Enlarging our borders

As we begin this newsletter it is hard not to think of this scripture, “Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!" And God granted him what he requested.”
1 Chron.4:10.


 

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STEPPING INTO ABACO

It has been a long time in the making, but our connection to CMA’s work in the Caribbean finally took place, and what a fantastic blessing it was for us.

It was our privilege and honor to teach an awesome class of church leaders from Marsh Harbor and the surrounding settlements. There was such excitement among all the students at the thought of soon finishing their 2 year course and  graduating in November.

Their hunger for learning truth, along with their vision, transparency, confession, beautiful questions, and amazing testimonies impacted us deeply.  They desired to have a greater missional impact on their surrounding communities and towns by equipping themselves, and their churches.

What a blessing this first teaching opportunity in the Bahamas was for us.  It inspired to begin to love the Bahamian people, understand their context, and desire to stand alongside them, and their churches in the process of becoming stronger and effective in their life and witness.

Just to add to the experience, students even cooked up some “conch fritters” and “guava duff” for us all to enjoy. Something, which probably doesn’t mean much to you, but to these students, and all Bahamian’s, means the world. You can never go wrong with these two delicacies!

I (Carl) am excited to have the joy of speaking once again to this class, in mid November, at their graduation. We also are very hopeful about getting to share our training courses, which we have been privileged to teach in Nicaragua and Cuba over the last decade or more. We praise the Lord for enlarging our borders, and blessing us with this opportunity to serve alongside Bill & Joy Luttrells, CMA’s resident missionaries on this island.

Women of Grace Conferences

Word of Joy, a local ministry, based out of Venice, Florida, was excited to recently hold their first women's conferences in Havana, Cuba and I, Kathy, got to be a part to it. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to translate for Jennifer at 2 different conferences.  These women came ready to receive and eager to learn about facilitating small group settings.  God's word, went forth boldly through Jennifer and the message of "Grace" evidenced through the lives of various women of the Bible was a powerful healing balm in these precious women's lives.  God in His goodness allowed my mom & spiritual mentor, Nancy Malone, to accompany me on this trip. What a gift to work side by side with her and see how God used her also in the lives of these amazing women.  Honestly - there is nothing that excites me more than a group of women eager to worship and ready to allow Him to boldly work in their lives. Pure Joy!
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