Guillermo is back home and we are anticipating around 25 people as we get ready for an alumni retreat over the next four days, not to mention I'm thinking about packing my bags for a trip up north this coming weekend, as soon as the retreat is done...
GUILLERMO
We are so thankful to have him back home with us, in recuperation with a good bill of health. It has been a learning experience, seeing God's provision throughout. And that provision has gone far beyond the finances that have come in and even beyond the health that he is currently enjoying: I was witness to God's provision of peace and joy regardless of any outcome. How did I see it? The joy and peace that Guillermo had throughout the entire time, whether in the hospital or at home. There is a kind of faith that goes beyond hoping for what God can do for us to just a faith in who God is regardless of any outcome. This is the kind of faith that I could see in Guillermo throughout this entire time. Of course that does not mean that we are not grateful for all that God has done throughout all this! It's just to say that we are grateful that we can trust Him in whatever way that He works, knowing that He will do what is best, and whether that means continuing in service here in this life, or finally being with Him, all things work together for the good of those who love Him (Rom 8:28). This is what Guillermo constantly expressed throughout this whole, monthlong ordeal...a testimony to God's goodness and faithfulness throughout - something that we have seen over the years in many ways, even as we have walked through some difficult circumstances as a CEC team.
ALUMNI RETREAT
We are glad to have Guillermo back, and we are looking forward to approximately 15 of our alumni (together with their spouses and some children - about 25 in total) joining us over the next four days. Our goals during this Wednesday to Saturday are to enjoy once again their company, hearing from them about their lives and ministries, and hopefully encouraging them in the ups and downs that inevitably happen. During some class and reflection time we will be looking at the life of Elijah, who himself experienced (in a short period) almost simultaneous highs and lows. Through it all, though, even in the face of immense opposition and apparent failure, God's Word and God's purposes continued forward. This is what gives us hope, even in the midst of trials or (apparent) failures - even when we are at the end of our rope. There is no moment when God's plan does not carry forward - and we are privileged to be a part of this plan, even in our weakness and frailty. Pray for this time together with the students, that it would be encouraging to each one of them!
TRIP TO MB
The day after it's finished I'll be heading up to enjoy several weeks up in Manitoba - and looking forward to see many of you over the next while before coming back to a fairly busy fall season with events and other trips planned. Once again I want to express, and this comes on behalf of Guillermo and his family as well, so much appreciation for all the love and support that came this way throughout the last month - they were an overwhelming expression of God's love and grace. God bless each one of you. Don't forget to keep us in your prayers over the next four days of this alumni retreat... ¡Dios les bendiga!
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