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Dear Ricardo and Beth,
Ricardo and I returned to work on August 9, after a three-month sabbatical. We are rested and encouraged to see what God has been doing in the Latin American Area during our absence. While we were gone 1,065 houses of peace were meeting and discipling new believers throughout the area. We also celebrate that approximately 3,000 people in 15 countries participated in Area-wide Freedom Week activities (Freedom Sunday raises awareness about and initiatives to combat human trafficking.) Our ministry is not about numbers. What they numbers show are the faithfulness of God and people who are following Him. They indicate that there is a great team of people participating with God in the restoration of Latin America.
Ricardo and team began a sabbatical policy for missionaries and upper-level leaders about two years ago. We offer a 3-month sabbatical after 7 years of ministry and we were the 6th couple to benefit from it. We used the time intentionally by meeting with counselors and an executive coach so that we can live and serve more faithfully and effectively. We spent valuable time with both kids as they are transitioning into adulthood. As a bonus we got to visit with members of both sides of our extended families and some of our friends. Most of the time was spent in Kentucky with a few short trips…one of which took us to beautiful western Canada (as seen in the pictures). I also began painting, you can see an example of my work below.
Thank you for supporting our ministry and allowing us this valuable time to evaluate the past and prepare for the future as we seek God’s will for ourselves and the ministry. We return knowing that our number one calling is to love and follow Jesus…no matter where He leads us or what the circumstances are! What a privilege He has given us to serve this team at this time!
(I was planning to say that we were rejuvenated by our sabbatical BUT the fact that I tripped and broke my pinky finger 6 weeks ago in what could perhaps be defined as a “senior moment” and the increasing grey hairs visible in our pictures prove that our youthfulness has not been restored. 😊 )
Please keep reading for prayer requests, August-September Calendar, and an exciting opportunity to doubly invest in this ministry. We are very grateful for each of you!
Blessings,
Ricardo and Beth
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