FREY, ESTHER (Puerto Rico; Emmaus Correspondence) PRAISE: We have a new 7 member camp committee after 8 years! They will meet Dec 4 for their first meeting. Some improvement in the postal delivery. So grateful for your support in this year, difficult for all of us. PRAY: First meeting for the new camp committee Dec. 4. A special Christmas program for children Dec. 18. An appointment with a specialist for a second opinion Dec. 22. That God will find us faithful.
Raul & Jessenia - December 2021
ESPINOZA, RAUL & JESSENIA (Guayaquil, Ecuador; MSC) PRAISE: The two seeker oriented Bible studies we have begun with Raul's family and with one of our youth leader's family have been going really well and are highlights in our week. Two of Raul's family members who are not saved and who we have been praying for, are showing serious interest in knowing what it means to follow God and it fills us with hope! Also, some of Jessenia's family members are coming down to visit in December and we are so excited to spend a lot of time with them. PRAY: Christmas is coming up which means we have lots on the go. Please pray for energy, that we can do it all well, and enjoy it while we are at it. Pray for our youth. Many have not been coming out since camp which is confusing because normally it is the opposite. Also, please pray for the Christmas basket project that we want to do with them, that it will be a blessing to both them and the community around us.
Jenn Brubacher - December 2021
BRUBACHER, JENN (Listowel, YFC) PRAISE: For the first time in almost two years, I will be serving at the high school, volunteering as the head coach of the senior girls volleyball. This has been a long time coming and I’m excited to coach a game I love and build relationships with my team. Please pray that I will lead this team well and that God would already be working in these girls’ lives. I’m thankful for the opportunity to supervise our Summer Student, Cole, and watch him serve the students at our youth centre well. Please pray for him as he makes decisions about his future. PRAY: Please pray for God’s peace, which transcends all understanding, to guard the minds and hearts of students wrestling with anxiety and depression. Winter, for many reasons aside from the lack of sun and cold weather, can make it even more difficult for students.
Phil & Andrea - December 2021
BAUMAN, PHIL & ANDREA (Canada, International roles with SIM) PRAISE: For a chance to visit the Middle East. That most of the International Leadership Team could meet in person. For the work done to develop a summary of SIM's Core Values. For Kieran and Mackenzie's wedding. PRAY: For wisdom for Phil as he works with teams to be clear about the communities they engage and the changes they seek. That Andrea will serve other personnel coordinators well so that SIM's workers are well cared for. That those planning to go to the Middle East will receive the needed support so that they can go serve. For each of our kids to continue to love God and serve him well. For both of us to keep a healthy balance in our lives.
Phil & Andrea - November 2021
BAUMAN, PHIL & ANDREA (Canada, International roles with SIM) PRAISE: For a good trip to the Middle East. It was good to attend team retreats in 2 countries, to see friends and hear about work in their context, encourage them and pray for them. For safe travels and that all the added logistics of COVID tests and documentation worked well. That most of Phil’s colleagues on SIM’s International Leadership Team (ILT) are able to come to Guelph for a time of retreat and business. These leaders have not been together in person since Feb 2020. Praise that we can host colleagues in our home before and after the event. PRAY: That the ILT retreat will be a good mix of renewal and fellowship along with engaging on current organisational leadership needs. For wisdom as we begin to consider invitations to engage in different ways that will require travel in 2022. For productive times of meeting with colleagues in person before and after the retreat. That Andrea will have uninterrupted time to work on designing an online training course.