Dobre den, everyone! (Hello, everyone!)  - Czech 

Please forgive me for not updating sooner.  I had plans to be very faithful about updating while I was in Prague last month, but I was too swamped with studies to have the time.  So here I am back in the States again and finally able to post a few lines. 

God has shown Himself to be awesome, powerful, and personal to me yet again.  I left the States on August 3rd, while my family was in the middle of moving out of Charlottesville.  My belongings were packed up and stored at a wonderful couple's place in a nearby town, and my parent's things were diminished enough to fit into the big white bus and trailer behind.  They are on the road and on a huge adventure!  After hearing from God, back in April that it was time to pick up fort here, they had been preparing for the unknown.  Now they are in the unknown, but experiencing God's miraculous hand as He guides them each step of the way.  Right now Dad, Mom, and Grace are in West Virginia ministering to a group of people there.  Their next destination is Bowling Green, KY where Dad will hold a 3-day time of fasting and prayer with a group of men.  Of course the huge famous smoker goes everywhere with them behind the big rig.  Dad will fix you meal if you have them over! 

As for me, my time in Prague was quite the adventure!  I don't have time or words to describe the wonderfulness of the Lord that He showed to me.  I will share one little line that He spoke to me as I walked towards my apartment one evening after school.  At that point in my stay, I was quite overwhelmed with studies and demands of the school.  Tears rolled down my face and I cried out to the Lord, hoping that no one was watching me!  I told the Lord that I couldn't do what I knew He had sent me to do - get the TEFL International Certificate.  He gently reprimanded me and said, "Rose, I never called you to be self-confident.  I called you to put your confidence in Me."  I never felt so relieved in all my life!  I gave it all to Him, and amazing enough, the school was more of a breeze after that! 

Wherever you find yourself right now, remember these words.  God didn't call you to be self-confident either.  It's time that we lose ourselves in the Lord Jesus and rest in the fact that He is the Victorious One!  We need to be CRUCIFED with Christ that we may LIVE.  It is the name of JESUS that we are to be lifting up and not our own or the name of any other.

I am currently staying at my brother and sister-in-law's (Marcelo and Dinora) house for a couple of weeks while looking for a job.  If anyone is in the Ruckersville area, shoot me a line on email.  I should be getting a cell phone this next week, so will post my new number then. 

I will be posting a few pictures here soon of my time in Prague, my family's move, and my sister's (Faith's)  wedding that took place on July 22nd. 

Thank you for all your prayers, they are treasured! 

Blessings to all -  Rose  

“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;  And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.”  Ephesians 5:1-2

Recently, I have felt God’s longing for us, His children, His body, His witness, to walk in love and holiness.  As children of God, our mission is to the lost.  And how will they know that we are different?  “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

Isn’t it odd that God calls us to do something that is impossible to do without Him?  God is love, so it takes Him to be love. 

Over the past few months I have found myself surrounded by people who need Jesus.  It seems as though every time I turn my head, someone else’s life is a mess, and their heart is broken.  I have come to realize how closely they watch to see if I’m really different or not.  Whether we want to be or not, we are all being watched.  Questions that I’ve been asking myself are ones like these:  “Does my life line up with my words?”  “Am I speaking words of life?”  “Or am I simply living a life of moral silence?”  Most times it is just as important to have a life that matches what you say as it is to have words that open people’s eyes to see your life.

In my last update, I mentioned that I was planning to go to Prague, Czech Republic, this Spring to study for an English as a Second Language teaching certificate.  The doors didn’t open as soon as I thought they would, but have now opened for August.  So during the months I’ve been in my parents’ home, God has done amazing things.  Speaking of walking in holiness, He has shown me several areas where I was not!  Though all of you may be thinking,  “What in the world took her so long?”  It’s easier to see the problems of others than our own!  This had plagued me, too. 

God provided work for me at a Laundromat in town, working for a very nice Christian lady.  I fold clothes, and more clothes, all day, but my co-workers have been “women at the well.”  I have seen God’s mighty hand of protection over them and me, but also His tenderness in drawing them to Himself.  There are days when I feel they are so close and other days when I think, “What happened?”  But I guess that’s normal.  Just like a little child to whom you have to repeat yourself again and again. 

Nicolasa and Gloria are both from Mexico and neither one speak much English.  They have each been in the U.S. for 3 years, trying to support themselves and their families back home.  But they are finding that the land of “milk and honey” is only another place of loneliness and pain.  Nothing is filling the void they’ve had in their hearts, so praise Jesus, He came to their well!  Please pray that our Jesus would be poured forth to them and none of me. 

I am thankful that my time in Mexico has built a bridge between our language and cultural gap.  God is so WONDERFUL!!!

Just this week, after much prayer, I have begun to see a great thirst in them.  They came asking me questions and intently listening to my answers.  Praise the name of Jesus! 

Let’s each remember what Paul wrote to the church in Ephesians 5 about holiness.  It is crucially important that we be clean and have clean water, because we are not only being watched, but people are thirsty.

Now, on to other news…..my family is moving!  They feel that God is leading them on to new territory - spiritually and physically.  They will be leaving Charlottesville the first of August, but are still uncertain as to where exactly they will be going first.  Your prayers for them are greatly appreciated.

Aaron and Michelle just returned to their home in Mexico this last week after a month of visiting family and friends and renewing their visas.  They really surprised us with a short visit back in May!  Thank you guys – you’re wonderful!  I think I can truthfully speak for all of us that it was a needed and absolutely great visit!  They were also able to visit Michelle’s family in Missouri and some relatives of people they work with in Mexico. 

Though Aaron and Michelle never left the battleground when they came here, your prayers are appreciated and needed as they re-enter the spiritually dark place they call home. 

My close friend, Tom Lawton, joined up with them at the Laredo border to continue down with them back to Isaac Arriaga.  Tom drove a mini van down that had been given to Aaron and Michelle a while ago, but wouldn’t run.  Thanks to God’s wisdom and Tom’s great talent, the van began to run again and run well!!!  I know that A&M are grateful for the newer and smaller vehicle which will be much more maneuverable and economical for them in Mexico.  Praise Jesus for His goodness!

On another note, for those of you who remember me talking about my friend, Ashley Williams, she is now in Guatemala for the summer.  She needs us to stand with her in prayer as she ministers Jesus to the people of Guatemala.  I love you, Ashley! 

Blessings and peace to each of you! 

His handmaid,

Rose, Rosita, Gul 

Greetings from the U.S.A.! 

Spring has sprung here in Charlottesville, VA.  It’s wonderful!  My body has had a hard time acclimating to the arctic temperatures that it encountered the minute I stepped off of that plane in Chicago!  When I arrived in D.C. where my parents picked me up, I thought I was going to freeze to death.  I was used to warm, dry, gorgeous weather that greeted me each morning in Mexico as the sun peaked through the window.  I do miss it! 

On February 20th, I left my sweet people in Isaac Arriaga.  It was hard to say “good-bye” to all the ones with whom I worked closely.  Aaron and Michelle took me to the airport in their big blue van early in the morning and sent me off.  They selflessly loved me the 10 months of my stay in their home and were constantly encouraging me to obey the Lord.  Their lives are given to Him as living sacrifices as they let His love reach those around them.  It was amazing to see the lives that turned to the Lord as they saw a loving God in them that they had never seen before.  What a beautiful thing to watch! 

Please remember to pray for Aaron and Michelle who remain laboring in the fields of Isaac Arriaga.  God is doing mighty things there, but the enemy is busy, too.  They need us to stand behind them in prayer and encouragement.

It has been a joy to reunite with my wonderful family.  God did great things in each of our lives over the past year.  I am thankful for how He has allowed me to be here for this time, recounting His wonders.  God is good!  Though I know I am only here for a season (and I still don’t know how long of a season), God has things for me to do here.

One thing God has been dealing with me about is our daily walk with Him.  I think we often look at God as our double shot of espresso coffee in the morning to give us energy.  Then we can do whatever we want with more strength and zeal.  That doesn’t mean that we do the right things.   We want a warm fuzzy feeling in our heart when we “rub up against” the Lord.  We read His word and pray a little while, but fail to take the time to hear what He has on His heart.  We feel good about our morning devotion and then completely forget what we just read.  We are far from having God’s heart or being changed by Him.  God always honors His word, therefore gives us strength and encouragement through it.  We feel great and energized after getting our double-shot, then use it for our own good.  Is this the way He wants it to be?  The answer is simple, NO!!!  Paul said, “I die daily.”  It’s time we surrender to the Lord and die to our desires.  God loves us more than we can ever imagine and wants to be with us.  Sin is what separates us from Him, therefore it is what He wants.   I believe that as we do just that (giving Him our sin and surrendering), we will begin to see awesome things happen in our lives and in the lives of others.  AND, we will have more strength than any double-shot could ever give us!!! Hallelujah!!!

Please forgive me for my tardiness in updating; it’s taken me a little while to get back on my feet in a new country again.  I hope to post some more pictures from Mexico soon, as well as some from my time here.

Currently I am just sitting at the feet of my Saviour to learn of Him.  He is worthy of our lives!  I just love Him!  Hopefully later this Spring I will be heading to Prague, Czech Republic to study for a "Teaching English as a Foreign Language" certificate.  Please keep me in prayer concerning the details. 

Thank you for all your prayers for me and Aaron and Michelle.  We do covet them!  May we each run to Jesus everyday and give Him that day.  Let’s lift up the MIGHTY and MAGNIFICENT name of JESUS, TODAY!!!

Love and blessings to each of you,  Rose 

What a happy day!  Laureen came to visit and we captured the moment.

¡Saludos de Isaac Arriaga!  Greetings from Isaac Arriaga!

"Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father; To whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen." 

Galations 1:3-5

Have you ever considered why God saw it necessary to send His son?  Many of us can come up with "pat" answers, but what is the real answer?

Have you ever thought about the fact that Jesus came and paid the price of death to deliver His own bride so that we (the bride) could be with Him?

God loved His son and His desire was to bless Him with us.  What a priveledge!  How humbling.  We (people) are in an "evil world" and sin has entangled us in it's traps.  Only those who receive God's love (forgiveness) are delivered. 

In order to receive a gift, there has to be a giving up of something.  When someone hands you a birthday gift, do you not reach out to get it?  Then the wonderful gift of walkie talkies requires batteries.  You have to spend your money to make the gift work. 

In this case of receiving the gift God has for us of forgiveness, we must give up our sin.  As with the children of Israel, we often times don't like giving up our sin.  It's what we're used to and familiar with.  We can get by - or so we think.  Sometimes we oven feel justified in holding a grudge against so and so.  Or whatever our sin is.  Going back to Egypt seems like a good idea.  Being a slave would at least provide job security!

This is where several are here.  They have seen God's gift of forgiveness offered to them, now it's time to give Him their sin.  Non-believers and Christians alike seem to be in this same boat.  Maybe if the "Christians" would get their act together, we could see quicker advancement in the others!

So remember to pray for these people that they would receive God's love for them and give Him their sin.  Especially remember Miguel and Chavela, Antonio (sister Paulina's husband), Ana and Lupita (the store owners), Renee or "the Frog" (a drug-dealer), Fidel (a young man who just left for the States), Chagua (Fidel's wife), and Jesus (sister Amalia's husband).  There are many others I could list, including those in the church, but these are some of the main ones with whom God has had us working.

It's so important that we, as believers, spread God's love.  But because God is love, and we can't have it apart from Him, we must first receive it.  I have found this to be one of the most uncomfortable things, but also the most important and awesome things.  I wouldn't trade it for anything!  So let God love you today, and then give it away.

I  don't know about anyone else, but January seemed to fly by for me.  In the past month, Aaron took a group of men to Chiapas, Mexico where they delivered food and clothing to those who suffered form the massive flooding.  His trip was not one of ease, but definitely one of victory.  (The van has made yet another trip, but liking each one less and less!)  Thank you for all those of you who stood with us in prayer during that time.  The house was very lonely here as Michelle and I stayed back to "hold down the fort." (Of course Michelle REALLY missed her husband!  Can't blame her!) 

But then the house filled up as we enjoyed the visit of Wayne, Sara, and Abigail Stoll from Higginsville, MO.  During their two week stay, my sister, Laureen also came to visit!  Thank you guys for coming and for sharing the love of Jesus with us.  You were each an encouragement to us.  We really enjoyed your stay!  And many thanks to all who sent goodies down with them.  We were very blessed!  God takes care of our every need.

As you all know, the past nine months of my life have been lived here in Mexico.  It has been such a wonderful, challenging, and reshaping time of my life.  God has bonded my heart with  the precious people here and has even chosen to use me to minister life to them.  I am priviledged to have been apart of the great ministry that my brother and sister-in-law are doing here.  It's hard to say "good-bye."  But, on the 20th of this month, I will be flying back to the States.  God is leading me on to something else.

Please pray that I would seize each moment of opportunity here that lies ahead in the next 2 1/2 weeks.  I want to please my Heavenly Father in ALL that I do.

Blessings and peace to each of you.   Love you guys! 

His handmaid,  Rose, Rosa, Rosita

¡Feliz Ano Nuevo!  Happy New Year from a cold Mexico!  I thought Mexico wasn't supposed to get cold, but it does!  We are shivering along with everyone else as our bodies have adjusted to the heat.  

God is really at work here.  Aaron and a few other brothers left yesterday to take a load of food and clothing down to those who suffered during the hurricane in Chiapas.  An annoucement was made here in the rancho for those who were willing to donate goods.  To my surprise, quite a few people came with donations of food and clothing, but there was still not enough to fill the van or make the trip really worth all of the gas.  But, God was faithful as usual and finished filling it.  Aaron had spoken with the people in Irapuato from whom they purchase produce each Monday for some of the stores in our town, about his trip.  They each one agreed to donate goods, and they honored their word!  None of them are Christians, so this was a sign of God's hand at work.  May he bless them all.

We look forward to hearing the many stories of their time there.  We trust God to open hearts to receive God's love, not only through the food and clothing, but through the words of life that the brothers are able to share with them.  Please pray with us for them that Jesus would be glorified during their trip. 

Michelle and I are holding the fort down here while Aaron is away.  We are getting the house ready for the visitors who are coming in this next week.  A couple and their little girl from Missouri will be spending a couple of weeks with us.  My sister, Laureen will also be coming to visit on the 19th! 

As for here in the rancho, we have faced some problems with a few unbelievers.  Though it's rewarding to work with them, it's not always fun or easy.  Please pray for God to show us each day how to love, minister, and bring His word to the lost.  Our hearts break for their souls.  We want to see them find Jesus as we have.

One of the sisters and her family from the church have suffered the loss of most of their corn crop due to a fire.  Sister Paulina has been seeing the hand of the Lord work in heart of her husband who is not walking with the Lord and things are changning.  Though she is encouraged, it was not easy to suffer this great loss.  They are not sure as to who set the field on fire, but it not only consumed theirs, but several others around their house which sets in the middle of them.  Thankfully, nothing happened to the house.  We praise the Lord for his protection over them.  Please pray that provision would come to them through some other way and that God would continue to work in her husband, Antonio.  God's will is that none should perish, but that all would come to repentance.  This was shown in the way he protected their lives during the fire, now we trust him to bring Antonio to repentance. 

That's all for now.  I'm out of time here at the internet. 

Blessings and peace to all!  His handmaid, Rose