Jones Journal e-Mailer for 2013-11

jonesjournal.org > newsletters > e-Mailer for 11/13

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Jesus!

If you'd prefer you can read this e-Mailer online [http://www.jonesjournal.org/ministry/e-Mailers/2013-11/e-Mailer_2013-11.htm], or see past issues on "Newsletter" page at www.jonesjournal.org. This monthly e-Mailer includes updates on ministry, family, praise, and prayer.

In my previous chronicle of itineration travels, I introduced you to Susan, a former drug addict for 20+ years who has been faithfully serving the Lord the past 19 years. In this photo, I am standing between 108 years of faithful church ministry! Allow me to introduce Bernice (L) and Sharon (R) from Oildale CA Riverview AG, (Pastor Terry Murtagh). That kind of longevity motivates us for the long haul.

They represent many of you who serve the Lord tirelessly and unheralded. God knows and rewards your service to Him. We appreciate your prayers and support for us. In turn, how might we pray with you? Please drop us a note with a need and update on how you are doing as well.

Itineration ministry continues, but mostly during the week I am serving as the Missionary-in-Residence at Evangel University. Duties include teaching Missions and advising the World Changers Mission Fellowship (WCMF) student club.

With WCMF, we planned a Secret Church alternate chapel as it might be in a persecuted country. Yvonne and others helped the women use headscarves. Men and women sat on opposite sides. We worshipped, prayed for the nations, recited the Apostle's Creed, listened to God's Word, and took Holy Communion by dipping bread in bowls of grape juice. Over 200 students gathered. You can see part of the time worshipping and praying afterwards. Many students lingered a long time praying for the persecuted church, unreached people groups, and God’s call on their lives.

We received news from Panamá this month. Some good, some not so good. The good news came in the form of an ongoing ministry report from Carolina Canto and our team on how they have been evangelizing children and training teachers. I invite you to take a look at the brief PowerPoint presentation.

The not-so-good news is there was a fire in the missionary storage room where our stuff is waiting for us. Thankfully, no one was injured and the fire was put out relatively quickly. However, the soot and smoke damage, we have been told, is pretty bad. So we are praying for wisdom and provision on how to proceed. When Yvonne and I first heard the news, we both said, “Hey, it’s just stuff.”

We’d like to deal with it now, but don’t have the extra funds available before our planned return in July. Here is our financial status to date:

Cash budget: $ 8336 out of $ 28,194 = $19,858 needed.

Monthly budget: $ 9117 out of $ 9966 = $849 needed.

Needless to say, if you were considering an increase or a new commitment, now would be an opportune time. If you are able to make a one-time contribution, especially before yearend, bienvendio, as we say in Panamá, it would be welcome! For all of our friends and churches and supporters, please pray with us, as we trust God to provide through you, His people.

Our kids want to wish you a wonderful Christmas from their world. Chloe continues working nights at Cox Hospital. She took a trip to visit Celina in Argentina and got to see where she lives, goes to school and even take a little 22-hour bus trip to Santiago, Chile (seen in the background).

Tony is more than halfway done with his Elementary Ed. degree, with a TESOL minor. On the side, he is tutoring elementary students and playing intramural football with his dorm floor team.

Celina is studying this fall semester in Buenos Aires, Argentina as part of Pepperdine’s International Program. She is volunteering as a leader for high school students at a fellow MK’s youth group. As seen with Chloe she is getting to travel and experience the natural beauty and culture of that part of South America.

Gracie is a sophomore at Kickapoo High School. She got her driver’s permit, so we let her practice as much as possible. She’s doing great. In her small group, she has been teaching and leading discussions.

Wrapping up, we want to wish you all a wonderful holiday season for giving thanks and for rejoicing in our Savior’s birth. Our print edition newsletter will be in the mail soon. If you would like to receive a hardcopy in addition to these periodic e-Mailers, there is still time to add your name to the label list. “Grandma Karen” (Kirk’s mom) is the other missionary included in our family picture this year.

The angel said, "Don't be afraid.

I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide:

A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master.

(Luke 2:10-11 MSG)

Yours for Them,

Kirk for all

P.S. If you prefer not to receive these e-Mailers, or happen to receive a duplicate, simply reply “remove” or “dup” and we will take care of it.