Intake 2018: A Missionary Family
When I joined FMC as an intern I definitely felt that I was joining a family, and Intake has been no different. We are one BIG, crazy, chaotic, loving, Christ-centered, mission-oriented family, and I love it. I truly feel like I have gained many brother and sisters, mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles, by being a part of FMC.
A Rediscovery: “The Love You Had At First”
The life of a missionary is often humiliating. There I said it. I wanted to say it was a humble life but really it’s more like humiliation.
I Can’t But Jesus Can
When we first met Señor David, he was refusing food and drank a sip of water once a day. He was wearing only his underwear and was so skinny that I could count nearly every bone. He was groaning in pain and anxiously asking if Jesus would come get him. According to the family, he lived a sinful life, and now at his dying hour, was wondering if God could possibly forgive and receive him.
Thanks for Our New Office!
We recently moved into our new office and chapel! We’re excited to share a few things with you to thank you for your support, especially those who gave to the capital campaign!
Help Genie Summers
Genie Summers, co-founder of Family Missions Company, was recently in a serious car accident which fractured her wrist and three ribs, and caused an abdominal wall hemorrhage in addition to other minor injuries. She is facing orthopedic surgery and extended time in a rehab hospital.
Silver And Gold Have I None
I must confess: at times I can feel so inadequate to serve God’s people here. I feel like Moses when, “From out of the burning bush, God called him to speak for him before Pharaoh. And Moses answered, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord I have never been eloquent. I am slow of speech and tongue. Please send someone else.’”
A Crown of Weeds
Introducing Intake 2018
“I Have Nothing To Live For”
I knew he was just trying to manipulate us again. I had to protect my heart. I couldn’t possibly endure that pain and hurt again. My husband thought he deserved a second chance. I didn’t.
Juanes Antiego
We first heard about Juanes Antiego through a friend who came by the house asking for food for a man whose “foot was bad.” Grabbing the last of the rice we had and my Combat Medical Kit, I hopped on my moto and drove the long ride to his house.
A Pair of Shoes
Lex is one of the boys that befriended us over seven months ago, the first week we were here. He loves to play with Gabriel and he looks up to Julianna as a big sister. We seldom see Lex with shoes on. He is always walking around barefoot, except when he goes to school. Here in Shimbillo, the students are under a strict dress code. They are to wear a school uniform which includes a tie and dress shoes.
Summer School in Ecuador
On July 6, 2018, we received a call from the FMC missions coordinator informing us that the Summer School of Missionary Evangelism, which was to be held from July 12 to August 6 in Haiti, needed to be moved to a new location (if not canceled altogether) because of violent riots prevalent in that country. She asked if we would be willing to host the group.
Daniel & the God of Second Chances
Not long after we moved into Coopevega, I encountered the local pack of drunk men who were always wandering the streets. Daniel seemed to be the ring leader.
Blessings Abound
Last week, Jason and Jonathan went up to visit one of the farthest communities from us in Chonta Punta: Mango Playa, which means Mango Beach. They went up early in the morning with Fr. Freddy and two seminarians. It was a 15 min drive from Chonta Punta, then a 10 minute ride in a motor canoe. After that a 6 kilometer march through the jungle, up mountain sides and in the mud. They arrived bringing catechesis and songs to the community before Mass, while Father Fredy confessed people. After Mass the community blessed the five of them with – a monkey and blood stew!
A New Home
It is a gift to be able to serve together and watch our girls growing into very sweet and generous little girls who are learning to love Jesus and each other.
Scars on Daniela
Her mother was shot and killed in front of her when she was only six years old. Her father tried his best to raise her… …I will never forget the look on her face as she lifted up her sleeve to show me her pain that she has been dealing with in silence. Daniela began to pour her heart out and started explaining how she is just wanting to be loved and each time she tries she just gets hurt even more. She asked me how I was able to overcome the silence of cutting. She was so eager to know how Christ was able to love me more than any human on this earth could ever.
I Choose Not to Google Lymphoma
The answer is Jesus. Jesus knew this would happen and we trust in his providence. I won’t waste the precious time I have worrying. Instead, I choose to place all my hope on Jesus. I choose not to Google lymphoma. I choose to live for today. Who knows what tomorrow holds for anyone? But we have today. It is a present.
A Change of Heart in Haiti
Best of all, we made memories together and heard the voice of God calling us to leave our riches and to comfort and serve his poor.
