MARTIN, ROBERT & SUSAN (Kingston, ON; Kingston Prison Ministry; MSC) PRAISE/PRAY: After six months, I had my first visit back into an institution this morning! It was a happy reconnection with staff and guards as well as several inmates. In the 2 sessions scheduled this morning I had the opportunity to share scripture and pray with the men and enjoy fellowship which was mutually encouraging. During each session they restrict each group to 5 guys and we must distance 9ft. Despite these new limitations we rejoice. B and J had parole hearings via video and were not successful to gain their parole. They take responsibility for their choices; however, this is a deeply discouraging time for them; pray that their faith would be strengthened through God and His Word. J contacted us again after 5 years of being on the street. He is doing courses at Ottawa U and wants to connect with a church again for his spiritual health. M is a young woman who has connected with us through an ex inmate; she was raised in the church and is struggling with mental health issues as well as her identity. We visited with her again last evening and were encouraged with her honesty; please pray with us that she would truly understand and obey the gospel which in turn will deepen the realization of the necessity of honouring God as she works through these deep struggles.
Charlotte Martin - October 2020
MARTIN, CHARLOTTE (Guelph, ON; Power to Change) PRAISE: April-July were busy months but I'm finally getting organized again and I have some breathing room to plan ahead. I'll continue as the Global Missions Director until summer 2021 and as part of that role I am on the National Leadership Team for P2C-Students. I'm enjoying this new team. We held our annual Summit retreat online Sep 26. 466 students attended, this is 50% lower than normal, but we are happy with the turnout since it was online. PRAY: Our teams that normally go to East Asia and Desert Rain are still in Canada. We are praying that it would be safe to send the DR team in October. Pray that our leadership approves this plan. The EA team will leave earliest Jan 2021. Pray that our Canadian campus teams would know how to effectively gather and care for students when they can't have group gatherings, and classes are all online. We are seeking God's guidance about how to plan for 2021 mission trips.
Les & Sharon - October 2020
FREY, LES & SHARON (Elmira, ON; Local Church) PRAISE: WBC Seniors group started and was a huge blessing to all who attended. We had some good talks with Mike and Melissa before they left for BC to live. We have seen changes in Him from being a declared atheist to acknowledging God's existence. She has grown more aware of his need and prays for him. It is hard to see them leave but we are just a link. PRAY: Pray for Mike's salvation as well as our continued contact with Hugo and Claudia who are other Spanish contacts we plan to meet with. Pray for our marriage mentoring opportunities and Pastoral care visits.
Esther Frey - October 2020
FREY, ESTHER (Puerto Rico; Emmaus Correspondence) PRAISE: I finished my therapies for imbalance. The doctor was very pleased with the improvement. It was a good learning experience. This Sunday, October 4 is our 40th anniversary at the chapel. We hope to enjoy a few extra special activities. God's loving protection and care during these unknown times. Your continued prayer and financial support. My next birthday number in reverse is how old I was when I came to Puerto Rico! PRAY: Continue to pray for the elections November 3, both here and in the States. Still waiting for my neighbor to finish the installation of my generator. The daughter of one of our couples at the chapel died because of COVID a few weeks ago. Pray for comfort. That mother left an 11 year old son who is being taken care of by the father. Continue to pray for the salvation of my immediate neighbours, Kim (male) and Freddy.
Raul & Jessenia - October 2020
ESPINOZA, RAUL & JESSENIA (Guayaquil, Ecuador; MSC) PRAISE: We have continued to enjoy our time here in Canada and have been able to have some quality social time with people during the time of lifted Covid sanctions. Tiago continues growing healthy and happy which of course makes us very happy! PRAY: We continue to have setbacks in getting back to Ecuador. We had a flight bought for October 4 which was cancelled. We have another flight booked for the next week, but are unsure of whether or not it will end up getting cancelled as well. The uncertainty of our plans is wearing on us. Please pray as we do some necessary paperwork these next weeks which means some Toronto trips as well as wisdom as to travel plans. Jessenia is also recovering from wisdom teeth removal, so please pray for her full recovery before traveling.