FREY, LES & SHARON (Elmira, ON; Local Church) PRAISE: We are healthy and enjoying being involved in people's lives both at WBC and outside our fellowship online, by phone and texting. PRAY: Les' online coaching for the Billy Graham bible Spanish courses. Marriage mentoring with several couples of the 15 being mentored at WBC. Sharon officially joined me on the Pastoral Care team at WBC along with Wayne Hockley and Rick and Doreen Shantz. Pray for our Spanish speaking contacts we message or phone.
Esther Frey - May 2021
FREY, ESTHER (Puerto Rico; Emmaus Correspondence) PRAISE: God's wonderful care each day! Your continued prayers when you can! Your faithful financial support for more than 50 years. God's work in the lives of students. One student sent 17 new names and asked for more application cards. One student continued with studies in a Christian seminary and graduated as a pastor. He is exercising this role in the prison where he is serving his sentence. My house roof has been treated so no more leaks! It still needs one more coating. One of our dear sisters passed into the Lord's presence April 21, suffered pancreatic cancer. Thanking the Lord for our dear mothers May 9. PRAY: Still no action from the company who will repair the chapel bathrooms. Continued prayer for possible summer activities like DVBS and camp, both in July. I have my next eye injection May 10. Tax deadline was extended to May 15. Trying to get an accountant to finish mine. Continued prayer for my neighbors Kim (man next door) and Freddie (across the street). Emmaus Bible study group Monday evenings on the west end of the island. Wednesday evenings starting April 28 they are using our chapel to prepare leaders to evangelize and disciple teens. It's a course given by Word of Life and will continue for several months.
Raul & Jessenia - May 2021
ESPINOZA, RAUL & JESSENIA (Guayaquil, Ecuador; MSC) PRAISE: We three are in good health and good spirits. A stressful situation at the school has been dealt with and things are getting resolved. We saw God's hand in everything which is such an encouragement in tough times. PRAYER: For Ecuador as we are in another big wave of Covid. Hospitals are full again and we are entering a month of a type of lock down, in which we will not be able to meet as a church. We know quite a few people who have gotten Covid, including Raul's family, but thankfully no one has had it too bad. For wisdom for the ministry of education as they decide how to handle the next school year. For our church and our youth to remain encouraged during this time and for the health and safety of our community.
Jenn Brubacher - May 2021
BRUBACHER, JENN (Listowel, YFC) PRAISE: God’s provision in financial support - our annual Virtual Fundraising event was fantastic. During the lockdown I’m still able to “meet” with students; I’ve been having a lot of hard but good conversations. I’m looking forward to starting an online Bible study for highschool girls. I’m blessed to be part of conversations about suicide, suffering and the hope of Jesus on the Work Friends podcast. I’m taking a leadership course and I’m excited for this opportunity to gain more knowledge. I’m thankful for the time I had to rest this month. PRAY: It’s hard to narrow it down-- it’s been a long, hard season and we’re all feeling the effects of this third lockdown. Students are having a hard time finding motivation to complete school, teachers are exhausted and many youth are wrestling where God is in the midst of difficulty. Please pray for refreshment for school staff and a renewal of hope for students. Please pray for God peace to cover students who continue to experience crises and high levels of anxiety.
Phil & Andrea - May 2021
BAUMAN, PHIL & ANDREA (Canada, International roles with SIM) PRAISE: For continued good responses from enquirers considering service in the Middle East. For those that have committed to service in the Middle East. That a significant ministry review that Phil has been involved with is nearing completion. PRAY: Pray for the Middle East regional conference taking place Thursday to Sunday this week. Because of Covid this will be nearly all a virtual conference. Pray for the speaker, who is still recovering from Covid, for those leading workshops, and for everyone taking part. Pray we will draw closer to God and to each other during this time. As it will be virtual, pray for a stable internet connection in the main location (something that can't be taken for granted there!) and for the technology to work well. That Phil and colleagues will have wisdom and sensitivity as they continue to lead various aspects of organisational change. For Cara as she is back in residence as a don. For Liam who is still looking for a co-op job. That restrictions will ease sufficiently for Kieran and Mackenzie to proceed with the wedding plans they have.