Pastoral Couples Training
Tarija, Bolivia
Thankfulness
One of Paul’s repeated exhortations in his letter to the Colossians is to be “Thankful.” Thankful for our salvation, for peace, in song and prayer, thankful in everything that we do. (Colossians 1:3, 12, 2:6, 3:15, 16, 17, 4:2)
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.“ Colossians 3:17
Thankfulness and appreciation is how we would describe our time with the Bolivian pastoral couples last week focusing on the theme “A Love That Gives All.” 40 couples came from throughout Bolivia and even northern Argentina, some traveling 16 hours to participate.
Here are some of the words of thankfulness that the couples shared:
Thank you Lord for the love that you showed me through giving us lodging, food, teaching and your provision for this week. Thank you for bringing my wife into my life.
I want to thank you Lord because you are good and you love me.
Thank you my Father and God for speaking to me this week. Thank you for the encouragement and lessons learned. Thank you for refreshing my life. Thank you for the pastors that taught us and for every brother and sister that we met.
Thank you God for allowing me to be part of this beautiful time as a couple, for teaching me from your Word and showing me the importance of spending time with my husband.
Thank you for creating an atmosphere of trust with us, pastor to pastor. We don’t have others that we can confide in. Thank you for creating a safe place for us to share our burdens with you.
Thank you God because I heard your voice spoken through your servants. You gave them your love and grace to share your Word with our hearts and remind us of the great blessing we have in our spouse.
We are also so thankful for your prayers that supported us in our journey and teaching times. We are thankful for your financial giving. Your gifts reflected God’s love and provision for these couples. We are especially thankful for the presence of the Lord that spoke into each couple’s heart!
Ways you can pray!
- Thank the Lord with us for the way that He was present with each couple last week and spoke into their lives through His Word. May the refreshment they received continue to draw them near to Christ daily!
- We are currently in Colombia (April 14-21). There is great energy amongst the 46 couples attending, but many are also carrying burdens within their families and congregations. May the Lord bring healing and strengthen their faith and trust in the supremacy of Christ in all things!
- Pray that we would finish well and accomplish all that the Lord has called us to do in the remaining three days.
Diana and I want to thank you for your faithful prayer and support that makes this possible. You are wonderful examples of a love that gives all!
All praise and glory to our loving Father!
