"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his way."
Proverbios 16:9
Plans, we make our plans and recently there have been so many plans that have been cancelled or changed or postponed. God knew the plans He had for us long before we even heard the words "corona virus" for the first time, it was always part of His plan. We can rest in Him and trust Him to establish our ways.
Thank you for all your prayers this past month. At the beginning of April I needed to leave Mexico for visa reasons. Praise the Lord that I was able to leave, spend the night in Phoenix and fly back to Mexico the following day. There was a lot of worry and fear in my head during this travel because of the virus and things happening. God gave me peace and calmness though it all. I was able to renew my visa for another 6 months stay here in Mexico. As a result of traveling internationally we felt it best for me to quarantine for 2 weeks in my home. It was a LOOOOONG two week and a very odd Easter but I survived. It was a learning experience, God taught me several things about myself and about Him.
During my time of isolation I took on the task of redecorating the kids classroom. It was in desperate need of attention. I made 100 or more new tissue paper tassels, painted two verses about scripture on the walls, painted facts about the bible on the chalk board and made this periodic table of books in the bible. The room is colorful and exciting now for the kids to learn more about the bible in fun ways. Can't wait for them all to see it when we are all back at church together.
We have suspended all large group meetings at church for the past month. Ladies bible study meets over video call, small groups meet at a few different houses, it is so good to see everyone and continue to study the word together. Church services are all transmitted via facebook live. A large amount of families in our area are without jobs, those with the most need have be receiving bags of food and a visit from different people from church. This has been a great new ministry of outreach and evangelism. We have found that people are very open to the gospel, several new bible studies have started from this ministry.
The most exciting thing that happened this month was that Jorge asked me to marry him!! We are now officially engaged and planning a September wedding here in Puerto Vallarta. We could not be happier to see what God has in store for us and our future ministry. Jorge and I would love to connect with anyone who would like to talk with us, and meet him for the first time. Please feel free to contact me.
Jorge and I met almost two years ago at camp serving on the same team as counselors. Our friendship started there and we talked frequently for the next year through text messages and a few phone calls. This past summer at camp he invited me to the banquet on Friday and after the dinner he asked if we could talk. In our talk he asked me if I was interesting in praying together and seeing if God had more for us than just being friends, I said yes. Jorge was serving at a church in Queretaro (central Mexico). The long distance relationship was not easy but we made the best of it for 6 months. In February Jorge moved here to Puerto Vallarta, living with Frank and Rebecca (co-workers). We are now able to do ministry together and spend time together in person. God continues to bless Jorge with a job in construction and time to do ministry in the evenings and on the weekends. We appreciate your prayers for our future and seeking God's will in our lives and ministry.
Prayer requests:
- Praise that my travel and visa things all went smoothly, my safely and health.
- For the families that are receiving help with food from church, that they would come to know the Lord as their Savior.
- For health and provision for all of those affected by the world pandemic.
- Praise for technology and ways to stay connected through social distancing.
- Jorge's visa and english. In August he will have an interview for his visa, praying it will be granted so we can visit all of you in person. He is also studying english so that he can talk with all of you too!
Thank you so much for your love and support.
God is good and His timing is perfect!
Blessings,
Alicia
awhitmore@fim.org
Fellowship International Mission
555 S 24th St
Allentown, PA 18104
