Change...

This past year has brought many changes...some good, some eh...let's just say that life happens :)

In any case, I suppose change is inevitable, in our personal lives, our professional lives, in ministry, etc.  A couple weeks ago, I resigned from the North American Mission Board as a Mission Service Corps missionary.  I will continue to serve as the Southern Wisconsin Baptist Association's Literacy Missions Coordinator, but on a limited basis.  While I will still be available to lead and arrange training workshops, I must put direct involvement with an ESL ministry on the back burner for the time being.  It is still a ministry I love, and trust that God will bring me back to it again in the future.  I am very thankful I can still be involved by equipping others to teach at a time when I am unable to do so myself.

I appreciate the prayers and encouragement I've received over the past years and ask that you would continue to pray for Literacy Missions in Wisconsin.  There are many needs here.  And as is the case with most every ministry...the harvest is great but the workers are few.  Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest for workers!  To Him be all the honor and glory!

March 2011 Prayer Letter

I'm excited to share with you some of the many ways God is at work here...both on a personal level, and through Literacy Missions.  Please take a moment to read this month's letter!

March 2011 Prayer Letter

I hope to hear from you soon!

Website down

The eslwi.com website is temporarily down. I'm working on switching hosts, and will have it up and running as soon as possible.

February 2011 Prayer Letter

Looking back at 2010...looking ahead to 2011!

Those that are closest to me know that 2010 was a very difficult year for me and my family. It brought challenges I never thought I’d encounter and changes I never envisioned having to make. And yet, here I stand. Through God’s power and mercy, I survived. And I can say with all confidence that I walk closer to my Lord than ever before, although with a bit of a limp now :-)

In the midst of all my family struggles, God was still at work through literacy missions. God worked through the September EFL workshop to help equip a team that went to Guatemala in November. You can visit the blog they kept of that trip and see for yourself the success they encountered. English classes helped a great deal with relationship building, as we had prayed they would. The team headed down there not knowing what to expect for a turnout, and I think were surprised at the number of students that came out...and the relationships that were developed as a result. I rejoice with them at the work God is doing in Guatemala and pray for a full-time language ministry to take root.

Throughout 2010, I have continued to minister to adult internationals in my own community of Lodi through English classes held at the primary school. Last year, a similar program was started in Waunakee. It’s great to see new things get started. In 2011, I am working towards starting a new ESL ministry myself in either Portage or Madison. I know there is a need in both areas. I have an informational meeting scheduled for Feb. 13th at my church, River of Life, in Portage. I am hopeful for a good turnout of potential volunteers. If so, then we will move ahead towards starting a full-fledged ESL ministry. If not, my plan is to get involved in Madison with some of our ethnic church plants and see how God may use me to edify those works.

In 2010, I took a part-time position at our church as the pastor’s assistant. I absolutely LOVE my job! I am so thankful for God’s provision, not just financially, but spiritually...as I am encouraged daily to be in the Word more and more. The hours allow me to continue with missions work, and be there for my kids on a consistent basis. God never ceases to amaze me as He provides in so many ways for His glory! I give Him all the praise...He is amazing!

Prayer Requests

Workers for the Harvest—Please pray that God would raise up more workers to get involved with ESL ministries and international church plants in the Madison and Portage areas!

ESL Ministry...Portage?—Please pray for the February 13th meeting...that many would turn out for it...above all, for God’s leading in this venture. I don’t want to be out of step with my God.

Family—please continue to pray for me and my family as we adjust to the changes in our lives.

Provision—Please pray for me as I seek to resume raising support for the ministry again. I had needed to set that aside for a time, but it is time to get back to it.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

NAMB has updated their online donation system. To make a one-time donation, please visit: http://www.namb.net/msc-onetime/

Or to set up a monthly automatic donation, go to: http://www.namb.net/msc-recurring/

THANK YOU

Thank you for your continued prayers and financial support! Please let me know how I can pray for you!

October Prayer Letter

Check out the latest in Literacy Missions in Wisconsin...and how that's extending into other lands! October Prayer Letter

Thank you for your faithful prayers and support!!

July Prayer Letter

I've just posted July's prayer letter! Check it out!

Please continue to pray for workers for the harvest! Thank you so much for your faithful prayers and support!

http://www.eslwi.com/prayer%20letters/newsletter%20jul10.pdf

ESL Resources

Check out the Resources page on my website. I updated it this week! If you've found other materials (especially online resources) please share them with me, along with your review of those materials...what did you like, what didn't you like, what levels have you used it with?

Enjoy!