Hello, praying friends!
So many of you prayed for us as I took off for Romania and Egypt in April. Thank you! The trip to Romania was an amazing time as we were able to gather with all our Every Generation Ministries leaders from the different countries to pray and plan and share together. So many languages, and yet God was able to help us communicate and envision His directions for the future of the ministry world-wide! The children's workers conference just prior in Bucharest was a special time, too. How exciting to see teachers who have received very little training connect with God's children's ministry model found in Deuteronomy 6! Many had walked several miles to attend - and in pouring rain, too! One teacher shared how much it meant to receive encouragement and support because her church leaders were still growing in their ability to appreciate and value children's ministry.
In Egypt, between ministry meetings, I had the privilege of riding a horse through the sand to see the Pyramids in Cairo - thrilling! But even more exciting than this was the view of children's workers in Alexandria who were hungry for help to reach the children in their churches. Many could not read or write, but were longing for instruction in children's ministry methods and principles. Every break was filled with questions and conversations about children's ministry issues - all done through an Arabic translator! What a blessing to know you were with me through prayer as I met each challenge along this journey.
We realized recently that we've had guests in our home the large majority of the time since January. We're so thankful for the large home God has provided for us during this season. It appears that our house will not be available for us to rent past the end of our lease in July, so we've started the search for a new place. We're looking forward to experiencing God's perfect provision! Julie has been used of the Lord in this hospitality ministry but has also been active in the EGM office, assisting our president, Daniel Watts, with a number of projects. She's been very active in the recruitment and placement of new staff members, in communicating with American churches who want to learn about EGM and in supporting our staff relationally both here in the US and around the world.
Julie and I spent a few minutes reflecting recently on things that are personal burdens on our hearts in these days. May I share a few with you and ask you to pray with us?
1. Our son, Aaron's girlfriend, Yaneth, has recently presented us with a new grandson, Noah James Cox, born April 30. He is precious!
We so much want to be a positive influence in his life and are trusting the Lord to use this little one to bring Aaron back to a close relationship with God. We're praying Noah will "walk with God" as the biblical Noah did. The circumstances of Noah's birth do not take away the value God has placed on his little life, but they do present a challenge to us as we seek to navigate the relationships and connect with Noah, all the while maintaining our testimony in the situation. Special care is needed but the Lord can help us. Will you pray about it with us?
2. We have been attending a new church for the last month - Calvary Chapel of the Temecula Valley - and have enjoyed very much the teaching, fellowship and worship. Is this God's choice as our new church home? We don't know, but we'd love for Him to reveal this to us so we can settle and "connect" in fellowship and service. This is a BIG need for all of us.
3. Our housing situation (as described above) is a concern to us and is always on our minds even though we're determined not to worry about it. We've also determined that it is time to say goodbye to our 1998 Crown Victoria as the repair expenses are going out of control and need to find a replacement vehicle. God has already chosen out next home and vehicle. We're looking forward to His clear guidance as you pray for us.
4. We are in need of some destressing and recharging. We have a chance to take a little trip next week that would make it possible for the 3 of us to spend time together and just plain RELAX. A friend of EGM has made this trip possible and we are so thankful. It comes at a wonderful time. Please pray for God's Spirit to rejuvenate and refresh us.
Thank you so much for lifting our needs to the Lord. We are so thankful for God's provision of a team like you to stand with us as we seek to do our part in seeing children transformed in Christ through His church around the world. Please let us know how we can pray for you, as well!
Joe (for Julie and Jonathan)
2. We have been attending a new church for the last month - Calvary Chapel of the Temecula Valley - and have enjoyed very much the teaching, fellowship and worship. Is this God's choice as our new church home? We don't know, but we'd love for Him to reveal this to us so we can settle and "connect" in fellowship and service. This is a BIG need for all of us.
3. Our housing situation (as described above) is a concern to us and is always on our minds even though we're determined not to worry about it. We've also determined that it is time to say goodbye to our 1998 Crown Victoria as the repair expenses are going out of control and need to find a replacement vehicle. God has already chosen out next home and vehicle. We're looking forward to His clear guidance as you pray for us.
4. We are in need of some destressing and recharging. We have a chance to take a little trip next week that would make it possible for the 3 of us to spend time together and just plain RELAX. A friend of EGM has made this trip possible and we are so thankful. It comes at a wonderful time. Please pray for God's Spirit to rejuvenate and refresh us.
Thank you so much for lifting our needs to the Lord. We are so thankful for God's provision of a team like you to stand with us as we seek to do our part in seeing children transformed in Christ through His church around the world. Please let us know how we can pray for you, as well!
Joe (for Julie and Jonathan)
