February Update

Where’d January go?
I had every intention of sending this update out in January but January got away from  me! February is turning into quite the busy month as well. Hope you can take a minute to read about my trip to Mexico and what the next month will hold.

Abide with Me

Abide with me; falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers, fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, abide with me.

I need Thy presence, every passing hour What but Thy grace, can foil the tempter’s power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, abide with me.
You can listen to the entire song here
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This song has been an incredible encouragement to me over the last few months. I feel like a broken record a lot of the time because I feel like the Lord is always reminding me of this one truth. I need Him. He’s here. He’s got me. He’s not going anywhere. I don’t know why this is so hard for me to grasp but this song reminds me of that truth. I hope it will be a encouragement to you as well.
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Mexico Project

We had a GREAT time in Progreso, Mexico. (If you don’t know Progreso is right on the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico about 3 hours from Cancun) The Lord was faithful and provided lots of great opportunities for us to see the area and to scout out options for hosting short-term teams and interns there. We already have a church from Teaneck, New Jersey signed up to go!  If you’d like to see a short slide show about our time you can head over to Vimeo and watch one there.  The photo to the left is (from left to right) David Correa (pronounced like Korea the country) our GYFM Associate in Progreso, the President of San Pablo Theological Seminary, Eric Larsen, Jonathan Taylor and ME! If you or your church would like to know more about what we are doing in Mexico and opportunities to serve please let me know! Please continue to pray for the planning of this trip.

Re-Entry

We had another successful Re-Entry retreat at the end of January. I had a good time with the kids that were there (ranging in ages from 8-14). While it’s often challenging to put on a program for kids in a office we made do and were able to do art projects, play games and  had fun. Turns out all you need for a fun game of ping pong are paddles, a ball & a conference table! I also enjoyed playing drums for the morning devotion and worship time. Please be praying for the families who were at the retreat as they transition  back to the US (some for good).

Coming Up

Youth World Awareness Weekend (YoWAW) - I was asked to be a seminar speaker (along with others from MTW) at YoWAW next weekend (February 17-19)! YoWAW is a one-of-a-kind missions and ministry learning opportunity for high school students and their leaders. Its design and purpose is to challenge and equip students for a life of ministry by allowing them to interact with those who are already involved in missions and ministry. I’m really excited about this opportunity and would appreciate your prayers as I represent GYFM & MTW to these students and leaders.

Briarwood Missions Conference - I am so looking forward to being back in Birmingham for Briarwood’s Missions Conference. It will be so good to get to visit with friends and former co-workers. It’s been far to long since I’ve been back to Birmingham and I’m looking forward to sharing the ministry and vision of GYFM with those at Briarwood. I’d love to catch up with as many of you as I can who may be there. Let me know and we can set up a time.

Covenant College Weekend - Right after the missions conference I’ll be heading up to Chattanooga to spend the end of the week with MKs at Covenant College as well as GYFM team-mates Drew & Lindsey Wilkins (who, once fully funded, will be based in Chattanooga). Can’t wait to see those students again!

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Looking forward to writing in March and tell you all that the Lord did through these events and travels. So thankful for all of you prayers and support!
By His Mercy,
Ruthanne