Observations of a Missionary's Wife on Deputation (The Serious Ones)

Observations of a Missionary’s Wife on Deputation (The Serious Ones)
Sep 7

Posted by juniorsgirl

Woohoo!!! I am back in a part of the state where I have 3G capabilities. The past four days we stayed in the quaintest farm house, but there was nothing for miles. If I stood on one foot, my head tilted to the right, and the phone pointed toward the window, I could maybe get a text to go through, but internet was a distant memory. This happens quite often while traveling, but this would be part of the snarky ones so…moving on…

Now that I can access my blog again, I wanted to give you part two of my random posts. I started with the more humorous side of deputation. You can read that one here: https://happytrails365.wordpress.com/2011/09/03/observations-of-a-missionarys-wife-on-deputation-the-snarky-ones/ . These are my good tips. Hope you enjoy.

1.) You will get to travel & see some of the most beautiful places in America. I would never have been to almost any of the sites we have seen if not for deputation. Bring a camera!!! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Capture it.

2.) You will get to spend oodles of quality time with your husband. I know what you’re thinking ladies, this is a snarky one. But you are sorely mistaken! Junior is my best friend. I enjoy every minute we get as we travel. I wouldn’t want to spend it with anyone else. Make sure you cherish it. You will miss is when you get to the mission field and he is busy in the work.

3.) You will become reacquainted with why you love America so much. You can’t travel through Boston and Philadelphia and not remember the great heritage we have. It’s impossible to drive past acre after acre of pure lushness in the prarie states and not marvel at God’s hand of blessing. The West is a perfect example of the hard working pioneering spirit of Americans. I am so proud to be an American. God bless the USA.

4.) You will get to see miracles. I could spend hour upon hour telling you all the ways God has come through for us. A life of faith can be scary, but oh so sweet! Be prepared for your faith to grow by leaps and bounds as you watch God take care of you in unexpected ways. ‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus! Just to take Him at His Word!’ ~ ‘Living by faith in Jesus above. Trusting, Confiding in His great love!”

5.) You will hear and meet and spend time with thee greatest preachers in the country. Take notes!!!! Even if it’s just when they call & invite you to dinner cause you’re in the area, you will want to remember their words of wisdom & advice. Your husband will take notes to steal the sermon outline. You will need to remember the rest. Soak it all in. It will be one of your life lines when on the foreign field.

6.) On that same note, you will get to meet some of the most amazing women in the ministries across the country. What an invaluable resource they have become for me! Not only take notes, but buy any books they may have. Milk them for their years of experience & wisdom. I have had cooking lessons, piano lessons, sewing tips, speaking advice, singing pointers from ladies who excel at these things! Getting the benefits of the masters. You could never get all of these ladies in one place to teach you what you can while on deputation. Don’t miss out!

7.) There will be multiple opportunities to be a blessing. It is such a good feeling to know that across the country we have helped start bus routes and our visitors are still coming, we have painted bathrooms, installed speaker systems, ran children’s churces, cleaned out buildings, had all night prayer meetings, and all around loved people everywhere we went. You will feel like you leave a piece of your heart each place you visit.

8.) Deputation is the Refiner’s Fire. You will be overwhelmed at the vision for your field every time your husband presents it. You will feel inadequate. Unworthiness will haunt you as you are showered with praise and admiration at the churches you visit. As painful as it may be, being humbled is so good for you. Don’t shy away from it. God just wants to bring you forth as gold.

9.) You will begin to realize what is truly important. All those things that you couldn’t live without and you cried when you had to sell them ~ now that you’ve been on the road for a few months have lost their hold on you. They weren’t a necessity at all. Your relationships become more meaningful and possessions are forgotten. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also…

10.) The unsung heroes of Christianity will cross your path daily. The ones who will never speak at a national conference or write books, or receive grand recognition with plaques and statues, but those who are the most genuine, selfless, unassuming Christ-like individuals you will ever know. I am so glad I have been able to meet them this side of eternity. Oh, the crowns they will receive in heaven! And I can already picture them quietly laying them all at Jesus’ feet.

Did I make you want to be a missionary??? Good! Come to Peru! I can honestly say it is an amazing life God has given me.

I am so blessed…

~ Jessica

*You can see all of Jessica's posts on her blog http://www.happytrails365.wordpress.com

Observations of a Missionary’s Wife on Deputation (The Snarky Ones) ;)

Observations of a Missionary’s Wife on Deputation (The Snarky Ones) ;)

SEP 3

Posted by juniorsgirl

I think every blogger has the right to a completely random post every now and again. If that is not true, please leave me in my state of wrongness. For these are mine.

I am breaking my randomness up into two posts. Both are my “observations” or “tips” on deputation. This one is the sarcastic & silly one. I don’t even know if anyone will read this, but to the faithful few, I ask to please remember the spirit this was written in. Just a cute way to poke fun of some of my mistakes & experiences. Hope you enjoy…

Random Observations:

1.) You will have to go to the bathroom immediately upon seeing the highway sign: ” Next Rest Area: 119 miles.” Be prepared for an extended time of discomfort. **Adult diapers could also be a way to go in this situation. Not for me…but to each her own.

2.) Churches need to get some type of activities director so when we get together we have things to do besides…EAT!!! Until that happens, buy clothes two sizes too big. You will fit them by month eight. <<< True. Story.

3.) When taking a nice hot shower, without fail the prophet’s chamber hot water heater will break as soon as your head is covered in shampoo suds. You can count on it. Take it to the bank.

4.) On the few occasions the pastor calls you up to the platform, you WILL trip on something invisible and stumble. Don’t try to fight it. Just fall gracefully & with a smile preferably.

5.) Somewhere along mile 4,628, you will start playing those car games that used to drive you crazy when your parents tried to play them with you on family vacations. Now you will wonder why you ever despised them. Thy are such a fun way to pass the time.

6.) You will start collections of some kind. Whether magnets in the shapes of every state, t-shirts with every state’s motto printed on them (I.e. “Iowa is thee I-O-WAY to go), or 50 keychains attached to your two keys…whatever your momentos may be – you will have so many, there will no longer be room for your luggage. *It’s usually the husband’s stuff that gets cut back so your three suitcases for your shoes are safe.

7.) You will wake up and have NO idea where you are. On the days you have traveled through multiple states, it gets confusing! If this happens, you can do one of the following: if there’s a tv where you are, check the news. They usually say the city name; if no tv, and you have good reception, check Google on your smartphone. It can pinpoint your location. *creepy. I know. But at least you won’t be lost anymore. If no reception and no tv, pray. Pray that someone around you says the name of where you are before you meet the pastor.

8.) Plans will change!!! Suddenly you wont be going to relax at a hotel, you will be speaking at a ladies meeting. Always keep a back-up pair of nylons handy. You will need them for when you run the first pair while changing in the car. Scratch that. Have TWO back-ups. Trust Me.

9.) YOU WILL SING. Can’t carry a tune in a bucket? You will sing. Have excrutiating stage fright? You will sing. Have laryngitis? Just croak it out, sister! I suggest carrying music with you. Something you are somewhat familiar & comfortable with because ~ you. will. sing.

10.) After about church # 37, you will have your video & your husband’s presentation memorized. Try not to mouth the words along with him or the video. People will notice and will ask you to quote it later in front of a large crowd. Just for kicks & grins. <<< Another. True. Story.

I wanted to put a after all of these so you would remember to read them in the attitude intended, but I didn’t want to over- emoticon you. Hope these brought at least a smirk to your face! Life is so hard if you can’t laugh at yourself!!!

Stay tuned for “The Serious Ones.” Coming Soon! Happy Weekend!

Love ~ Jessica

**You can see all of Jessica's posts on her blog http://happytrails365.wordpress.com

July-August Prayer Letter

Dear Praying Friends,

It is with hearts overflowing and spirits soaring that we bring this month’s report.  We arrived back in the States last week after spending 13 days in Lima, Peru.   My wife and I, along with Zach and Karin Foust, arrived in Peru on Monday, August 4.  We were graciously accommodated by veteran missionary Joe Kotvas who sacrificed much to house and feed us and our entire team for our entire trip. 

We spent much time surveying property and areas to be prepared for the rest of our team’s arrival the following Tuesday.  We were amazed at how God led and guided each day and how He opened and closed doors according to His will.  Upon the arrival of the team, with the exception of the Junior Martin family and Heather Mai, we were already feeling strongly that the Lord had led us to the exact area in which to plant our base/pattern church.

We spent one day to see a few sights and visit some historical and cultural attractions to acclimate us to the people.  We were very involved in many aspects of the ministry of Bro. Kotvas, as we spent time soul winning, helping with a wedding, participating in both a ladies’ and a men’s meeting, as well as participating in Sunday school and preaching services both weekends we were there in Peru. 

My wife and I were privileged to win 5 Peruvians to Christ, and we had visitors in church on Sunday.  The open hearts and hunger for the truth are evident everywhere.

We were blessed to spend some quality time with many national pastors of Peru, and we were able to share our plans and goals, as well as express our desire to come with a servant’s heart to help multiply the efforts they have been putting forth.  We already feel a bond with many great men of God who have been paving the way.  God truly has an amazing plan for Peru and all of South America. We are humbled to be your representatives in this field that is “white unto harvest.”

It was difficult to say goodbye and head back to the States.  In such a short time, God had knit our hearts with so many.  We already have our sights set where we could plant our first several churches in addition to the base church.  We have had our fire intensified, our passion ignited.  We must get back as soon as we can.

We have a few specific prayer requests this month:

1.       We will begin our final stretch of deputation at the end of September.  Please pray for safety and God’s provision as we travel and school our children on the road.

2.       Now that we’ve settled on the area to plant our base church, we need a miracle in God’s provision of a building and/or property for the church.  I’ve spent much time researching our options, and there is a lot available; but we covet God’s direction to His perfect will regarding which building to rent.

3.       Christy is expecting our 4^th child, due to be born the end of December or beginning of January.

4.       Pray for the other 8 families on our team who are all traveling and working to raise the support they need to be a part of the team. 

In closing, we want to thank each and every one who has lifted our names in prayer.  We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to every individual who has stayed faithful in giving so that we can be your ambassadors.  We felt the prayers of God’s people in protection, guidance, and the united decision of the team in the area in which we will plant our base church.  Thank you, dear friends, for giving and being faithful to the Lord.  Please know your investment is not in vain.

For His glory,

Dan Hubbard

P.S.  We have our team website up and running now.  http://fbmiteamperu.org/

We also have a team page on Facebook that we keep updated regularly and are always adding interesting facts and fun challenges, so check it out!

Szabatin Update July/Aug 2011

                                                                                                                                             July/August 2011
Dear Pastor and Praying Friends,

This summer has been one of many changes. In July while we were in Mexico City, we had the opportunity to participate in many different ministries. I led a Bible study in the home of a family we had met while soul winning. They came from a Pentecostal background. Over several Saturdays I taught on baptism first and then on the Holy Spirit. At first they were defensive; but as time went on, they began to ask questions, not in an argumentative spirit but as wanting to know the truth.

 I also started driving a Sunday school bus route. Driving in Mexico City is an adventure in itself, but once I learned the one rule, I was fine. That rule is that there are no rules for driving in Mexico City. On one Saturday after soul winning and before the Bible study at Jesus’ house, we went to help at an Escuelita, a children’s outreach that they use at Iglesia Bautista Monte Sion. They set up in parks all across the city and then go out with a bullhorn and invite children to come where they can play games,
win prizes, and hear the Gospel being preached. Josiah got dressed up like Mickey Mouse and quickly got into character, running up and down the street giving high fives and shaking the hands of the children. He enjoyed it a lot, and it was great to see the kids coming out of their homes and hear them screaming: “ES MICKEY MOUSE!” Within a half hour, we had 75 children all participating and listening to the preaching, and many of the children received Jesus Christ as their Saviour.

  Our Spanish-language training went well while we were in Mexico. We learned many new words and have started putting broken sentences together.

  As July ended, we were sad to say goodbye to all the friends we had made while in Mexico, but we were also excited that we were finally heading to Peru. Our flight went well, and we arrived just a few hours before the deaf services started at Iglesia Bautista Efata. As soon as we got in, we ran out and bought a bed and a few small appliances. It was the first time in two years we had bought anything for a home we could call our own. The very next day, the Hubbards and the Fousts arrived, and by Friday we were scouting out the city.

 While scouting out one area called Chorrillos, we stopped on a hillside to get pictures of the city. We looked back and noticed a family watching us. Zach Foust walked up and started talking with the woman, and she invited us in. Brother Foust led both her and her son to the Lord, while Mrs. Hubbard spoke to the lady’s friend and ended up leading her to the Lord. I was outside passing out tracts and having a great time seeing so many people read them.

 I approached a man and gave him a tract. He asked me for another tract for his son. As his Spanish was too fast for me, I asked Brother Hubbard to come over. About 30 minutes later, both the man and his son asked Jesus to become their Saviour.

The following Tuesday, the rest of the team arrived, and after one day of sightseeing, we started looking for areas of the city where we could plant the new church. Time and time again, Chorrillos keeps coming up; and there are many opportunities in that portion of the city, as well as many places to live. Over the past week, I have had the opportunity to preach in the deaf service and in Sunday school classes. My family and I have been out soul winning, and while the language is currently an impediment for us, we know that will always not be that way. As we learn it, we will be able to better serve our Saviour here in Peru. 

The Kotvas family have been wonderful hosts, and the whole team is in agreement that Mrs. Kotvas is an incredible woman. Brother Kotvas has been a wealth of information; he has helped and sacrificed much to host a large team on the survey trip. Josiah is making friends with their children and with the students at the school here. There are orphans and children without families, and they are so friendly that you can’t help but love them.

Praise Reports:

While the team was here in Peru with us, we (the team) saw 27 saved. Some of those we saw saved came out to church, and 1lady was baptized.

Prayer Requests:

We will be starting language school in September, and I have decided to try and pick up Spanish sign language at the same time. Please pray that the language comes quickly. I really want to be able to give the Gospel clearly in Spanish without using an interpreter.

Danica-Lee heads back to college on August 22. She will be starting her junior year at Hyles- Anderson College. Time seems to be flying by so fast. We miss her dearly. We saw her in May just before we left for Mexico City, and we are praying there will be enough funds to bring her down during Christmas break. 

Please pray for deputation to go well and quickly for the rest of the team; we miss them already. The spring seems so far away to see them again but yet so close to get so much done and accomplished.

New Mailing Address:

The Szabatin Family

C/O Efata Ministries

Apartado 18-1280

Lima 18, Peru

South America

Thank-you for all you support,

Your Missionaries to Peru,

The Szabatin Family

Paul, Andrea, Danica-Lee & Josiah

I John 5:13

May-June 2011

Dear Praying Friends,

I hope you are enjoying this exceptionally warm summer.  I am very glad to inform you that our team is now complete.  Ten “hand-picked-by-God” families now make up the Peru Team.  How excited I am about this.  Each brings an excellent skill set of ministerial experience and ability.  Because of their faithfulness and yielded spirits to the Lord, I know the Lord will accomplish great things with them.

 

Since last month our schedules have been packed with events.  In June, FBMI had its missionary Candidate School.  The training was detailed and specialized, and the fellowship was as warm as the weather.  I enjoy watching the team members beginning to think, act, and unite as a team.  How obvious is God’s selection process to bring together a team that will do His work and will in a marvelous way.

From there, my wife and I slipped away for several days to celebrate our marriage of 10 years.  I cannot believe how the years have flown.  My wife still is the woman of my dreams and has only grown more beautiful.  We are best friends and still madly in love with each other.  (Excuse me a moment while I go give her a kiss!)  She has stood by my side for better and for worse, richer and poorer, in sickness and health.  We had a nice and relaxing time away.

Currently, we are home in Hammond.  Christy and I have had 8 saved in the last three weeks in personal soul winning and visitors to church, and last Sunday we helped start a Spanish Sunday school class.  We had 21 in attendance our first Sunday.  Keeping myself busy in the ministry, though, is making me long to be in Peru to realize our vision of winning souls and starting churches. 

Next month we will make the journey to Peru with the team to survey the land.  We will be looking for property, housing, and God’s will of where to focus our efforts.  Pray for souls to be saved and seeds to be planted.  A small group will leave on August 4 to prepare for the team’s arrival on the 9^th.  We will all return on the 16^th.  Pray for divine guidance and protection. 

Thank you so much for your prayers and support.  None of this would be possible without you.   I am moved with deep gratitude for the investment that you are making in us.  May God bless you richly.

For His glory,

Dan Hubbard

Szabatin Update June 2011

                                                                                                                                  June 2011

We got to Mexico! On Tuesday, May 31, we flew into Mexico City and saw a sea of lights below us. It was an incredible sight. As we looked down, it was overwhelming to think of a city that has 30 million people in it. That is almost the same population as the whole of Canada. We cleared customs fairly easy, and, even though we were chosen for a “random search,” it went fairly smoothly. I accidently tipped our porters way too much (100 pesos) at the Guadalajara Airport where we were connecting, and the porters were all smiles. When we got to the Mexico City Airport, Brother Wes Palla picked us up, and I asked him how much I should tip. When I gave these porters 15 pesos each, they were not smiling at all! I asked Brother Wes why they were upset, and he told me it is because they think I am a rich American and that I was being cheap. I wanted to go back and tell them I was neither American nor was I rich, but it wouldn’t have done any good.

We were exhausted and tired but also rejoicing that our journey to Peru feels like it has actually begun. Our hosts and good friends, Wes and Cynthia Palla, are going out of their way to make us feel at home while we are here and have started teaching us Spanish. Yesterday Brother Wes and I went out soul winning, and I had the privilege of seeing a young lady come to know Christ. So I could pass out John and Romans, Brother Wes taught me to say, “May I give you this book?” I went up to the first lady I saw and said in Spanish, “I want you to give this book to me.” She smiled and took it anyway. I also got to see Iglesias Bautista Monte Sion (Brother Kevin Wynne’s church). It is an incredible work, and I am looking forward to being here for the next month and learning as much as I can.

          Tienguis (Open Air Market)            

          Iglesia Buatista Monte Sion          

           A roof top view of Mexico City          

           

The city doesn’t ever seem to sleep, from the noise of cars, to people trying to sell things over loud speakers, to people blowing their horns. Last night a man came down the street ringing a bell, and we asked what that was. The Pallas told us it was the garbage man. All the people then came out to the street with their garbage. Then you tip him. I have learned you tip everybody here, even the guy at Wal-Mart who blows his whistle while you park, telling you that you can park where you are parking. Before we left the United States, I went and got my international license. It will be staying in my luggage. The traffic here is not for newbies. It makes the traffic in Los Angeles and Toronto look like a drive in the country on a Sunday afternoon.

Please continue to pray for us as we learn while we are here. We are going to utilize every avenue we have while we are here, but we also do want to get to Peru. Flights to Peru continue to remain high because of fuel surcharges. As soon as the Lord provides the funds, we will continue forward.