Friend,
Earlier this month Ivonne and I flew to Chiapas, Mexico because I had been asked to officiate the wedding of the Ichthus boarding school director in Comitán. Typically, the officiating pastor will share a short sermon at the beginning of the ceremony. I began my message like this…
“Everyone wants to talk about love during weddings, but a healthy marriage also needs a little hatred.”
The bride looked worried (perhaps wondering what this crazy gringo was going to say) but I went on to explain. A healthy marriage does need a whole lot of love to grow, but there are also things to be hated. The apostle Paul even told us to put them to death. We should hate selfishness and every evil thing that could potentially destroy our marriage.
The same is true in our relationship with God. How can we see God’s vision for the lost around us if we are completely focused on ourselves. How can we feel God’s compassion or be led by His Spirit if we continue to numb our hearts by engaging in activities that grieve Him? What would happen if we truly hated those things which hinder our relationship with God and hold us back from obedience to Him?
Don’t get me wrong. God doesn’t need perfect people. In fact, He delights in using ordinary imperfect people to do extraordinary things. He is looking for ordinary believers willing to take their eyes off themselves and respond to the everyday opportunities around them to impact eternity.
At WIM, our desire is to connect God's people who want to go, with God's work that needs to be done. We are training and sending ordinary believers who are willing to obey the call. It takes a whole lot of love and a little hatred.
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And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
And how are they to preach unless they are sent?
- Romans 10:14b-15a (ESV)
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It was a tremendous blessing that Ivonne and I were able to make this trip together.
- We encouraged our WIM missionaries in Chiapas.
- We were able to visit face to face with various close friends.
- We reconnected with the Korean staff at the Ichthus boarding school and several alumni.
- We were able to spend precious time together as a couple, without the kids, remembering all that God has done and rekindling the romance (which is also important for a healthy marriage).
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We hosted a mini-orientation in January to sign on a new missionary. David Gallagher is the co-founder and former CEO of Open Arms International. He spent 15 years living in Kenya doing evangelistic and pastoral work. He also oversaw the vision and construction of the Open Arms Village for orphans. Currently, he is the host of Soul Steps, a video devotional ministry on social media.
David said he joined WIM because of the importance we place on relationships, the accountability we provide, and our commitment to financial integrity.
We are excited to see what good things God will do through this brother.
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Please pray for the upcoming new missionary Orientation in April.
- Pray with us for the Lord to send more workers into His harvest..
- And that we could have the joy of being part of the process.
Also, if you are looking to stir up a passion to reach the lost, I'm always looking for opportunities to speak to groups of any age or size, online or in person. Contact me at (830) 387-9903 or mouser@worldim.com
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I am only able to engage in this work full time - without a salary - because of those who partner with us financially and in prayer.
Thank you,
for joining us on the journey to mobilize the body of Christ.
-- Ron & Ivonne
Caleb, Josiah, Judah, Jonathan and Victoria
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One time gifts and re-occurring donations can be made easily through our secure WIM web portal.
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Send checks, made payable to "WIM" (with #265 in the memo), to this address:
Mouser Family - #265
c/o WIM
PO Box 310627
New Braunfels, TX 78131
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