Praise & Prayer Update

“He made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in him." 2 Corinthians 5:21

Easter is my favorite holiday, simply because of what it stands for. The fact that God sent his son to earth is an amazing act of love, but the fact that Jesus died on the cross in my place…well that is just mind-blowing to me. This verse is particularly meaningful to me this year, as I think about Jesus’ death on the cross. When God looks at me now, he sees me as righteous. Not because of anything I am or because of anything I have done, but because of Christ took my place on the cross. Thank you, Jesus!

This month has been a busy one for us. We have made two trips with my parents to the North Coast District. The first trip was to get to know the pastors of that district. The second was to attend a joint worship service between two churches. Reality set in when we got to San Juan for the joint worship service only to find out that the host church didn’t know anything about it, and had already made plans for a mini marriage seminar. Most of the pastors of this district live in poverty, not owning a computer, a cell phone, or even a land-line phone…the things that Darryl and I take for granted. Therefore, communication becomes a big issue. Please pray for Xavier Borja and my parents, Mike and Bonnie Shrode, as they work together to find ways to improve communication within the district. One praise note…we saw the Lord move in a very touching way among the couples that attended the marriage seminar. Displays of affection are not common among married couples, but it was so touching to see so many couples asking each other for forgiveness, crying and praying together. We went for one reason, but we were totally blessed in a way we didn’t expect. God is good!

We have had a full guest house, which has been fun for us. We had three days in March with no guests, so that gave us a chance to catch up on some rest. April looks to be another very busy month. Please pray that God will continue to provide us with the energy that we need to serve our guests.

Darryl will be traveling quite a bit this month. He is scheduled to travel April 8-11 to Cuenca and Yantzaza. Later on this month he will be traveling to Pallatanga. Traveling in this country is always a safety issue, so please pray for God’s protective hand to be on Darryl as he travels. Pray for me as well, as I will be running the guest house “solo” during those times.

April 16-18 we will have a women’s retreat for all of the missionary women here with OMS. There are few times during the year that we get to see each other, so I am looking forward to that weekend. Please pray for each of us as we travel, and that the Lord will bless our fellowship.

We pray that you have a very blessed Easter.

Serving the King,
Kelly, for the Chambers

Praise & Prayer Update

"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

1 Cor. 15:58

This verse is one of the verses I have posted on a notecard in our house where we can see it every day. What a wonderful promise and word of encouragement this is from the Lord! There are times when we wonder if we are making any difference in God's kingdom by being here. We deal with daily frustrations and often don't see the "fruits" of our labor. Then, we come home, see this verse, and are reminded that our work is not in vain, and we are encouraged to press onward. Dear friends, we pray that you will receive the same encouragement from this verse. Know that anything you do for the Lord, whether it is on the "front lines" or supporting those who are is never in vain. Thank you, Lord!

It has been a while since our last update, and I apoligize for not doing better at communicating with you. I always have such great intentions, but...well, you know how it is with my good intentions--they often go unrealized! We do think about you and pray for you every day. You are so important to our ministry through your prayers and financial support, and we pray for God's blessing and protection over your lives as you continue to partner with us in such sacrificial ways. We are so thankful for each of you.

The guest house was very busy in February. There were only four days when we didn't have guests! The Lord has really blessed and grown this ministry over the past year. It is quickly becoming a full-time ministry in itself. Because of that fact, we would ask you to be in prayer for us as we seek guidance for our future. We want to be in God's will concerning our ministry here in Ecuador, whether it is running the guest house or coordinating the short-term mission teams.

We recently completed a ministry trip with my parents to the North Coast District. My parents are the liaisons of that district, and we are looking at bringing some teams into that area. My heart was burdened for the pastors of that area. It is a very poor district, and many of our pastors live in extreme situations, yet they faithfully serve the Lord with grateful hearts for his blessings in their lives. The question that continued to plague me throughout the trip was, "Lord, why is it that I was born in such a blessed nation, in a loving family, with every need I ever had met without even giving it a second thought?" I believe the Lord's answer came in the form of a verse that he brought to my mind, "...From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded." Please pray for us as we begin the process of finding teams to come to this area. We truly believe that God has laid it on our hearts to bless the pastors of this district. Pray that as we seek God's will concerning the North Coast, he will reveal himself clearly to us.

A year ago I had the opportunity to share my testimony with a group of women at the English Fellowship Church. There wasa high school girl in attendance that night who had suffered a very similar past as mine. She asked me if I would be willing to meet with her, and we had our first meeting three weeks ago. The Lord has really blessed that time, and each week I am able to recognize more and more just what a wonderful work of healing God has done in my life as I share with her and listen to her. Please pray for me as I meet with this young lady. Pray for wisdom as I try to guide her closer to the Father, who can completely restore her life as he is doing in mine.

Darryl is at a men's retreat as I am writing this update. He is with the other OMS missionaries from Ecuador. Please pray that they will have a wonderful time of fellowhip, that they will each return refreshed, and for safe travel home on Sunday.

Thank you for your partnership. We know that we are only able to be here because you said, "Yes!" when the Lord laid us on your hearts. May he richly repay you for your obedience and for your faithfulness.

Serving the King,

Kelly, for the Chambers