January 2009 News

January 2009 Newsletter
Life: a journey, an adventure with Jesus
Here in Duluth, There in Peru
Dear Family and Friends:

Here in Duluth --
Happy New Year! What does that mean to you? A new beginning, having a clean slate to start over, making new year resolutions, the chance to try something new, launch a dream, get yourself headed in a specific direction, or just get the ball rolling. It may be a physical, educational, vocational, or spiritual endeavor. Whatever, you think – now’s the chance, and, in all reality, it is! Now is the time!

Happy New Year speaks a little differently to us. It’s the beginning of an end. This the last month we will be here in the states. We are packing, cleaning out, leasing the house, selling the vehicles. You know. You’ve heard us speak of this before. Each activity, event, holiday, visit, may be the last for an unknown time.

Unknown? That’s what it’s all about. What can we really depend upon? What is a ‘sure’ thing these days, anyway? Some say “death and taxes” and there is some truth to that. But, it would be pretty sad if that’s all we knew and were looking forward to! Thank goodness, we have insight beyond that thought. We KNOW Who holds the future, Who holds our hand, Who goes before us, Who has called us, Who blesses us beyond comprehension. On the other hand, no, we don’t know how we are going to survive or succeed in language school, where we are going to live, what life will really be like, where our additional financial support will come from. (Yes, we are experiencing a shortfall. We are at 79% of budget at the moment.) Also, during our 4 months of school, room & board and classes are covered, but we are unaware of what additional expenses we will need to cover (i.e. transportation, weekend expenses, internet connection & phone.) There are lots of unanswered questions. But the Word of the Lord provides us with the answers we need. Consider the following verses:
- Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
This is an amazing thought. He knows the plan and promises hope! Now that’s exciting and something to look forward to. Amen? Amen!
- Matthew 26:64 “Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."
Imagine it! Our Lord and Savior will be at the right hand of our Father and coming just as He said. Are you ready? You want to be.
- Romans 8:37-39 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
These are the encouraging words given each of us as we face the unknown today and tomorrow.

There in Peru --
The same new beginnings you are considering will be facing us in Peru. Consider praying for us as you embark on that long-awaited opportunity. We are anxious to get to school and get out! (So, what’s new – don’t most students want to get it over with?) We are looking forward to finding out how, where and when the Lord will use us. The first 12 days we will be visiting the ministry branches and Peruvian Christians. We will need to pick up our VISAs, apply for our resident cards, figure out the banking system, cell phone options, and re-pack for the 4 months we will be in school. We covet your prayers. YOU are part of our TEAM and we will need your prayer support more than ever during February as we begin to make the transition.

We are thrilled to report that Pat’s Place family has enjoyed a wonderful Christmas under the guidance of a dear Peruvian sister, Blanca, while Heather Bowen, House Director, visited family here in the states. The Hope House family has missed Gregg Bonner (Dad to the 18 children) as he returned home to Australia to be with his mother during major surgery. Bridget (Mom) has surely been busy with the children being on school vacation, visiting days with their natural parents, and siblings, and holiday excitement. The AWANA (OANSA in Spanish!) programs are moving along and finances continue to come in to start another two clubs or to support the current clubs another year. The distribution of the funds will be determined during our first two weeks in town. We need to consult with Pastor Gino and his staff to determine what would be best. It is our desire to meet with Julio Serrano, Peru AWANA Missionary, regarding the dates of the club year and the fees required annually. Please pray for wisdom in making this decision.

Here in Duluth --
In closing, we plan to write once again before we leave the country. We want to provide you with the most up-to-date information at that time, i.e. stateside address, email contacts, Peru address, financial update and prayer requests.

We wish you a very happy new year, and know that happiness will come from the Father above. Look to Him as you step out in faith to begin anew. Pray for us as we do the same.

Together Each Achieves More -- Missions in Peru,

Don & Joy

jnorris3912@yahoo.com
perudon@gmail.com
770-476-4578
TEAMissionsinperu.blogspot.com