Ekballo First Nations in Northwest Ontario Canada

Read how the First Nations People of NW Ontario have captured our hearts in the June Edition of Ekballo.

In Closing

Yesterday, sitting next to my husband I scanned the room of quiet faces staring our way, I hate being in front of people. It makes me afraid. Public speaking is not my gifting, in fact I'd rather interpretive dance in front of a crowd then say a word into a microphone. To make matters worse these were not just strangers staring back at me, these were friends. Brothers and sisters in the faith. I thought about the next few years, how many will be sprinkled across the globe, others remaining in Texas to continue in the work of selfless serving to equip missionaries for their futures on the field.

We have learned a lot over these two years... but what a picture couldn't capture in any of our newsletters is how these individuals have shaped our understanding of Christ and His life poured out for us.

I'll never forget being paralyzed by fear of the Cartel on one of our road trips into Mexico, as sweet baby Noah slept peacefully in his carseat. Realizing the juxtaposition of the scenario I became heavy with conviction. This infant, in complete dependence of his parents, slept soundly, knowing his needs would be provided for, trusting that he would be looked after. I needed to take a cue from the little one and trust my Dad. Here I was, putting my trust and faith in myself, leaning on my own understanding of the situation and allowing it all to manifest itself into out a forest fire of anxiety. That moment, without even saying a word, little Noah and his family shed light on so much of the sin I hadn't even realized I was holding onto. The faith this family demonstrated by simply taking this trip changed my understanding of God and the heart posture and attitude I have towards His role as my Father as he leads and guides me.

As if being blinded by the overhead light at the dentist office, all I could see was the image of little Noah sleeping peacefully as I fret.

And then it came time for me to speak. All the eyes still staring, I realized it wasn't the impending doom of orating that was gripping my throat. It was the loss of these friends, the end of this season. I had no fear, because my Father knows me, He is watching after me, I am His. And so I shared without hesitation how a sleeping baby showed me my Father's love. 

Thank you sweet Noah, you are a gift, I will miss you, your sisters and your parents very much! Remember to pray for us in "Panada"! Love you!

courtesy Jessica Bennett

Sink Your Roots Down

With 42 days left of our two year stay in sunny Texas I can't help but look back on our time here and have bittersweet feelings. As missionary interns training for cross cultural church planting, the experiences we had were incredible, and we won't be leaving Texas the same as we came. I think of the friends we have made in Mexico. Our first trip with broken Spanish, a friend and fellow intern explaining he loves to fish but instead saying he loves to sin (pecado/pescado). I think of the many memories we made with the other interns, the example of Christ they have been to my husband and me. Memories of tarantulas sneaking up on us as we hung out on the patio with friends who are now on the other side of the world, oh, and the blow dart guns. I think about hot wings, ranch dressing, fish tacos and tortillas made by the best pair of cooks I've ever met. I think of walks around the block exchanging stalker stories (Will you keep it forever?). I think of the friends we have made at our home away from home church, Divine Providence. I think of our daughter Gracie in my belly jumping and kicking me when she heard pastor Andy preaching with authority, boldness and volume. I think of the children in sunday school, their smiles and complete abandon when they sang, "Praise The Lord! Praise The Lord! Praise the Lord, Oh my Soul!".

Texas is a beautiful place to live, but it isn't the place that has our hearts, it is the people. When I say I'm going to miss Texas, I mean I'm going to miss "y'all"... and those that have already moved on from here, I'm missing you already. A missionary training center is so filled with transition; interns moving in, graduating missionaries moving on and all the traveling in between. I feel like we are either in the air, in a car, planning for a trip or unpacking from one constantly. It's been hard to feel established. 

That thought brings me to a challenge, this week the ladies at the training center were especially privileged to hear from missionary wives around the world, Ruth Gibson's words from Oaxaca Mexico struck hard. She said "Sink your roots down." The context was a challenge to not be afraid to flourish where you are planted, whether you are there a month, a year or a lifetime, sink your roots down and become a part of that place. Embrace the culture, learn the language, love the people. When I think of her life poured out here in the valley and the lasting impact of a ministry with roots in the ground wherever she goes, I don't want to do ministry any other way. 

There are pains in having established roots in a place, when it is time to move on, it hurts to be separated. But I think the pain and regret of not having ever put roots down is far worse. I am so thankful for the privilege to have been here these past two years and to glean from friends I might never see again until heaven. That is the most bittersweet I think, friendships that won't end but are going to be changed by distances measured in countries, oceans and timezones. It's going to be hard to move on from this place, but I'm so blessed for the time I was enriched to live here, thank you friends, for putting your roots down.  

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 
Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV

 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 
Philippians 2:5-7, ESV

11 Untranslatable Words From Other Cultures

David Sitton, shares testimony at Cross Con

We do not truly understand the gospel if we spend all of our time preaching it to Christians. The gospel is a missionary gospel.  It is a communication of Good News to people and in places where the name of Christ is unknown.
—David Sitton, President of To Every Tribe

Gracie's First Christmas

Grandpa E is so much fun!

Ornament from Gracie's baby shower

Snuggles with daddy

Smiles with Grandma E on Christmas

Great Grandma & Grandpa love their Gracie & she loves them too!

"I'm all fed and ready for bed Grandpa, just I'm not tired, not even a little bit."

Cousin Bill is going to be a great daddy!

First time eating sweet potato!

Family Time in the snow!

"Mom! Dad! Next Christmas I want one of THESE!"

"We are a bunch of nobodies trying to exalt Somebody." 
— Jim Elliot

God Is Good, Dustin Kensrue

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A Story from Our September Trip to Mexico

The Story Behind This Photo

As we entered the house I was apprehensive. I wasn't sure if the couple inside would remember who we were or how they would receive us. All I really knew about them is that they were not christians. The older man was standing on his porch and when he saw us he invited us in. So we gathered in their family room and asked how they were doing. After a few minutes the opportunity arose to share with them the message of the gospel. I gave them each a copy of the gospel presentation I wrote in Spanish. They followed along as I read. They seemed to be very receptive and encouraging as I stumbled through various Spanish words. As I finished the presentation my heart was filled with joy because I was able to share the truth of the gospel with them and we invited them to a Bible study that we are hoping to have with other non believers next trip.

We hope that God will allow us to continue to get to know this couple. Pray to that end. We hope do share a meal with them soon so pray that God would open that door.

Photos from Mexico

Leaving for Mexico

Our team getting ready to go to Mexico

Bible study over Genesis 3

Bible Study over Genesis 3 - Photo 2

Bible Study over Genesis 3 - Photo 3

Lunch in a small restaurant 

Dinner with our Mexico Mom and her son Martin

Brother during morning prayer

Praying over a sick brother

Outside the Restaurant

Sharing The Gospel with people in Mexico

Reading along as I present The Gospel

The Arrival Of Our Sweet Gracie

On baby K's due date, August 2nd, at 8:30 am labor began. Matt and I spent most of the day trying to figure out if this was the real deal. We took many walks around the neighborhood as we timed my contractions. Matt kept our Doula Kim Wheaton up to date on my progress. By the time the sun was set there was no doubt I was in some stage of real labor but we couldn't figure out which. After we read to my belly "On The Night You Were Born" and I bawled my eyes out in excitement of meeting this new little person we decided to try to sleep. However, my contractions were 3-5 minutes apart... sleep didn't happen. Matt helped me find a way to semi-nap while draped over our yoga balance ball. Then things picked up. 

Matt minutes before meeting his daughter

Matt had done a great job of helping me through thus far, but now I was shaking and my contractions were getting stronger so we decided it was time to call Kim. Not long after, sometime around midnight, she arrived. It was a second wind, she helped me relax through a few contractions and I was able to refocus. I was worried about going to the hospital too soon, Kim assured me they wouldn't turn me away. We prayed before we left. Kim helped me get situated in the car and Matt brought all our things out. As we drove contractions intensified, Matt smiled at a stop light looking at the car beside us and said to me "I want to roll down the window and tell them we are having a baby!" He drove the speed limit, and accelerated gracefully which I appreciated. I never noticed how bumpy some of those roads were until then. When someone passed us I remember thinking 'Where are they going that they are driving faster than the car with the lady in labor?'. 

At the hospital I scribbled my name on some forms and was quickly given a room. I was at 5 cm. Labor progressed quickly from there and about 4 hours and some projectile vomit later I was at 9 and a 1/2 centimeters. And 9 and a 1/2 was where I stayed, for three wonderful hours. Kim and Matt were incredible throughout this process but I especially needed them during those three hours as the urge to push was THERE but I wasn't fully dilated and my water had only partially broken. My doctor ended up breaking my water and 45 minutes later we met the answer to so many prayers! Anna Grace, (we call her Gracie), was born at 9:55 am on August 3rd measuring 7 pounds 4 ounces, 20 and a half inches long. 

In the midst of transition at the hospital, Matt sat by my side encouraging me the whole time. I love my husband.

Matt and I are so thankful to God for this precious gift of life. During the labor process I knew it was only because of God strengthening me that I was able to get through! Having Kim Wheaton (watch Kim Wheaton-birth doula, visit Kim's blog) as my birth coach was a huge answer to prayer, she helped me not only emotionally and physically through the birth, but also spiritually. The last three weeks of learning to be a mom have been so joyful and sanctifying. I have a new appreciation for mothers, my own mother especially. I love looking at all the pictures of Gracie with her grandparents! We recently moved back down to Texas after an amazing summer in IL. We have been so cared for by our friends and family this summer from a place to stay to a carload of baby gear! Thank you, thank you, thank you! It was a blessing to spend those first weeks of Gracie's life with the people we love in the midwest! Thank you to everyone who has been praying for our family! You are all a blessing to us and we are so thankful for you! 

And then there were three, Gracie you are so loved.  Photos courtesy Kim Wheaton

See Ashley's belly grow, pregnancy photos to 9 months

Baby K, a set on Flickr.

CPCP Class of 2013 Graduation Photos

CPCP Class of 2013 Graduation, a set on Flickr.