Hello, dear <<First Name>>!
We have just started a new academic semester. Although we didn’t have much of a break, I’m happy to let you know that I approved the Theological German exam taken on January 25th! We are so happy to see God’s faithfulness in every aspect of this journey.
Now, as you know I’m in a Biblical Studies (Old Testament) Ph.D. program. So, the language fun won’t stop yet. This semester I’m learning Ugaritic (see image above) which is a Semitic language important to understand better Hebrew and the religion and culture of the Ancient Near East. Also, I'm going deeper on Old Testament Research Methods and I'm auditing an Advanced Hebrew course. During Summer, of course, I’ll have a Theological French exam! So, please continue praying for me.
Some people have asked about our situation now that we have partnered with UWM as missionaries, especially regarding funding. So, here’s a brief explanation:
As missionaries, we must raise the necessary funds for our ministry and living expenses. We do not receive or will receive a salary from UWM. It is thanks to the partnership of people like you that we are able to develop God’s calling.
Since at the moment we are not “on the field,” we will continue to receive funds through our sending church (Faith Covenant Church) or through the mean you prefer (Zelle, PayPal, personal check, etc.). The funds received through UWM at this point cannot be used for living or educational expenses, just for ministry related expenses (like traveling to a seminary abroad to teach a Summer course, for example). On the other hand, our visas do not allow Loida to work, and I can only work some hours on campus at a rate of $9/hour. Please send us an email or give us a call if you would like to receive further information about this.
Please continue praying for God’s provision, that the Lord would provide more ministry partners like you. It is complex for us since as foreigners we do not have a big network of friends and family here in the U.S. and the financial situation of our country is worse every day. We have not reached our basic living expenses funding, which puts us in a complex situation too. However, we continue to trust the One who called us, our dear Father who knows our needs.
Thank you so much for your prayers and support! May the Lord manifest mightily his love and care in your life as he has done in ours.
|
|
|
|
This was the first time we met in person, after a month of only talking on the phone!
|
|
|
|
This is the most recent upoload to the cloud
|
|
During this month I have been uploading thousands of photos that were stored on a hard drive to the cloud. That exercise has allowed me to review our life from when we were single, through the moment we met, got married, and the next almost 12 years.
Seeing with dates what God has done, how he has woven our lives and how he continues to create such amazing things with beings as imperfect, weak, and incapable as us leaves me breathless. Words are not enough to thank so much mercy, so much grace, and so much love from my good God. As it says in Romans 11:35-36, “'Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?' For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen". We owe everything to him, everything has been by his grace.
I ask our Lord to help us faithfully do our duty and do even more for his glory. I rest on what it says in Philippians 1:6 “I am convinced of this: that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Amen!
Today my soul sings with all its strength the words of Psalm 103, Praise the Lord, my soul!
|
|
|
|
|
