Jones Journal e-Mailer for 2012-10

jonesjournal.org > newsletters > e-Mailer for 10/12

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Jesus from the road! Since we have recently transitioned to itineration ministry we are sending our e-Mailers to a wider group of friends. If you prefer not to receive them, or happen to receive duplicates, no worries. Just reply “remove” or “dup” and we will take care of it. Otherwise, we’ll continue to send one every month or so.

If you'd prefer you can read this e-Mailer online [http://www.jonesjournal.org/ministry/e-Mailers/2012-10/e-Mailer_2012-10.htm], or see past issues on "Newsletter" page at www.jonesjournal.org. This monthly e-Mailer includes updates on ministry, family, praise, and prayer.

One of the highlights of itineration for us is to reconnect with supporter friends. At San Bernardino Community Church we have a very special one: Jake Johnson. He is a high school student who loves Jesus, uses his singing talents in church and Fine Arts Festival, and has been praying for and supporting us for several years now through the church’s adopt-a-missionary program. What impresses me about Jacob’s support is that it was God who prompted him and motivated him to action. His great parents have obviously raised him with a tender heart toward God and people’s needs, but they admit this is something between God and Jake. I joyfully marvel that God speaks to children and uses them to expand His kingdom around the world. I pray kids all around the country will allow God to open their hearts and support whichever missionary God puts there. I echo one of the 4-14 Window core principles: children can become agents of transformation in their world.

A new missionary connection we are beginning to establish is with the World Changers club of Evangel University (EU) and Central Bible College (CBC). Since we will be working with EU next year as Missionary in Residence (MIR) the current MIR, Steve McKnight, invited us to join for a meet-and-greet with these young potential future missionaries. I saw a younger version of ourselves in their zealousness, earnest questions and eagerness to do something for the Lord of the Harvest. It is reassuring that God continues to call young people into His harvest field, and at the same time a challenge to prepare them well. This snapshot is a flash back from our first itineration cycle (1990-91) at Taft First AG with Rev. Marvin Kilgore at the time. Thanks to current Pastor Trent Meadors for pulling out the album when I shared at their Missions Convention Banquet this month.

In our itineration ministry we have added to the stats we compiled last issue of miles driven, states traveled, churches visited, appointments made and meetings held. While interstate car travel might not be as exotic as missionary miles in a 4x4 up rutted mountain roads toward an Indian village, it can be just as dangerous. While itinerating an AGWM missionary couple recently survived a head-on collision producing serious injuries that sent them to ICU and subsequent months of rehabilitation. We humbly request your prayers for traveling safety as well as effectiveness in our itineration phase of ministry.

The high tech gurus in the AGWM IT department have updated the online donation site and procedures. Go to giving.ag.org. As a guest (without creating an online account first) you can immediately set up one-time or recurring credit card donations, including monthly commitments.

On the other hand, if you choose to set up an account, the benefits include the following:

* Manage your giving online without having to call the national office.

* Securely save multiple credit cards online and choose between them for future donations or give to past designations (“one click” checkout).

* Manage multiple recurring schedules.

* Optimize your giving on smartphones or tablets.

* Track your donations over time and graph them.

* Print out your own annual giving receipts. Please note that this will now be the only place where you can get your own receipt (for tax purposes) for giving to General Council accounts.

Note that when you set up a recurring debit/credit card deduction, the first deduction will happen immediately, and all future deductions will happen on the 20th of the month. To set up the automatic deduction to begin instead at a future date, or for any other question on giving procedures, please call AG Contributor Services toll-free at 1-877-840-4800. We trust these improvements simplify the contribution process.

Gracie celebrated her 14^th birthday last month. As part of her celebrations we gave her a red-haired guinea pig, who she named “Ron.”

Celina is loving life at Pepperdine University and adapting well, as seen at the recent “Waves Weekend” homecoming festivities. When I asked once if she was homesick, she said, “please don’t think I’m a lousy daughter, but… no.” It’s fine with us that she is not homesick. She’s quick to tell us, “I do miss you guys! But I still love it here.”

Tony is continuing to enjoy life as a college student. He is a sophomore at Evangel University. His suite-mates are the same three MKs as from last year. We ask you to join us in praying with him for wisdom as he plans on changing majors to become an elementary teacher with a view to serving outside the U.S.

With her “R.N.” official title Chloe is working 12 hour night shifts 3-4 times a week.We’re glad she’s so young and full of energy—we couldn’t imagine trying to keep that schedule. She bounces up and smiles through it all! As she reminds us often, she loves being a nurse. She is truly gifted for it.

When not traveling with Kirk, Yvonne is enjoying setting up home and getting settled into our new life here in Springfield. We are enjoying the changing colors of fall, which we didn’t experience in Panamá.

Meeting with the World Changers club reminded me of Paul’s advice to young Timothy.

Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed--keep that dusted off and in use. Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don't be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation.

(1Tim. 4:11-16 MSG)

As always, feel free to call or write for a coffee appointment, a Window on the World, or a full missionary service if we are not yet scheduled. Contact info is below.

Yours for them,

Kirk for all

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Kirk Antonio Jones and Yvonne Jones

Chloe (22), Tony (20), Celina (18), Gracie (14)

Assemblies of God Missionaries to the Children of Panama

Cell: +1 417.773.1427 * VoIP: +1 417.595.4697

PO Box 6165, Springfield, MO 65801-6165

www.jonesjournal.org * kirk.jones@agmd.org

facebook: kirkajones * twitter: kirkajones