Fall 09

Still in the desert!

The Lord had so much more in store for me than I could have possibly imagined. I’ve met wonderful, supportive people, relaxed a bit, planted a few trees, and gained the opportunity to learn more about my family roots.

Summer in the desert is short, hot and windy. And Wow! Look! It’s over. It snowed here the last week of October, every night. The little kiddie pool I put in the front yard to help keep the dogs cool during the summer heat was frozen solid. These kinds of things are a real shocker to a Florida raised girl...

A Year of Education

In January I felt lead to look into getting certified in Natural Medicine, Herbal medicine or something along those lines to have a license to ‘practice’ . What I discovered was that I could get licensed in one of four states, if I attended university full time and took out a loan for $100,000. I did not feel called to do that (thank you Lord!). I did feel as though I should get licensed in some sort of health care profession before I went back to the mission field. After investigating further, the only thing I felt comfortable doing, that would blend well with Herbal Remedies and Natural healing processes, was Clinical Massage Therapy. I’m stunned at how the Lord paved the way and provided for me to attend. The school I’m attending is every other weekend and every Tuesday night in Las Cruces. It is run by a woman who grew up in the church, and is teaching her students to pray for their clients. My dear friend Charlotte is pet sitting for me the nights I’m gone. I’m staying at my Grandmother’s house (which is on the market to sell) in Las Cruces the nights I’m there. I’m driving my (other) grandmother’s car back and forth (2 hours). And, here’s most amazing miracle, the state of New Mexico is paying my tuition. Classes run through the end of May. I’d appreciate all prayers said for my brain to remember the gazillion muscles, bones, body systems, and pathologies I’m memorizing...

I also felt impressed to attend a Be In Health seminar in Georgia. A full week of scriptures and teachings on ‘A More Excellent Way’ of Biblical based physical and emotional healing. I would highly suggest this seminar to anyone who is struggling with their health or any area of their life. Information can be found at beinhealth.com. I’m really looking forward to incorporating these teachings in ministry, so much so, that I’m currently presenting the teachings at church with the intent to minister, but also to get the practice.

MV Leadership Meetings

I attended the Missionary Ventures leadership meetings in August. It was an excellent time of fellowship. Many interesting issues came up during those meetings, we were able to work on resolutions for quite a few.

Glen & Linda Dubois are now in charge of Missionary Ventures. I was impressed with their devotion to MV and how much of themselves they are giving to keep MV moving forward. I noticed the number of jobs they are holding within the organization. Glen was moved into a position as ‘second in command’, but he still held his previous jobs. And then he was moved into the position of president, and Linda and Glen are now holding all of the positions he had prior. On top of that, people are being forced to leave the MV office because of financial issues due to the poor economy, fund raising, team raising, (everything has been difficult). Before I left to attend the leadership meetings, the Lord asked me to offer to help Glen & Linda, even if that meant delaying my going back to the field. I felt willing to submit to that, but struggled. After the first 3 days of meetings, and seeing the need, I did let Glen & Linda know that I would delay going back to the field if they needed help when I was done with school in May.

Change of Plans?

Glen has asked if I would move to Orlando after I finish my classes here. They have several specific job descriptions they would like me to fill for a time, including running the training/orientation for new MV Missionaries. I am praying. My vision is to help them for a few years and then return to the field full time. I still need to obtain backing from my current supporters and supporting churches. None of the details have been worked out, we are still praying. I feel very strongly that if I am to continue work with MV, that I should give MV all the help and support that I can.

There’s nothing like being in constant transition! If this is what the Lord has for me, I’m looking forward to seeing how God uses this time to advance the ministries he’s already started in Latin America and the new ministries He’s put on my heart for the future.

Family & Holidays

On a lighter note, I have been able to spend some time with family, I drove to Los Angeles and spent a week on the beach camping. If I’d have thought to bring the camera, I’d have some photos of my two dogs chasing seals off of the rocks, lots of little kids playing in the sand and adults cooking and playing camp-site detail. We had fun!

I pray that all of us remember to enjoy the holiday season, relax a bit and love those around us!

Thank you for reading my newsletters, your prayers and support!

Many blessings!
Sondra