Family Ties - Changes

How things change in our lives!  When I started Family Ties seven months ago, Randy, Gwen and their four were busy in Jimenez and Rhyan was working toward Central America.  Lanny and I were living in the trailer behind Jeff and Rebecca's house in Mineral Wells while Rhyan and Lauren were packing the big ol bus with all their belongs from inside Jeff and Rebecca's old house.  Jeff and Rebecca were moving into their dream house in McAlester. It is amazing to just look at where we are today!

Randy, Gwen and their FIVE have left Jimenez and are on their way to Thailand!  Lauren has completed her language classes and they are finishing deputation to return to Central America.  My trailer is now behind the "dream house" in McAlester.

Tommy and Mona have spent much time on the field in Chiapas and are now on deputation!  Randy and Gwen have made a trip to Thailand and Lanny and Randy made a trip to India!

David and Jolene had a beautiful Jewish lady saved while on their anniversary in Jerusalem!  They moved into their new home.  Billie had another of her ladies banquets with souls saved.  Praise God for each testimony shared, each soul saved.  To God be the Glory! 

I spent a month with Lauren and Rhyan in Antigua, Guatemala.  I spent a month in Cd. Jimenez, Mexico with Randy and Gwen.  I've made three other trips back to Jimenez.  I've been to Monterrey and to Missouri. 

About six o'clock, last Saturday evening, Richard Henry Ashcraft; Uncle Bud, closed his eyes on earth and opened them in Heaven.  He was three months short of ninety-five!  God blessed him with a long, fruitful life.  He spoke of Jesus as naturally as one speaks of a brother or neighbor.  He spent much of his time on earth telling others of Jesus Christ.  I am honored to have met him and I joyfully include myself as his niece.

January, 2010, here we come!! 

   

Thanksgiving

It would be best to change this page for something else. It is not working as well as I had hoped.

William Randyle Ashcraft

What a big name for such a little bundle! He gave us a scare, arriving a little too early, however, he is just fine. He can be heard when he is hungry, his lungs work just fine! His Mommy is doing better than anyone expected. Stitches will be removed tomorrow from the cesearean surgery.

All the children love to watch him and take turns holding him.

Thank you for your prayers.

Family

Lauren's family left Guatemala City today returning to the USA. Gwen's leaves Chihuahua City tomorrow returning to the USA. I know both families have enjoyed having parents (and grandparents for Lauren) visit. Family encourages us. Family listens to us, cares for us, shares with us...prays for us.

The gift of family is a precious one. I praise God for the family He chose for me. I loved to have them visit us on the field. My Mom and Dad visited us when we were in El Barrial and when we moved to Cd. Jimenez. Once when they visited us, Bro. Carlos Demarest was there with a group. We had such a good time. At the end of the week, we received a phone call that my niece, Tammy, was very, very ill. I remember asking Bro. Demarest to pray for her to recover. He prayed a very sweet prayer for my family and for Tammy and he prayed that God's will be done. He prayed that God would give us strength in whatever we faced. I remember wishing he would have just prayed that God would heal her. I knew that whatever Bro. Demarest would ask, God would do it. And I was right. God's will was to take Tammy home to Heaven and God gave the strength to bear the loss.

Once, my dad came and went fishing with Lanny. They were gone for days. He had the time of his life! His happiest days were fishing. I don't understand why, but I know his mother was exactly the same way and I know that his baby sister; Aunt Clessie, is over 80 years old and still goes fishing every chance she gets!

My dad came when Rhyan hurt his head, he was there just when I needed him, to care for the family. My mom made clothes for all three of them, she quilted to give them quilts to keep them warm. Beverly was there with open arms (and a tongue lashing) when I felt I could not go on. Mary stepped in as 'Mother' to all three of my children when they came to the USA.

How I love Mom and Pop Ashcraft. I love them as I love my very own parents!

I cannot hope to fill the shoes of those before me. I can only ask that God will provide for those He has put in my path. That He will help me to be just exactly what He would have me be. My prayer is that through my weakness, He can be strong in my life.

I pray, one day, Lauren and Rhyan, Gwen and Randy, Rebecca and Jeff will have the opportunity to teach the next generations the value of family. The love of family, the strength of family, a Christ centered family.

As Dr. Wolfenbarger said tonight in his sermon; "Standing Firm on the Gospel", we stand firm because the Gospel has the power to make sons out of sinners; servants out of sons; students out of servants and saints out of students.

Roxana Garcia

I woke this morning thinking about the death of a tiny saint this morning. Little Roxana was a precious gift from God. I cannot number the people who came to know the Lord Jesus Christ because of Roxana. Never saying a word, never walking, never attending school, she affected the lives of all those around her; in Mexico and in the United States. I pray God will comfort her family. I thank God for allowing her to be part of my life.

Bro. Jose Luis read a letter from Lanny, then preached a salvation message, before asking for a show of hands for those who would like to be saved. Randy said he saw five hands go up in front of him. Bro. Jose Luis told him later that the hands looked like the hands you would see at a village service, there were so many behind Randy! What a glorious memory.

Pray for the family and for the souls saved.

Los Indios - Again

Lanny crossed the border into Mexico, yesterday. He hoped to be with Jason and Sarah today, but I am not sure he will be able to make it. Pray for him, this is a really quick trip!

Madison loves her new puppy! So far, so good.

New Puppy

Heading to Texas to get a new puppy! Madison is so excited! I hope she is still excited in a week!

Lanny is, once again, on his way to Guatemala. Jason, I think he has a package for you. Rhyan, I know he has groceries for you!

Pray for him as he travels.