Jesus Is Born: A Coopevega Christmas
When the long-awaited time came to open the presents, I couldn’t help but smile at the loud, enthusiastic sounds of ripping wrapping paper and happy exclamations that filled our packed gazebo. I knew for some of those kids this would be the only Christmas present they received this year—or possibly any year.
Awake Us from Our Slumber, O Lord!
Waking from our slumber and running down the long hallway to the front door was a bit scary. As I was trying to open the door, Gabriel yelled out, “God will save us.” Trying to dodge the fragments of adobe, plaster, and rocks falling from the walls and roofs above us was a sight to see.
His Fidelity and Our Desires
Growing up, I never imagined being a foreign missionary and serving in this way—but now I can’t imagine doing anything else!
Modern-Day Leprosy
When I arrived I found Ivan laying on the floor of his front room, naked and trembling. His teeth and all around his mouth were covered in dried blood. He was unable to formulate a sentence and rambled emotionally.
Introducing Intake 2021 // Part 2
We are pleased to introduce you to the missionaries of Intake 2021. They are currently in training at our home base in Louisiana and will be sent to serve in various parts of Latin America in January 2022. We’ve asked them to share some things about themselves so that you can get to know them a little. Please keep these new missionaries in your prayers.
Introducing Intake 2021 // Part 1
We are pleased to introduce you to the missionaries of Intake 2021. They are currently in training at our home base in Louisiana and will be sent to serve in various parts of Latin America in January 2022. We’ve asked them to share some things about themselves so that you can get to know them a little. Please keep these new missionaries in your prayers.
Answering the Call: All He Needs Is Our YES
At times I have questioned the Lord, “Why me? Why did you choose me to be your missionary to the ends of the earth?” I still don’t feel qualified. I still struggle and prefer comforts to sacrificing. I still don’t like getting up in front of people and giving talks, and I can’t lead music.Â
Answering the Call: Surrender to God’s Will
I heard the Lord’s gentle, persistent voice asking me to just let it go and give it back to Him. His ways are not our ways! I am so thankful that the Lord loves me enough to challenge me to remember where my worth and identity are really to be found—in His will!Â
The Suffering and Solidarity of Gospel Poverty
I ran into a very poor family of seven we had befriended. After catching up and learning that the husband was still struggling to find work, I asked how they were doing with having enough food. Sadly they didn’t even know how they were going to get dinner that evening.Â
From Mom to Missionary
I felt like I was in a dream. I had to go to the store at that exact time in order to run into this group of people at that exact moment! And what are the odds that they were hosting a moms’ retreat, and that both my older kids adamantly did not want to go to the store that day? My oldest joked that his laziness was obviously God’s will that day… ha! I knew I had to go.
Loaves and Fishes
We often hear from folks that their work is very difficult and they don’t have time to go to the church and learn more. If we visit them every few weeks with a new card and scripture, we can bring the learning to them, ensuring that they hear the gospel proclaimed. Who knows what the Lord may do with those few loaves being offered?
Ten Films for Inculturation as Missionaries in the World
Many of these films are not mainstream or stereotypical Christian films—and this is intentional. Some are overtly religious while others are secular but have significant redeeming moral or theological value.
Jesus Saves, Bro
What greater love for our neighbor than to share with them the Good News? Are we concerned for those who have not heard it? How bold are we in this mission? I ask myself this question often. We meet some people who have heard the name of Jesus and think of Him as just another god.
Being a Kid in Missions
There was this poor man, and he seemed sad and lonely. He saw me and lit up, and he started asking me questions. Then he asked me if I would buy a treat for him, and (awkward situation right here) I was about to say no when all of the sudden the Holy Spirit moved me to buy him a treat.
When Heaven Touches Earth
Holy Matrimony is a sacred, solemn, divine encounter that unfolds when heaven comes down to touch earth. The good news is, it’s not a one time only deal. God’s grace is abundant and available 24/7.
Serving Those Who Served Us
What we have observed is that many of [the veterans] do not speak Spanish and can feel very isolated here. We have seen some of them fall into drugs and alcohol abuse among other things, and we have felt called to minister to them in their needs.
Amigos in the Holy Spirit
It is not only in Baños—or any foreign city—that God calls people to holy encounters. There are amigos in the Holy Spirit awaiting us wherever we are. As we approach the great celebration of Pentecost, let us ask the Holy Spirit if there is someone one our path He might be calling us to befriend this week. Who might be needing a word of encouragement and prayers, or just someone to remind them that they are seen?
The Comforter
My nineteen-year-old son called me from his mission in Peru a couple of weeks ago. He was sick in bed and groaning occasionally with discomfort as he talked cheerfully about his work. I couldn’t reach him through the mail, couldn’t reasonably fly to see him. I wanted to teleport there and cook him soup, bring him to the doctor, hold him and pray over him. I wanted so badly to comfort him.
