Season of Change

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven..." Ecc. 3:1

Darryl and I find ourselves going through a season of change as I write this update.  Most people who leave for the mission field, leave their parents behind.  I have the had the most wonderful blessing of joining mine when we arrived in 2005.  However, as it says in Ecclesiates, to everything there is a season, and the season for my parent's retirement is upon us.  We said good-bye to them on Wednesday, and I have found myself wondering around in a dazed-like state wondering, "What now?"  They have been our best friends, our trustiest confidants, our wisest source of advice.  We have been so thankful for the years we have had together.  We have learned so much from them and have enjoyed watching how the people respond to them.  They are so loved and respected by everyone, and it has been a privilege to observe their relationships with their Ecuadorian brothers and sisters in Christ.  We have been given a wonderful legacy to follow, and our prayer is that we will leave as rich a legacy behind us as the one we have been handed.  Please pray for Mike and Bonnie Shrode as they begin this new season in their lives.  Pray that they will quickly adjust to life in the states and that the Lord will open up new opportunities for ministry as they continue to serve him.

entertainment  center before

entertainment center after

During the first two weeks of September, we were finally able to do some work on our apartment.  It was in desperate need of some sprucing up.  We did a little remodeling, some painting, and finally ordered some furniture.  I guess it's about time after six years!  As in true Ecuadorian fashion, we are still waiting for our furniture (one month later), but our part is finished!  Well, all but the final decorative touches, which, for those of you who know me know that decorative touches are not my forte!

September 18th-24th we were with a group of nursing students from Indiana Wesleyan University.  We were at a missions conference at IWU when we received our call into full-time missions, so it was special to work with a group from there.  We spent the week in a small little village called Susudel, where we attended around 700 paitents.  We left the church with lots of follow-up work to do, as many people accepted the Lord for the first time or requested a home visit to learn more about the gospel message that was presented.  Please pray for pastor Carlos and his ministry team as they begin the follow up work of visiting the homes of those who accepted the Lord or requested home visits.

On September 25th, we attended the 34th annual anniversary celebration of the church association that we work with.  Each year, for the anniversary celebration, all of the churches of the Central District get together for a worship service.  This year, the service was held at Yatchil in the exact place where two of the current pastors were persecuted for several days for being Christians.  It was very inspirational to hear a brief account of the suffering and torture that they endured and to rejoice with them at God's goodness and mercy for so faithfully bringing them through that horrible ordeal.  It was a very exciting day for us because we were officially introduced as the District Liaisons for the Central District.  It was extra special because my parents were there with us on the stage receiving recognition for their thirty-one years of service, while we were being recognized for the start of our new ministry.  Please continue to lift us before the throne as we begin this new season in our ministry.

Dwight, Tandy and Jonathan

For the next ten days we are getting to play "grandparents" to Jonathan.  Dwight and Tandy Martin, who have become like family, are in the process of adopting Jonathan.  They currently need to be in the states, and Jonathan does not have the necessary paperwork to travel to the U.S., so we get to keep him until they return.  Please pray for Jonathan as he adjusts to us and to his new surroundings.  Pray for peace for Dwight and Tandy as they leave Jonathan with us to take care of some much needed business in the states.  Pray for extra energy, patience and wisdom for us as we attempt to keep up with a very energetic three year old!

We pray that whatever season you are in at this point in your lives, that you will walk in the knowledge and assurance that God is right there with you!

Building God's Kingdom,

Kelly, for the Chambers