Kristin’s October Update

Dear Ladies,

Summer is here in Africa! For us, that means the start of a new school year, and that Grandma & Grandpa Hammett will soon be here in Africa! Joel started his 1st grade year, and Anna her Kindergarten year. They are both having a blast. Luke, however, isn’t too happy to be ‘left out’ of what big brother and sister are doing. 🙂

My life here is busy with many of the same things you do at home too – schooling, laundry, cleaning, errands, groceries, lessons, etc.  We have the added dimension of ministering to several different people in our home during a given week. No two days are alike when your husband is a missionary, that’s for sure! Of course all this is in the context of a different culture, which can be challenging and exciting all at the same time.

So just like for many of you, homeschooling has been keeping us busy these last several weeks.  And maybe for you too, you find the major lesson of the month has been to remain in the presence of the Lord during all the crazy moments, the math problems, the  laundry piles, the dirty dishes,  and the crying toddler!  “The more [we] focus on all [we] have to do, the more anxious we become. Jesus wants us to focus our lives on being with Him rather than busying ourselves with doing for Him. He calls us to abide – to sit at His feet and listen to His words. Like Martha, we are called  to change our center of attention from ourselves to Jesus. This change enable us to offer service freely, not grudgingly. ”  – C.Heald

Question #2 How can I  keep my heart tender/open to the mission field;  how can I help?

One of the best ways to keep your heart open and tender to the mission field is to spend time cultivating relationships with  the missionaries we support. George says that one of the biggest influences in his life was having missionaries in his home growing up;  learning from them, listening to their stories, and seeing their burden for their mission field.  It does put faces and real relationships to the names of those we support. Visiting mission fields are life-changing too. They’re not nearly as scary as you think! 🙂

You’ve probably heard it a thousand times, but missionaries DO desperately need your intercession. It isn’t a flippant phrase we tack onto the end of our prayer letters. Real, eternal, lasting work is done on our knees. William Carey, missionary to India for 40 years,  was once asked who would go down to the ‘mine’ of the lost in India. His famous response was,

“I will, but remember that you must hold the ropes”.

That is probably the most encouraging thing to a missionary to KNOW that there are people earnestly holding the ropes, for them. Prayer will change our hearts see this world as though we were looking through His eyes. Thank you LVBC for your faithful love, support, and prayers. We love you.

It can be awkward to know how to connect with someone you don’t know very well.  We’ve often been asked the question, “how can I be a blessing, how can I help?”  Here are a few simple ideas to  cultivate relationships and be a blessing to missionaries sent from other churches who pass by LVBC while traveling. Just be sure to check with Pastor first to be sure of the plans they may already have for the family. 🙂

• Vehicle repairs / maintenance/ oil changes (recommendations for good mechanics)
• Internet Access, if needed
• Organize an outing to: public library , local parks, playgrounds,  favorite coffee shop
• Grocery Store
• Dry Cleaners
• Homecooked Meals  (are rare)
• Baked Goods
• Laundry Facilities, if needed
• Doctor, Dentist , Chiropractor Appointment (schedule ahead of time)
• Haircut (schedule ahead of time)
• Nice places to go walking, etc.
• Malls/Good Consignment/Goodwill Stores
• Include them in family activities
• Local sightseeing
• Or maybe just some R&R 🙂

With Love,

Kristin