Women’s Conference & Medical Team May 2, 2009
Posted by LaWanda in Haiti, Medical Team, Travel, Women's Ministries International.add a comment
Greetings all!
Just wanted to let you know that the Lord is helping us in Haiti! Yesterday was a grand day at the Women’s Conference attended by about 400 Haitian women and some of the pastors, other men and children. Madam Gabriel, the National WMI President is an elegant, refined, gracious, spiritual lady who I’d like to spend more time with. She speaks very fast Creole and very fast English and wore a beautiful 2 piece white, brocade suite. She addressed the ladies using Proverbs 31 to teach them what kind of a person a godly woman should be. Various women sang and led the women in joyfully singing and times of prayer; they had a great time throughout the day, worshiping, fellowshiping and eating together. The women wore white tops and black skirts, many wore head coverings; they were beautiful as they marched in with their church group, singing as they carried their National WMI (Women’s Ministry International) Haiti, custom-made banner.
They draped several flags across the front including a USA flag, an African flag and a Haitian flag. They thanked me for coming and warmly welcomed me; Madam Gabriel invited me to the front of the auditorium, held my hand for pictures, pinned a corsage on me, hugged me and whispered a blessing in my ear. I just loved her right away.
Madam Gabriel had chosen a sweet lady to be my interpreter but she was so nervous she got sick. I was sorry she got sick but thankful that she was not going to be in the uncomfortable position of trying to translate…she could not understand my English…and I could not understand her Creole-English. So the mission director, Jeanne Munos, asked her college translator, Pastor Mark, to translate for me and he did a fabulous job. God helped me ‘connect’ with the women and they were very responsive, I had a wonderful time inter-acting with them and they seemed to enjoy it as well. One of the pastors who was there said the women were very receptive and it was a much needed message for them. Madam Gabriel and 3 of her leaders came to Jeanne’s home and visited with us a bit, after the conference. I took some pictures and will try to get them emailed.
Today we drove down the streets in Port au Prince which was teaming with people selling all sorts of things on the sidewalks, trying to make a living. The people are so VERY, VERY poor, there are many beggars in the streets, begging for food or money. UN soldiers armed with machine guns are plentiful, standing on the street corners. The Munos’ said that Haiti would be in riots if the soldiers were not there. We had planned to go up the mountain to see the beautiful fields and sights there but the vehicle got hot and the clutch began slipping so we had to turn around; we coasted down the hill almost all the way back to the FOHO (Friends of Haiti Organization) house. They desperately need a mechanic to spend some time here and work on their vehicles…or get at least one new one.
The medical team went to Dessillines Thurs and returned Fri evening and totally understood why Dr. Dan is so overwhelmed; the hospital needs about $200,000 worth of renovating then there’s the issue of personnel and salaries. We’re praying that God will give him wisdom to know what God wants in this area then supply the people and funds to go forward. The area needs the hospital desperately. The med team, Dr. Dan and Jack Munos drove 4 hours over deep wash-board roads to get there and were so glad that I did not try to go; Cheri said it was absolutely THE roughest roads they had EVER been on, ANYWHERE, including Nicaragua, and the roads up the mountains were TERRIBLE there (I went.) They saw some patients who were in pretty desperate conditions. Dr Enrique has also seen patients who have come to the FOHO guest house.
Sunday will be a full day for us beginning very early with Rex preaching in one of the churches, then a communion service in the afternoon at another church.
The Munos’ are wonderful missionaries, doing an incredible job that they love; they want to live here until they go to heaven.
We’re believing God for protection in every area and for fruitful ministry while here. We’re actually getting some rest, going to bed decently early and getting up early. We played a card game in their open air patio on the 2nd floor after dinner last night. Enrique was the winner, I was 2nd and poor Rex brought up the caboose. He announced to us at lunch today that before we left Haiti he was going to win at 3/13 
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I love you and am praying for you,
LaWanda
Financial gifts are tax deductible, should be made payable to WMI, marked ‘WMI Mission Trips’ and mailed to:
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL
P O Box 535002
Indianapolis IN 46253-5002
Praising the Lord! April 30, 2009
Posted by LaWanda in God's Mercy, Haiti, Medical Team, Travel, Women's Ministries International.1 comment so far
Thank you and the team for praying, God is answering prayer!
Our flight was uneventful and on time, landing a bit early in Port Au Prince, Haiti. We went through Immigration like a breeze, all 8 checked bags including 5 of medicines and supplies came through quickly (an amazement to the missionaries as they had warned us it would take a LONG time) then we sailed through Customs without a hitch, they didn’t even open one bag. It was a God moment because Jeanne told us that they confiscate meds if they see them.
Jeanne and Jack picked us up and took us to the FOHO Guest House (Friends Of Haiti Organization) and fed us a good dinner. We each have a room with 2 small ceiling fans and bathroom to ourselves. This morning after breakfast Enrique, Cheri and Joyce loaded up 1/2 the meds and headed to the Children’s Orphanage and hospital in Dessallines where they will have a clinic today and tomorrow then return Fri. evening. Dr. Dan Snyder and Jack Munos are with them as they drive 4 hours into the mountains over the VERY rough roads. We are praising the Lord for opening this door of ministry.
Tomorrow I speak at least once and perhaps twice to the WMI Haiti delegation of at least 500. Sunday we will worship with the congregation of 1,600 here whose services last 3-4 hours.
Monday and Tuesday the medical team will set up clinics at Church’s; again we are so thankful for this opportunity for them. Last night the Dr saw a judge and a pregnant lady near here, both with difficult situations, so they put him to work right away.
Jeanne is taking us to visit the International Child Care school next door. The children began arriving before 7:00 a.m. this morning, laughing, playing, clean, healthy and happy because of the support sent for them. I’m getting information on how many schools and how many children here are sponsored…it’s incredible. The school here is next door to the FOHO Guest House where the Mission is headquartered; we look out of our 3rd floor room window, see them and hear their happy sounds.
Thank you for your prayers, thank you for ‘coming with us’ and being part of the team. We are covered with God’s tender care, held in His Hands, close to His heart. The people here are kind and full of love for each other and their Redeemer. The missionaries are doing a terrific job.
What a wonderful privilege is ours to be here, bringing encouragement, inspiration, challenge, assistance and medical care.
Love, prayer and appreciation,
LaWanda
Financial gifts are tax deductible, should be made payable to WMI, marked ‘WMI Mission Trips’ and mailed to:
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL
P O Box 535002
Indianapolis IN 46253-5002
Start 2009 With A BANG! January 10, 2009
Posted by LaWanda in 2009.add a comment
Rex & LaWanda, Ford Museum, MI
How has your New Year begun? Would you like to do something significant this year? How about a SUPER SALAD BOWL SUNDAY, Feb. 1?
Here’s the idea in a nutshell: Creatively raise funds to help the majority of the people of Haiti, still suffering with no water or food after four brutal hurricanes ravaged their country. How about uniting to do something significant in raising funds for these hurting, starving people?!
February 1 is Super Bowl Sunday when people all over the United States will get together and watch the NFL Championship. Why not utilize the time to do something for the less fortunate, like those who have no water to drink or food to eat in Haiti? How about a church or group ‘potluck’ lunch Sunday afternoon and call it, SUPER SALAD BOWL SUNDAY! Everyone brings a salad, a volunteer contacts restaurants in your area for donating large salads for the event; the group or church provides paper plates, etc., water, tea, coffee.
Promote the idea and encourage people to attend and give the money they would have paid if they had eaten in a restaurant that day. Or give up sodas or coffee for these next three weeks and give that money at the Sunday Super Salad Bowl. Sunday School classes, bible study groups, friends, neighbors and individuals can join forces to see how creative they can be in raising funds above their other charitable contributions. Create your own promotional pieces. Whatever you do, please get involved.
Place a basket on the food table with a sign, ‘donations for Haiti’s Hungry.’ ALL MONEY THAT COMES IN GOES STRAIGHT TO THE HUNGRY OF HAITI if given as directed below. NO ADMINISTRATIVE FEES WILL BE RETAINED; EVERY PENNY GOES TO FEED THE HUNGRY.
Our goal for the east coast is $12,000 but one group has already raised $3,000 so our goal is obviously way too small! How about contacting your friends, neighbors, pastor and others you know and encourage them to participate in this fruitful time for Haiti’s hungry? Could we in the U.S. raise $100,000 and make a significant impact for those God cares for? YES, WE CAN!
Please join Women’s Ministries International and together make a difference. we can see great things accomplished for God as we care for those who have no one else to provide for them.
Then PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. Ask God to bless our efforts to bless others and help the helpless. Surely God wants to empower you and me to fulfill His Plan and Purpose, spread the Gospel, bring others into His Kingdom and help the needy.
I hope you ‘catch’ the excitement for this great opportunity! I’d love to hear from you and see what you and your group will do.
Go for it, start 2009 WITH A BANG!
LaWanda
Checks can be made payable to Haiti Food Fund and mailed to Free Methodist World Missions, PO Box 535002, Indianapolis IN 46253-5002 OR donate on-line at www.dayspringradio.com; in the comment line, write, ‘Haiti Food Fund’. All contributions are tax deductible and no administrative fees will be deducted; all money will go to Haiti. Thank you for your involvement both financially and with your prayers.
Christmas Joy??? December 18, 2008
Posted by LaWanda in Christmas, Family.1 comment so far
Tuesday morning I was supposed to have flown from Florida to Portland to be with our daughter, her husband and our 5 and 7 year old grandsons for Christmas. I would get to be with our youngest son, his wife and our 2 and 3 1/2 year old grandsons this week, before Christmas. Rex was to fly out Christmas morning, then we were flying back home together New Year’s Eve. But plans have changed.
I didn’t realize that getting the cast off my ankle was just part of the healing, there’s ‘weeks’ left as the Dr put it. I wasn’t expecting that. So my left leg from the knee down, and foot, is without muscle from being immobile in a cast for 6 weeks. I have to re-build those muscles and ‘teach’ my leg and foot to walk. I was very discouraged as I left the Dr’s office and I’ve felt wretched ever since, with limited strength and blasted emotions.
Rex walked with me down the street a ways the last couple of days and I walk around the house, VERY CAREFULLY, using the crutches some but I try to keep my leg propped up when sitting down (don’t want any blood clots!) My ankle’s still very swollen and hurts a lot. My left calf looks so weird with only flab where there used to be muscle.
I’m pretty immobile, I mean, SLOW is the word as I walk and I have to THINK with each step so I won’t loose my balance, stumble or fall.
Besides that, it’s literally freezing cold with snow and ice in the NW with more of the same weather predicted for the next week or more. Some airports between here and there are closed or have delayed flights so we could easily get stranded in an airport far from either our kids or our home.
All things considered, Rex and I came to the painful conclusion that we shouldn’t risk the flight or take the trip, I’m just not up to it and I wouldn’t be focused or have my mind on being careful, as I must during this time. I’m bummed and had a big pity-party for myself last night and am still sad. I mean, for 40 years we’ve been with one, two or usually all three of our children for the Christmas festivities, we have treasured traditions.
But in my time with the Lord this morning, I was writing ‘my complaint’ to Him and how sad I was, even depressed, wanting just to go to bed and cover my head, when the thought came to me, ‘So this is how people feel who are lonely, sick, in pain, sad, have pressures, etc., etc., this time of year!’
I asked God to forgive me. Others in our church came to my mind; 41 year old Teresa whose father had a stroke and died yesterday, her children and family’s grief; Mollie’s confinement and disability; Louetta’s total dependence on others for even her bare necessities; military people in harm’s way and far, far from their families and home; people who’ve received a knock on their door and a messenger with news that their loved one is ‘missing or killed in action’; people in the hospital with crushed bodies, in commas; people confined behind bars. The list goes on and on.
So I’m determining to think positively and focus on what I have rather than what I’m missing; to discipline myself and my mind to do what I can and enjoy every moment of this wonderful life God has given me for 63 years and counting.
I know God has given us the key, His Son, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit living within us, working in us to bring us to fulfillment and completion in Him. I know that it takes fire to purify fine metals and that God uses the fires of this life for our good when we let Him. So I’m choosing His path, focusing on the reality of eternity and the prospects of living today seeing possibilities, difficulties and even pain through His eyes.
Only in Christ can I do this as my natural self whines, cries, complains and wants to go in a dark corner and hide. 
My hope is in Him; thank God that He is real, alive today and forever, working in my life and in the lives of all those who turn to Him. Today’s a GOOD day…because of Him!
With thanksgiving, love and prayers for you and for those who are suffering, especially during this time of year,
LaWanda
Rex’s Thanksgiving Thoughts December 2, 2008
Posted by LaWanda in Rex, Thanksgiving.1 comment so far
I wanted to share Rex’s Thanksgiving email to our church, with his permission, hope it’s a blessing to you too.
Thanksgiving is my favorite season of the year. It is such a wonderful time–so warm, so uncluttered, so family oriented. Joe Stowell says its the holiday commercialism forgot.
These past few days I have been thinking about what it is to truly have an attitude of gratitude. The attitude of gratitude gives you surviving power, which means you will not quit. Robert H. Schuller tells a story from his childhood in rural Iowa which has always intrigued me. He said, “I vividly remember the dust bowl years. When I was a child, in the thirties, the wind swept in from the Dakotas. It was dry, dusty, violent and fierce. The wind became our enemy because it would peel off the dry, rich, black soil and swirl it like drifting dunes in the gullies and canyons of our fields. I shall never forget one particularly difficult year. We walked around our farm with white towels over our faces to keep from suffocating in the choking dust.
The harvest season came. My father would normally harvest a hundred wagons full of corn, but that year he harvested not the usual one hundred loads, but a meager half wagon load. I can still see the old wagon standing in the yard–only half full. It was a total crop failure, one that has never been equaled.
I shall never forget how, seated at the dinner table with his callused hands holding ours, my father looked up and thanked God. He said, ‘I thank you, God that I have lost nothing. For I have regained the seed I planted in the springtime.’ He used half a wagonload for seed; he got half a wagonload back.
His attitude of gratitude was that he had lost nothing while other farmers were complaining that they had lost ninety loads or a hundred loads. They counted their losses by what they could have harvested.
I’ll always remember my father saying, ‘You can never count up the might-have-beens or you will be defeated.’ Never look at what you have lost; look at what you have left.”
Whatever losses you may think you have suffered, thank God for what you have left and then offer the sacrifice of praise. I urge all of you to do that this week. In all our meetings this week we have talked and sung about our UP GOD IN A DOWN WORLD.
This is a wonderful opportunity to look around you and find someone to whom you can show kindness. One of our small groups this week told me that they are going to adopt a family to help during the holiday season. Several times during the week we have had the privilege of loading grocery bags full for needy people. One woman in tears told me that she had lost her job. I was grateful that we could help her.
One of the ways that we can show thankfulness to God for what He has done for us is by showing compassion to others. GOD IS CALLING US TO COMPASSION. Compassion will flow easily when we have an attitude of gratitude.
Why not consider giving a Thanksgiving offering to the Lord. Whether you give out of your abundance or out of your need, God will give you a blessing. You will be richer when you help provide for someone else. Last week an individual who has really had rough times, gave an offering to God. She planted a “seed of faith” and God is already blessing her in a spiritual way and I know that God is going to supply her personal needs.
When I think of having an attitude of gratitude, I like what Principal Watt of New College, Edinburgh, Scotland, prayed–”Grant me one gift more–a grateful heart.”
For God’s graciousness, and your faithfulness, I am truly grateful, Rex
Forgiveness Needed – All Around The World October 7, 2008
Posted by LaWanda in Family, Forgiveness, God, God's Mercy.add a comment
I was hot as all get out; see how red my face was. I have on my beautiful Chico blue suit, a gift from my very generous, thoughtful daughter. I wear it often and always take it when traveling; it looks great and never wrinkles.
The Jordanian woman on my right was in mental and emotional pain. She had just poured out her heart, her unsaved husband had been and is currently blatantly unfaithful, and she had asked that I come talk to her and pray with her at the close of the women’s conference session that night. After hearing her story, through the interpreter, Frieda, I asked her, ‘Do you love your husband?’ ‘Oh Yes,’ she said. ‘Do you WANT to stay with him?’ ‘Oh YES,’ she emotionally replied.
What could I say? All that I could say, I said, ‘then stay.’ I prayed that God would give her all she needed to treat her husband like she wants to be treated, that the Father would give her His Forgiveness, His Peace, His joy, His protection and the love of her husband; that God would turn her husband’s heart to Himself. It was like a transformation came over her, her face actually looked different after we prayed, peaceful, even joyful in comparison to the beginning of our meeting when her entire aura and spirit was downcast, depressed and discouraged.
I told her about my mother and my step-dad’s unfaithfulness, how in the first few years of their marriage he had an affair with my mother’s brother’s beautiful wife, Barb, then had an affair with the neighbor down the street. My mother went to the neighbor’s and got him out of bed with the woman. There were other affairs. Finally, she decided she wouldn’t take it any longer; she packed a few things and walked to the front door. As she put out her hand, reaching for the door knob, her eyes fell on the framed picture of the Lord’s Prayer hanging on the wall. The words, ‘and forgive us our wrongs as we forgive those who have wronged us,’ seemed to stand out in bold print. The thought came to her, ‘will you forgive him as I’ve forgiven you?’ For a few minutes she just stood there, looking at and repeating those words, ‘forgive us our wrongs as we forgive those who have wronged us.’ Finally, she dropped her small suitcase and in her heart, she said ‘Yes. Yes, I will.’ She made a hard choice, the choice to stay, to forgive him and to love him.
Daddy got saved, surrendered his life to the Lord and daily sought to serve and please His Master. He and mother, both in heaven now, pastored more than one church together, were missionaries in Wyoming and the Dakotas to Native Americans, taught in Christian schools together, were foster parents to almost 100 Native American children, established a commercial business together and were married over 50 years.
Perhaps to my chagrin, years later when she told me this story, I told her, more than once, on different occasions, that she made the wrong choice, but she assured me she had not. I felt he should have treated her better, like the queen that she was, but mother knew how far he had come and from where he had come. She saw him through different eyes and those eyes were full of love and forgiveness.
I don’t know anything about that kind of love, that kind of forgiveness. All I know is that Jesus loved me when I was unlovable; He forgave me and gave me a new start in life when I was making life miserable for myself and others.
He’s ‘growing’ me everyday as I try to learn and develop into all that I can be, all that He wants me to be and helps me to be. I cannot change the past but I can choose to live today, respecting others, remembering and learning from the lessons of ‘yesterday.’
How I thank God for the wonderful memories I have treasured in my heart of my mother and for God’s mercy, forgiveness and grace. And I truly thank God for my step-dad; he was the best dad he could be. At times, I was very hard on him. I know He loved my mother and all his children. Bottom line on my part, I think I just wanted MY daddy, and I couldn’t have him. On my step-dad’s part, he was young with a new baby, a 3 year old daughter then suddenly added to the mix is a 5 year old daughter and 3 older sons. Broken homes are hard on every one involved.
Not sure why I wrote all this except that it came to my mind…a little family history perhaps. Perhaps a few stimulating thoughts on forgiveness, mercy and love that we could all use.
Mom/LaWanda
Amman Conference September 29, 2008
Posted by LaWanda in Amman Jordan, God, Travel, Women's Ministries International.add a comment
“If we want a love message to be heard, it has got to be sent out.
To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it…
I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world…
In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love.”
Mother Theresa
This morning I told Rex, “Tony Bennett may have left his heart in San Francisco, but I left part of my heart in Amman.” God answered prayer in such amazing and wonderful ways, far beyond our hopes and requests. Thank you for being part of “the team”, I could feel your prayers and support as God worked every day.
Since the first minute we were invited to have a woman’s conference in Jordan, I was a bit concerned. While I knew in my heart that God would not fail, I was also painfully aware of my own limitations, both physical and emotional. It’s easy to fret when we get caught up looking at ourselves isn’t it? Still, each time I would begin to worry, I remembered the incredible promises of God’s Word exhorting us to “cast our cares on Him for He cares for us!” What a liberating reality! As I continued to take those truths to heart I discovered peace and power to go forward.
With that confidence–truly a peace that passes ALL understanding–I boarded the plane to meet the rest of the team in NYC and travel together to Amman.
The beginning of the first night of the conference was rough; the translator had a very difficult time finding Arabic words for our English phrases. Slowly the atmosphere changed as we forged ahead and God came to our rescue. It was soon evident that our sessions and prayer times were being blessed by God; He refreshed, renewed and encouraged the women (and with typical grace–He also refreshed, renewed and encouraged ME too). We witnessed the healing of bodies, emotions and situations. By the third session the pastors and leaders said they could see a remarkable difference in the women, they could see God at work in their lives.
In response to so many miraculous encounters with God through the ministry and fellowship we had, the leaders now want to have another women’s conference AND a marriage conference AND a men’s conference AND a children’s workers conference each year. That’s four conferences a year! This was their first conference for the women and everyone saw what great things God accomplished. All glory be to Jesus!
I wish you could have been with us. So many beautiful saints of God are there, reaching into their community with love and assistance to the poor and the refugees. Many are suffering. We met women whose unconverted husbands are deeply abusive, unfaithful and make home life unbearable. These women received strength, comfort and encouragement from the teachings of God’s Word and the fellowship of the U. S. team.
Your brothers and sisters in the Lord send their greetings. The pastors and people requested that we pray for God to provide them with:
1) Outreach in their communities, that they would able to reach others around them with God’s ‘Good News’, for God to work in them and through them for His Glory
2) A volunteer doctor for their clinic
3) A bus so they can transport people to and from the services
4) For the refugees in Amman as well as for the people in Iraq
5) For jobs for those who are able to work
6) For families to be united (many families are in different countries, some waiting ‘year’s for visas to travel to a host country)
The final day of the conference as my teammate and I prayed with various ones, Ha-nan, a beautiful woman of God, walked up to me and said in broken English, “I want to pray for you.” “Good,” I said, “I need it.” “Yes, you do.” she replied, “You have been giving and praying for others but you need our prayers.” She placed her hands on my shoulders and I placed my hands on her shoulders. Our tears mingled as she prayed heaven and earth together. God spoke through her straight to my heart. She described the Father’s heart of love toward me and relayed His message to me. What a tremendous time of refreshing, joy and enrichment we both experienced.
I am always amazed that as we reach out to others, as we become the hands and feet of Jesus–truly His Body–we find that our own wounds are healed. One Christian writer commented that we are “wounded healers.” That is certainly true for me; I feel that God longs to minister to our needs as well as the needs of others and He is so faithful to do that as we walk in obedience to Him.
What an honor and privilege to take part in this tremendous trip. Thank you again for your faithful prayers for me and the team while ministering in Jordan and for being coworkers with me in God’s Kingdom’s work.
With my love, appreciation and prayers as we journey together,
LaWanda
Financial gifts are tax deductible, should be made payable to WMI, marked ‘WMI Mission Trips’ and mailed to:
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL
P O Box 535002
Indianapolis IN 46253-5002
Amman Trip Goodbye September 21, 2008
Posted by LaWanda in Amman Jordan, God, Travel.add a comment
I’m on the plane, a Boeing 727-200, 7 seats across. The team let me off the van at Delta and I went thru security and immigration with totally no problem. It’s the 1st time I’ve not had to take off my shoes, remove my computer from the case or keep my ‘liquids’ in a plastic bag. I had bottled water that I brought to the airport and have it with me now, ‘no problem’ said the security guards????!!! Thank the Lord and Hallelujah!
The check-in attendant was writing up a charge for my 3rd piece of luggage bit I told her I was a medallion member. She checked it out then gave me an invitation to the VIP lounge which was a beautiful 5 star service lounge. They had complimentary food and drinks, a variety of teas, honey, raw sugar, many different cheese and breads, even small boxed cereals, cheese filled croissants, fruit, gourmet cookies, etc, etc, etc in a beautiful luxurious setting. There were private wireless seating areas with ear-phones and TV’s. Wow, wish I’d had time to stay longer than 5 minutes.
At the moment I have the 3 center seats in row 31 to myself and I pray it stays that way so I can stretch out for the almost 11 hour flight to JFK, NYC.
What a great trip, what a great team, what a great God! I am so privileged and thankful to have had this honor.
Everyday brought it’s challenges and everyday God was near and gave his help.
Thank you for prayers, we’re taking off,
Love U
Mom/LaWanda
Connected Again! September 19, 2008
Posted by LaWanda in Amman Jordan, Family, Travel.add a comment
Hi all,
I spent over an hour 2 different days on Verizon’s toll free # at the hotel phone and FINALLY I have email–I think.
Rex, it was great to talk to you even tho I know you are so busy and must be very tired. How I thank God for your prayers and for others who are praying.
Jonathan it was great talking to you- even briefly–what timing, huh! Thank the Lord. (To the rest of you, J. just stepped out of a meeting the exact moment I called).
Sherilyn, Allan, Brittian and Jessie, please check your home phone answering machines-I left you and the boys a message. Sorry I didn’t get to talk to you. I bought a Jordanian global phone card for about $10 and I still have a few minutes left. I think.
Brittian the reception from your phone was not good on my end so I hope it was much better on yours. If not, just want you to know I’m thinking of you and am doing TERRIFIC–don’t know when I’ve felt better.
I’m on the 3rd floor of the hotel with no elevator so am getting good exercise. There’s no air conditioning either so I leave the patio door open to keep from roasting. I do have a portable fan for which I’m very thankful.
We’ve been able to eat some of their food and their lamb is incredibly delicious. It doesn’t taste anything like the lamb we get in the U.S. Our (Egyptian) team member told us it’s not only the way they prepare it, it’s what they feed the sheep.
It is sooooo dry here that dust covers everything-even in the room.
I don’t think I’ve seen any grass, it’s all rocky soil and more often than not, mostly rock.
The people are wonderful. They are full of amazement that we came and so very thankful.
It was fascinating today riding the church bus from the retreat center back to the hotel, seeing huge multi-million dollar, marble stone homes on the hillside then in the valley below, a very long tent with a shepherd outside, in his turban and flowing robes, watching over his flock of sheep.
On the way to the retreat we saw another shepherd walking with his staff, leading a large flock of sheep.
Every moment here is fantastic but it WILL be super to get back home.
I love each of you SO much and thank the Lord for blessing my life with you. I’m praying that God keeps you in His wonderful care.
Mom/LaWanda
Amman Jordan Women’s Conference September 16, 2008
Posted by LaWanda in Amman Jordan, God, Women's Ministries International.add a comment
The first few days were very rough–I was so tired in every way–but each day is better than the day before. Thank you so much for your prayers-God is answering, giving strength, encouragement and His Presence.
It is truly a privilege to be serving the Lord here with these wonderful people.
The Marka church, one of three Free Methodist Church’s in Amman is led by Pastor Upthum and his beautiful wife, Miah. They have a sweet one month old baby, Jonathan and all 10 of us on the team were privileged to be in their home Sunday. They and the other pastors here give so much of themselves to help the needy.
The people in this area and in the church suffer much-especially the women. Many are Iraqi refugees temporarily in Amman until re-located by the embassy of the country to which they will go.
Families are separated, even to different countries. Situations are heartbreaking.
God put it on our hearts to fast and pray, asking Him for healing of many situations and conditions, to work His will for His Kingdom and glory and that satan would be put to flight.
Tonight after teaching from Heb 7:25 ["Jesus ever lives to make intercession for us"] each woman came forward for anointing and a mighty volume of prayer rose to heaven. God met with us in a wonderful way. You could sense Him at work. I’m expecting great things from Him in these next few days. Continue to pray with us for the powerful Hand of God to be manifest among us.
God is helping me to get in 20-30 minutes of walking each day plus a little bit of rest. He is giving me strength and His Spirit.
THANK YOU again for your faithful prayers and for continuing to lift us to the Lord. We are co-laborers together with Him.
With my love, prayers and appreciation,
LaWanda
Financial gifts are tax deductible, should be made payable to WMI, marked ‘WMI Mission Trips’ and mailed to:
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL
P O Box 535002
Indianapolis IN 46253-5002
