Jude Elliot Anzardo

Never in a million years did I think I would be writing this post.  Tuesday, May 28th began so well and had such promise, but God other plans for the day.  The day ended in saddenness that will never go away, only subside with time.  For nine months, Kirsten and I planned and organized our lives around receiving a little boy, Jude Elliot, into our family and hearts.  But God kept Jude.

As many of you have already heard, when we arrived at the hospital anticipating Jude's birth and Kirsten was hooked up to the machines, we quickly discovered that Jude did not have a heartbeat.  Things were fine on Monday night, but it seems at this point that during the night or early morning the umbilical cord wrapped around Jude's foot and caused a clot or cut off the blood supply.  Kirsten courageously and naturally gave birth a few hours later.

Kirsten and I, along with both of our parents, were able to spend time with Jude before saying goodbye.  We were able to pray as a family and commend Jude and ourselves to God's unending grace and mercy.  This coming Saturday with our immediate family around us we will commit Jude's body to the ground in anticipation of Jesus' return.

We thank you all so very much for your love, prayers, encouraging words, and generousity throughout this most difficult time. Although w e have not had much time to respond to all the messages, cards, and phone calls, please know that we have received them and they have encouraged our hearts more than you will ever know!  There have been some who expressed a desire to give a gift, which is very kind and generous.  In lieu of flowers or anything to us we would be honored and we think God glorified if instead a donation would be made in Jude's name to To Every Tribe Ministries.

Just a note on Jude's name will help to explain why we are directing you to To Every Tribe.  Jude's first name comes from the second to last book of the Bible.  Two things excited our hearts about this name - 1) the doxology (God-ward praise) at the end of the book melts our hearts about the perfect righteousness before God Jesus gives to all who trust in Him alone and 2) Jude was a faithful contender for the "faith once for all delivered to the saints" and it was our prayer that our Jude would be the same!  His middle name Elliot is from the famous missionary/martyr Jim Elliot who gave his life for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Jim Elliot lost his life at the end of a spear because he wanted all the tribes of the world to hear and receive God's grace through Jesus Christ.  

It is to this end that we hope that if you are thinking of giving a gift to us that you would pass it on to others who are actively pursuing the goal that we had prayed Jude would one day pursue.  Here is how you can do it: 
1) Go to (https://www.toeverytribe.com/donations/donate.aspx)
2) When asked to give gift in honor of someone you click "yes" and enter:
     Jude Elliot Anzardo
     400 Ocean Avenue
     Ocean City, NJ, 08226

We are so incredibly thankful for all your love and support.  Please continue to lift us before God's throne of grace!

Soli Deo Gloria,
Jon, Kirsten, and Trevor

When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In every high and stormy gale,

My anchor holds within the veil. (From My Hope is Built/The Solid Rock)

Bittersweet

The feeling is bittersweet.  We just purchased one-way tickets back to the States for January 9.  As many of you know, we announced in September that we will be ending our ministry in Buff Bay, Jamaica at the beginning of the year to begin a new season of work and schooling.  Our plan is to live in Ocean City, NJ until early August when we will move to Louisville, KY where I will begin full-time studies at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Last weekend we said goodbye to our last short-term team (from Sovereign Grace Chapel in Massachusetts who are faithful partners in the Gospel) and are now in full transition mode.  Selling off our stuff and packing our lives into barrels and suitcases will take up a big chunk of our lives.  In addition to the packing and selling, we will be spending the upcoming weeks sharing quality time with dear friends and continuing to teach in the churches while handing off ministry responsibilities to faithful saints.

Over the next several weeks we expect to be hit with a wave of emotions.  Jamaica has left an indelible mark on our lives, and God has used this ministry in so many ways to grow our faith in Him.  To be honest, the saints (and folks around town) have served and loved us well.  As a result, our goal is to leave well.  One way we will do this is by trusting the Lord to build His church.  There are many needs, but God has not and will not forget Jamaica.  Pastor Allen continues to be a tireless minister of Christ, and the saints are growing in and around Buff Bay!  Our leaving will create a gap, but we believe this is only for a time.  Jesus is building His church and He will provide all that is needed.

Please pray that we will remain focused and use our time wisely.  Pray also for the transition in ministry areas such as - preaching, youth fellowship, choir, and leading mid-week Bible studies in the circuit.  Lastly, pray that we will trust God with the work we have done over that past three years to accomplish all that He has planned and that He will continue to work until Jesus returns!

Alive and Well

We are still alive and plugging along here in Buff Bay.  Here is the latest:

Over the last two weeks, we were blessed and encouraged by a youth group team from East Brandywine Baptist Church led by Josh and Jen Park, Kirsten’s cousin and his wife.  Their ministry was widespread but concentrated on building into and challenging our Youth Fellowship and teens from Buff Bay.  A “Five Night Frenzy” helped achieve these goals as the evenings were by and for the young people.  Throughout the week, several teens professed faith in Jesus Christ and even more rededicated themselves to following Jesus wholeheartedly and running the Christian race hard to the end.  It was extra special to have served alongside family members who are always encouraging and uplifting.

The next four weeks are packed with camp, camp, and more camp.  From children’s camp this week to continued planning to youth camp the second week of August, we will be running around preparing and building deeper relationships with young people.  Please be praying for the children and teens as they come to their respective summer camps.  God has been moving in the hearts of many of our Buff Bay young people, and we trust Him to draw young men and women to Himself even this summer.  As you intercede for the young people, please also pray for Jon and the other men as they teach God’s Word, pray for Kirsten as she prepares activities and picks up random pieces, pray for Trevor that he will continue to be a blessing in the community, and pray for the upcoming teams that they will grow in grace and encourage the youth to seek the Lord. 

Lastly, your Trevor update.  This little boy loves to move!  Whether running around the house, church, and yard or swimming in the ocean, he rarely stops moving until he falls asleep – sometimes quite literally.  Trevor’s happy, friendly spirit brings us great joy each day and we thank God for this precious gift.

Elder Installation Service

Last night (Sunday) was an important night in the life of the ministry in Buff Bay - another gentleman and I were each installed as an elder/pastor within the circuit of churches.  The service was both meaningful and humbling.

The six churches came together for a special service in the evening.  One thing was clear throughout; Christ is the true and ultimate Shepherd of the flock.  In the days and weeks leading up to the service I prayed that God would be glorified and that I would be reminded of my great need for God's grace in order to carry out the duties of under-shepherding the flock of God.  There is no doubt in my mind that God was glorified in the service.  There was very little about us (the new elders) and much of our need for Christ to lead!  My heart was full as we looked to Christ, the pioneer and finisher of our faith, the one who goes before us, and walks with us! 

Sharing with the church my salvation testimony

In some informal remarks about the role and qualifications of an elder (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-10), Pastor Allen emphasized the need for faithfulness specifically among the men in the church.  He called the men to "rescue the brotherhood" from the cultural malaise and rise up in the church.  It was also a charge to the church ladies to fulfill their roles in the church with zeal and joy.

When we first moved to Jamaica, it took a while to adjust to the shouts of "Hey, white man!" and other curious looks as we walked the streets as the new neighbors.  However, last night reminded us of God's provision and call to Buff Bay.  The church was so excited to install us as elders and call us "Pastor."  My heart was full and a bit overwhelmed at God's grace in preparing the way for us and using us in the churches.  My heart was thankful and overjoyed at the bond we share in Christ race/ethnicity fade into background in light of our oneness in Christ!

Prayer with men from the circuit of churches

Please pray for us as I assume a more specific role within the churches as an elder.  Pray that my heart would continually look to Christ, the Good Shepherd, for wisdom, grace, strength, and joy.  Also pray with us concerning the next group of elders.  We do not know who they will be, but God does - pray that He, in His time, will make them clearly known so that the work of the church circuit around Buff Bay may continue on.

An invitation

Below is an update on Kirsten's family that was just sent out; the news is too good to confine to one sphere of the internet.  Consider it an invitation to praise the Lord with us!  Without any further ado, here you go...

Thank you so much for your continued prayers on behalf of my sister, Katie, as she progresses in her recovery.  We are praising God today that she is able to feel her toes on both feet and wiggle most of them!  Her left leg is healing well, but her right leg was damaged much worse and, therefore, faces more obstacles in the recovery process.  Katie was released from the hospital over the weekend and was able to spend time with her husband as well as our parents and brother who is home for spring break from Moody Bible Institute.  I spoke with her today and was encouraged to hear how God has been growing her and healing her body, mind, and soul. 

Please continue to pray for Katie and her husband, Nate, as they face this next year.  You can pray specifically for the following: (1) that God will draw them closer to Himself and each other through this trial; (2) that Katie's legs will heal properly and fully, so that she might walk again; (3) that a rehabilitation facility will accept Katie so that she might get the constant care she needs; and (4) that God will strengthen and give great patience and compassion to those who are and will be caring for Katie long-term (Nate, my parents, nurses, doctors, and therapists). 

As for my mom, she is doing well.  A pace-maker was placed in her heart following her collapse and is now working as it should, and any acute pain is gone.  She is still experiencing discomfort but is thankful to have been in the hospital and received great care.  Continue to pray that God allows the pace-maker to settle into place properly and that He gives her strength and energy to care for Katie well.

We continue to rest on God's sovereignty, goodness and faithfulness as our family faces this road to recovery.  And we are so thankful that you have joined us in praying to the Great Physician for full healing and restoration!  

grace and peace,
Kirsten, Jon, and Trevor

Thank you so much for walking with us through these difficult times.  We are thankful for you and thank God for the joy and encouragement you have so faithfully shared with us! 

In like a lion

March is said to come in like a lion, and go out like a lamb.  This is a false statement in Jamaica.  It is false only in that it is not March that comes in like a lion, but February!  Let me explain.  

The month of February is an exciting time in Buff Bay.  Every February for the last 24 years a team led by Pastor Ed Moore and his wife Anna descend on the town and do all sorts of ministries.  Among the primary ministries are Bible school for boys and girls, mercy ministries such as visitation of hospitals and even bringing a full team of doctors (5 dentists, dental hygienist, dental assistant, and a medical doctor) to serve the local community completely free of charge, and an in-depth discipleship/ small group ministry for church members.  We, and the people here, have been tremendously blessed through these ministries.

Secondly, the final week of hosting the team this year, Kirsten and I also had the joy of having my parents here for a quick but good visit.  They were able to tag along with us as we served with the team, which allowed them to meet a bunch of the folks we have the privilege of serving day in and day out.  We were also able to show them some of the beautiful sites that the parish of Portland has to offer.  And, of course, they got to be with Trevor!  (...Oh yeah, and us too.) 

Getting back to a normal pace, with our more normal, every-day duties, is refreshing.  We always look forward for the adrenaline rush of the mad dash that is the month of February, but we are also glad to resume our Bible studies, reading classes, and other more regular responsibilities.  In fact, we actually feel energized by the structured, planned madness in a way that breathes life into our ministry.  For this, we thank God for healthy dose of divine B-12. 

P.S. - Kirsten's sister, Katie, is stable and has had operations on both of her legs.  Plans and a timetable for her to leave the hospital are still being worked out.  Please continue to pray for the family as they make decisions on behalf of Katie and serve her through the recovery process.  

Updates

In just a couple hours I am going to be heading to the airport to pick up Kirsten and Trevor.  As you know, they spent the last couple weeks in NJ/PA to be with her family after her sister's accident.  The report of her sister as of last night is this:  Katie is still in a tough spot but is showing signs of improvement.  She is scheduled to have an operation on one leg today (a six hour procedure) and if all goes well a second operation is slated for later this week.  They put off this surgery due to Katie's lung collapse and a subsequent infection, which to my non-medical mind caused to not heal and be strong enough to endure the surgery.  However, the doctor's have decided that she is well enough to now handle the surgery for which we praise God!  Please pray for Katie, Nate (her husband), the family, and medical staff as she goes into surgery today.

Since Kirsten and Trevor left, I have been in go, go, go mode.  With Pastor Allen off the island for a week and a team arriving just a day after Kirsten and Vernon left I assumed more responsibility in organizing rides, schedules, and the like for the team.  Therefore, I apologize for the delay in the updating.  However, Vernon is now back, the second wave of the team is now here and I have some slightly more time to post this update.  The team that is here are our dear friends from North Shore Baptist Church in NYC.  The majority of the team members come every year and this year is no different.  It has been a great blessing from God that even while Kirsten and Trevor have been away, I have been kept company and fed by dear, godly friends!  Please pray for the teams ministry over the next two weeks that God would cause it to be successful and that the saints would be strengthened through their work.

Lastly, here is our latest newsletter.  We wrote it awhile ago, but have yet to post it because of all the other more pressing news.  So, without any further ado - here it is!

Winter 2012 Newsletter

Soli Deo Gloria

Below is an email that was sent to those on our email list, and I thought it would be appropriate to post it here as well with some brief additional comments.

Hello Friends,

Last Monday we received news concerning Kirsten's sister, Katie.  Katie had been in a terrible accident and needed to be rushed to the hospital.  Katie sustained major injuries, is still in the hospital and will be for weeks to come.  We praise the Lord that she has no injuries to her head, neck, or back!  We also praise the Lord that she is alive!  Her legs, however, were badly broken and will need both surgery and an extensive time of rehabilitation.  We also praise the Lord that she is alive and that her recovery is underway!  In addition to this, Kirsten's father had surgery Friday morning on his shoulder - a (scheduled) follow-up to a surgery he had over the summer.  After prayer and thinking through how to love our family best, we decided that Kirsten should head up to the States to be with her family for a few weeks and serve (with Trevor) as the encouragement squad while I hold down the fort!  Please pray for them as they are in NJ that it would be a sweet time together as family even in the midst of rough seas.

In addition to the news about Katie, on Monday we also received word that my grandmother suffered a mild stroke and was hospitalized for a few days to be monitored and have tests taken.  She is home now and trying to take it easy.   

Lastly, two young boys (15 or 16 years old) from Kingston drowned yesterday afternoon.  One of the boys was from our sister church in Kingston and a regular at camp.  Many of our young people are understandably shaken up and are mourning. 

Please pray for these items with us.  Particularly pray for Katie, the medical teams around her, her recovery, and the family as they stand with her.  Pray for my grandmother that the doctors can regulate medicine and that she would take it slowly over the next couple of days and weeks.  Lastly be in prayer for the family of these boys who drowned.  Also be in prayer that even through this difficult and confusing time - God would be glorified.  We are thankful that we serve a Sovereign God who is not surprised by any of this news.  God is good even when we do not understand how all things are working together.  Job said it well - "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?"  Even in this we can say with Job, "blessed be the name of the Lord"! 

Grace and peace,
Jon (for Kirsten and Trevor)

Despite the string of unwanted and troubling phone calls and breaking news, we see God clearly at work.  For example, in order for Kirsten and Trevor to go back to the States and return to Buff Bay without any hassle they needed to get new visas.  However, in order to do that, we had to wait on our work permit paperwork to go through.  The paperwork had been submitted in early December, but with the recent election and other bureaucratic issues we were waiting, illegally, in limbo.  Literally seconds before finding out about Katie's accident - we received the call from the Ministry of [Labour].  

Additionally, we have seen the great joy of belonging to the local church.  The people in Buff Bay have been fantastic in loving us through the storm.  Not only is the support here, but it is State-side as well in so many kind words of encouragement and solidarity sent to us!  

Times are hard and not how we would have planned them.  However, God is good, and He wills for our sanctification - that is our growth in personal holiness, with which we may see and enjoy Him (1 Thessalonians 4:3, Hebrews 12:14)!  

Soli Deo Gloria! 

The Times They Are A-Changin'

This past Sunday evening the circuit churches made BIG moves in our members' meeting.  In short, the churches are moving toward the biblical model of having elders and deacons lead the church.  The first step involved appointing elders.  Each of the elders will oversee (as is their biblical responsibility - see 1 Tim 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9) two of the circuit churches.  As Pastor Allen shared at the meeting, we must be doing more than maintaining our position in the churches.  We must work to grow, develop, and nurture the folks in each of the churches, while investing in the communities in which they are located.  The current model of the four preachers visiting each of the circuit churches once, maybe twice a month is not effective.  The biblical model of elders meets this current challenge while opening the door for greater "member-care"(different from "Obama-care" or "Romney-care") being headed up by each of the elders.

Of the four men who serve regularly in the preaching ministry within the circuit of churches, three are now elders - Pastor Allen, of course, Pastor Gilmore, and yours truly.  The fourth pastor has commitments outside of the church that keep him from being able to commit full time.  However, he will still serve within the circuit, which is a tremendous blessing because he is a gifted teacher and a wise, godly man!  Mr. Gilmore and myself were voted on by the congregation to assume the role of elder this past Sunday.

Ten years ago, the last thing I wanted to do was be in church - now the church brethren call me Pastor (pronounced PastAH Jon).  God works in mysterious and amazing ways!  Kirsten and I are really excited for what this means for the churches in the Buff Bay circuit!  We are also humbled that the people would choose us to be part of the leadership team.  Please pray for this big change within the churches and pray for me as we step into a more formal role within the church.  Also, pray that this would foster great growth within the spiritual life of the church members, as well as an expansion of each church's role in the life and happenings of their respective communities.

Photo-mania!

Happy New Year!  The past few weeks have been busy but good.  We trust that you had a blessed Christmas and a great New Year - we do hope that this year will be one of great joy for you and your family.  Due to computer issues - that is, mine breaking completely and Kirsten's lacking space - we have not been able to be as plugged in as usual.  We have especially been lax in uploading pictures, so this post is a picture album post of our recent activities.  It is our hope that you will enjoy, share, and rejoice with us in what God has been doing in our lives these past few weeks and months!

More Youth Conference photos

More dedication photos

More Trevor adjusting to life in Jamaica photos

 

More family visit photos

 

More Christmas photos

 

Youth Christmas Trip

'Tis the season

 I will bet that you will have little to no time to read this post - so I will keep it short.  The joy of Christmas is easily crowded out by traffic, "Feliz Navidad" on an eternal music loop in the mall, and remembering at the last minute that you need a pollyanna gift for the office party.  We feel the tyranny of the urgent crushing in on us, too, with special and extra church services.  In addition to the normal Christmas milieu in Jamaica is the hustle of a national election on December 29th. 

Jamaicans are serious about their politics and wear their party affiliation colors proudly.  Unlike the American electoral process, there is no set date for electing a government.  Because it is a parliamentary system, the Prime Minister calls for an election and, BAM!, 27 days later there will be a new government.  As a result, the campaign is fast, furious, and completely foreign to us.  If you need a picture, simply imagine the last week of the presidential election times 10.  Here is a video of nomination day in one town.  The video was taken while I was driving to the bank; it took me 30 minutes to travel no more than 1/2 a mile - but every inch was entertaining. 

That said, this Christmas (our third in Jamaica) we are not spending alone.  Kirsten's parents and brother were able to come down and share in the 80 degree Christmas.  We are thrilled to have them and are looking forward to sharing Christmas with them.  Despite the hustle, we are intentionally taking time to reflect upon the goodness of God in sending His Son.  Christmas in Jamaica is certainly different than in the States.  What is not different is the Gospel, which broke into history in a tangible, incarnate way that first Christmas!  We hope you find rest and joy in Christ our Savior and Lord even in the midst of the hustle and bustle. 

From Kirsten, Trevor, and me - Merry Christmas! 

Growing pains

My arm has started to get tired after holding Trevor for more than 15 minutes.  This means two things 1) I am weak and 2) Trevor is growing!  Another way we know that Trevor is growing is seeing him struggle and fuss with incoming teeth.  Growing pains are real, and they are uncomfortable but necessary and even good. 

Growing pains occur in spiritual growth as well.  There are stages in our Christian life in which we are challenged, frustrated, and exposed to pressure that produce growth if only we yield to God's sovereignty in humility (two things I have yet to master).  Recently, Kirsten and I have seen a season of testing and frustration in various areas of ministry.  My first response is to throw a pity party and try to drum up support for my own cause while vanquishing all foes (actual and imagined).   Instead we are pressing more deeply into Jesus and finding in Him our source of identity and joy.  In pursuing humility, we are realizing that there are lessons we must learn if we are to grow.  There are lessons from our mistakes, lessons from criticism, lessons from difficulty - all of these are fertile ground for growth. 

The message of the Gospel helps us here, especially.  Consider a famous passage from Paul: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.  For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.  And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (Romans 8:28-30)  In other words, for the believer, all tests are to help conform the individual to be and look more like Jesus!  This means we can welcome the growing pains for they are not meant for condemnation (Romans 8:1) but for character building. 

Here are some other passages that speak to this encouraging, although difficult, point:
More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5

Count if all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.  James 1:2-4

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith - more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire - may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  1 Peter 1:6-7

Here is the bad news: we are experiencing growing pains.  The good news: we are being conformed to the image of Jesus our Savior!  This is cause for rejoicing, pressing on, and having an ear and a mind open for each new lesson. 

Trevor does not know why his mouth hurts.  But I will tell you this, the first time he eats pizza, the pain will be worth it!  We do not always understand our struggles, our situation, or even the reason - but for the child of God one thing is certain - when we see Jesus... it will be worth it! 

What are you reading?

Last April I had the treat of attending the national conference of The Gospel Coalition in Chicago.  The conference was especially sweet because, aside from world-class teaching from some of the most skilled Bible teachers, I was able to share it with very close friends (and stay with my brother-in-law who lives in the Windy City) who were also attending.  I have since re-listened to many of the messages delivered at the conference (and so should you) and have been tremendously blessed and encouraged.  However, one of the best and most lasting treats of the conference was a little book, and a free one to boot!  The book is One to One Bible Reading: A simple guide for every Christian by David Helm.  In it, Helm puts forward a crazy, yet simple idea - Christians reading the Bible together!  

While we were in the States this summer I finally got around to reading this little book.  I was blown away because of all the things we do in Christian circles - we rarely simply read the Bible out loud with one another!  Shamefully, many of the married folk do not even do this - I am regrettably speaking from first-hand experience - let alone within the context of the church community.  However, this is where life begins and grows - as God's Word pierces, guides, convicts, and instructs us!  That said, after reading One to One Bible Reading I knew that in the context of our ministry this could be enormously beneficial.

Currently I am doing this with four guys three different times and will be adding more soon.  The book gives some tips for books to choose and different ways to discuss, which vary depending on yours and the other person's reading level and Bible literacy.  One of the really great things about this concept (I feel funny calling it a concept because it is simply reading and talking about what you read) is that it is for everyone!  You can read the Bible with a faithful brother in the faith, a new Christian, or someone who is really curious about what the Bible has to say for itself.  It does not require hours of prep like a formal Bible study, and it all happens in a relaxed atmosphere.  So far, we are reading through the Gospel of Mark and Colossians, and to be honest, it is fun, fresh, and tremendously helpful for all of us!  Throughout the reading we are really trying to figure out what God is saying and what that means in our lives, which can be challenging, but the pay-off is immense. 

Please pray for my times with these guys that it will continue to bear fruit and that they would come to a saving faith in Christ as not all of them are saved.  I highly recommend getting this little book (you can read it in less than an hour).  In it are tremendous outlines and questions to consider as well as some great tips to get started.  Lastly, consider doing this yourself with your spouse, friend, or even a co-worker - Christian or not.

"so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty,

but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)

Not safe, but good!

On Friday night while sitting at the dinner table, I had the joy of holding our little bundle while Mommy finished her mac & cheese.  Wanting to be a good dad, I sang to my son.  He laughed, not giggled, but laughed out loud.  Now if you have heard me sing, you would understand the humor in the the previous sentence.  This anecdote could demonstrate our child's advanced musical ability and discernment, which brings me great joy (and a possible opportunity to live vicariously through his skills - but I digress).  The actual point is that this was the second time that he laughed in this way.  The first time I was not around, but this time I had a front row seat.  The sound of his little belly laugh was too much.  Kirsten, myself, and our friend Splendid were in tears laughing at Trevor laughing!  Needless to say - my heart nearly burst with the joy of simple and good things from God. 

James reminds us that "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."  Not only in Trevor's laugh do we see the goodness of God, but in so many areas that it would be far too long to share.  What is even more incredible about the goodness of God is that we can trust Him to be good, even when the situation in which we find ourselves seems to betray this very attribute.  Biblically speaking you can think of the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis, the life of Job, and even through the life, ministry, and death of Jesus Christ!  In each of these cases God worked the good for his own (Romans 8:28).

As we continue to press on through the different ministries, it would be lying to say that all is happening in rosey fields with puppies all around.  There are difficulties and struggles, but we trust that God is good and is working.  One last story to give you a better view...  Yesterday I led a service with two people present.  Imagine your church with only two people - you would, like me, feel broken-hearted because the community around is missing the One who can bring true joy; you may even feel a bit frustrated and ask the question, "is this even worth it?"  In that service I taught on 1 John 4:13-21 (read it for yourself).  In the passage it speaks to the confidence the Christian can have because of the work of Christ and indwelling Holy Spirit on the day of God's judgment.  It so happened that one of the two in attendance stated that this was her great fear in life.  I don't know if she was instantly made to be at peace, but she was reminded of the One in whom she has trusted - the one and only True, Good God!

Two points to take home.  One, how well do you delight in the little moments?  Do you see even those as good gifts from God?  Two, if you have placed your faith in our Good God you can trust Him even when, due to the scene around you and your circumstances, you doubt his goodness!  If you have not trusted Him, would you at least consider this Good God today?

On the move

The past week and a half we have been on the move! We have made several trips to Kingston and are finding our stride with our weekly duties. This week is especially busy as we host dear friends from Massachusetts (although some of from other places). The team has had long days beginning at 6:30am and going strong to 10ish at night! When teams are here we try to do as much as we can with them. This team is no different, and we have run with them especially in the mornings (although not the early, sunrise ones) and joined them in ministering with evangelistic outreaches in two locations.

In the meanwhile, Kirsten, Trevor, and I made one of our trips to Kingston to finalize our work visas with the Ministry of Immigration. We are happy to report that we are legal and on the home stretch with only receiving our official Work Permit cards, which is just picking them up! We thank the Lord for providing for our permits without the enormous fee and ease with getting through the bureaucratic system.

While in Kingston, we also took Trevor to the doctor for his 4 month check-up! (People told us time would fly and, boy, are they right!) The little man is healthy, happy, and growing. In addition to the check up he also got another round of immunizations, which he took like a champ. I am pretty sure he has his mother's pain tolerance - because he did not even cry with the first shot, but instead gave a puzzled, curious look to the doctor as if to say - "Was that really necessary?"

In regards to posting pictures and such... We apologize for the delay with showing more pictures of Trevor and our time back, but we are having some computer issues. Well, one issue really - my computer is dead, at least for now. This has thrown a kink into our plans to show more photos and video, but we hope to have them up soon for you.

Until next time...

I don't even like Walmart!

The news came yesterday morning when I tried to redeem reward points earned on an expiring credit card. Instead of seeing the sweet $$$ of money back, I saw an outstanding balance of upwards of $1700, all on things I did NOT purchase. For those who are bad at figuring out the Law and Order plots until all is revealed - someone stole my credit card and used to it "treat themselves" at Walmart and some other places, but all seems to be calm now after speaking with the creditors and explaining the situation.

Also while were gone, we acquired a friend. Not really a friend, but an uninvited guest - a mouse. Mice are cute in children's books and in movies but not when they eat your food and leave little black pebbles in various places. A breakthrough moment came when I went into the kitchen to get a drink and, sure enough, saw him - the manifestation of all that is bacteria-ridden and mousey running on our counter-top (...yup, that is what I thought too)! What is more is that he ingratiated himself to our coffee maker for his abode (...yup, that is what I thought too)! It may help you to sleep at night, as it does us, that not one but two mice were successfully captured and met their demise due to my strategic placement of glue traps. TAKE THAT MICE!

Other than conversing with creditors and chasing little furry critters, we have had a great week and a half. Kirsten has resumed her Monday Bible study, and I have resumed many of my duties teaching - Sunday morning and night, Monday, Tuesday and Friday. This week I am hoping to catch up with some people in a more relaxed and intentional way than time has allowed us to date. Trevor is growing, beginning to teethe, and is ready to MOVE! I have a funny feeling that it will not be long before we are chasing him all over Buff Bay.

Isn't it incredible how easy we can be thrown off by life's issues and miss all the good that is going on? The apostle Paul got this and warned against missing Christ and God in the midst of frustration and setbacks - "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, REJOICE.... The Lord is at hand...for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content... I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil 4:4, 5, 11-13).

Dazed but not confused

The past two weeks have been an absolute blur. If you have ever moved away for an extended period of time, you know what being in the blur feels like. It is not just the rush of getting all the last minute items together while saying final "goodbyes," there is also the rush of trying to get situated once you arrive. Since we have returned, I have preached three times, gone on a 15hr youth fellowship conference, had my computer crash, and much more. Days had been running together, but now that we have been back in Buff Bay for a week, things are beginning to slow down, and life is returning to a more normal pace.

Our flight down was easy with no serious delays, and Trevor handled traveling like a champ (he may possibly be a future Amazing Race contestant). (See below for video of Trevor's first take-off - he was much more concerned for the bottle.) The day was long, but it was nice to sleep in our house in Buff Bay again, especially because it was so nice and clean thanks to several dear women of the church who wanted to bless us and clean up before our arrival! The weekend was full of unpacking and reconnecting with our church family. On Monday, the Youth Fellowship had their annual Youth Conference, which was a great day in which God's word was preached and the young people reconnected with camp friends from other churches. The rest of the week has been spent trying to reorient ourselves and prepare for getting back to work.

Trevor certainly adds a new wrinkle to our schedule. He has adjusted fairly well to all the new places, smells, and sights. The rooster next door gave him an unexpected wake-up the other morning, which seemed to startle him at 6am (another reasons why we hate that rooster). Everyone is smitten with the little guy and, to be honest, how couldn't they be - the kid is a cutie! Continue to pray for Trevor as he adjusts to life in Buff Bay and also that we will be wise in planning and scheduling our days.

Despite the hustle and bustle of the days so far, one thing has stuck out in our minds - we feel like we belong here. No doubt we love being in the States, and we had a fantastic time in NJ with family and friends, but regardless of the challenges, Buff Bay is home right now, and it feels like it. It is good to be back; we are ready to get back to work!

Apples to Apples

The world is about to change. Well, maybe. As I write this, the geeky, cult-like following devoted to everything Apple is awaiting the news of what is expected to be the release of the iPhone 5. If this does not sound like news to you, let me be the first to assure you that it is. Seriously, it really is... I think. Either way, people are on the edge of their seats, the stock market is bracing for a bump, and small figurines of Steve Jobs are being raised in celebration and worship (think golden calf from the book of Exodus). As in all of these cases, anticipation is extremely high, particularly for those who have been holding out on buying a new phone for quite some time. What will be new (or old)? How will they make something unbelievably awesome even more awesome-er?!? I don't know. But I do know that Kirsten and I share this feeling of anticipation, but not for the new iPhone. The reality is that we are excited about and a bit anxious for getting back to Buff Bay!

We leave in less than two weeks, so life is now full of packing and good-byes, while trying to savor the last couple of days in the States. There is an excitement and burning desire to get back to work and to people we dearly love in and around Buff Bay. There is also a sadness to leave people we love and care about in the States. Throughout our extended stay we have been incredibly blessed by the kindness, hospitality, and love so many have shown us, not least of which our supporters (both churches and families/friends)! Kirsten and I have always boasted in how well God has supplied our financial and spiritual support by the means of His people! Even with this foundation of support and excitement, there is still a feeling of anxiousness as we gear-up for travel. How will the ministry be different (what will remain the same)? How do we reengage? How can we guard against past mistakes, short-comings? What does this phase of the ministry look like going forward?

Neither the stock market nor a world-wide audience will ever know how these questions will be answered, unlike the unveiling of the iPhone. However, in terms of eternity, only what is done for Christ will last. This is not an attempt to overstate our roles and responsibilities, but simply a restatement of a biblical truth (1 John 2:17, 1 Peter 1:24-25). We are ready, but anxious for what the future holds, and we trust that every detail is sovereignly controlled by God, who is able to turn anxiety into excitement and joy!

Wi be Jammin'

To say it has been a while is certainly an understatement, and we apologize to those who check the blog on a regular basis and were disappointed with no new news. That said, here is the skinny.

The past few months have been good and, as you can imagine, unique. Life as parents is tiring and consuming yet beautiful and fulfilling. We have tried to see friends and family and visit churches (which was a tremendous blessing and will tell you more about our visits in a future post) all while rolling with earthquakes, hunkering down in hurricanes, and keeping from getting a wicked chill! Additionally, we were able to break away for a week in central PA for our first "family vacation!" Although it was soggy and cool, it was a great time to share together, for Trevor to ride his first 4-wheeler, and really decompress from a whirlwind of events. Kirsten even found a way to surprise me for my birthday with tickets to see a living legend!

We also were able to attend a great Bible conference hosted by our home church in Ocean City. One of the wonderful things about the conference is that many of you were there; connecting with you and others is more than half the fun! In addition to spending quality time with people we knew was the opportunity to hear great preaching and enjoy worshiping God with such faithful brothers and sisters! (If you are interested in hearing some of the teaching you can check it out here for free!)

So, here is the news you really want to here... Trevor is doing great and received a clean bill of health from the doctor. It took us a while to get in to see the doctor, but we were thankful that Trevor is a healthy little boy (who is starting to coo and smiles constantly) and ready for travel to Jamaica! That being the case, we are awaiting his passport and have booked tickets (for October 14th), and are beginning to pack for the "land we love."

In the last couple of weeks, we are still going to try to visit with some more people before we head back and still get ready to hit the ground running. Soon the sounds of reggae beats will beat in our heads and the heat of the beautiful Caribbean sun will warm our hearts. Then we will know wi be jammin'!

PS - We are officially back in business and will be updating regularly. So see you soon!

Three Bits of Good News

Our little man Trevor is doing great! He was slow to gain weight, but he is now packing on the ounces, moving quickly from milk to filet mignon (well, not filet - yet). Kirsten is also doing really well although understandably tired. Trevor, for the most part, has been really kind to us at night. It is incredible the way God has used him to bring greater joy in our lives by simply enjoying our little guy. Thank you all so much for your cards, emails, prayers, gifts, etc. You, too, have been a fantastic blessing in our lives.

Secondly, we have great news to report from Buff Bay. Just last week I was talking to Pastor Allen who told us that our work permits and waivers had been approved! Again, we are thankful for God's provision and praise Him for showing us in a practical way that He has ordained this work for us and has prepared the way (Ephesians 2:10). Although we will need to reapply soon for next year's waiver, the fact that we received this waiver without having to appeal to local politicians is great news and is promising for next time.

Lastly, I am wrapping up the last week of my second semester of classes. Just as in last semester, the work has been really good. I was challenged and pushed to think more biblically while strengthening my skills for practical day-to-day work in ministry. Overall, I have performed well and am looking forward to more classes. Please pray for me as I continue this fall with another class - that it will not be merely academic but practical and profitable.

For your viewing and "awing" pleasure - more pictures of Trevor!