED me unconditionally.<br />
My parents had TIME for me.<br />
My parents LISTENED to me.<br />
My parents LOVED each other and SHOWED me what marriage and committment means.<br />
My parents TAUGHT me about God.<br />
My parents ENCOURAGED me.<br />
My parents wanted what was BEST for me, even if it hurt.<br />
My parents didn't give in to my every demand, but TAUGHT me that some things must be earned.<br />
My parents TAUGHT me that my choices brought about results --- some good, some bad.<br />
My parents PROVIDED for all my needs, although some of my wants may have been denied.<br />
My parents PROVIDED me with a stable home.<br />
My parents PROVIDED the setting and foundation for me to have a solid relationship and bond with each of my siblings.<br />
My parents TAUGHT me to put others before myself.<br />
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And the list could go on and on.<br />
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Were my parents perfect? No. They even admit to that. BUT ---- they provided me with a wonderful childhood, full of precious memories, love to spare, and a solid Biblical foundation that became a personal relationship with Jesus when I got older. <br />
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What more could I want for my kids than a stable home, wonderful memories, strong bonds within the family, and a personal relationship with God? Do I need to feel like they must have the latest toy or gadget to be successful in life? Must I give into their every whim just so I feel accepted by society? Must I fuel their desires to have THINGS and in the process forget what is truly important in their young, impressionable lives? <br />
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I know I will continue to make mistakes in my parenting. Just like my parents, I am not perfect. However, my prayer is that with the strength and help of God, my kids have an upbringing LIKE mine --- not BETTER than mine. For, in all the things that truly matter, mine couldn't have been better! Even if I didn't get my Cabbage Patch Doll on the day I wanted it.Gerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6386209557659122832.post-4298483931317213202012-06-25T08:07:00.001-07:002012-06-25T08:13:13.225-07:00Community Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"OBEY" --- A small word with a deep significance! We try to teach our chilren the importance of obeying from the time they are very young. As we grow up and deepen our relationship we the Lord, we begin to understand how important obedience is in our spiritual walk. I see so many parallels between the two ---- my children's obedience toward me and my obedience to my Heaveny Father.</div>
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One of the many parallels I see is how the obedience of my children makes me happy and proud. When I tell them to do something and they promptly obey, my heart is filled with joy and I think to myself, "I must be doing SOMETHING right!" I believe that as I obey my Heavenly Father, that He also senses immense joy when I step out in faith and obey His prompting, His directions, His correction. I desire to for Him to be proud of me and my prompt response to His voice. </div>
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Oftentimes what we are called to do as Christians (and missionaries!) doesn't make sense to the world. But, if the Lord is calling us to do something, it's time to step out and OBEY and trust HIM with the outcome.</div>
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One of the ways we can be obedient is by sharing Christ with others. As we were thinking about ways to do this, a summer Vacation Bible School (VBS) was brought up. I was thrilled when missionary Kim Benner mentioned it to me, for I had been thinking about it but knew it required too much for me to do on my own. <br />
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Our vision at Taylor Community Center is to reach out to the COMMUNITY around us. That means it won't always be pretty. Rather, it will be a step of faith as we invite those who don't know Jesus, those who are sometimes hard to love, those who have no foundation of morals and values, to come and participate in a variety of activies. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVDsWL5nkFG921OM99uRfrl4XcfH3UpSc1Qrj-BIeHEC9pJmVBHOlU1Vv0sl-fmiQXElc5TNzrA5zI0sR8nNvFZTF6EWNYeJD241LYyLhNJ8OjJyAwHI7sdxMEaPq8NJa_dBx2qc4Xy7w/s1600/DSC02043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVDsWL5nkFG921OM99uRfrl4XcfH3UpSc1Qrj-BIeHEC9pJmVBHOlU1Vv0sl-fmiQXElc5TNzrA5zI0sR8nNvFZTF6EWNYeJD241LYyLhNJ8OjJyAwHI7sdxMEaPq8NJa_dBx2qc4Xy7w/s320/DSC02043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
As we prepared for VBS, we decorated, found puppet skits, selected songs and Bible stories, created menus, bought craft supplies, requested donations, organized the rotations, and recruited help, our prayer was that GOD would bring the kids he wanted to be there. From a human perspective, we desire numbers. Everyone always asks, "How many kids came?" and it is easy to fall into the trap of believing that without a huge number of kids, the VBS is a failure. My desire was that God was shown to the kids through our actions and through His Word --- regardless of whether there were 100 children or 1 child present.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyKTHGpPBaFGUDMccRb24xe0w1pBUcZmZFL6HGv0Xk46Zx2qWD3CPxY2ajQYRisvSaVo0slgIHRe6eWnrPOzmcqifPF_9avzJq3CUD42E8DW2n3wSOya-D_PGoLpfKrxSa3a8fjSKz8SE/s1600/GEDC4518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyKTHGpPBaFGUDMccRb24xe0w1pBUcZmZFL6HGv0Xk46Zx2qWD3CPxY2ajQYRisvSaVo0slgIHRe6eWnrPOzmcqifPF_9avzJq3CUD42E8DW2n3wSOya-D_PGoLpfKrxSa3a8fjSKz8SE/s320/GEDC4518.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Did we have huge numbers? Nope. In fact, we had about 30 kids total throughout they week, but they never seemed to all arive all on the same night! But, for us, this was a huge victory! You see, about 1/3 of the kids who participated in VBS were from our community and weren't from Christian families. For those kids, this was possibly the first time they've heard the Gospel! What a tremendous blessing to see these kids show up and get excited about VBS!<br />
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The Word was preached. Seeds were planted. There is still a lot of work to be done. Will you continue to pray for Gerson and me as we begin to plan Fall ministries? One of the things we announced at VBS is that we will be having a Bible Club for kids once a week starting in September. The kids were excited, as were the parents! Pray as we prepare for this ministry. Pray the word gets out into the community that we are a safe place for their children. Pray that we will remain obedient to our Savior, in ALL we do. And pray that God will place people in the lives of these children and their families to water the seeds while we are in Bolivia for most of the remaining part of the summer. (That's for another blog!)Gerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6386209557659122832.post-4358844961933316062012-05-08T07:30:00.001-07:002012-05-08T07:30:18.262-07:00Celebrating Mothers and DaughtersAs we continue to look for ways to get to know the community, holidays and special occasions take on a new meaning. Holidays give us a reason to get together, plan an event, and invite our neighbors to take part!<br />
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This Sunday is Mother's day and Debbie McKelvey and I will be hosting a Mother/Daughter Tea in Taylor Community Center to celebrate the lives of the mothers and daughters in our community. It's been fun to watch it come together. Our theme is "What's in your Bag?" Our games will be fun and interactive. And the food ---- well, let's just say my mouth is water just thinking about it! (Think chocolate truffles, mini-cheesecakes, pinwheels, and an array of other scrumptious delights!)<br />
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However, as fun as it is to plan, decorate, and bake, the real reason for us getting together with these special ladies is to share the love of Jesus with them. For this particular tea, we are inviting ladies whom we know do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. <br /><br />Will you pray for us as we continue to prepare the message we will be sharing? Will you pray for the ladies as they receive the invitation --- that their hearts will be open to come and have fun AND hear Truth? Will you pray that we will remain faithful in doing what God has called us to do and leave the results in God's hands?<br />
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Our tea will take place on Saturday, May 12th at 6:00 in the evening. Please ask the Lord to bring us to mind throughout the rest of the week (and especially on Saturday!), and when He does, thanks for lifting us to the throne!Gerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6386209557659122832.post-27199850543669907492012-05-02T07:34:00.000-07:002012-05-02T07:34:30.227-07:00Who Holds the Spoon?<br />
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It's amazing how much I learn from my children. It's no wonder Jesus took so many opportunities to show us how special little kids are to God! <br />
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Recently, I was especially challenged by my one-year-old, Edson. He is to the point where he eats all kinds of table food, but like most children, he gets more on the walls, floors, and his clothes than he gets in his mouth! When I am in a hurry or have just mopped the floor, I often decide to feed him rather than allowing him to use the spoon by himself.<br />
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Last week, I had one of those moments when I wanted lunch to be as non-messy as possible. I spooned up Edson's food and directed it toward his mouth. Without missing a beat, he grabbed at the spoon. At first I let him have control to see what would happen. As he grabbed, the food would fall off or he'd miss his mouth completely and the food would dribble down his chin and onto his clothes. After a few such incidents, Edson realized he wasn't getting any food --- at least not fast enough for his hungry tummy! <br />
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Finally, he handed me the spoon. I spooned up the food and began to diret it to his mouth. Sure enough -- he got a mouthful of food! He THEN grabbed the spoon out of my hand and held onto it. He looked at it for a few seconds, then looked at me, then with a HUGE grin handed me the spoon again. I reached out and took the spoon and fed him again. This little "game" continued until he had eaten all he wanted. <br />
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This situation really challenged me. You see, we humans are often like Edson. We want to feel like we have control. We desire to hold the "spoon" and direct our own life. However, what we often don't realize is when we do that we just make a massive mess of everything and end up feeling empty. What we forget is God is there, ready to direct that "spoon," filling us up with His Holy Spirit. Even more than I desired to physically see my son fed, God desires to see His children fed (spiritually) and filled up with HIM. He wants to satifsy!<br /><br />Have you relinquished the "spoon" in your life? God has your best interest in mind. It's time to give up control and let God bring the satisfaction only HE can give. Be like Edson ---- give it up with a smile, realizing that's the only way you'll end up FULL!Gerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6386209557659122832.post-53405028628672517472012-04-06T17:30:00.010-07:002012-04-06T18:18:06.078-07:00Bolivian Culture in McAllen<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGsDLQDa0VdnVdPnYx37wqOYMClTU1OB_L8gQ25MFkRIbYuVsaZbhx2KpGs0iKn1FbeBjW7Jiy8Z9bT2gnTIFtIYNwyih7awQCmdKsyE_l5I47vDQqbkIFE6HNj41f751dIMmvj6XV_yI/s1600/DSCN5137.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGsDLQDa0VdnVdPnYx37wqOYMClTU1OB_L8gQ25MFkRIbYuVsaZbhx2KpGs0iKn1FbeBjW7Jiy8Z9bT2gnTIFtIYNwyih7awQCmdKsyE_l5I47vDQqbkIFE6HNj41f751dIMmvj6XV_yI/s320/DSCN5137.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728453722633356594" /></a>I met my husband in Bolivia when I was working there as a single missionary. One of the many things I love about being married to Gerson is that he comes from a different culture. It's sometimes a challenge, but overall it's more enriching than anything else. One thing we try to do is incorporate both of our cultures in our household so our children will learn about where we have both come from. How do we do we incorporate Bolivian into our family? One way is cooking special, favorite foods that Gerson enjoys from his country. <div><br /></div><div>When we lived in Indiana, some of his favorite foods were a challenge to cook because we couldn't get the ingredients. One of the joys of living in McAllen, Texas is that here we have lots of Mexican stores that can get ingredients from different Latin American countries. </div><div><br /></div><div>The recipe I want to share is one I prepared today and no special ingredients are required! This is a fabulous recipe for warm weather when something fresh and cool is needed. It's also a wonderful dish to use up your boiled Easter eggs!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCThpM5ZOiH1vwBdtrlM3yTZaPENY4NeW52AvLBOxygLuXUeyKI5RL2dnm4C1SY8Wh3DYbZL6YFisHoNj-hOMHLK2E1jNfQYf7dG-6imIKIKy734UXZkkGox_m3vQKeGt7REYzaIm86G7/s1600/Spring+2012+-+Selden%2527s+%2526+Salpicon+111.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCThpM5ZOiH1vwBdtrlM3yTZaPENY4NeW52AvLBOxygLuXUeyKI5RL2dnm4C1SY8Wh3DYbZL6YFisHoNj-hOMHLK2E1jNfQYf7dG-6imIKIKy734UXZkkGox_m3vQKeGt7REYzaIm86G7/s320/Spring+2012+-+Selden%2527s+%2526+Salpicon+111.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728452921690696754" /></a>First off,<span > boil potatoes</span>. The original Bolivian recipe calls for 20 potatoes since this dish is used for special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, or graduations where there are many guests. However, I just use 5 medium to large potatoes for our family. Even with 5 potatoes, we usually have enough left over for several meals. Cube the potatoes as you would for a potato salad and boil them. You don't want to boil them too long, however, or they will not stir well.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnKmdlT3-Yc_jILquU08CJGqYVrNBg5tvJ34sVZHCWOCk-pjhlARTPODqz7VhklXh9bllpo5lb7nsX96mrkUW5aCTnz6pV0NEYtjcK_widRR0j_HF60odBiCYJtPmCX9_CVUXzgS8GyO0/s1600/Spring+2012+-+Selden%2527s+%2526+Salpicon+110.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnKmdlT3-Yc_jILquU08CJGqYVrNBg5tvJ34sVZHCWOCk-pjhlARTPODqz7VhklXh9bllpo5lb7nsX96mrkUW5aCTnz6pV0NEYtjcK_widRR0j_HF60odBiCYJtPmCX9_CVUXzgS8GyO0/s320/Spring+2012+-+Selden%2527s+%2526+Salpicon+110.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728452655896845154" /></a>The recipe also calls for <span >diced carrots (cooked), green peas (cooked) and onion</span>. I like to keep things as simple as possible in the kitchen, so rather than do all that chopping, I pull out a bag of <span >frozen veggies</span> and heat them up. Like the potatoes, boil the veggies but only until they are cooked but firm.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wj5ucl6XQuHt-SZegWHirU0wM34X1MWWcmrGu22n2nuwxUOVuMu540Q3t8qSEk8_OMQCAH1No7KuQ1vAesYoGL4A4hzd4nzes-comq58oJFU0Pta2Z0E17R7DSvyPGJY16vLfmltsXBK/s1600/Spring+2012+-+Selden%2527s+%2526+Salpicon+113.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wj5ucl6XQuHt-SZegWHirU0wM34X1MWWcmrGu22n2nuwxUOVuMu540Q3t8qSEk8_OMQCAH1No7KuQ1vAesYoGL4A4hzd4nzes-comq58oJFU0Pta2Z0E17R7DSvyPGJY16vLfmltsXBK/s320/Spring+2012+-+Selden%2527s+%2526+Salpicon+113.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728452356599366498" /></a>Pour the <span >cooked veggies</span> into the bowl with the boiled potatoes.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-4PRcP2pNYKFozvDcKal21lbNspfsdE-ep5pJU50f5gMb6zSu5erR2xJMf3QpL9cOts1ifiMa0OtA_rHbDtZfvw3KWqYflh6UkGkVsxZz18tmqjrugaDzGlbJPxpHshrqbA8n3QubIZa/s1600/Spring+2012+-+Selden%2527s+%2526+Salpicon+114.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-4PRcP2pNYKFozvDcKal21lbNspfsdE-ep5pJU50f5gMb6zSu5erR2xJMf3QpL9cOts1ifiMa0OtA_rHbDtZfvw3KWqYflh6UkGkVsxZz18tmqjrugaDzGlbJPxpHshrqbA8n3QubIZa/s320/Spring+2012+-+Selden%2527s+%2526+Salpicon+114.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728451837039850914" /></a>Then add the<span > diced onions</span>.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgDSRUwS8Hu99MQbfz3_2wRyRYjmZoCgHOg3eI-EXn2I9c2UQCqkRn9oP5Y6AanZdM7sNzE8PZB98KCxK55bbN1w-lMzgjI-3fAxww4HlY_mdWucKDMCZAv-fZk0eoJJCXhj8ypsfQDET/s1600/Spring+2012+-+Selden%2527s+%2526+Salpicon+116.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgDSRUwS8Hu99MQbfz3_2wRyRYjmZoCgHOg3eI-EXn2I9c2UQCqkRn9oP5Y6AanZdM7sNzE8PZB98KCxK55bbN1w-lMzgjI-3fAxww4HlY_mdWucKDMCZAv-fZk0eoJJCXhj8ypsfQDET/s320/Spring+2012+-+Selden%2527s+%2526+Salpicon+116.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728451577686224354" /></a>The recipe also calls for a cooked and <span >de-boned chicken</span>. Again, I try to keep things simple! Tonight I pulled out a bag of frozen chicken that was leftover from a rotisserie chicken we had bought at the local grocery store. Any kind of chicken will work. You can either boil a whole chicken, boil chicken breasts, or use leftovers for this. I popped the chicken into the microwave to thaw it and cut it up.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijncHXtBoqoOObf-deO1rptFyLut9o8ZnG3OJ4PGD9UMzDtlrVtsHr4HKUFg5H2qAcNOJ8z9WRuIOt89iDOiJ5qukUq48SAoJo4lNOrtIPipsRYt0M0wiX3XzVOzhFiSXHmiZyNdbYsxxm/s1600/Spring+2012+-+Selden%2527s+%2526+Salpicon+117.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijncHXtBoqoOObf-deO1rptFyLut9o8ZnG3OJ4PGD9UMzDtlrVtsHr4HKUFg5H2qAcNOJ8z9WRuIOt89iDOiJ5qukUq48SAoJo4lNOrtIPipsRYt0M0wiX3XzVOzhFiSXHmiZyNdbYsxxm/s320/Spring+2012+-+Selden%2527s+%2526+Salpicon+117.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728451316062753330" /></a>Then I added it to the rest of the of the ingredients. I also had hard <span >boiled eggs</span> all ready in my refrigerator. I peeled them, diced them, and added them as well. I use 2 eggs for this size of recipe.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVdDcUqg6WWG3htBTa0sFOrEPo9ErMA27hiRY6_zEdprkNE7zPSg0IZm4r7lRN6dE-DKALErtYep4Hg82eIM9csgGlIcvHT5pEJuR7fQn1i2bVlx2HIkmeFGpWPadh7goldUyioY9Nd1M/s1600/Spring+2012+-+Selden%2527s+%2526+Salpicon+118.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVdDcUqg6WWG3htBTa0sFOrEPo9ErMA27hiRY6_zEdprkNE7zPSg0IZm4r7lRN6dE-DKALErtYep4Hg82eIM9csgGlIcvHT5pEJuR7fQn1i2bVlx2HIkmeFGpWPadh7goldUyioY9Nd1M/s320/Spring+2012+-+Selden%2527s+%2526+Salpicon+118.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728450911491799986" /></a>The last ingredient is <span >mayo</span>! Add enough mayo to make it into a salad --- with the consistency like that of an American potato salad.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSpdDmqEwenbSKEAHzbwGvi4b2PB4uZfXPXvbGyVZxG5Xg7JBoMNl_RNWHpBEAOI5y2_d2N4CpbFL8nH6sfK30HGb40dxApAsSt9htSKo3_9egtC_xlO_7oJNrUM1ATlRnTfAIdpY9T10/s1600/Spring+2012+-+Selden%2527s+%2526+Salpicon+122.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSpdDmqEwenbSKEAHzbwGvi4b2PB4uZfXPXvbGyVZxG5Xg7JBoMNl_RNWHpBEAOI5y2_d2N4CpbFL8nH6sfK30HGb40dxApAsSt9htSKo3_9egtC_xlO_7oJNrUM1ATlRnTfAIdpY9T10/s320/Spring+2012+-+Selden%2527s+%2526+Salpicon+122.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728450578567175570" /></a><span >Place it in the refrigerator to chill</span>. The result if SCRUMPTIOUS! It's hearty enough to be a complete meal, and it has protein, carbs, and veggies all in one. </div><div><br /></div><div>Below I will put the original Bolivian recipe from my Bolivian cookbook. As you will be able to tell, I put my own spin on it. You can do the same! Hope you try it! Enjoy!</div><div><br /></div><div><span >Sapicon (Bolivian Chicken/Potato Salad)</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >20+ large potatoes, cubed and cooked</span></div><div><span >1 cooked and de-boned chicken (cubed)</span></div><div><span >2 cups carrots, diced and cooked</span></div><div><span >2 cups green peas, diced and cooked</span></div><div><span >1 cup diced onion (optional)</span></div><div><span >4 hard boiled eggs</span></div><div><span >1 cup sliced green olives</span></div><div><span >mayonnaise to taste</span></div><div><span >salt and pepper to taste</span></div>Gerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6386209557659122832.post-73878215721832861782012-03-16T07:50:00.013-07:002012-03-16T08:28:14.057-07:00Teamwork!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSv2n644j9Yaz0jP3inbd7qS_vTLsunSySs2qaXED-svsFWEREFtmLvFNi0eSdJzRqDyMR9zRv3QUUpQM1oAWhncZXWDEGPNtqSfGrRva-7v0ri3bo7nc_FbMj-_rvf64hlXYkw2c0bl6x/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+222.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSv2n644j9Yaz0jP3inbd7qS_vTLsunSySs2qaXED-svsFWEREFtmLvFNi0eSdJzRqDyMR9zRv3QUUpQM1oAWhncZXWDEGPNtqSfGrRva-7v0ri3bo7nc_FbMj-_rvf64hlXYkw2c0bl6x/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+222.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720512981968662498" /></a>Unity is so important in the Body of Christ. As we Christians work together in harmony, the Lord is glorified and our testimony is strengthened. As we each use our gifts, skills, and abilities, the results are beautiful!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycRkT5x1vpvFYZoMqoz_1VAhwlVxpzRf6OP_QPMq2hujhSlMJRIfV2WyzNeSabrKIXZC5fWqu5bgxYRlBMmZJwQur05iPLS5QAcT2lhCws6SRpORkbZIm7B9EZ3cW5h9yzKxZ-a0_-XHB/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+405.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycRkT5x1vpvFYZoMqoz_1VAhwlVxpzRf6OP_QPMq2hujhSlMJRIfV2WyzNeSabrKIXZC5fWqu5bgxYRlBMmZJwQur05iPLS5QAcT2lhCws6SRpORkbZIm7B9EZ3cW5h9yzKxZ-a0_-XHB/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+405.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720512308761969970" /></a>In February, the missionaries pulled together and held the dedication for Taylor Community Center. We even had the blessing of having 5 people from our WGM Headquarters in Indiana travel down to help us out and celebrate wtih us!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGkd3ZxsoK_CGoZ4SGoDy_TqBECB8jgGtPGG01VXK38gI0eQDdo5vV53G6qLxNM9OBaf4EeK72W0bPR9_628hpYJYwzPixpb3-3rg8_tdbJiC1alng2GI5pCJmyAQgx42ZY8P6AKgKgyF/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+395.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGkd3ZxsoK_CGoZ4SGoDy_TqBECB8jgGtPGG01VXK38gI0eQDdo5vV53G6qLxNM9OBaf4EeK72W0bPR9_628hpYJYwzPixpb3-3rg8_tdbJiC1alng2GI5pCJmyAQgx42ZY8P6AKgKgyF/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+395.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720511907287641794" /></a>It was a team effort and we had many committees leading up the event to help with preparations. The food committee did a phenomenal job of planning the menu, buying the groceries, and preparing the spaghetti dinner that was served to 120 guests!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKMJbPKCz_TxerKfrOnkadM511yLrmC6cVRAQJV9tjnnT3Bm6maZ99GN8IMGukJkMlHk4HvUmYwpBeTgGGtwy1NY8K1Peh889xwE4ekYrfO1eonbMQrB9k0HmKjrx4VsX3q8vb6V3EGmu/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+400.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKMJbPKCz_TxerKfrOnkadM511yLrmC6cVRAQJV9tjnnT3Bm6maZ99GN8IMGukJkMlHk4HvUmYwpBeTgGGtwy1NY8K1Peh889xwE4ekYrfO1eonbMQrB9k0HmKjrx4VsX3q8vb6V3EGmu/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+400.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720511674238721122" /></a>The decorating committee planned, shopped, and transformed the TCC gym into a beautiful banquet facility!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5iExD5WFSctp0HJ5Jy_rEd_15CqhSNUO4JZKujIA1Om7glKpL523HYhDMrmUBRuvNGPrZVzfBvUVoocGazggQLAYFSxIz2x-189aF5-3jtz2gT-BJ-aZZ2FWRFlMFRISYsPp2R6LpLPDS/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+420.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5iExD5WFSctp0HJ5Jy_rEd_15CqhSNUO4JZKujIA1Om7glKpL523HYhDMrmUBRuvNGPrZVzfBvUVoocGazggQLAYFSxIz2x-189aF5-3jtz2gT-BJ-aZZ2FWRFlMFRISYsPp2R6LpLPDS/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+420.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720511383287280898" /></a>Everyone worked hard, using their gifts, to make the evening special for all our guests.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsB9mV_yDBF9ezraocNC044VxQjK5UQa1My6X7PtCleCwZWg9h6MtvjJ68jkGEjVQ1H8mkT7hqm9qT-k3t3wUCDYdTkBSs29vwBTWfXHqrnI3dM2kYAh22ZqYrAxjbXVkDU2LeFlOgTrR/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+403.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsB9mV_yDBF9ezraocNC044VxQjK5UQa1My6X7PtCleCwZWg9h6MtvjJ68jkGEjVQ1H8mkT7hqm9qT-k3t3wUCDYdTkBSs29vwBTWfXHqrnI3dM2kYAh22ZqYrAxjbXVkDU2LeFlOgTrR/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+403.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720510977266290498" /></a>Many wore several "hats," pitching in wherever needed, giving selflessly when a need arose. . . even if it was for another committee!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuEXGnzvAapbbqz9eVJPNGu5mdKmUOgbSbqu009fNtvQEqcqGqqMqFcdyzCkMQgVvfQkgdYh6Cy8wb1lG6Q3ykCKb_b1wEdsPFZ9yJdQu3J4jGX-Q-POO82w-87GHNiMaKOuewxyFNjoU/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+399.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuEXGnzvAapbbqz9eVJPNGu5mdKmUOgbSbqu009fNtvQEqcqGqqMqFcdyzCkMQgVvfQkgdYh6Cy8wb1lG6Q3ykCKb_b1wEdsPFZ9yJdQu3J4jGX-Q-POO82w-87GHNiMaKOuewxyFNjoU/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+399.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720510737246482610" /></a>It took everyone. Some gave by building a stage. Some gave by donating sound equipment. Some contributed by setting up tables, chairs, and multimedia for the presentation. Everyone pitched in and gave of themselves to see Christ lifted up!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PKefPDsrbGMrOR24ObwaGS3YYD_AE0vBxv5pGgg4usSroRxM5Gal2_9RVSGyCFDLbrjqpsdEEkEO2fb_srCw7HBJgKIaXHD2F7j9d-XoHUSlKX-XCXO2soHBJ936QBKZhkAkCrO3IDq7/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+457.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PKefPDsrbGMrOR24ObwaGS3YYD_AE0vBxv5pGgg4usSroRxM5Gal2_9RVSGyCFDLbrjqpsdEEkEO2fb_srCw7HBJgKIaXHD2F7j9d-XoHUSlKX-XCXO2soHBJ936QBKZhkAkCrO3IDq7/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+457.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720510288283854242" /></a>What a joy it was to see Helen Moon honored for her and her late husband's contribution to seeing TCC finished.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVokbt6ai5NbY-ByJ7Y8wsfhnxByexqvrHD0P-9ijxVoTBK1M5GCzFSms8nLTyLnkWjVxnOqTE_x8RCC21kdAYhAeEQk71l5Vf6mPCNrgO8l401irjZVBPaRP6KXLjikS-m8gcgjKntI3R/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+468.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVokbt6ai5NbY-ByJ7Y8wsfhnxByexqvrHD0P-9ijxVoTBK1M5GCzFSms8nLTyLnkWjVxnOqTE_x8RCC21kdAYhAeEQk71l5Vf6mPCNrgO8l401irjZVBPaRP6KXLjikS-m8gcgjKntI3R/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+468.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720509935178111218" /></a>What a challenge to hear retired WGM missionary Tim Hawk encourage us to invest in eternity.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Iq0SOdQWavFdZHIBYeBNADe26xJF2gU66CXkwJKLbNSP6GI1Xjbs7WczeShjtA4LiOzxXvSTpzuiWxARaX_rQIiGeizOrwOs3bUiFWgwUzeIvOTyJJR1NRiBeODngnAd5ff1wUu8Bz6d/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+472.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Iq0SOdQWavFdZHIBYeBNADe26xJF2gU66CXkwJKLbNSP6GI1Xjbs7WczeShjtA4LiOzxXvSTpzuiWxARaX_rQIiGeizOrwOs3bUiFWgwUzeIvOTyJJR1NRiBeODngnAd5ff1wUu8Bz6d/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+472.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720509423126587842" /></a>What an inspiration it was to praise God through special music.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsEVQL6BUMMoKdriQECJknPmovn-F0PoNfheaA4rkq4UY-0zWzNpmNQVUEMC7cle1k_1LOBCeg5q9sePVkOAKnoSKkfI1nwmmAzVQ1wh0zdFsBD5o0xk6sbEep86VS2wrP5ElPhmoA_7K/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+430.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsEVQL6BUMMoKdriQECJknPmovn-F0PoNfheaA4rkq4UY-0zWzNpmNQVUEMC7cle1k_1LOBCeg5q9sePVkOAKnoSKkfI1nwmmAzVQ1wh0zdFsBD5o0xk6sbEep86VS2wrP5ElPhmoA_7K/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+430.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720509064133830706" /></a>My prayer for the evening was the God would be glorified and that everyone would feel His love as we served them and worshiped together.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYP-YewhscXUddJSDMXNGZwq_AqoFZp6thyphenhypheniGPf5SWMpfTOTkpKnyzuM592YSle7FReesDSX5PfJ9f6h_pYCv1a5828-d_lCw4FNZZUiWBNMEwULa-RbZaSfnYHTFvFR9sRSWmxSJE-yfS/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+481.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYP-YewhscXUddJSDMXNGZwq_AqoFZp6thyphenhypheniGPf5SWMpfTOTkpKnyzuM592YSle7FReesDSX5PfJ9f6h_pYCv1a5828-d_lCw4FNZZUiWBNMEwULa-RbZaSfnYHTFvFR9sRSWmxSJE-yfS/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+481.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720508749150674834" /></a>I believe the Lord honored our united spirit and answered abundantly! Praise the Lord for His goodness!</div>Gerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6386209557659122832.post-3351853881363547332012-03-07T08:34:00.010-08:002012-03-07T09:03:52.386-08:00Unusual Tools<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCrDRjDz2l4komBH9eHCK_XGdYnJh0QAxTYTB9CCKsBZTFMXOOLrQ6s585RPnRHLgiSAItI2qzGJlufPDDxuk50dUYEDlv3u64gZo5RMBR-Kw5iW6HZfgylsKrrZrmbIT_BYyzekonKJV/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+176.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCrDRjDz2l4komBH9eHCK_XGdYnJh0QAxTYTB9CCKsBZTFMXOOLrQ6s585RPnRHLgiSAItI2qzGJlufPDDxuk50dUYEDlv3u64gZo5RMBR-Kw5iW6HZfgylsKrrZrmbIT_BYyzekonKJV/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+176.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717198724850596434" /></a>Through God's faithfulness and the generosity of His children, we now have a beautiful soccer field on World Gospel Mission property here in McAllen!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oHvuu4GSJ96b3oNvUX9K3cHUZoO267sABKhJwrR_0v57vmBfIxTIi9IjlC7AsS7nxWGwntnK79op51A6YdZullqpRMp94XJjkNXBcvzQWiMAU-SEYU007NUSJgFOdqBpSq6KkDlsO5Du/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+185.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oHvuu4GSJ96b3oNvUX9K3cHUZoO267sABKhJwrR_0v57vmBfIxTIi9IjlC7AsS7nxWGwntnK79op51A6YdZullqpRMp94XJjkNXBcvzQWiMAU-SEYU007NUSJgFOdqBpSq6KkDlsO5Du/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+185.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717198452739451698" /></a>The spring soccer season has arrived and Gerson is in his element coaching. He is overseeing 4 teams who are using our soccer field to practice. Games will begin on Saturdays in a few weeks. Currently two teams practice on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. The other two teams use the field on Wednesday and Friday afternoons.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVvRJTqRUVfhvtDZsYGdFvfj7_AXMRaG_HOkCAMUE1NTaO6Is0YFGJp_d36xAnGfoOMrC-3SiZm_XuNYGSUPtJLRBkxeOGJOU3VHmdtXXpQpKdD08K0U47iYDJUU9oonrLgLcBQKOPf_h/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+158.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVvRJTqRUVfhvtDZsYGdFvfj7_AXMRaG_HOkCAMUE1NTaO6Is0YFGJp_d36xAnGfoOMrC-3SiZm_XuNYGSUPtJLRBkxeOGJOU3VHmdtXXpQpKdD08K0U47iYDJUU9oonrLgLcBQKOPf_h/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+158.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717198135460310594" /></a>What a joy to see the "cancha" filled with kids playing soccer!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTkyvh3AMpcZUIAC0N0xD81ICS9IpqzMTmzhoIYa5RLp96qr_rfbVynl2pKqKXWAFRdPtYv6bpYuirATWXy5cc5-oETWMScjWH8Ocx-1u15J2HrBSNjn2EDK1hli7dmqnKsNPzvIKqUDM/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+161.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTkyvh3AMpcZUIAC0N0xD81ICS9IpqzMTmzhoIYa5RLp96qr_rfbVynl2pKqKXWAFRdPtYv6bpYuirATWXy5cc5-oETWMScjWH8Ocx-1u15J2HrBSNjn2EDK1hli7dmqnKsNPzvIKqUDM/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+161.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717197740908119154" /></a>The community has responded with enthusiasm and the are made up of children from 3-12 years old. Some of these athletes are from Taylor Christian School. Some are home-schoolers. There is also a number who are from our very own neighborhood and community.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span ><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjpFK3Pq7oWJgrQQF_mdS79vzyQPR5vXhRdIOwRLWDuVEoUr3hzMC-8nlFUVvnYyK3X5h124387YISJIvJ0UQQoFJhrYBZwsL5t-s3bzg-40weNP5gA0pQoI_LgLoselY57tV8rxkGHUp/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+349.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjpFK3Pq7oWJgrQQF_mdS79vzyQPR5vXhRdIOwRLWDuVEoUr3hzMC-8nlFUVvnYyK3X5h124387YISJIvJ0UQQoFJhrYBZwsL5t-s3bzg-40weNP5gA0pQoI_LgLoselY57tV8rxkGHUp/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+349.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717196952434326482" /></a>Many of the kids are not from Christian homes. They are looking for hope, purpose, love.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdtEbqzAes9CxLC-M0SIZyzMr9HgWSzU7kvQOfdLj-rIqfL8DOIRoST67JkXmeWFO2T5Od7JFeMzTQDSEJL6tB3NKNkEfbQdlH2HCAlgLsZJjPOWigSVvnpXYIt9zBtFNqZbxTJwkb38z/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+141.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdtEbqzAes9CxLC-M0SIZyzMr9HgWSzU7kvQOfdLj-rIqfL8DOIRoST67JkXmeWFO2T5Od7JFeMzTQDSEJL6tB3NKNkEfbQdlH2HCAlgLsZJjPOWigSVvnpXYIt9zBtFNqZbxTJwkb38z/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+141.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717196677796109858" /></a>And Gerson's primary goal is to show them Christ's love and train in the His Word as they also play and learn the game of soccer.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GEjak759vXb3KzWK-ATXYL_xYglyQ7ZxZdiBR-1lLWQ67IzeJwYT1N4xVt6EL3HEpJ1Ys23cEctHLp3uq_pwDnPQub5hjhEM4I1HoK_JUOG51LJcTsb4nR-m0cj7LVermaydDd-iPPGd/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+490.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GEjak759vXb3KzWK-ATXYL_xYglyQ7ZxZdiBR-1lLWQ67IzeJwYT1N4xVt6EL3HEpJ1Ys23cEctHLp3uq_pwDnPQub5hjhEM4I1HoK_JUOG51LJcTsb4nR-m0cj7LVermaydDd-iPPGd/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+490.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717195398385628450" /></a>Do we use unusual tools to evangelize? YES! But need is great. The response is enthusiastic. The work is hard with long hours. And we do it because we know the ANSWER to the kids' needs and questions.We also know it is WORTH IT ALL.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2mvK2GrHuCxTJIs8A5DGI7ziGsE2-DBColjVIGtlyA3VnCc3UntDbZlYUriboR9Cf5seei00gzJyYP-D3i-y_lM2ycm9LV9PKKG5qUWL7l_U1eiYjv3pO3NLZJPlHSpSXc0ugr6d0THm/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+211.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2mvK2GrHuCxTJIs8A5DGI7ziGsE2-DBColjVIGtlyA3VnCc3UntDbZlYUriboR9Cf5seei00gzJyYP-D3i-y_lM2ycm9LV9PKKG5qUWL7l_U1eiYjv3pO3NLZJPlHSpSXc0ugr6d0THm/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+211.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717195058418697026" /></a>Will you join our prayer team? Pray for Gerson as he works with the kids almost every afternoon. Pray for us as we try to connect with the parents who come and watch the practices, hear the devotions, and sit on the sidelines for 1 hour and half. We are hoping I (Betsy) can begin building relationships with the mothers who stay during the practices. Pray for us as share the Gospel using a simple soccer ball.Gerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6386209557659122832.post-33306923365189880712012-03-02T06:51:00.018-08:002012-03-02T07:26:53.833-08:00TCC Moon Chapel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgMB_obtX_ju5lniecJwGetowANBkhjiczO5ggJdQp8EfIpUPjUCWpRdR-iX87iuutA6qnkxvZQXbm2wa_yZFvGrG0C_RozbVRyMEnVv4bJR_NyNYY9pIdnOD06FwavQa7zTBTgmgLmsg/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+387.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgMB_obtX_ju5lniecJwGetowANBkhjiczO5ggJdQp8EfIpUPjUCWpRdR-iX87iuutA6qnkxvZQXbm2wa_yZFvGrG0C_RozbVRyMEnVv4bJR_NyNYY9pIdnOD06FwavQa7zTBTgmgLmsg/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+387.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715317780128760258" /></a>What have been up to during the month of February? I assure you, we have not fallen off the planet. Rather, we have been busy preparing for the dedication of Taylor Community Center. One part of the dedication was the dedication of the our chapel, which we have named "Moon Chapel" after Bill and Helen Moon. (Helen is pictured above with Gerson.) Bill and Helen were instrumental in the construction of TCC. The chapel always held a special place in Helen's heart. She desired that it would be a place of prayer.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71mSdnonCN36DqMKyiCgKjmrznv-s3G6Q6ewgfB48hibNlAoz83xON3hU-Img50kZ3RD2czDM6498l7Or6HMyLgdC9Mt_z4dAgLrhR3_5MR_Z5c6fAOsEY7g9dKLLbtE_s_X2VMDc4ign/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+381.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71mSdnonCN36DqMKyiCgKjmrznv-s3G6Q6ewgfB48hibNlAoz83xON3hU-Img50kZ3RD2czDM6498l7Or6HMyLgdC9Mt_z4dAgLrhR3_5MR_Z5c6fAOsEY7g9dKLLbtE_s_X2VMDc4ign/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+381.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715317514066972530" /></a>When Helen retired from World Gospel Mission about a year ago, the chapel was pretty bare. It had the basics: chairs and a borrowed podium. Helen wanted to see the chapel have an altar and look like a prayer chapel!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBr_ahrsGU9hP0VTlFgvjNXNqsb36BcND0QZixOksbXMZV5k03R7nvfF1t_l4mpV3yoVItfuHsuv_F5-n-tPTmo4shjZZZgUoq9paTamR9PWgUitsMxOKkrTJ6zsGdGEm8Olppg7mYpgX1/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+374.JPG"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBr_ahrsGU9hP0VTlFgvjNXNqsb36BcND0QZixOksbXMZV5k03R7nvfF1t_l4mpV3yoVItfuHsuv_F5-n-tPTmo4shjZZZgUoq9paTamR9PWgUitsMxOKkrTJ6zsGdGEm8Olppg7mYpgX1/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+374.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715317242899812866" /></a>The Lord provided! He sent Mike and Jan Cummings (who happen to be related to my father) from Southern Illinois. The arrived in the Rio Grande Valley for a month-long stay. We put them to work! While they were here, Mike made an altar, a podium, and a cross for the chapel. What a blessing!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYH6AV79IwFVeRGC0YiOGyIVsbmPCtxiUPV0NtoVB334Y0TnDNtAxmKoXN7B2EjruohOMfIuyz5vDd55eRkFvHqvbUdxwTIT6I1KpZMCdI30f94kF-sqExsH6RPk-kWgx4FTVb3NIv7XhM/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+368.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYH6AV79IwFVeRGC0YiOGyIVsbmPCtxiUPV0NtoVB334Y0TnDNtAxmKoXN7B2EjruohOMfIuyz5vDd55eRkFvHqvbUdxwTIT6I1KpZMCdI30f94kF-sqExsH6RPk-kWgx4FTVb3NIv7XhM/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+368.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715317031124236370" /></a>While Mike did amazing things with the wood, Jan was his handy helper and stained it all. She was also an extra set of hands to hand him tools and help in whatever way her husband needed.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHFm_iViTqSnIL8FO1awtMcEBldD9iCz6vrXrNjQgy8R-rhFcOtIhKRcs5KQdC30WjBFzmNSeyRE8EURCRtJVp1Ev2peUGf_9rKXYRCc7PvT2jx6U81Tkvs1Cb0yzsRzfPJCLm9LNl3Re/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+389.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHFm_iViTqSnIL8FO1awtMcEBldD9iCz6vrXrNjQgy8R-rhFcOtIhKRcs5KQdC30WjBFzmNSeyRE8EURCRtJVp1Ev2peUGf_9rKXYRCc7PvT2jx6U81Tkvs1Cb0yzsRzfPJCLm9LNl3Re/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+389.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715316793629986866" /></a>Meanwhile, Mom and I began working on making the chapel look warmer. After brainstorming, we decided to make banners based on the Fruits of the Spirit. We designed the banners on paper, then began looking at fabric and putting the banners together. Thanks to my mom's expertise with a sewing machine, the banners turned out fabulously!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSbu9G_YdvCSRjpULmc5GaOwBBZGfzJc4UKYxhmGR4h_wsTLwVZe8XF2AyXHh3JJCEyrWye7xqDzvqQOYROat9FmjEiiELxnUxoOuuL4eaH84z5fqv7gufFiWvpIo1qaQPW58tj2ENtHV/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+512.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSbu9G_YdvCSRjpULmc5GaOwBBZGfzJc4UKYxhmGR4h_wsTLwVZe8XF2AyXHh3JJCEyrWye7xqDzvqQOYROat9FmjEiiELxnUxoOuuL4eaH84z5fqv7gufFiWvpIo1qaQPW58tj2ENtHV/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+512.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715316333076504914" /></a>Love ------ The greatest sacrifice and example of love --- Jesus dying for us on a cross.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKP8T7XM8GURM0zcDUWRmcTv1_NqLD9CXq8KtaODVEIAIPCukCkX6kR4phTTtDXjswACqk35xSlogckcoj_ATvOwtHV9fxUoZHtkix-SNMdJoryor5KJ7KDSPuPh2n921JD45VuYWdiWq7/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+514.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKP8T7XM8GURM0zcDUWRmcTv1_NqLD9CXq8KtaODVEIAIPCukCkX6kR4phTTtDXjswACqk35xSlogckcoj_ATvOwtHV9fxUoZHtkix-SNMdJoryor5KJ7KDSPuPh2n921JD45VuYWdiWq7/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+514.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715316002730639170" /></a>Joy ---- Based upon, "Joy comes in the morning."<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQnvBqBlpfW8ueGHa-Xs4eNASoeKq-OB44AQdLryY4pc2ghlKq4hmrmmETYf0_ChpcqFK1vZu-0zDgMD7QNnP4Ina89HOY15TEYy5-PSWrhyphenhyphenEG7FH1WGdvxXjjAHxjQrM01-_QzmVavEu/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+520.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQnvBqBlpfW8ueGHa-Xs4eNASoeKq-OB44AQdLryY4pc2ghlKq4hmrmmETYf0_ChpcqFK1vZu-0zDgMD7QNnP4Ina89HOY15TEYy5-PSWrhyphenhyphenEG7FH1WGdvxXjjAHxjQrM01-_QzmVavEu/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+520.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715315674905762258" /></a>Peace --- "I've Got Peace Like a River!"<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWjBRq7xA6JDYD0owegbMczs0-9f49lQHuvVcdOC4gooIATQr3vdyfsAmjOT5UgbxSBT2_O46WddcZI3D4fwa0JSH3XF0tFYqGYZI_qJsP-caUlcx9wlfo7W6qk9UR_Pmn1RGb3rgHT2x/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+530.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWjBRq7xA6JDYD0owegbMczs0-9f49lQHuvVcdOC4gooIATQr3vdyfsAmjOT5UgbxSBT2_O46WddcZI3D4fwa0JSH3XF0tFYqGYZI_qJsP-caUlcx9wlfo7W6qk9UR_Pmn1RGb3rgHT2x/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+530.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715315315364812770" /></a>Patience --- We're all under construction. Praise God He's not done with us yet!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qW5Nc4hrOvkOZnlmMPAa2aCtnS6ZpzOwYXuUZ_xt55TPOgZmSWcEyZR7bow5o60W0x3qN4KBzHX346AraTFPHJlF7bqYFiPoW_EHv13_KXu78QaNHaIQDZyi2O0lmWmytBZsDRjSDwCB/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+518.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qW5Nc4hrOvkOZnlmMPAa2aCtnS6ZpzOwYXuUZ_xt55TPOgZmSWcEyZR7bow5o60W0x3qN4KBzHX346AraTFPHJlF7bqYFiPoW_EHv13_KXu78QaNHaIQDZyi2O0lmWmytBZsDRjSDwCB/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+518.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715314999962348498" /></a>Kindness ----Eeveryone united to help one another, regardless of race, age, or economic status.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KgAPINv65CICBhvyi3md9QbcjpARnHkWOuJHJdCRNlZffBrdHqVOvh9MuHZZOA3Qo5_9JplmgFukjL6hSzw_1o07yMGBsLxJZof6bjfQUIC1ViYNv2wu_Ell7PVP-UzOkzLruJjk2vEu/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+510.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KgAPINv65CICBhvyi3md9QbcjpARnHkWOuJHJdCRNlZffBrdHqVOvh9MuHZZOA3Qo5_9JplmgFukjL6hSzw_1o07yMGBsLxJZof6bjfQUIC1ViYNv2wu_Ell7PVP-UzOkzLruJjk2vEu/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+510.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715314657949400066" /></a>Goodness --- Comes from pure motives from a pure heart.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloAhK4-nJI0sg16WPzBu0TTI30dEpSr6WnOrCmswhTX-NUj53WzSOQ9_5R_e6ou3t3MQ-A3ug6Rb9MM5T8IJkfpfyNRPaT395O9JSSA6xSE9e8vNgEmjgHlY6Y1dMl3ip3knrvSiCUJtA/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+503.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloAhK4-nJI0sg16WPzBu0TTI30dEpSr6WnOrCmswhTX-NUj53WzSOQ9_5R_e6ou3t3MQ-A3ug6Rb9MM5T8IJkfpfyNRPaT395O9JSSA6xSE9e8vNgEmjgHlY6Y1dMl3ip3knrvSiCUJtA/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+503.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715314354337177490" /></a>Mike installed the altar and the cross and moved the podium into place.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRhV9aikwHNsF7cN7SYjXTlDEmCtNXxDcZCT9fNgpzq__7u-1-qxnCJgXdZRxKjrC75deBwEaMldE7KUmNQ2xnTSI-Lp_By69wRIl330GjkiSVOVEv1nWdzjiLAAfZFcWD8FA6Fd4au50/s1600/TCC+Dedication+Photos+501.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRhV9aikwHNsF7cN7SYjXTlDEmCtNXxDcZCT9fNgpzq__7u-1-qxnCJgXdZRxKjrC75deBwEaMldE7KUmNQ2xnTSI-Lp_By69wRIl330GjkiSVOVEv1nWdzjiLAAfZFcWD8FA6Fd4au50/s320/TCC+Dedication+Photos+501.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715314114829856146" /></a>Then he hung the banners on the wall. Now the chapel looks like a prayer chapel! What a joy it was to see Helen see the chapel for the first time and realize her dream of a quiet place to pray had become a reality!</div>Gerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6386209557659122832.post-25002125238705915702012-02-20T10:21:00.000-08:002012-02-20T10:30:26.532-08:00Dear Praying Friends,<div><br /></div><div>February has flown by! I haven't had the time to post as much as I would've liked. It has been a month full of planning and preparing for a super special event.</div><div><br /></div><div>This Saturday, the 25th of February, Taylor Community Center will be celebrating its 10 year anniversary since the ground-breaking in 2002. We will be serving a spaghetti dinner and having a worship service afterwards, praising God for His faithfulness. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%; ">I was asked to be the chairperson of the committee planning this event. I have never been in charge of planning an event to this scale and it has been overwhelming. Yet, in my weakness God has shown Himself to be all sufficient and has extended His grace and help over and over again.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%; ">One way the Lord the Lord has shown us His goodness is by sending us many winter Texans who have volunteers and have spent many hours helping us get ready for this celebration. He continues to surprise us with His provision and help.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Would you pray for us as we finish off all the details in this final week leading up to Saturday? We have a lot of work still to do. Our desire, above all, for this event is that God to be glorified and for HIS name to be lifted high!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks, praying friends. We love and appreciate each of you. </div>Gerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6386209557659122832.post-7957906575878823552012-01-24T12:36:00.000-08:002012-01-24T12:48:38.688-08:00Busy, Busy, Busy?My intention was to update this ministry blog every week. Recently, I've realized what a lofty goal that was! Life continues to busy, busy, busy, but we desire with ever fiber of our being to not just be BUSY, but to be PURPOSEFUL in all we do.<div><br /></div><div>Our pastor has been challenging us with this. So often, those of us in Christian ministries feel we need to be BUSY and fill our days being BUSY for God. We have the misconception we are working "for" God, but in reality we should be working WITH Him. For if He is not WITH us as we work, we accomplish nothing but empty busyness. OR we can be still, listen to His voice, follow His instructions, and move mountains!</div><div><br /></div><div>God is doing great things in us. It must begin in US. Will you continue to pray for us --- that all we do is purposeful and God-centered? That we will listen to HIS voice and HIS plans and say goodbye to any busyness that is not effective? We don't want to be busy for the sake of being busy. If we're busy, we want it to be a busy that is anointed by God and makes an eternal difference.</div>Gerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6386209557659122832.post-40970817388481952102012-01-04T11:35:00.000-08:002012-01-05T18:04:57.928-08:00Fun, Food, Fellowship<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8QcYgACLMVWvQNeyLWdIBQjOxPR_a58H02RHcHgZfE3Pr8jFSX-iGBOVTkxOc-H7nnzI0audUvkPgnhc5ZhfDk8xeqZpqOaC-Y5cKUD9BTR9J2fS003lqnuNbhCBiiaNVtP3H6JQFCIe/s1600/GEDC3173.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693870434214231634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8QcYgACLMVWvQNeyLWdIBQjOxPR_a58H02RHcHgZfE3Pr8jFSX-iGBOVTkxOc-H7nnzI0audUvkPgnhc5ZhfDk8xeqZpqOaC-Y5cKUD9BTR9J2fS003lqnuNbhCBiiaNVtP3H6JQFCIe/s320/GEDC3173.JPG" /></a> Many of you prayed for the Christmas Ladies' Tea Debbie and I hosted before Christmas. It was so much fun to plan, prepare and decorate! Debbie and I hoped to have a big turnout and planned for about 25 women. We baked, decorated, and prepared with much excitment.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZdOHhgeboZ4iJPt6oyHZgGuhMYg7bWhiJo1RKfNgpAl22UIqMVdP5cuPcCNWdJ6U6CI4q-kR981exlF0_JT4ZT08sVUh00Q9aF-S8wrkerKYwTJwUWZ8oTl91yPxI0lih3kmy3h5s7RD/s1600/GEDC3168.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693870217737475570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZdOHhgeboZ4iJPt6oyHZgGuhMYg7bWhiJo1RKfNgpAl22UIqMVdP5cuPcCNWdJ6U6CI4q-kR981exlF0_JT4ZT08sVUh00Q9aF-S8wrkerKYwTJwUWZ8oTl91yPxI0lih3kmy3h5s7RD/s320/GEDC3168.JPG" /></a> The night finally arrived and only 6 women showed up. We soon realized we were going to have a small crowd and decided to make the best of it! First the ladies ate of the bounty we had prepared. Then we played several fun games.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5zQt0bsq5rCId9NCVKlKBY1PNOVooS45k2gtiyzlzLsiUE8mAuCvMD8VNdERtPPRRr9ymAkm_QX-h42oUcKCzhw6sTTe9DElkR1s__1anCwFKnx3lSEAwym-qGBnuXPHZzfBI7bPXrzb/s1600/GEDC3187.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693869884475549042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5zQt0bsq5rCId9NCVKlKBY1PNOVooS45k2gtiyzlzLsiUE8mAuCvMD8VNdERtPPRRr9ymAkm_QX-h42oUcKCzhw6sTTe9DElkR1s__1anCwFKnx3lSEAwym-qGBnuXPHZzfBI7bPXrzb/s320/GEDC3187.JPG" /></a> Our theme for the night was "The Gift," so our games revolved around that theme. One game involved wrapping a woman up as a gift and we gave prizes for the most creatively and the most elegantly wrapped lady.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhAh4vJCjddKedkPWNMgmz10gVGwPu3g2AD8Wz9wG_unu_FdLpJAoUKG7VbTBsy2VhuHAXNfaZkXG-Hzn-KLN3LgQdpWtIjypxB_iJNyY-NLEYp-JF9DkmYuUQB-Qv6h2woqvYQZAuXYc/s1600/GEDC3182.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693869706078338242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhAh4vJCjddKedkPWNMgmz10gVGwPu3g2AD8Wz9wG_unu_FdLpJAoUKG7VbTBsy2VhuHAXNfaZkXG-Hzn-KLN3LgQdpWtIjypxB_iJNyY-NLEYp-JF9DkmYuUQB-Qv6h2woqvYQZAuXYc/s320/GEDC3182.JPG" /></a> There were 2 teams of 3 ladies, and they really got excited about this game! It was joy to see them giggle and laugh as the wrapped their friends.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPy1YyFlRfiw0xAlVRnaWxdY0TRnXuJGOLlnsPlAFwvBW_bWh2kRhjvsyQXM3usq8G9mxIR09IuvEPN0zl6sKJNQt9wFptocxs5pRdGmqB_97Wzfw8HXNc0Xx1gWUDvWvl_mpxfSN-g5-/s1600/GEDC3206.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693869429488344866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPy1YyFlRfiw0xAlVRnaWxdY0TRnXuJGOLlnsPlAFwvBW_bWh2kRhjvsyQXM3usq8G9mxIR09IuvEPN0zl6sKJNQt9wFptocxs5pRdGmqB_97Wzfw8HXNc0Xx1gWUDvWvl_mpxfSN-g5-/s320/GEDC3206.JPG" /></a> As you can see, their creative juices flowed freely and two of the ladies became lovely wrapped presents!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFv7sOF5XEl78Ea6ZYycxddApO8JZQ5IRn0efw-MRlWDghdtKCTsp7ftjTWJ5AIODgEcJ8eVoNGn_3rWVdcQNKF5OiUvedBxo1cZUD9NBifKNm4HfPl6qjcZuqeMwWy21WsrlCbnvCe6Y/s1600/GEDC3207.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693869233764469890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFv7sOF5XEl78Ea6ZYycxddApO8JZQ5IRn0efw-MRlWDghdtKCTsp7ftjTWJ5AIODgEcJ8eVoNGn_3rWVdcQNKF5OiUvedBxo1cZUD9NBifKNm4HfPl6qjcZuqeMwWy21WsrlCbnvCe6Y/s320/GEDC3207.JPG" /></a> These two ladies were great sports and allowed their teammates to have total creative license! They giggled as much as the rest of us!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmX2yF47ynyAokUdujfdr_mFUA4QjpprBOVbFZRBaWvyh_XaR9aJyXDWHKYAR5YjI3FIpu72UhGz1pgnAc2LiznlUtCb6k3mosbwdbkLS8Sp8x5i8vviMHwIb1uxZTedw0PQet23BrfRh/s1600/GEDC3209.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693869043374990274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmX2yF47ynyAokUdujfdr_mFUA4QjpprBOVbFZRBaWvyh_XaR9aJyXDWHKYAR5YjI3FIpu72UhGz1pgnAc2LiznlUtCb6k3mosbwdbkLS8Sp8x5i8vviMHwIb1uxZTedw0PQet23BrfRh/s320/GEDC3209.JPG" /></a> After the games, I shared a short devotional with the ladies. As it happens, all the ladies who showed up are Christian women, so I changed the devotional from being evanglistic in nature to one the challenged us as Christian women to humble ourselves as Jesus humbled himself to come to this earth as a tiny babe. It was a special time for all of us.<br /></div><br /><div>Although I was disappointed that there were no "new" ladies who attended, during the evening I was reminded that even Christian women need to time to be pampered, loved on, and encouraged in the Word. Although we had planned on this event being evanglistic in nature, God used instead to build up the body of believers who are working alongside of us in many different ways.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurbfcf4Vm3surG2d8k5_GxrTPMCwNwChPEfCJfXcF7PH-43AMyvfHzgGgypA3iVywy9zWX5uZ4VEuGREOgB3u6X7cNv672-Vm4baenHcWMsi-kAAq_ToXq6kwiyuQ0Je4UUV_p-sarx_s/s1600/GEDC3211.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693868651559946514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurbfcf4Vm3surG2d8k5_GxrTPMCwNwChPEfCJfXcF7PH-43AMyvfHzgGgypA3iVywy9zWX5uZ4VEuGREOgB3u6X7cNv672-Vm4baenHcWMsi-kAAq_ToXq6kwiyuQ0Je4UUV_p-sarx_s/s320/GEDC3211.JPG" /></a> After the devotional, it was time to clean up. (This cafeteria and kitchen are in TCC and used by Taylor Christian School for lunch.) The ladies quickly jumped in to help the clean-up go quickly. All six ladies helped Debbie and me make food baskets to take to ladies who couldn't come due to sickness or other conflicts. Then they cleaned off the tables, folded tablecloths, and brought plates/baskets of food into the kitchen. What a blessing to have such help! (Debbie is the lady on the right! She was my co-host!)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHjvG0KugVLalk9uW-vH-uT8ymGj0QLHxRzP2obfouGk6bO2tlvMRKozTprqgR9BvT-e00e4QyQ7NpXXaZhE6idu1bZNe29wDYVpwod0JkoGm7FB-zcCf0TZyWIa_hWA8BGqmHHcXo34F/s1600/GEDC3213.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693868474087857058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHjvG0KugVLalk9uW-vH-uT8ymGj0QLHxRzP2obfouGk6bO2tlvMRKozTprqgR9BvT-e00e4QyQ7NpXXaZhE6idu1bZNe29wDYVpwod0JkoGm7FB-zcCf0TZyWIa_hWA8BGqmHHcXo34F/s320/GEDC3213.JPG" /></a> And these two ladies were an extra-special blessing. Treasure Berens (L) and Carol Wonch (R) are two retired WGM missionaries who were instrumental in ministries of Taylor Christian School for many years. They stayed and washed dishes, took down tables and moved chairs! What troopers! Although we kept saying they go home and rest, these two ladies stayed until Debbie and I were ready to walk out the doors with everything cleaned up. What a joy to work with such servants of God!<br /></div><br /><div>Thank you for your prayers. Continue to pray for us as we look for creative ways to get to know the women of this neighborhood. We won't give up or become discouraged. Little by little, we're trusting God to open doors for seeds to be planted and for His Kingdom to expand here in this little corner of McAllen.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Gerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6386209557659122832.post-80178004232790283872012-01-02T10:05:00.000-08:002012-01-04T11:34:33.464-08:00A New BeginningHappy New Year!<br /><br />As we were about to enter 2012, I looked at my brother (who was visiting us) and said something to the effect of, "When did the New Year cease to be as exciting for me? Rather than waiting anxiously to see the Ball drop in Time Square, I'm more excited about midnight hitting so I can go to bed!" (That is probably because I have two little ones who don't sleep through the night!)<br /><br />Although I no longer get excited about the ball dropping in New York, I AM excited about what 2012 is going to hold. We serve a BIG and AWESOME God, and I have no doubt He has some wonderful surprises for us around the bend.<br /><br />At times it easy in my humanity to begin to stress and worry about some of things we are anticipating in 2012. I look at our list of responsibilities with the ministry, and sometimes I'm exhausted looking at the needs and demands. Sometimes I'm tempted to be tired before I even begin!<br /><br />ut then God has a funny way of reminding me of WHO HE IS. Today Jayden fell asleep on the couch as he was watching a video. I looked at him and was amazed at how quickly and easily he fell into a sound slumber. He didn't care where he was as long as he was comfy. He didn't have a care in the world! He didn't worry about what would happen when he woke up, about whether or not he would have food to eat, or whether or not someone would be here to greet him when he did wake up! He was resting peacefully.<br /><br /><br />God nudged me at that point and gently reminded me that I should be like Jayden. Why do I need to stress and worry so much about the future that I'm unable to sleep? Just as Jayden trusts his daddy and me to take care of him, I need to trust my Heavenly Daddy to take care of us. I need to trust Him and rely on HIS strength to get me through 2012. I need to trust Him to care for our needs in 2012, just as He took such good care of us in 2011. I need to trust completely in His love for me and my family and REST in His tremendous care.<br /><br />Join us in RESTING in 2012. May we be like Jayden ---- without a care in the world. For we serve a RISEN SAVIOR who is MIGHTY and FAITHFUL.Gerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6386209557659122832.post-86377319193964615562011-12-13T17:28:00.000-08:002011-12-13T17:42:50.431-08:00The Winds and the Rain ObeyThis afternoon Debbie and I decided to go door to door in the TCC neighborhood to invite women to our ladies' tea next week. As I was loading the kids into the car to go meet Debbie, she called my cell phone to tell me it had started sprinkling. I looked at the sky and sure enough -- the sky was dark with rain clouds. I told her the kids were loaded and we were going to head over there anyway in hopes that it wouldn't rain.<br /><br />On the short trip over I prayed a simple prayer, "Lord, hold off the rain for one hour!" We've been in a drought, so McAllen needs all the rain it can get. I WANTED it to rain ---just not for an hour!<br /><br />All the way over to TCC I had to use my windshield wipers due to the rain falling against my windshield. However, as I got closer, the rain got less and less. By the time I pulled into the guest house parking lot, it was barely sprinkling!<br /><br />I got the boys in the double stroller and Debbie, the boys and I headed out. We stopped to pray, and before we had even gotten a block the sun broke out from behind the clouds. We looked up and saw BLUE sky with white clouds. Then we looked in all other directions. What did we see? Black clouds surrounded us in all directions!<br /><br />The Lord gave us a beautiful afternoon to canvass the neighborhood! Would you believe a cool breeze blew in and many had their doors open with just a screen door separating them from us. We could call out, "Hello!" and they would come to the door so we could hand the ladies a invitation. It was an incredible time!<br /><br />An hour later, the sky above us darkened and we headed quickly back to the guest house. What an amazing reminder that God HEARS our prayers and even the weather obeys Him! Isn't it great that God cares about DETAILS! I asked for an hour --- He gave us an hour where important contacts were made. (Of course, I turned to Debbie after the hour and said, "I should have asked for an hour and a half! :) ) I do believe God gave us that hour and that divine appointments were made.<br /><br />Praise the Lord! We serve an awesome God!Gerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6386209557659122832.post-63428739974591940312011-12-12T09:29:00.000-08:002011-12-12T09:38:29.402-08:00Ladies' TeaWe have been enjoying the cooler weather that arrived last week! It's been overcast, rainy, and cool. What a change from the normal sunny, clear, dry and hot days we normally have. As Gerson said to me yesterday, "The soccer field is happy, happy, happy!" The ground needed rain and we praise God for the recent showers. It's also been nice to drink a cup of hot coffee or hot chocolate without sweating!<br /><br />As we enter this busy season, we have been looking for ways to reach the community with the real reason we celebrate Christmas. After talking over the possiblity with Debbie McKelvey, we have decided to host a women's tea on Tuesday, December 20 in the evening. Our desire is to give the ladies in the community a lovely break from the day to day busyness of life, to have fun, to feel loved, to be served, and to hear a clear presentation of the Gospel.<br /><br />We have planned, shopped, and prayed. Will you join us in praying that the Lord will bring the women He wants to attend? Debbie and I plan to go door to door handing out inviations over the next few evenings. Please pray for us --- that we can make connections and show Christ's love to everyone who comes to the door to greet us. Pray for us as we finalize the menu, the games, the decorations, and all the details so that it will be a night the ladies remember. Pray for the women who attend, that they will have sensitive hearts to hear all God has for them.<br /><br />We are excited! Thanks for joining us in prayer! We look forward to what God is going to do! We can't wait to introduce these special ladies to the precious Baby Jesus who desires to be their Savior!Gerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6386209557659122832.post-82881711974408740222011-12-03T16:35:00.000-08:002011-12-03T16:57:28.432-08:00New Names Written in Glory!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIs4PPgnEjc_umBnQ07stuL55tPlAnN7OKC4rUXAlPwt2UFi_12quopQEc40t65ZB2rC1ejkbioq1KS4hAFiEARJu7JHzZChw4zBmpwiz4E0Q90o09xRsmvivuN5m034_IZSrtiUWT_ozW/s1600/SD530108.jpg"></a>Last night was a special night for Taylor Community Center.<br /><br />John and Gianetta Wright, a retired couple who is teaching at Taylor Christian School, had the idea several months ago to show a movie based on the life of Noah to the community. They did a lot the preparation to make it happen -----getting permission to show the movie in public, making posters and fliers for publicity, and praying that the Lord would bless their efforts. We were excited that they asked to use the gym of TCC.<br /><br />They asked Debbie McKelvey if she would be willing to do a Bible Club for the children while the adults watched the movie. Debbie graciously agreed, and then she asked me if I would help! Of course, I was excited to do so! About 100 free tickets were picked up for people interested in watching the movie.<br /><br />So, last night was the night of the movie! Debbie and I had about 15 kids in our Bible Club during the movie. Debbie shared a Christmas story with the kids, emphasizing the REAL reason we celebrate Christmas. Then we played games with the kids. After that, we helped the kids do 2 crafts ---- one was a snowman ornament, and Debbie shared with them how when we ask Jesus to be our Savior, he cleans us so we are as white as snow. Then the kids had the option of also doing a cross ornament, as well.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEFzsOZEQIKoliOkJUKFcHW-j136zJc24ialZyZhxLP3MrLfCsOzDA95PFCSFmIDbQSt9M_xr_iMB52pmWnmKNfOn-B5Epl6wMrO4UQ5BUIMISPkxTPC5KMFZya6y2jqFxMrAXuJ5-ghR/s1600/Cynthia+with+Betsy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682065781428181602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEFzsOZEQIKoliOkJUKFcHW-j136zJc24ialZyZhxLP3MrLfCsOzDA95PFCSFmIDbQSt9M_xr_iMB52pmWnmKNfOn-B5Epl6wMrO4UQ5BUIMISPkxTPC5KMFZya6y2jqFxMrAXuJ5-ghR/s320/Cynthia+with+Betsy.jpg" /></a> Cynthia showing her snowman and cross<br />ornaments at the end of the evening.<br /><br />While we shared the Gospel with the kids, about 75 adults were hearing the Gospel clearly through the life of Noah that they were witnessing on the big screen. When the movie was over, John Wright shared briefly and gave an invitation. About 14 people stood up to receive Christ as their Savior! Praise the Lord!<br /><br />God is doing great things! Praise Him with us as we celebrate the new names written in the Book of Life!Gerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6386209557659122832.post-83870654804800159082011-11-16T09:24:00.000-08:002011-11-21T14:01:03.676-08:00Following HIS Heart<em><span style="color:#6600cc;">On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." </span></em><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#6600cc;">Matthew 9:12</span></em><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Although many may not believe it, following God is not always easy. Since He desires a very intimate, personal relationship with us, He often calls us to do things which are beyond ourselves, beyond our comfort, and beyond our means. That way, we learn to depend on Him and grow deeper in our relationship with Him as we trust Him.</span><br /><br />In many ways, coming to McAllen has been challenging for me (Betsy). I know God called us here; I know He opened the doors for us to be here. However, it has been harder than I had anticipated.<br /><br />When I was a single missionary (and even when I was a newlywed), I had many opportunities to minister. I was a teacher, so all day long I was used to being busy, investing in students' lives. During part of my time as a single missionary, I led a women's Bible study as well as a youth Sunday School class. I was busy, busy, busy . . . working for the Lord.<br /><br />Now, however, I have children and things have changed drastically! Instead of finding myself busy, busy, busy with other people, I find myself busy, busy, busy with my kids and in supporting my husband in HIS ministry. For a long time I struggled with my identity. Could I still be a missionary AND be a mommy?<br /><br />The Lord really challenged me last week with my way of thinking. The one ministry (outside my home and besides Bible Club) in which I am involved is a local MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group. I requested to be on leadership and I have the privilege of leading a small group of amazing women. Although I saw this as a ministry, I was still frustrated, feeling I wasn't really making a difference. I was also having a pity party, although I hate to admit it. I wanted to be connected and develop deep Christian friendships. I wanted to have a local support group. But, I realized that it takes time to connect and build those deeper relationships.<br /><br />One morning, as I was sad about all my life WASN'T, the Lord reminded me of all my blessings! He also reminded me that I could be a blessing to others who have it much worse off than I. He challenged me to look beyond myself and my needs and look for the needs all around me.<br /><br />Now, you know the Lord. When He challenges us, He provides a way for us to ACT! That same afternoon I got a call from one of my mom's in MOPS. She said she was going to look for a babysitter because something had come up and she was needed at her son's school for a couple of hours. (She is a mother who is has no family nearby --- just like I am. I understand how hard it can be to find a babysitter at the last minute when you have no family to turn to!) The Lord convicted me and said, "See ---- be a blessing to her. Be the friend you so desire." I said, "Why don't you bring them over here? I'll watch them!" She was thrilled I had offered, and before too long I had 2 toddlers and 2 babies in my care. What a joy the afternoon turned out to be!<br /><br />The Lord gave me another opportunity to act at the end of the week. A local Christian school had "Colonial Days," which is a great family outing and similar to a carnival. I wanted to take Jayden, but Gerson was tired from a long day on the soccer field, so he decided not to go. The Lord reminded me of a Facebook post I had read about another mom from MOPS, whom I didn't well. She had had a hard a week and was feeling lonely and depressed. I promptly called her and invited her and her son to go to the carnival with Jayden and me. She was THRILLED! Again, I had a wonderful time BEING a friend to someone in need.<br /><br />If you know anything about MOPS, it's an amazing way to reach out to young moms. Some of the mothers are Christians, but some are not. Pray for me as I continue to open my heart to the changes and challenges of ministry with small kids. The Lord will continue to provide opportunities to reach out, if only I will be open to them. Pray for the moms in our group. Some have husbands who work far away and the ladies are like single moms. Some are having financial problems and are under a lot of stress. Some don't understand who Jesus is and how much HE loves them. Those of us who know Christ have the opportunity to share His love with them.<br /><br />Is it easy? No. It would be much easier to surround myself with people who know Christ, who have the same background and philosophy of life as I have. It would be easier to surround myself with Christians and not reach out to the lonely, the distraught, the hurting. Too often we Christians become our own clique. We are so happy keeping the joy of the Lord to ourselves, not wanting to reach beyond ourselves and our sphere of comfort to share the love of Christ with some who hasn't heard the Good News.<br /><br />But, that's not what Jesus did, is it? He loved the sick, the lonely, those unloved by society. He didn't stay where it was comfortable and easy. He chose, instead, to follow His Father ---- all the way to the cross and death.<br /><br />That's my desire, too. Although the type of ministry changes, the needs are all around me. Pray for Gerson and me ---- that God will give us eyes to see and hearts that are open to see as Christ sees. Even when it's not easy, may God help us to continue to follow His heart.Gerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6386209557659122832.post-13322710291482742582011-11-04T04:54:00.000-07:002011-11-04T05:39:21.469-07:00Saturday Soccer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxlPwg2UlsCGgDZMJQJ4xW2nfjPq77YHpcPorOi-JzFg_k1GnHTDkPbmyejjC8eltVUg_ZB1-4O6FMR_Hmamkq9NQ1YutOgz5whmwNdfGRHnPccp6pQlt5B_lDbDPiF_f11GGoGejxi2p/s1600/GEDC2888.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671112910494975250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxlPwg2UlsCGgDZMJQJ4xW2nfjPq77YHpcPorOi-JzFg_k1GnHTDkPbmyejjC8eltVUg_ZB1-4O6FMR_Hmamkq9NQ1YutOgz5whmwNdfGRHnPccp6pQlt5B_lDbDPiF_f11GGoGejxi2p/s320/GEDC2888.JPG" /></a> Bright and early last Saturday morning we arrived at the newly completed soccer field! Now that it is November, it's actually cool most mornings, so we were all bundled up and ready to see what God had in store for us.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFft-Q3-CfUN_LYsGANN5IaA7ARByfaW69AjyPNpdS35kg5RsXRR3kj_F3NMNZSKvx2AJg9IWDpZmdp_d0sJZHIJvK1Mx8-yYyQQ7KjnO__86EUn5APK7GDhYPoIZltA40Yr_5KPvYloz_/s1600/GEDC2886.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671112455978536850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFft-Q3-CfUN_LYsGANN5IaA7ARByfaW69AjyPNpdS35kg5RsXRR3kj_F3NMNZSKvx2AJg9IWDpZmdp_d0sJZHIJvK1Mx8-yYyQQ7KjnO__86EUn5APK7GDhYPoIZltA40Yr_5KPvYloz_/s320/GEDC2886.JPG" /></a> Gerson had found this little machine in the shed that he used to spray paint the lines on the soccer field. He had completed that task on Friday.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzoxps_ha9Vh69slGfJkWmwRb4zu-_gGrvDWjHgbC6JdN9yUso6zNogOJ1h7Zebl9cSbSGbKn-D8fSyRvw201haqqfELXFah7ps3-J4l_iV1XPV_G0ZE9eaFYCaJP3iTtJT7IiBVmGydb/s1600/GEDC2903.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671111057279569778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzoxps_ha9Vh69slGfJkWmwRb4zu-_gGrvDWjHgbC6JdN9yUso6zNogOJ1h7Zebl9cSbSGbKn-D8fSyRvw201haqqfELXFah7ps3-J4l_iV1XPV_G0ZE9eaFYCaJP3iTtJT7IiBVmGydb/s320/GEDC2903.JPG" /></a>It was time to take care of all the other little details for the morning. Gerson put the recycle container out by the field for the kids to put their plastic water bottles in after their water breaks.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3rqnGGzEfAWNcXwEAH0iSUetDo45oXuum2IfrgLBF0b9bDVHEgCb01uBhToL6olYNN7Uxq-UxOEcxTyXqlWLXF3Y_iN25C1YTU7-HjGx67NgXEzdooX37vbgPbU0DxUdJPSaJAUu5W-N/s1600/GEDC2913.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671110723173439106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3rqnGGzEfAWNcXwEAH0iSUetDo45oXuum2IfrgLBF0b9bDVHEgCb01uBhToL6olYNN7Uxq-UxOEcxTyXqlWLXF3Y_iN25C1YTU7-HjGx67NgXEzdooX37vbgPbU0DxUdJPSaJAUu5W-N/s320/GEDC2913.JPG" /></a><br />Then he got out the soccer balls and air pump.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTlVrSKgDRXAFkWblnAxL4rGxdmVp3klBXgAvilNNtk7Af-SHk2z40zfe1p7OeHa-kbuRWeA9Ph6D0sQ51IZik7vhBCNNcgHptT3kGuSzpCjeZWoinBhSwo5HPMJcjl_XM6Gbr_CkduKh/s1600/GEDC2898.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671110366407667154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTlVrSKgDRXAFkWblnAxL4rGxdmVp3klBXgAvilNNtk7Af-SHk2z40zfe1p7OeHa-kbuRWeA9Ph6D0sQ51IZik7vhBCNNcgHptT3kGuSzpCjeZWoinBhSwo5HPMJcjl_XM6Gbr_CkduKh/s320/GEDC2898.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div>Next he prepared the sign to put out on the road to remind people, as well as to let them know where the practice would be held.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1ZpJ4_r89sf7tu3s_kRDZgCtHe3mVZoJj_QUI1LD1gjP1LwBAT6nXOOyilX8h1GK6kqDiyhDQwPU2WmGYpNTSQkF5DfkDmtoLw-UBo2wTzmp3QC0UnobaquH3LLnVkCdqDgSaX1YrGuq/s1600/GEDC2925.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671109964111264178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1ZpJ4_r89sf7tu3s_kRDZgCtHe3mVZoJj_QUI1LD1gjP1LwBAT6nXOOyilX8h1GK6kqDiyhDQwPU2WmGYpNTSQkF5DfkDmtoLw-UBo2wTzmp3QC0UnobaquH3LLnVkCdqDgSaX1YrGuq/s320/GEDC2925.JPG" /></a><br /><br />As you can see, he used florescent colors as well as balloons to draw attention. It worked, too! One man was just driving by and stopped to ask us what we were doing. By this time Gerson was already on the field with the kids, so I talked to the man and explained that Gerson was doing a soccer school each Saturday AM at 8:00. The man was excited because he wife left him and he has 3 children to take care of. They are all going through a rough time, and he is looking for positive things for his children to do. Only one of his boys falls into the age range for the soccer school, but we signed him up right away and his little boy's face just perked right up at having something to do. Pray for this family who is going through a rough time. What a joy it is to be able to offer something positive for the kids to do on Saturday mornings, where they not only get to have fun but also hear the Word of God!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMqwhJnfx36C-8d1OYk49NB7AB0W2q8If2Tx0K6VnK6KnXyOfmo5Fthi6tU2kALzgGlPcDOTuamIoLaEdqahKhZTNFy4HdlhBHvs71yC4hOC0Kj9r8gU1ErcRnINAEFx4Bp4eoaXdvr_s/s1600/GEDC2922.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671109532907610290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMqwhJnfx36C-8d1OYk49NB7AB0W2q8If2Tx0K6VnK6KnXyOfmo5Fthi6tU2kALzgGlPcDOTuamIoLaEdqahKhZTNFy4HdlhBHvs71yC4hOC0Kj9r8gU1ErcRnINAEFx4Bp4eoaXdvr_s/s320/GEDC2922.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The reason I went along with Gerson was because he needed someone to be in charge of signing up the kids, getting the parents' signatures on permission forms, and answering questions families might have had. I was happy to assist! That way, as kids arrived, they went right out to play soccer with Gerson while I did the paperwork with the parents!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcv10FfBPKOWZ7iMD7kh8tnrQZJs9mWMcGIk5zf0P2wJAEhlHugn1rSHAkavsnwwEaOddylPqp7mdhhNmTAEiGvznvTw-W7z6vKDBInwuH8bXHmPitJwNBqpHv-QSl97E4Yz6m7xQi-9d/s1600/GEDC2942.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671109239134345922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcv10FfBPKOWZ7iMD7kh8tnrQZJs9mWMcGIk5zf0P2wJAEhlHugn1rSHAkavsnwwEaOddylPqp7mdhhNmTAEiGvznvTw-W7z6vKDBInwuH8bXHmPitJwNBqpHv-QSl97E4Yz6m7xQi-9d/s320/GEDC2942.JPG" /></a><br />Because both Gerson and I went, our kids went with us! What a joy it was to have Berta's help! She is the secretary at Taylor Christian School, and her son loves soccer! He wanted to play soccer, so Berta brought him on Saturday. She was able to stay and keep me company all morning. She loves babies and was happy to give Edson some TLC that allowed me to have my hands free to sign up kids and talk with parents as they arrived. What an unexpected blessing!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYp08wBWhyphenhyphenJ6q8eARC25bH1N9Aej_E3wJFkpoPtccVm-_4iW-lFP_5PtMQIKCtAXaw0Y1RU-POR2HdJCkICHY5TRxa7qEI0dq2eKOfSPIzBPAYU6q8MZkQap5Ra5pPN1ZGnoOBwxWSzE4t/s1600/GEDC2906.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671108931317049346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYp08wBWhyphenhyphenJ6q8eARC25bH1N9Aej_E3wJFkpoPtccVm-_4iW-lFP_5PtMQIKCtAXaw0Y1RU-POR2HdJCkICHY5TRxa7qEI0dq2eKOfSPIzBPAYU6q8MZkQap5Ra5pPN1ZGnoOBwxWSzE4t/s320/GEDC2906.JPG" /></a><br /><br />And our dear Jayden is happy as long as he has a soccer ball. We gave him a ball and he went to the soccer field and kicked, kicked, kicked and kicked the ball! He had a hard time understanding at first why Daddy wasn't playing with him, but he adjusted.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifn5-_DXAylJvfwYmUSaDm9sD5zgaDKZKQTZPIRKDQlw4_uKZUZVcnTbpss_xz4N-jC6fZUD-bbGIZejsqj-rAiVetSS18Xk79vdJOTWjtia8THUMl1gqsjSPuBcoxEj0Cs8cxoVXra-ru/s1600/GEDC2941.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671108567836602738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifn5-_DXAylJvfwYmUSaDm9sD5zgaDKZKQTZPIRKDQlw4_uKZUZVcnTbpss_xz4N-jC6fZUD-bbGIZejsqj-rAiVetSS18Xk79vdJOTWjtia8THUMl1gqsjSPuBcoxEj0Cs8cxoVXra-ru/s320/GEDC2941.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Of course, as the morning progressed, he got more creative with HOW he used the soccer equipment! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br />Thanks for your prayers. Tomorrow morning Gerson will be out on the field again. We had 7 children last week, but only 4 of them signed up with parental permission. Pray for the three whose parents' weren't involved. (Gerson knows where the live and plans to visit them.) </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I won't be able to help Gerson tomorrow since I have a TCC rummage in the gym. However, Berta's husband may be able to help on the soccer field tomorrow, which would be a tremendous blessing. Pray for Gerson as he ministers to and plays with the kids, and pray for me as I organize and run the rummage with 2 kids in tow! Thankfully, I do have a teenager from our church who will be helping me with Jayden and Edson!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We are so thankful for each of you and your faithfulness in participating in this ministry. We feel loved, supported, and backed by your prayer. YOU are a part of each life that is touched through our ministry here in McAllen. Thank you!</div></div></div></div></div></div>Gerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6386209557659122832.post-27506829408177767872011-10-28T19:00:00.000-07:002011-10-28T19:04:36.821-07:00FINALLY!Dear Friends,<br /><br />It's with much excitement that I tell you that TOMORROW Gerson will have his first practice on the new soccer field! He has put in weeks, days, and many hours into getting this field built. Today he has put in a 15 hour day tying up loose ends in preparation for tomorrow morning. I will be helping him with signing up kids and talking with parents. Please pray for us! We are thrilled the time has finally arrived! We couldn't have done it without the many of you who have given financially to this special project and prayed for us. Thank you!<br /><br />We'll let you know how it goes --- hopefully with pictures! :)<br /><br />With a Thankful Heart,<br />Betsy TejedaGerson & Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088955477139630732noreply@blogger.com0