MARTIN, CHARLOTTE (Guelph, ON; Power to Change) PRAISE: The Honduras mission trip is happening February 16-24. There are 27 staff and student participants (a lot more than the 10-15 we were hoping for). Most students are almost done their fundraising. Praise God for his provision. For a large donation received last year that is helping us lower the cost for some students to go on mission trips. We've had a student intern (Janis) helping us with global missions marketing for the last 6 months. She's done an incredible job and helped us promote mission trips well. PRAY: Safety for the Honduras mission trip, and that our team would be a blessing to the local ministry we are planning to serve. For wisdom as we process applications for our May-June mission trips. For creativity and wisdom as I plan how to lead my team through a strategic planning process later this spring. We are hoping to have 1-2 interns for our DR partnership for fall 2024. Pray for God to raise up these people.
Les & Sharon Frey - February 2024
FREY, LES & SHARON (Elmira, ON; Local Church) PRAISE: Thankful for health and Les’s good eyesight. For the many and varied opportunities to serve the Lord and others, young and elderly. PRAY:
Preaching twice in Spanish and once in English this month. For Hugo, a Mexican man who John Wiebe brings to WBC and Les translates for him. For the marriage mentoring to go well as it is being offered again this year.
Esther Frey - February 2024
FREY, ESTHER (Puerto Rico; Emmaus Correspondence) PRAISE: Teamworkers arrived and are very busy doing plumbing welding and painting. We are so grateful. We had a great retreat at the camp, 20 of us. So thankful for the work Luis and his family continue to do at camp. An inmate completed the 94 courses and has written his experiences in prison. It will be on the shelves in the near future for sale. I continue to have help in going to my eye appointments. Ramon and his family arrived safely in Spain. A dear brother is interested in buying my apartment. PRAY: We begin our seniors get togethers the second Friday of each month. We are planning an evangelistic outreach the first weekend of this month. The Canadians will be sharing testimonies. We will offer hotdogs and hamburgers to those who attend. Pray for outreaches to youth and children. We need leaders. Also for the future of camp. We need direction from the Lord.
Raul & Jessenia - February 2024
ESPINOZA, RAUL & JESSENIA (Guayaquil, Ecuador; MSC) Praise: That Jessenia's parents were able to come for a visit. For some good Bible study sessions with young adults from our church about spiritual gifts. That our family has continued to be granted safety amidst the violence and unrest in the country. PRAY: In the last few weeks the government of Ecuador has declared a sort of "war" against the organized crime in the country. This has set off a series of violent actions across the country and for one week we were housebound. Now things have been calming down, but we still recognize the need to be careful. Please pray for peace in the country and that the new president would have wisdom and courage to finish what he started with regards to organized crime. Pray too for wisdom and safety for our family and community and that the Lord would use all this uncertainty to bring people to Himself.
Jenn Brubacher - February 2024
BRUBACHER, JENN (Listowel, YFC) PRAISE: Our team attended the Eastern Regional conference in Montreal, and it was great to receive training and network and reconnect with YFC staff from Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes. With Youth Unlimited YFC and Power to Change being partners, I even ran into Charlotte Martin! This month was full of opportunities to build trusting relationships with students while coaching, on a winter camping trip, drop-in and our leadership development program. I’m thankful for small moments of growth and healing in C’s life. PRAY: Please continue to pray for C, L, M and C as they struggle deeply with their mental health and having the hope to live. May they encounter the One who sees and knows them deeply.