September prayer letter

NICODEMUS PRAYER TEAM

SEPTEMBER 2010

"We tend to use prayer as a last resort, but God wants it to be our first line of defense. We pray when there's nothing else we can do, but God wants us to pray before we do anything at all. Most of us would prefer, however, to spend our time doing something that will get immediate results. We don't want to wait for God to resolve matters in His good time because His idea of 'good time' is seldom in sync with ours."  Oswald Chambers. 

Thank you prayer supporters for being our first line of defense as we reach out to the Nicodemus people!

Wednesday, Sept 1: George will be going to Nicaragua on September 1 for a couple of days to help cover for the logistic coordinator who had to return to the States for emergency medical needs.  Pray for Harriet as she deals with the medical needs that she would rest in the Lord’s hands and that she would return to health soon.  Pray for George, as he has to deal with several urgent issues there.

Thursday, Sept 2: The Wednesday cell group that meets at the Hardemans’ has moved to Thursday night because of some scheduling conflicts.  On September 2, they will begin studying Gospel in the Rosary, an evangelistic book written by Dr. Daniel Sanchez from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  With the importance of the Rosary to many Catholics, this topic has raised lots of interest, and several new people have said they want to join the group.  Praise God that we were able to get the books into the country on time.  Pray that God will bring many people to the study and that they will discover and put their trust in God’s Word over religious tradition, leading them to a personal relationship in Jesus Christ.

Friday, Sept 3: The prayer retreat last month was a good time of spiritual renewal and fellowship.  It was a special time, also, as Richard and Sharon Cook were recognized for 30 years of service with the IMB and Ron and Margie Carothers for 25 years.  There was hardly a dry eye in the room as beautiful letters of testimony were read to them that had been written by their children and a co-worker.  Praise God for their faithful service through the years in spite of all the challenges (like being robbed at gunpoint, living through the invasion in Panama, the death of parents, cancer, etc.) they faced. 

Saturday, Sept 4: Because of a family emergency, Sharon Cook returned to the US for two weeks on August 26.  In her absence, Judith and Helen will be leading the Crown class that meets at her house.  Besides the two of them, there are seven people attending the group.  They are already half-way though the course at the beginning of this month.  Pray that they will desire to continue to meet and study the Bible.  Pray that they will bring more friends.  Pray for their salvation.

Sunday, Sept 5:  Richard Cook will be traveling to San Pedro Sula, Honduras as a part of the Guatemala Baptist Seminary’s extension classes.  He and 3 other seminary professors will teach classes September 6-10.  Pray that they would have safe travels.  Pray for the students who will be traveling to attend the classes.  Join them in praising God for the students who desire to study God’s word in a deeper way.

Monday, Sept 6:  Today begins the third trimester of master’s courses at the Guatemala Baptist Seminary.  Students will receive their preliminary work to prepare for on campus class time in October.  Pray for that the students would have time, opportunity and desire to complete the preliminary work.  Pray for the professors who are teaching these classes, pray that they would have the needed time to prepare and plan for the classes.

Tuesday, Sept 7:  Siomara and Samuel are traveling to Quetzaltenango (about 4 hours away from Guatemala City) today to spend some time with family and friends before Manuel returns from Israel on September 17.  Pray that they would have safe travels and that they would have an enjoyable time of rest and relaxation.

Wednesday, Sept 8: Ellis Leagan’s mother, Ruby Leagans, moved to an assisted living facility in August.  Her adjustments has had some of the usual bumps, but we are grateful that it has gone as well as it has.  They greatly appreciate your prayer support and your prayers recently for his mother and their family.  Continue to pray for Ellis and other family members who have been helping in Ruby’s adjustment to a new place.

Thursday, Sept 9:   Happy 3rd birthday to Samuel!  Manuel and Siomara want to give praise and thanks to God for the 3 years of life that Samuel has had.  He is truly a gift from God.  Pray for them as they continue to raise him in a Christian home full of love, support and encouragement.

Friday, Sept 10:  Manuel is finishing up his last week in Israel.  Pray that during this last week

he would have some time to rest and reflect so that he can return renewed and fresh to the work

that God has for him.  Pray that he would have a sweet time of fellowship with God as he is

away from his usual busy activities.

Saturday, Sept 11: The Monday group at the Hardemans’ will finish the chronological Bible storying series and move into the Bible study on the Rosary.  One couple, that had come to the Crown study but dropped out afterwards, returned to the group last month with a great desire to get back into Bible study with the group.  Pray that God will break down the barriers of tradition that have their eyes blinded to the truth and bring them to a saving relationship with Christ.

Sunday, Sept 12: George’s mother was in the hospital last month for a couple of days.  She is not doing well and needs your prayers.  Pray that wise decisions will be made concerning her care.   His father has some minor health problems, but is doing fairly well.  Also, pray for Manuel’s mom and brother.  They are having financial and health problems.

Monday, Sept 13:  During his time in Israel, Manuel has been on a scholarship to study “Development and Reduction of Poverty” which relates to his work with a non-profit organization.  Pray for him that this trip will not only benefit him professionally, but as he has an opportunity to visit different sites in the Holy Land, he will be inspired and revived.  Pray that the Lord will give him a clear vision of the direction Impacto Biblico should take.  Pray for his safe return on September 17.

Tuesday, Sept 14: The group that meets at Manuel and Siomara’s house has grown to about 12 people who are consistently meeting to study the Bible.  Several of them joined us at Impacto Biblico for the service one Sunday last month.  Annie and her two daughters have begun to attend Union Church regularly while still going to mass.  She has even served as a helper (not a teacher) in children’s church.  Pray for this group to continue to grow into a saving relationship with the Lord.  

Wednesday, Sept 15:  Today is Independence Day in Guatemala.  Many businesses and stores will be closed allowing people time to celebrate.  Pray that the Guatemalans will have a desire to experience the freedom that can be found in having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Thank God for the freedom that Guatemalans have in their lives and country.  Continue to pray for the president and decisions that he and other government leaders are making.

Thursday, Sept 16:  Andrea Leagans McCrary, daughter of Ellis and Judy Leagans, is undergoing a battery of tests due to migraine headaches and other symptoms. An unidentified spot on the brain is being studied.  We are hoping that it all relates to the migraines.  She has her next neurological appointment September 16.  Pray that Andrea and her family will have a sense of peace with the waiting between appointments and as they visit the doctor today.

Friday, Sept 17: Jean and Kathy are friends with Sharon, Carol and Helen.  Jean, Kathy’s mom, has had some serious health problems and Kathy is her chief caregiver.  Though she is better, they have faced one trial after another.  Though they profess to be saved, Kathy asks, “Why does God hate us so?” Pray that they would see His love all around them and that they will experience his peace, encouragement and strength at this time.  Pray for Sharon, Carol, and Helen as they try to encourage them and minister to them.

Saturday, Sept 18:  Continue to pray that Adam and Jennifer Hammond would have open doors of opportunity to share with their neighbors.  Also pray for the mom’s group which meets once a week at Jennifer’s house or other houses. Praise God for the seeds, which He has planted in the lives of their neighbors, and pray that the neighbor’s hearts would be opened to the truth of God.

Sunday, Sept 19: When the Hardemans arrived in Guatemala 38 years ago, they became members of the Baptist church in the village of Cantel in western Guatemala and worked with and through them to minister to the Quiché Indians for many years in that area.  The pastor, Luis Poz, and his wife, Bernada, became very special friends as well as all of their family.  On the 25^th of this month, they will be celebrating 50 years of marriage.  Thank the Lord for the testimony they have given to so many through these years.  Pray that the Lord would continue to use them in ministry in Cantel.  Pray for George and Helen as they plan to travel to Quetzaltenango to be there for their celebration as with the heavy rains the past few months, there are lots of landslides on the road. 

Monday, Sept 20: Join Richard and Sharon Cook in celebrating their 30 years of service with the International Mission Board!  During their time they have seen and experienced many things and changes throughout the organization and Central America.  Praise God for their willingness to serve Him through many different situations.  Continue to pray for their ministry among the Guatemalan people.  Congratulations Richard and Sharon!

 Tuesday, Sept 21: A church in Oklahoma is scheduled to bring a sports team of young people down in March of next year.  Pray for Carol and Helen as they communicate with the team and coordinate plans.  Pray that the Lord would also guide them in finding strategic ways to use other teams to open doors of witness among the Nicodemus people.

Wednesday, Sept 22: Pray for Impacto Biblico Church.  Not only have Manuel and Siomara been away for several weeks, but also some of the other faithful members have been away. Satan always uses a time like this to attack.  The first Sunday they were away, the key wouldn’t work in the lock which had to be broken off to get in, and the cleaning lady quit after being confronted with the disappearance of the coffee pot and a few other items.  Pray especially for Fredy and Lidia, as he is the deacon and much responsibility has fallen on him.  Pray that the members won’t become discouraged, but will continue to stand firm and be more intentional in their outreach.

Thursday, Sept 23:  Continue to pray for the leadership of the IMB and NAMB.  Two great missionary sending agencies and both are searching for a president.  Pray that the president to be would be open to God’s calling to this position.  Pray for those in leadership who are filling the gap between the leaving of the previous president and the arrival of the new ones.

Friday, Sept 24: Ellis and Judy Leagans returned last month from their stateside assignment time.  Since his return Ellis has accepted new job responsibilities.  Pray for him as he continues to learn more about this new job responsibility.  Pray for Ellis and Judy as they participate in the ministries that God has for them. 

Saturday, Sept 25:  Sports activities, card making, Wii video games, games, and ping pong, these are some of the ideas that Carol Wilkinson has thought of to use to reach out to the university students.  Pray for Carol as she looks for ways and opportunities to implement these programs and as she looks for others to help her in the leading of these activities. 

Sunday, Sept 26: Some IMB medical personnel plan to come down the week of September 26 and have asked Helen to arrange for them to meet with the administrator of the main hospital used by missionaries here in Guatemala City, as well as meet with various physicians.  Pray that the arrangements will go well and they will get to meet with everyone they desire to.  Pray that this will lead to more contacts and opportunities to witness with the Nicodemus people.

Monday, Sept 27: Continue to pray for Jeff and Noemi Macumber and their children as they continue to adjust to life in Costa Rica.  They are having a fairly good adjustment.  Pray for them as they visit different churches and look for the one in which God is leading them to attend and serve in.  Pray for George as he continues to do several jobs until Jeff is able to arrive and take over the logistics coordinator position.

 

Tuesday, Sept 28: The Hammonds family will soon be leaving for stateside time.  Pray for them as they have many things to do to prepare for that while also continuing their work and ministry.  Pray that they would have time to sort through items in their home so they can decide what to pack, what to sell or give away, and what to leave here.

Wednesday, Sept 29: Pray that the members of Impacto Biblico Church would remain encouraged and not grow discouraged.  1 Thessalonians 5:11 says “therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing”.  Pray that they would remember this verse as they reach out to each other and to their neighbors.

Thursday, Sept 30: Yesterday you were asked to pray I Thessalonians 5:11 for the church members.  Today let’s pray this verse for the missionaries who are serving on the Nicodemus team.  Pray that we would be an encouragement to one another and to the nationals who we minister with and to our neighbors.

Prayer items

August 12

Hello all,

I thought I would take a few minutes and update you on my life here in Guatemala.  As a lot of you know I took a vacation to North Carolina for a couple of weeks in June and July. I was able to see alot of my friends and family.  I had a busy yet enjoyable time.  I returned to Guatemala for a few days before going to Panama for a conference for a week.  I was able to see the Panama Canal and buy Diet Mountain Dew.  It was a good trip.  But I was glad when I returned to Guatemala.  My kitty was glad that I returned to Guatemala as well.

There are three main universities here in the city that I am targeting however it seems that God is opening the most doors at the Valley University.  This past Monday I had a meeting with an adminstrative guy who works with the sports and cultural department at the university.  He was the one who gave the Florida team permission to be on campus when they were here.  He had alot of ideas for activities.  He is very receptive to any teams that I want to bring on campus to teach sports to students or have other activities.  It was interesting because alot of the activities which he mentioned I thought I know someone here who could help or lead that activity.  

He said that there are two campuses out of town.  He said if I had a team here one idea would be to be on the main campus one day and the next day go to the campuses outside of the city to offer the same activity to the students.  I thought that was a good idea and great opportunity.

An idea that I have is that I would tell him each week on a certain day of the week probably Wednesdays, I will offer an activity to the students whether it is a sports activity or non sports activity or Wii video game playing.  That would be a great way to meet students and then invite them to small groups or any activity like that.

I haven't had a great response from emailing the students who I have contact info for.  However I have had a great response with them on facebook.  I have a friend who wants to help me set up a facebook page where we can make it an open forum for the students and we can post questions for the students to respond to.

Another possibility might be studying "The Purpose Driven Life" book with those who want to improve their English.  I have several national friends who speak some English but would like to improve their English.  I thought that would be a great way for them to improve their English.  

Also in mid August Helen and I will have a Crown financial orientation meeting at my house.  No one came to the last orientation which we had.  I would ask that you would pray that God would lead people to this whether it is just one person or many people.

August 17-20th I'll be attending a Team Meeting/Prayer Retreat here in Guatemala City.  Pray that it would be a time of spiritual refreshment for all of us in attendance.

My parents will be coming to visit for a week in August as well.  That trip was just planned with the generosity of a friend of mine sharing buddy passes.

I was reminded today of the story of having the faith of a mustard seed and how mountains can be moved with this faith.  As I look at the university ministry I remember how overwhelmed I felt at first with it all.  Then I can see how God has opened doors that only He could open.  Continue to pray that the students would be open to God's love.  

Colossians 3 talks about keeping our eyes focused on heavenly things and not on earthly things.  It was so interesting the illustration which God provided for me as I was thinking about this.  I was sitting at the dining room table thinking about this Scripture and how to focus on heavenly things.  Then Kitty came walking down the stairs, she walked right past me and didn't acknowledge me at all.  She went into the kitchen and I heard her eating.  Then when she finished, she went past  me again without stopping to be rubbed and she went up the stairs back to where she was before.  Some people would say that is just a cat being a cat, but I saw it as God giving me an example of keeping your eyes focused on heavenly things and not on things in the path.  

I know there are things that I have forgotten to mention but at least this gives you a short summary of some things that have been going on and things which you can pray for.

Thanks for your prayers, support and love!
Carol

Cowboy Church

 Written by Nancy Chafin who I went to church with today....

Today was a more "normal" Sunday than most when we go to Cowboy Church.  Our good friend and fellow missionary, Carol Wilkinson, went with us today.  The record still holds of "no two Sundays alike."

Along the way we did have to slow down for a herd of cows walking down the middle of the road.  The cow herder had on his cowboy clothes, was swinging a rope and talking on his cell phone.    We just had to laugh out loud.  Oh, for the life of a modern-day cowboy.
Carol said he was probably talking to his girlfriend!

We also had to slow down as we passed through a predominantly Catholic town.  They had sawdust carpets with lovely designs all down one side of the road.  There were small home-made shrines at intervals.  Today they were honoring San Juan Bosco, the patron saint of youth.

Due to so much rain the government road crews were working hard to clear the roads.  We only had to stop once for dump trucks hauling and dumping mud and rocks as they went back and forth on the road...it was down to just one lane. 

We made it to Amberes without any problems.
When we arrived at Cowboy Church we were met by Paco Chuy.
He was there waiting for us.  He told us that Elva and Cesar (Cowboy Church leaders)  had gone to Agua Blanca for a church/mission start meeting.  They would spend the night there tonight and not come back to Amberes until Monday.

Cesar knew that H.Rhea would be there and knew that he was always prepared to lead a Bible Study.

Arturo, Elva's brother and property care-taker, had already set up a table and chairs so we could have the Bible Study inside the church building.  We sat around the table and Paco kept making phone calls on his cell phone.   He explained that he was calling his wife to find out if she was going to come to church.  She was busy in their kitchen making corn tamales.

Yes, she would come, but would have to wait on a three-wheel taxi.  Paco and Mari do not own a car so they get to town by either walking or using three-wheel taxis.  (There are several in and around Amberes.)

I told him to call her back and tell her that I would drive over and pick her up.  He called her back.
Carol and I drove over to their house.  Mari Chuy was standing out in the road at the foot of their drive-way.  They only have a dirt drive-way which was now just a mud-slide due to so much rain.

On the way back to the church building Mari told about witnessing to her neighbor, Milvia.  (Please pray this week for Milvia's salvation.)

Bladimir did not come to church today as there was a soccer game on the soccer field he owns.  He had to be there to charge admission and keep an eye on his property and other things. 

H.Rhea did a Bible Study on the security of the believer.  He tries to stress discipleship lessons as much as possible because he doesn't really know Paco and Mari.  We know that both Paco and Mari have made professions of faith. Cesar told us that Paco has not been baptized,  but we don't know about Mari. (I think I will just out and ask her next Sunday.)
Arturo is a baptized Christian.

It was just the six of us, and of course, Bruno the faithful dog.  Carol commented afterwards that Bruno really was a good church goer.  He laid down quietly by the table the whole time we were studying the Bible.  When the final "amen" was said after the final prayer,  Bruno got up and walked to the front gate.   
We all had a big laugh.

I was disappointed that some of the regular members seem to have dropped out.  Arturo gave some reasons they were not there.  I think one of the main problems is that Cesar has a heart for missions and not a heart for doing a Bible Study.  It seems that he and Elva are gone more Sundays than they are at Cowboy Church.

When H.Rhea and I first started helping out at Cowboy Church we had about 30 adults and about 30 children.  Lunch was provided every Sunday,  with Elva doing most of the cooking.   Elva got aggravated that the other ladies wouldn't help and/or folks wouldn't pay for some of the food.  She decided that Cowboy Church would just quit providing lunch every Sunday.
The attendance dropped off immediately.   

We then started having about 6 to 10 men attend and one family with two little children; this was before Paco and Chuy started attending.   I am not sure what it is going to take.   I do know that H.Rhea and I love attending and participating when he is in the country.   I don't know if we will ever reach "real" cowboys.    We love the folks at Amberes.  Please join us in praying about this situation.

Before we left the church property Arturo wanted to give us some mangos.  He has a neat mango retriever.  It is a very long pole with a wire basket on the end.  He can reach the top branches of the mango trees with it.  He gave us several mangos.  Carol got some photos of Arturo knocking mangos into the wire basket.

We gave Paco and Mari a lift home so they wouldn't have to take a taxi.  Paco told us to wait.  Mari went inside and brought us tamales made from corn.   She sent a couple back to Arturo for his lunch.

We stopped on the way out of town to drop off the tamales to Arturo.  He met us at the gate just a running.  He had been down the street to buy tortillas to go with his tamales.   How tasty!

On the way back to the capital we stopped at Vesuvio which is an Italian Restaurant.  We got to sit out on the front porch which is next to the wood-burning ovens.   They cook their pizzas in wood-burning ovens, scooping them in and out with large wooden paddles.
H.Rhea and Carol both got individual pizzas.  I got ravioli.  I ate every bite of mine,  but both Carol and H.Rhea had enough left over to take some home for later. 
H.Rhea loves cold pizza for breakfast.

We were so glad that Carol got to go to church with us.  We told her that she will have to go another time as in comparison to most Sundays this one was uneventful.

Happy Kitty

How is this for contentment??

August prayer letter

NICODEMUS PRAYER TEAM

AUGUST 2010

In doing some re-vamping their website, the InJesus mailing group that sends out our prayer letter lost our complete mailing list.  For that reason, our prayer letter did not go out last month.  We have been working to reconstruct the list, but because for the past few years they were not sending us the drop/add list, we do not have a completely up-to-date list.  If you know of any church or individuals who were on the list but don’t receive this letter, please ask them to communicate with us.  If you do not wish to be on this list, just notify us and we will remove you.  We are so thankful for our prayer support network and hate to lose any contacts that wish to be on the list.

Sunday, August 1: As we start a new month let’s join together to pray for the 100 Nicodemus people to come to know God in a personal way, pray that they would come to His saving knowledge. It is great to be back in touch with you and know that you are praying each day for specific requests.  Let’s thank God for allowing us to get back in touch.

Monday, August 2: David and Mayarí have settled into their home in Baton Rouge and have begun their English classes.  Through the class, Mayarí made a contact that has led to their first Bible study group.  The boys finished up their home school program in July and will be testing for their placement in the school there.  Pray for all of them as they continue their adjustment to a new culture and their language learning.  Pray for the boys as they begin school and for David and Mayarí as they make contacts and try to plant a Hispanic church in Baton Rouge.

Tuesday, August 3: George had a good trip through Central America in June meeting with the logistic coordinators whom he supervises.  One of the logistic coordinators returned to the USA last month for some medical treatment.  While she is away, George will have to oversee the logistic responsibilities there, too.  Three families leave Guatemala in these days for stateside assignment.  Pray for George as he meets with them to arrange for details for their house care while they are away.  Pray for him as he has a very heavy work schedule.  Even when he is home, the phone is constantly ringing with people needing information or help in a certain situation.

Wednesday, August 4: Jeff and Noemi Macumber and their two children, Kaila and Josiah, arrived in Costa Rica at the end of July to being Spanish language study.  They will there until December 2011.  Then they will arrive in Guatemala and Jeff will take some of George’s responsibilities in the mission office.  Pray for the Macumbers and their adjustment to a new life and culture.

Thursday, August 5: The Hardemans have much to be thankful for.  Their daughter Lynna, her husband Robert and son John were able to come to Guatemala for a visit.  Robert was only here for about 10 days, but Lynna and John stayed for a month, leaving August 5.  Robert began a full-time job last month after over two years with only part time work.  Their daughter Rebecca, also, began a full-time job for which we are thankful.  Pray for them as they adjust to the new job.

Friday, August 6: Carol and Helen have planned to do an afternoon Crown group, but no one came last month when the introductory meeting was held though several had expressed interest.  Pray for God to guide them as they seek His will about having another meeting and if we need to change the hour.

Saturday, August 7:  Sharon Cook will be leading a card class today at Impacto Biblico.  A luncheon will precede the class. Pray for the ladies who will be in attendance.  Pray that they would have a desire to return to church tomorrow.

Sunday, August 8: George will be traveling to Bogotá, Colombia for a meeting of the LC’s (Logistic Coordinators) in all of Latin America.  Pray for his safe travel and for a good meeting as the LC’s compare their experiences and seek ways to work more effectively and efficiently within the new program.

Monday, August 9: Janet Hervey, who before worked in the office with George for about 10 years, will be in Guatemala August 9 for about two weeks.  Pray for her as she meets with different missionaries to help them with the new accounting procedures and has an opportunity to visit many of her Guatemalan friends.  She is also under a heavy work schedule down in Chile.  Pray for her as she visits

Tuesday, August 10: Helen needs to prepare and teach a seminar on witnessing to Catholics as part of her final assignment for the seminary class.  Pray for her as she does the preparation and tries to find time to get a group together for the 5-session seminar.

Wednesday, August 11: The Wednesday afternoon group at Richard and Sharon Cook’s house are finishing up their study of “The Purpose Driven Life” and they hope to study “The Gospel of the Rosary”.  As many of the Guatemalans come from Catholic backgrounds pray that their hearts would be open to evangelical ways of thinking which might be different from their usual way of thinking.  Pray that they would desire to have a personal relationship with God.

Thursday, August 12: While Lynna was here, she had a drop-in at the Hardemans’ for some of her friends that went to school with her at the Inter-American School in Quetzaltenango.  A couple of them expressed interest in doing the Crown study in English.  If they are serious about this, pray that Helen and Carol will be able to get a couple more people involved and be able to get the books promptly from the USA.  

Friday, August 13: Manuel has an excellent opportunity to travel to Israel later this month.  Pray for him in his travels and pray for Siomara and Samuel as they are here in Guatemala.  Join them in praising God for this opportunity which He has allowed them.  Pray for him in his travels and his studies in Israel.

Saturday, August 14: In mid-August Ellis Leagans's mother Ruby Leagans (in North Carolina) will move from her home to an assisted living care facility if all goes as currently planned.  All three of her sons plan to be there to facilitate the move.

Sunday, August 15:  Today is a day which commemorates the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, in body and soul, up to heaven.

Pray for the leaders in the country of Guatemala.  Pray for the people whose history is rich in Catholicism.  Pray that the Guatemalans would come to understand a personal relationship by faith in Jesus Christ.

Monday, August 16:  The students at the Baptist Seminary are finishing up their second term of study and will be beginning their third study.  Pray that the students would finish well and that they and the professors would have a time of rest before beginning again in September.  As Richard Cook coordinates activities and teaches at the seminary, pray that he would have the strength that he needs.  Pray that they would all have the preparation time which they need in their studies.

Tuesday, August 17:  The missionaries will be traveling today to attend a prayer retreat. Two families from Honduras will be traveling to Guatemala to attend. Pray that they would have safety in their travels and that they would have a time of renewal and refreshment in God’s word and in fellowship with others.

Wednesday, August 18:  Pray that Carol Wilkinson would be able to have a good working relationship with Rafael and Ennio at the Valley University.  Praise God for the contacts He has given her there and for the potential teams which will come to share with the students.  Also for activities which she will offer the students.

Thursday, August 19:  Ellis and Judy Leagans recently returned to Guatemala from their stateside time.  Pray for them as they readjust to the Guatemalan culture and also as Ellis has accepted a new job position, pray for him as he learns what the job entails and all that goes along with that.

Friday, August 20: Manuel continues to challenge the Impacto Biblico Church to begin moving toward being a cell church.  He needs to get sermon plans and outlines done far enough ahead of time so that cell group materials can be done.  Pray for him to have time in his already full schedule to be able to work on this and for Helen as she helps with the cell group materials.

Saturday, August 21:  Pray for the members/regular attendees of Impacto Biblico.  Pray that they would invite their friends and neighbors to go with them to church tomorrow.  Continue to pray for leaders to step up to leadership positions in the church.   

Sunday, August 22: The Monday night group that meets at the Hardemans’ has moved into the New Testament part of the chronological storying series.  Many interesting questions have come up.  We talked about John the Baptist’s sermon calling for repentance to prepare for the kingdom of heaven and that the Pharisees, in spite of being very religious and strict in keeping the commandments, fell far short of achieving God’s approval by their works.  “Oh no,” said one of the women, “we’re washed up.”  But then we looked at Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.  Pray for these dear people that they will understand how salvation by grace through faith is God’s plan and that they will accept His free gift, making Him Lord of their lives.

Monday, August 23: Pray for decisions relating to the Monday and Wednesday night groups at the Hardemans’.  Without Ana Myriam and Judith (who will be helping Sharon with the Crown group Wednesday nights, that only leaves three people who will be regular attendees.  They have mentioned combining the groups if we can find a suitable evening and time.  On the other hand, Helen has challenged them to invite other people to join the group as we begin the new study.

Tuesday, August 24: Pray for Manuel and Siomara and their leadership in Impacto Biblico.  Pray that they would feel a strong sense of God’s presence and encouragement today as many people are praying specifically for them. 

Wednesday, August 25:  A Crown Financial study group is being lead by Sharon Cook on Wednesday evenings.  Pray for the group of ladies who have joined together to learn more about budgeting, saving, and other financial issues from a Biblical perspective.  Pray that their mind and heart would be open to new ideas that they might be hearing from these studies.

Thursday, August 26:  The Mom’s group meets on Thursdays at Jennifer Hammond’s house.  Continue to pray for them as they desire to raise their children in Christian homes.  Pray that others would come and join the group.

Friday, August 27: Ana Myriam of the Wednesday group at the Hardemans’ has had to drop out.  There has been a lot of drug-related crime in her neighborhood and she is fearful of coming home to an empty home alone after 9 at night.  We would like to get her involved in the Wednesday afternoon group that Sharon leads in Zone 15 which is nearer her house.  Pray that this would work out. Also pray for that the governmental leaders as they look for ways to combat crime.

Saturday, August 28:  Adam and Jennifer Hammond are continuing to enjoy the neighborhood in which they live.  Continue to pray that they would have divine opportunities to share God’s love with their neighbors.  Praise God for the friendships which Arabella has with the neighborhood children.

Sunday, August 29:  Pray that Carol would know how to reach out to her neighbors in her apartment complex whether it is through Bible studies, English tutoring, or whatever way in which God has planned.

Monday, August 30: Richard Cook and other professors from the Baptist Seminary will be traveling to Honduras in September to teach classes at the extension center there.  As they make plans for travel and teaching pray that they would have wisdom and guidance in their preparation. Pray for the students who will be in Honduras, pray that they would have a desire to learn and study.

Tuesday, August 31:  As of this writing the IMB has not named a president to replace Jerry Rankin who recently retired.  Clyde Meador will be the interim president.  Continue to pray for the search committee who will be looking for the person that God has to fill this position.  Pray that this person would be open to accepting the presidential position.

June Prayer Letter

NICODEMUS PRAYER TEAM
JUNE 2010
In doing some re-vamping their website, the InJesus mailing group that sends out our prayer letter lost our complete mailing list. For that reason, our prayer letter did not go out last month. We have been working to reconstruct the list, but because for the past few years they were not sending us the drop/add list, we do not have a completely up-to-date list. If you know of any church or individuals who were on the list but don’t receive this letter, please ask them to communicate with us. If you do not wish to be on this list, just notify us and we will remove you. We are so thankful for our prayer support network and hate to lose any contacts that wish to be on the list.
Tuesday, June 1: Pray for Frank Johnson and others who are trying to figure out the best way to send out the prayer newsletter each month. Feel free to forward this on to your family and friends as Frank and others work to rebuild the mailing list. Praise God that there are people who have the knowledge, desire and ability to work out the computer problems.
Wednesday, June 2: The university team that was here to work with Carol Wilkinson had a truly great week. They were delayed in leaving because of the volcano and tropical storm but God in his sovereignty worked it all out. They traveled on Monday morning to El Salvador and they flew out of there on Tuesday arriving safely at their homes on Tuesday evening. Praise God for the many seeds that were planted while they were here.
Thursday, June 3: Richard Cook is in Honduras this week teaching seminary classes to students there. Pray for him as he has a busy week. Pray for his travels and his return to Guatemala on Saturday. Praise God for the desires that the students have to study God´s word more indepth.
Friday, June 4: David and Mayarí with their two boys finally were able to travel to the US May 24 where they will begin their church-planting ministry in Baton Rouge. Pray for them as they adjust to a new culture, learn English and begin to make contact with the Hispanic population. They have had a tremendous impact on the members of the two cell groups that meet at the Hardemans’ house. They even called on May 31 to greet the group and thank them for their support and prayer.
Saturday, June 5: Andrew Thomas is an MK who lives in the Coban area of Guatemala. Today he celebrates his high school graduation. He is preparing to leave in July to attend Union University. Today the mission family will gather together at the Hardeman house to celebrate with him. As he leaves his family will be excited for him but they will miss him. As his father says, the kids are “better” missionaries than their parents. Pray for Andrew as he returns to the US but as he misses his family, friends and life here in Guatemala.
Sunday, June 6: After several delays due to the volcano eruption and tropical storm, Sharon Cook was able to make it to Texas to visit her children and see her new grandbaby. Pray that she would have a restful and encouraging time with her family and friends. Pray for the grandbaby as he has had problems with an elevated bilirubin (the cause of the jaundice). Also the grandbaby´s dad will have to soon return to Afghanistan. Pray for mom and baby as he has to leave again.
Monday, June 7: Happy birthday Carol Wilkinson! As Carol celebrates her birthday today pray that she would be reminded of how much God loves her. Praise God for all the people who throughout the world who are praying for Carol today on her birthday.
Tuesday, June 8: The volcanic eruption last month caused the airport to be closed for a week which disrupted the travel plans of several missionaries and teams. Tropical storm Agatha washed out bridges and caused major landslides across the country halting travel within the country for several days and causing some power outages. A sinkhole in Guatemala City swallowed a three-story building. All of these things caused the missionaries inconveniences, but there are hundreds of Guatemalans who lost their homes, all their belongings, crops, etc. Over 100 people were killed. Pray for us as we try to respond in Christian love in the relief efforts.
Wednesday, June 9: The Lord is teaching us a lot about Himself and his plans for our lives. The Hardemans had another interesting experience last month as Helen’s cousin, her husband, and two of their adult children came to visit us. They were here a week when Phil had to go to the hospital because of high blood pressure. The day he came out, Hibby went in because of a small stroke. Phil and one daughter were able to return to the States, while Hibby and the other daughter stayed for another two weeks. Thank the Lord that they were both recovering when they left. Pray for continual healing and for their spiritual needs. Pray that the Holy Spirit would be able to lead them to a close personal relationship with the One who spared their lives.
Thursday, June 10: Rosa Aída from the Wednesday group has felt led to offer the Crown study to a group of her friends that meets together once a month. Pray that they will respond positively to her invitation and that the study will have a profound impact on her life. Pray for her husband, son and daughter that they will come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Friday, June 11: The World Cup (of soccer) begins today. Even though Guatemala´s team isn´t in the World Cup, there is still a great excitement among the people because they love soccer! A lot of places have added TV´s which will be used to show the games, people will watch it wherever they can, no matter what teams are playing. Pray that as Christians we would show the same amount of excitement about sharing God´s love with others.
Saturday, June 12: Praise God for the positive reaction that the university mission team received from an administrative person at del Valle University. Pray for Carol and others as they look to explore other options of bringing in more teams to minister to the students. Pray for “E” the administrative person at the university, pray that he would continue to have a welcoming spirit to Carol and others who wish to minister on campus.
Sunday, June 13: The week of the 13th George will be on a trip through Central America, meeting with the logistic coordinators whom he supervises. Pray for safety in travel and for no missed flights or luggage. Pray that he would be an encourager to the others. Pray that he will be able to help them as they implement the gifts the Lord has given to them.
Monday, June 14: Adam Hammonds had the opportunity to share the gospel with some fellow golfers during a rain delay. Pray for the salvation of the ones that he shared with recently. Pray that they would desire to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, June 15: Carol Wilkinson will be leaving today to enjoy a vacation in North Carolina visiting family and friends. Pray for her in her travels. Pray that she will have a restful and enjoyable time.
Wednesday, June 16: While the teams of university students were here some of the girls and Carol hosted a Ladies lunch at Carol´s apartment. Hopefully some of these ladies along with others will begin a Crown Financial study with Helen leading and Carol assisting. Pray for the meeting time to be worked out and that God would form the group which He wants there. Pray especially for one lady who we´ll call Maria. One of the university students was able to share the gospel with her and she said it has never been explained that simply before.
Thursday, June 17: Today is Father´s Day in Guatemala. Pray that the Christian fathers would follow God´s leading and have a great love for their families.
Friday, June 18: It looks like Adam and Jennifer Hammonds and their family will have to move to another part of Guatemala City so that they will be closer to the school when Arabella begins kindergarten. Pray that they would find an affordable house in the San Cristobal area and pray that they would be able to continue the relationships that they have formed with their neighbors even though they will be in another part of town.
Saturday, June 19: Pray today for Manuel and Siomora and their leadership at Impacto Biblico Church. Pray that they would be encouraged and have wisdom and direction in God´s leadership. Pray for the stamina and strength of Manuel maintains a full time job in addition to the pastorate responsibilities. Pray that they would remember that they can do all things through Christ who strengthens them.
Sunday, June 20: Carol has been emailing several university students who the team from Florida made contact with. Pray that she would have God´s guidance about small groups to start and opportunities to visit one on one with the students. One of the students commented “you care enough about us to come here to campus to talk to us?”
Monday, June 21: The Monday Bible study group at the Hardemans’ is well into the Old Testament chronological stories. Besides seeing how God from the beginning had a plan for man’s redemption, we have also seen how God seeks to relate personally to man and He gives specific instructions as to how we are to worship Him. Help the group members to understand that man can’t just change the rules for his convenience since God is sovereign and won’t tolerate partial obedience.
Tuesday, June 22: Pray for the small group that meets at Manuel and Siomara´s house. The university team from Florida was able to share and lead in a worship service for some members of this group. Pray for their neighbors who were in attendance the night the students were there. Pray that they would come to know God´s love.
Wednesday, June 23: The Wednesday night group at the Hardemans is about to finish the Purpose-Driven Life study. Pray for wisdom as we seek the Lord’s will concerning the next study. As we talked about our mission, it was a blessing to hear each one share his/her testimony of the change that the Lord has worked in his/her life.
Thursday, June 24: One of the courses to be offered in the Master’s program at the Guatemala Baptist Seminary this cycle is on witnessing to Roman Catholics. Pray for Helen and others as they do the reading and preparation for the course to put into practice effective ways of guiding their friends to distinguish between Biblical teaching and tradition and leading them to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Friday, June 25: Please continue to pray for the sale of several properties owned by the IMB in Guatemala City. It is an added expense to take care of the upkeep, guards, etc. when the money needs to be spent for other things. Pray for wisdom for George as he has to deal with other emergencies such as a major leak under the mission guest house.
Saturday, June 26: Please continue to pray for 100 conversions among the Nicodemus People this year
Sunday, June 27: George will also be preaching the last Sunday of this month at the Bible Impact Church and again the first Sunday of July at Union Church. Pray for time to prepare the messages. Pray that he would listen to the Holy Spirit as he prepares them.
Monday, June 28: When Sharon returns from her trip to the states, she and Helen are inviting several interested people to her house to begin a Crown Bible Study group there. Pray for Judith as she invites some of her friends, for some of Sharon’s friends from the Curves gym and others to respond to the invitation and get hooked on Bible study. The plans are to have the initial meeting on June 29 to introduce the materials and set the schedule.
Tuesday, June 29: Richard Cook and students at the Baptist Seminary in Guatemala are preparing for the next week of intensive study which begins July 5. As professors prepare to travel in from the US and other countries and as Richard prepares to teach his classes, pray that they would have safe travels and that they would have time to adequately prepare for their classes.
Wednesday, June 30: Pray that God would be magnified according to Psalm 70:4 in all that we say and do as missionaries and as Christians. Thank you for your prayers even though the prayer letters have been delayed in getting to you!

Drinking water

One thing Kitty loves to do is to drink water out of the sink. I usually keep a cup at the sink filled with water for her which she enjoys...But every chance she gets, she drinks it straight out of the tap.