Jones Journal Monthly e-Mailer for February 2002

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Jesus!

The purpose of this monthly e-mail is to share updates on ministry, family, praise and prayer. It's a lot like our newsletter, only less more often. ;-)

I made a solo itineration trip to Colorado for 13 days. That's the longest I have ever and will ever be away from my family this deputation.

It was made possible in part by Kay and Blair Warehime and their three terrific teenage sons, dear friends who let me stay in their home. They helped schedule a service at their church, which proved to be a tremendous financial blessing. Our last deputation they let me stay with them, plus loaned me a car, resulting in three church pledges. Even back further, during our first itineration, they invited us to their missions Sunday School class, resulting in a pledge from that strong missions church (in Northern CA). Their practical support has resulted in many blessings to us and our ministry, for which we are very grateful.

We sent a Thank You letter the end of January to everyone who financially supported our ministry last year. If you contributed, but didn't receive one, please let us know ASAP (contact info is below).

Through January we've held 57 services and had 36 appointments with pastors. Currently our monthly pledges are at $5882 of the $9937 needed. Cash budget is at $7000 of the $47,842 needed.

Since our last newsletter went out before Christmas, let me just highlight how much we enjoyed the holidays. While visiting with family, I had a few appointments with pastors. Mostly, we just enjoyed being with our families. This year we cherished time with loved ones even more, reflecting on life post-9/11, and more, life without Yvonne's father. It was easier to hug a little bit longer and talk a little bit later.

We got to do one snow day, which was a highlight for the kids. Yvonne and I got to do an overnight mountain getaway, which was a highlight for us.

Chloe has been playing basketball and her team is on a 5 game winning streak. Yvonne called me to report that Chloe scored the only basket in overtime to win the game! Proud Dad wanted to talk with the champ, but all Chloe wanted to talk about was how one of her teammates who doesn't know Jesus yet had prayed to make the final free throw and God helped her. That put the game in OT. Chloe had been witnessing to her and was more excited about her talking about the Lord than she was about winning the game. Dad's even more proud now!

I was scheduled for a 7 minute window at a church where I'd never ministered before. Literally minutes before going to the pulpit, the pastor asked me to fill in for the whole service, since he wasn't feeling well all of a sudden. Of course, I said, and prayed for him quickly before going up to the platform.

I reported on our work with children and leaders in Panama. Then I shared from the Word the simple challenge that our kids bring in their MK cheer every service:

In the second service I felt a special anointing from the Holy Spirit to present an invitation for people to respond to the Harvest Master's call to sacrificially pray, give and go. Several raised their hands and a couple people spoke with me afterwards indicating a desire to follow Jesus more deeply.

A few days later I received a call from the church with the news that the love offering was about five times more than our biggest offering ever. God confirmed to me two things: it's workers He needs, and our money needs He'll meet!

In that vein, would you please join us in praying for new Prayer and Financial Partners to reach our monthly & cash budget goals? Thanks. If God is challenging you to do more and join our support team, please let us know (contact info is below). Contributions can be made to AGWM account # 2254795, 1445 Boonville, Springfield, MO 65802.

A specific prayer request I'd like to make came to me from Manuel Miranda, our assistant on the National Children's Ministries Committe in Panama. We presented him in the Panamanian Profile you can find in our April 2001 newsletter. Go online to www.geocities.com/kirkajones/ then click Newsletter and then click the April 2001 issue.

In early March they will be holding a nationwide day of prayer and fasting by and for the children of Panama. Let's pray

  1. that God will call many children to salvation, and
  2. that those He saves will in turn reach many other children;
  3. that He will supernaturally empower our current children's ministries leaders to effective service, and
  4. that He will call many more adults to disciple children to reach other children.

Thank you very much for your financial, prayer and practical support to us and our ministry. May God richly bless you for it.

"...for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, `Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you." Matthew 17:20

Kirk for all