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See what happened in October and what is coming in November!
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Ionda Braving Hurricane Sandy to go check on the cattle

Ben and Krista Beukema's October 2012 ministry newsletter

October 2012

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (ESV)

God has truly provided throughout the month of October. From Krista's short trip to Michigan for a good friend's wedding to hurricane Sandy, He has been with us.

October is typically a slow time of year here in Jamaica and for JDV. However, this month has been quite busy. It's hard to believe that the holidays are right around the corner. The month started out with Krista traveling to Michigan for a good friend's wedding. We really debated over whether or not Krista should make the trip. Neither of us were planning on going back home until the spring, but after a big drop in ticket prices and an "ok" from the principal at Knockpatrick we felt at peace about the decision. While she was in Michigan, Krista not only had the chance to go to the wedding, but she was also able to meet a new niece and nephew on both sides of our families. What an amazing blessing that was for her. Krista also had the opportunity to attend CCCD's grand opening of the new office in Zeeland. She was able to catch up with friends of the ministry and talk about some of the things that have been going on here at JDV. For more on Krista's quick trip click here.

We also had a team come to JDV this month from Knoxville. What a joy it was to host a team with some friends from our second home town. It brought some life to the village and the weather was great. Normally October is a very rainy month, but the rain stayed away while the team was here. Teams have been a lot of fun for me (Ben) this year even though they are a lot of work. Knox Life Church was so excited about the things that are happening here and about the relationships formed that another trip is being planned for next year! It's very cool to see the excitement in people's eyes when they come here for the first time. It can be hard to explain what exactly we do here, but if you come and see for yourself you will understand!

 
We couldn't have a newsletter without an update on hurricane Sandy. By now hurricane Sandy has caused some damage up and down the east coast. By the time it left the Caribbean, more than 80 lives had been claimed (only 1 in Jamaica). Power was out for more than 70% of Jamaica on the day of the storm. JDV made it through almost untouched. As soon as we sent word out about the storm, we could feel your prayers being offered and felt peace. We were still a little anxious, but we knew it was in God's hands. We lost one water catchment structure, but it will be easy to fix. Most importantly, all of our roofs survived, the crops stayed rooted, and our power was only out for a couple of hours. God is SO GOOD!
Prayer Requests
1) We are currently facing financial stress here at JDV and CCCD. Teams bring money and work to the village, so without them here this time of year the budget gets very tight. Please pray for Ben as he makes important decisions regarding the budget and spending here.
2) Pray for Krista and she finishes up substitute teaching and begins her new reading lab class. Also pray for her as she finishes up her first semester of grad school.
3) Pray that some new supporters will jump on board with our ministry as we are still in need.
Krista and her good friend Laura on
Krista's quick trip to the States

A Support update

Dear Friends,
During the past 10 months, a number of supporters have needed to drop their financial support to us for various reasons. We are currently down over $500 a month. God has blessed us with some one-time gifts and with some money that we banked in our account to make it through, but it is possible that we will need to be on the support raising trail again if our support numbers don't increase. We know that support raising can be difficult to do while overseas and keeping busy with the ministry. We would like to encourage anybody reading this to consider donating a one-time gift or beginning a monthly gift. There isn't a gift too small to help our ministy. Perhaps if you were a supporter in the past and have stopped due to financial struggles, you could consider giving a smaller amount instead of stopping completely. We know God has this! Thank you all for prayerfully considering the opportunity to partner with us financially, and as always, THANK YOU for your prayers!
Copyright © 2012 Ben and Krista Beukema, All rights reserved.
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