My Utmost for His Highest

Oswald Chambers

I have been surprised by questions from friends and supporting partners who wonder about whether  Barbara and I are returning to Mexico after home assignment this year.  The answer is YES !

Apparently I have created confusion regarding our plans.  As you know, we have embarked upon a new and crucial ministry – creating the Marriage and Family Training Center in Guadalajara.  This is in response to a heartfelt plea from our Mexican colleagues to collaborate with them to build and strengthen marriages and families which are facing many difficult challenges, as are the pastors who are attempting to help them.

In order to do this, I completed a Master’s degree in Family Science and am working to fulfill the requirements for a professional license in the state of Iowa.  These are personal goals for professional development that I consider important as a therapist. These are not required for me to serve with Converge World Wide. They are milestones I want to attain and, with God’s help, I have been able to finance this from personal resources, not mission funds.

The whole point is to return to Mexico well-equipped and trained for the ministry to which the Lord has called us. We desire to offer Him our best for the next 8 years.

I Passed My Exam

If you remember, in August and September I was requesting prayer in support of my effort to            prepare and pass the state board exam scheduled for the first week in October.  It takes about 8  weeks to obtain the results. I want to express a big “Thank You” to all of you who joined with me in this supplication.

The results were good – I passed !!

To all our church and individual partners, we express our gratitude for providing the funds needed for our ministry in Mexico. We have been fully supported for these last 4 years.  You have been so faithful!

We have prepared the budget for the year ahead and we project an increase in work funds to restart the Marriage and Family Training Center once we return from home assignment.

As you prepare the budget in your church or your personal allocation of funds for this coming year, would you please consider an increase in monthly support so that we can reach the 100% mark before our scheduled return in May,2012.  Please email or call if you have any questions.

Great Visits!!

What an encouraging time we have had visiting our church partners in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming and Colorado.

It is pleasant to see friends and fellowship with partners who have demonstrated such impressive generosity and faithfulness.  We rejoice in your advances and God’s blessings. We join with you to bear your concerns as well.

Our schedule for the next few months:

December 4        Pleasantview Baptist, Bettendorf, Iowa

December 11      Faith Community, Ida Grove, Iowa

January 8           Olivet Baptist, Urbandale, Iowa

January 15         Conference Baptist, Evergreen, Colorado

January 22         Grace Mountain, Colorado Springs, Colorado

January 29         First Baptist, Stratford, Iowa

On our recent trip to Minnesota we had the great fun of…

celebrating the retirement of Chuck and Betty Selander, our former colleagues on the Central Mexico field,

saying “hello” to the pastor under whom Lynn worked in the ’70′s in Waterloo, Iowa, Al and Dorothy Travaille, a good friend and mentor,

and visiting Ken and Sheila Albright, also former colleagues in Mexico, who were marvelous examples and very influential in God’s confirmation of our call.

Next weekend we will be travelling across Wisconsin to visit Grace Church, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, followed by a weekend in Mosinee, WI to visit Good News Baptist Church.

Then before a month-long trek out West (Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska) we will tuck in a trip to Union Park Baptist of Des Moines, IA and Lynn will be sitting for his professional exam for his license in Marriage and Family Therapy.  Please pray he will have an agile and alert mind that day: October 5^th.

Confronting the challenge.

Shortly after our return to the USA, the Converge Worldwide accounting office informed us that we were falling behind in our support, reaching only 85% of the needed monthly funds.  That translates into approximately $1400 needed per month.

Our travels to visit churches and phones calls and emails have demonstrated that the short-fall has been caused by a variety of reasons:  the economic times, staff changes, and changes in mission focus, to name a few.

We are convinced that our time in Mexico and our ministry through the Marriage and Family Training Center  is not completed.  Because of that conviction, we believe that God will provide the funds through His generous and faithful followers.

Philippians 4:18  ”(Your gifts) are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.  And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

If God directs you to give or to increase what you are giving, would you be willing to notify Converge Worldwide (BGC) with a donation on-line or through a phone call?

Call: 800 323 4213 and speak to Lisa Johnson,

or go to:  http://www.convergeworldwide.org/give/12848

THANK YOU!

GREEN. In many ways we find ourselves new to the culture in the USA.  Who knew there would be such a variety of ways to pay electronically.  Can you see us encountering each new “swipe your card” machine?  Can you see the looks on the check-out cashiers’ faces when we look confused?  We laugh at our mistakes.  Lynn came home one day and told me of his attempt to signal a “thank you” to a driver who let him merge into a line of traffic.  Let’s just say that the gesture for thank you in Mexico has a very different meaning here in the USA.

GREEN. Recycling is very different here.  In Mexico, I put my garbage on the street the day the garbage truck is scheduled to pass by.  I hang the soda cans in a bag on the front gate, and stack the cardboard on the side of the garbage can.  Early in the morning the men who make their livelihood picking up recyclables drop by and pick it all up.

We have a full schedule of visits to supporting churches.  We look forward to seeing many of you.

Following is our agenda for July through October:

July 24 –    First Baptist, Kiron, Iowa
July 31 –    First Baptist, Amery, Wisconsin

August 7 – The River Community, Iowa City, Iowa
August 14 –   Cornerstone Church, Eldridge, Iowa
August 21 –   Faith Community, Hudson, Wisconsin
August 28 –   Elim Baptist, Isanti, Minnesota

September 11 –   Oakhill Baptist, Humboldt, Iowa
September 18 –   Grace Church, Gladstone, Michigan
September 25 –   Good News Baptist, Mosinee, Wisconsin

October 2  - Union Park Baptist, Des Moines, Iowa
October 9 –   Galilee Baptist, Loveland, Colorado
October 16 –   North Hills Church, Lingle, Wyoming
October 23 –   Center Cross Community, Gering, Nebraska
October 30 –   Bethel Baptist, Greeley, Colorado

We have enjoyed some very fun times with our family.  Pine Lake Camp in Eldora, Iowa, was the site for a day of canoeing, hiking, carpetball, and grilling.  It is wonderful to have everyone within a 2 hour drive.

Just this week we welcomed our 9th grandchild.

Getting ready to leave.

Marriage and Family Center.

The time has come to end counseling with existing clients, recommend clients to other therapists, and not accept new clients.  We have chosen to close the Center for the year that we will be in the U.S.A.  We pray for a smooth transition.  When we return in a year we will continue with the marriage and family ministry that the Lord has given us.

Seminar on Couple Communication.

Sunday evening we completed the third  5-week seminar on Couple Communication.  Eight couples participated and according to their comments, benefited from the seminar.

“What we learned gave solid, secure and practical structure to conflict resolutions.”

“I’m very timid and of few words.  Now I have tools to help resolve personal and family issues.”

La Gracia de Dios Church

Last Sunday Lynn announced to our church family that upon return to Guadalajara in May of 2012, we will not be returning to La Gracia de Dios.  Citing 2 Corinthians 7:16,  Lynn affirmed the church of their ability to continue to move forward.  On May 1st, the elders of the church will present their vision for the future.

Barb has also urged the women with whom she has been meeting to continue to study together and encourage each other.

Gym outreach.

One Friday morning, the topic of the English Conversation class at the gym began with the question offered by one of the participants.  ”Do you think we are close to the end of the world?”  She was impacted by the terrible events in Japan.  We talked for a while, then I asked her what she was feeling.  She said, “Frightened.  I don’t know if God will accept me.”

This was the moment we have been praying for!  Thank you for your support in pray.  I gave her a clear presentation of the Good News and I hope for the opportunity to follow up soon.  Join me in praying for that.

Getting ready to arrive.

We have been in the interesting process of searching for a place to live during our year of Home Assignment.  When our daughter Laura decided to study in the Physician’s Assistant program at the University of Iowa, things began to fall into place.  We will be living in Coralville, Iowa and cheering for the Hawks again.

Lynn has been contacting the churches that partner with us to set up a schedule of visits.  The calendar is almost full beginning in June until the end of November.  We are looking forward to connecting face to face with those who have been so faithful to our ministry.  We hope to continue scheduling upon our return to Iowa for the months of December through April.

As you can imagine the thought of being closer to our kids and grandkids has us grinning from ear to ear.  We hope to be able to have many significant times with them.  SKYPE is great, but hugging them is person is beyond great.

Hasta la vista!

Home Assignment Missionaries. Through emails and       phone calls we have begun the process of contacting those churches and individuals who have been such appreciated partners in our ministry in Guadalajara to inquire about the possibility of a visit during this year that we will be in the USA:  June 2011 to April 2012.  We would enjoy the chance to become acquainted again with you and give you a report of our ministry in Mexico.

If you have plans for a special Missions event or focus and you might offer us the opportunity to participate, would you let us know the dates as soon as possible?

If it you think it might be of benefit to your church family, we would be willing to speak on marriage and family topics also.

Please email us at: connermex@yahoo.com

On Sunday, February 6^th, 8 new believers will follow the Lord in obedience.  Five members of one extended family and three members of another family…a mom and two daughters will be baptized.

Workshops: During the months of February and March we will be offering the Couple Communication workshop in two different churches.  The class for February is full and we hope the same will be true for March.    We are encouraged to see that there is a need for this training.

Exercise and MORE….Barb reports that the English Conversation class she is offering at the gym she goes to is opening up opportunities to become better acquainted with the ladies.  Sometimes the class ends in a counseling session in Spanish.   She will be giving a talk on Monday the 14^th at the gym on Gary Chapman´s book, The Five Languages of Love.

Encouragement: Thank you to all who have blessed us with words of encouragement through letters, cards, and emails.  Below are just a few of the reminders of your faithfulness.

Prayer requests:

….that we can efficiently schedule our time on home assignment.

….that those being baptized would continue to live abundant lives in Christ.

….that the couples attending the workshops would experience a deeper relationship

….that Barb will have opportunities to share Christ with her gym-mates.

We asked you pray and we know you did, yet the answer was “No, not now, maybe not ever.”  As the process continued for the possibility of partnering with the State Family Services Agency (Desarollo Integral de la Familia, or DIF), it became more and more apparent that it was not going to be approved.  The dates for interviews and planning sessions were postponed again and again.  Instead, another opportunity opened up for Lynn to work as a consultant for UCLA.  Yes, you read that correctly: UCLA, la Universidad Cristiana de Latina America.  He and his partner Gaby will be available to counsel students and their families.

Marriage and Family Training Center. A couple who came for guidance on how to restore their relationship after one partner had an affair is making very good progress.  A lady who came on the recommendation of a Christian friend recently terminated therapy because she is handling much more effectively the pressures and conflicts in her most significant relationships.  She prayed to receive Christ about 4 months ago.  I also conducted a few sessions in the home of her family who were having a difficult time recovering from the recent accidental death of one of her youngest brothers.  A couple who came in to look for ways to resolve their ongoing conflicts recently reported to me that they had done something revolutionary and radical — they sat down at the kitchen table and dialoged together for about an hour over an important upcoming decision and it had proven to be very satisfying and effective.  The great thing is I didn´t assign them the task.  They thought it up all on their own and carried it out!!   Please continue to pray for God´s wisdom as Lynn meets with couples, families and individuals.

Do you remember the first time you tried a S´more?  MeLinda Nelson and Barb were very pleased with the the Pastor´s wives training retreat that was held in October.

The women were        enthused  with what they learned and eager to begin their LEADNet group.  Please pray that they will be encouraged and will find support and friendship among other wives of pastors.

When plans for an all-church trip to the beach fell through, we decided to have a Beach Party here in Guadalajara.  Maybe you could consider doing the same as the snow and cold blow outside?

We even enjoyed fresh coconuts!

The neighbors who participate in a Friday evening Bible study asked us to explain what Thanksgiving is all about.  We decided to invite them to a very traditional dinner.  Lynn told them about the history and what the day means to us.  Barb had to drive an hour to a grocery store to find cranberry sauce,  stuffing mix and canned pumpkin.

What is the strangest thing you have ever eaten? That was the topic of the  Conversation Club Barb led at the aerobics gym.  The Lord has opened a door for her to become better acquainted with the women with whom she exercises week after week.  Already, some of the ladies have begun to speak of deeper issues in their lives.  Please pray that God will give her opportunities to speak of Christ.

Last weekend Lynn traveled to Monterrey in northern Mexico to offer a conference for pastors interested in counseling.  He also was able to be on-hand for Converge Worldwide missionaries, Eric and Janet Johnson as they were welcomed in the church, El Divino Salvador.  Please join us in praying for them as they begin to put into motion the ministry God has placed on their hearts.

May you be filled with the same

wonder and awe

that  the shepherds experienced

the night Jesus was born.

After a refreshing time with family, we returned to our home in Guadalajara and were surprised to find some new guests.  Everything has been taken care of…..but I didn´t  find the bugs until AFTER I had eaten the oatmeal!

Couple Communication

We have begun the 4-week Couple Communication Workshop.  The workshop focuses on clear communication, listening skills, and conflict resolution.   We are presenting this to a group of couples from our church asking them to help us refine the materials and delivery so that it would be most effective.

Gabriela Zubieta has joined the staff of theMarriage and Family Training Center.  She graduated from  with a degree in psychology from Technological University of Guadalajara.   Her experience includes working with children and adolescents dealing with learning disabilities, behavioral problems, hyperactivity and depression.

Please pray for continued development of the center and for wisdom for Lynn and Gabriela as they meet with clients.

Lynn has been teaching our current cell group a variety of Bible study methods in preparation for our leaving the cell to begin another cell in a different part of the city.  Please pray that they will accept this change as progress and work together well.

October 22nd and 23rd, MeLinda Nelson and Barb will be leading a retreat for the wives of pastors.  We pray that the women will learn attitudes and skills to be able to form a supportive Red de Amor (LEADNet) group.  The first  group is progressing well:  building team relationships and encouraging each other.

Thank you for your partnership with us.

Lynn and Barb

In August, ten students completed the year and a half course in Family Counseling.  They studied 7 different areas: Theological Basis for Marriage and Family,  Fundamentals of Psychology, The Family Today, Communication, Family Systems, Sexuality,  and the Life Cycle of Families. They also had to report 50 hours of counseling and have completed two supervised counseling sessions with the instructor (Lynn).  On top of that, they were required to offer 4 seminars on family or counseling issues in their church.  You can imagine that they were ready to celebrate!

CELEBRATION.

2010 September….

Mexico is celebrating its Bicentennial this year.

Taking advantage of the Napoleonic occupation, Miguel Hidalgo, a Catholic priest of progressive ideas, declared Mexican independence in the small town of Dolores on 16 September 1810, with a proclamation known as the “grito de Dolores”.

The war for independence lasted 11 years; the troops  of the liberating army entered Mexico City in 1821. Thus, although independence from Spain was first proclaimed in 1810, it was not achieved until 1821. *

This month will be full of patriotic activities.

EXPECTATION

We continue to wait for the opportunity to present a plan to assist the State Government agency with crisis counseling and intervention.  The last report is that the process has stagnated on someone´s desk.  Please continue to pray.

Lynn´s conference in Monterrey was well-received and he has been invited to return.  Thank you for praying.

In October we will be offering the Couple´s Communication Seminar to the couples in our church.  They have agreed to help us hone our skills as presenters in order to better prepare us to offer the seminar in other places.

“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”

Lynn and Barb

*Wikipedia

A phone call from a lawyer who has an office in the same building as Lynn called to say that a thief had entered the building the night before.  The lawyer wanted Lynn to come down to see if anything had been stolen from his office.  Answer:  YES.  The laptop computer that Lynn used for word processing was gone.

Two weeks ago the laptop we keep at home that Lynn uses when giving classes and conferences froze and died, requiring a new mother board.  “Hmmm,”  we comment,  “what is this all about?”

What else has the summer brought?

A precious new granddaughter born to Dan and Kelly.

A time to connect with a daughter, a sister, and a dear friend.

Our annual field council meeting.

A visit from Pastor Dale and Judi Cope of Stanchfield, MN.

Working with a team from Broomfield Community Church of Colorado.  In the mornings we worked on the painting and repairs of the building in which our church, Grace of God, meets.  In the afternoon we joined the team of New Jerusalem Baptist Church to offer a week of VBS.  Approximately 150 children heard the Good News!

AND THE SUMMER ISN´T OVER YET!

Lynn leaves tomorrow for a weekend in Monterrey, Mexico.  He will be presenting at the Metropolitan Hospital´s course:  Counseling in Crisis.   Please pray for safety in his travels.

On the 14th of August we will be graduating 12 students from the Marriage and Family Therapy Course Lynn has taught for the past 18 months.  Please pray that the students will multiply the ministry of counseling in their churches.

We continue to wait for the opportunity to present a work plan to the State of Jalisco Human services department.  Please pray that a date can be set and that their response will be positive, allowing evangelicals to offer programs of restoration, counseling,  and intervention.

Thank you for your continued involvement in the ministry in Guadalajara!

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