Joyce Update November 6, 2009

Dear friends and family, A lot has happened this month.  I am thankful
for God's love and guidance every day.  Our house guest went back to
the jungle, but another Huarani believer might come soon.  I hope so.
We went to the small village a few weeks ago to visit a family we met.
 We were able to give the man a Spanish Bible.  I pray they will learn
of God's love.  We walked a long way to get there.  Then we walked
through the jungle to the river to swim.  We went across in a little
dugout canoe.  I thought we were going to tip, but we didn't.  I
didn't think I was going to be able to make it walking back, I was so
tired!  I think we walked a total of 4 hours or more that day.
We experienced our first earthquake a few weeks ago.  I was scared.
Our house guest didn't even blink an eye during it all, it is common
to him.  He said they happen twice a year.  Maybe I'll be more calm
next time.
Mark and the boys have been in school the past 2 weeks.  The first
week, Paul and John went.  John learned small engine repair and Paul
learned dentistry.  The leaders said Paul did extremely well, and they
gave him a dental kit to use.  It has everything to practice basic
dentistry.  He will be able to go into small villages and help people
who might not otherwise have access to basic care.  He is able to
diagnose, fill cavities, and pull teeth.  I watched him do all this.
It is exciting to see him do all this.  The teachers said the people
are likely to listen to a gospel message after something like this.
They told him to pick a village to go to this week, and he picked the
one I have a burden for, Costa Azul.  I was excited.  He has to go
talk to the village leader and set up a day.  He planned to do this
this week, but he got sick.  Satan does not want this to go forward.
Please pray for Paul, that he will be of a strong courage.
Mark Alan and Tim are gone this week to Bible teaching.  They are
doing well.  Mark said it is hard to take tests, because first they
have to interpret it and then answer the questions.  I can relate to
that, we went to a Bible study in our town, and it took me a long time
to do the homework!
Brother Elvis will be home this weekend after a month in Aruba.  His
family misses him.  He is originally from Aruba, and had some business
to take care of.  Pray that he will have safe travels.
I would like to travel to the small villages every Saturday.  I hope
it works out.  Sometimes I want to do a good thing, then I get lazy,
and my flesh takes over.  I would like to be faithful in this.  I
think one of the main things God looks for is faithfulness.  I rely
too much on my feelings, rather than f it is right to do.  I let my
flesh get in the way.  As an example. we don't have water in our house
many days.  I'm not sure what regulates it, but the whole town loses
water often.  It is difficult because then I can't wash laundry, etc.
I get angry every time.  I wish I could just rejoice in the Lord
anyway, even if I am behind on laundry and if the clothes get mildew
stains, which happens rapidly here.  God gives me many chances to
learn patience, and I fail EVERY TIME,  I am not complaining, just
trying to be honest about my struggles.  Then I look around and nobody
seems upset about these things.  Am I the only one?  Maybe they are
more used to it as a way of life.  I need to become more like Christ,
but  this is impossible for anyone without the Holy Spirit.
May He finish the work He has begun in each one of us. Love, Joyce