PRAISE: Great direct flight from San Juan to Toronto, March 30. Settled into my apartment at my cousin Ron and Marg Martin. For family who care. Brian had a great time in Colombia seeing Emmaus work in other areas. The Lord helped me through many details in this last month to be able to get to Canada - including getting my taxes done, instructions written for the house, office and my apartment. A missionary couple working with Word of Life has moved into my apartment. They arrived two days before my flight. They will make our assembly their home church, but work with the youth on the island. Such a wonderful answer to prayer. PRAY: Brian needs prayer as he works in the Emmaus office for 4 months also desires to visit other assemblies to encourage them. Pray for health for Yolanda who would like to help but is suffering from severe tendenitis. Sonia will continue to correct the exams. Remember the new missionaries, Ramon and Lavina Ibanez and a 2 year old boy. She is expecting another boy in June. Pray for a vehicle for them, for medical needs before the due date. Pray for me as I set up some appointments here, especially finding a doctor to continue my eye injections.
Raul & Jessenia - April 2019
PRAISE: For a great 4 weeks of camp! Saw children and youth accept Christ for the first time and a number rededicate their lives. One of the councellors took his role very seriously and has continued meeting with his cabin boys each week since camp! These are mostly boys who attended Hope of Bastion school and it is so encouraging to see them readily following a good role model. The group from Halifax that came for one week of camp was a real blessing and many tears were shed on both sides when it was time to say goodbye. PRAY: For the youth and children whose hearts were touched by the Lord at camp. That we would be able to follow up well and help them in getting to know their Savior better. A number of these youth are in the baptism course- please pray for them as they take this next step of obedience. For Raul and I as we prepare for school to begin again and as well as regular youth events. We are in charge of the youth group this year and are looking forward to the challenges it will present, but we need lots of wisdom.
Jenn Brubacher - April 2019
PRAISE: This month my coworker, Ainsley, and I have been working hard to create a new program for the youth who attend our drop-in program. Supper Club will be a time to cook and eat together and have conversations about who God is and why life with Him is so much better. Our first Supper Club is on April 2. The Florida trip during March Break was a success! Our staff had really good conversations with students and there were no major injuries. The Campus Life student leaders team is growing - I am thrilled to pour into these students as they encourage and impact their school community. March was a slower month and I am very thankful for the time I had to rest and enjoy family and friends. PRAY: We had our first South Africa team training day this month. We have a great team! Please pray for the students as they raise funds to go on the trip and that God would prepare their hearts to see and experience difficult things. We continue to walk alongside many students experiencing severe challenges in their life. Pray for our team as we listen, ask questions and find the resources these students need. God, keep moving, keep stirring, keep healing, keep restoring!
Phil & Andrea - April 2019
PRAISE: There is a Personnel Coordinator arriving Apr 26 to take over from Andrea! For the safe arrival of baby Mercy to our colleagues Fela & Puii. For safe travel for Phil during his time in Asia. That Phil had good connections with churches in North East India as well as with SIM leaders in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. That we both had the opportunity to participate in Module 1 of the Integrated Mission Leaders course. PRAY: For Andrea as she prepares to hand over responsibilities to the new Ghana Personnel Coordinator. That Cara will have a good time this week on a trip with her class, and for safety in travel and at the beach. That we will have a good time with Cara who is home Apr 9-22. For Andrea as she participates in her final Ghana leadership meetings next week. Safe travels and good connections as we go to Greece to attend the spiritual life conference for the Middle East and North Africa teams. Wisdom for Phil as he continues to work with leaders to further define their strategic ministry focus. That we will make progress in clearing out our house in preparation for our June departure.
Jenn Brubacher - March 2019
PRAISE: This month I had the opportunity to speak at Listowel Community Church. It was encouraging meeting other members of the community who walk alongside Youth For Christ in so many ways. Our new intern, Melissa, has almost all of her support in! We are thankful for her and what she brings to our team This past weekend, we took youth and volunteers to the Today’s Teen conference-- it was a great time of learning and worship. In July, we are taking a group of 8 grade 12 and fifth year students to South Africa. We are encouraged as we have our team confirmed and details continue to come together. PRAYER: This March Break, members from our team are taking a group of youth to Florida. For many of the students, this is their first time leaving the country. Pray for safety, healing and transformation as the youth hear the good news of Jesus Christ! At the youth centre, there are several youth who are experiencing severe challenges in their life. As some face court dates, addiction and mental health issues, pray for them and our team as we lead, guide and direct them towards Christ.