November 18

  

 

 "To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven"  (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

 

God by His providence governs the world, and has determined particular things and operations to particular times. In those times such things may be done with propriety and success; but if we neglect the appointed season, we sin against this providence and become authors of our own distress.

 

God has given to man that portion of duration called Time; the space in which all the operations of nature, of animals, and intellectual beings, are carried on; but while nature is steady in its course, and animals faithful to their instincts, man devotes it to a great variety of purposes; but very frequently to that for which God never made time, space, or opportunity.

 

It is worth a remark, that in all this list there are but two things which may be said to be done generally by the disposal of God, and in which men can have but little influence: the time of birth, and the time of death. But all the others are left to the option of man, though God continues to overrule them by His providence.

 

 

It was with great sadness and reluctancy that we said goodbye for now to our dear friends, and co-workers with us for 12 years, Paul & Ruth, this morning. We have had the privilege to work together, pray together, laugh together, cry together (a least I have with Ruth), eat together, love together, and just have sweet fellowship together. They will forever be missed here, they truly leave a huge void in our lives, but it seems like their season with us has ended.

 

  

We pray the Lord continues to use them where they are going (Arizona for now), and that perhaps, somehow, we can continue to be involved together doing this great task of proclaiming the Good News. We definitely look forward to spending eternity together with them. 'Paul, Ruth, thank you for sharing your lives with us all these wonderful years, you have touched our lives with your kindness, commitment and love, you have taught us a lot through your example, we'll love you forever.'

 

You know, Thanksgiving is not a holiday we celebrate in Mexico, but we started celebrating it when Paul & Ruth started working with us. Roshon was saying the other day, we cannot celebrate thanksgiving without them being here... That made me think of our friends' the Hawkins' son, one time when his parents were away on a trip, his younger brother wanted to play, but Paquito looked at his brother with his big, sad eyes and told him, 'how can we play, papa is not here.' Anyway, we sort of feel that way...

 

The Slushers also left yesterday after being with us here for two years. They have been a blessing to have and we will totally miss them. Their season here has also ended; a new one begins for them...'Audra, thank you for teaching the girls piano and English, and for your willingness to help always, we will miss you so much.' 

     

It all started back in September with Joel & Stephanie. They were with us for three years, then their season with us ended too. We are so thankful for all the people that have come and worked with us over the years, we owe each one of them a great deal, we will never be able to repay any of them, not that their are seeking that, they, as us, want to be repay with things that don't corrupt.  Through each one the Lord has taught us immensely. Our lives will never be the same because our roads crossed. 'Thanks, Joel & Steph, may the Lord continue to use your lives for His honor & glory.'

 

  

 

Even Juan & Chuy, the couple from 'Las Minitas' that had been with us for quite a few years, left yesterday and went back to their village. Please keep them in your prayers. Their marriage has been suffering. Chuy really loves the Lord and wants to follow after Him. She feels very strongly at this time the call to really stand by her husband and help him. May the Lord use her to bring him, and many others to the Lord's feet. I was very pleased to hear she would really like to start a Bible study with the ladies in her community. I encouraged her to start as soon as possible, and also warned her of how the devil would try to discourage her and hinder her from doing that. We talked on Sunday, the very next morning she was already having huge stumbling blocks against her. Pray for her and her two children.

 

Well, you might start thinking, 'what in the world is wrong with the Jones' that everyone is leaving them?' Good questions...Seriously, we are at peace, we know the Lord is in control of all things, we serve Him, and He wants to get rid of us too, He can.

 

We are excited about the new season that also seems to be beginning with us here at the ranch. The Lord seems to be moving things a different way, sort of. I mean, we exist to bring Him honor, to have fellowship with Him, and from that the other things flow. Our focus continues to be the same, Him and Him alone, but we are open to new things He might want us to start, new ways to bring others to His kingdom, because ultimately, that is what we most desire. So, in the meantime, we continue to covet your prayers for the ministry here. 

 

We are forever so thankful to the so many people the Lord has sent to work together with us. We await in anticipation the new ones He is bringing. To Him be all honor and glory forever and ever.

 

We love you all so much,

 

Daniel & Ana