He Did It Again!
Santa Marta, Colombia
April 25 – May 4
Could you ever get tired of watching the Lord part the Red Sea? Anytime God does something miraculous I have to just marvel and say “Wow, He did it again!” That is how I feel at the end of each of our conferences, like God just parted the Red Sea again, and our time in Colombia was no exception.
“Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will! Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul!” Psalm 103: 21-22
The Lord showed up and worked again in amazing ways. He brought rest. He brought laughter. He brought honor and appreciation. He brought encouragement to those who so often felt alone in their ministries. He brought healing to two couples who had been planning on getting a divorce. He brought a renewed commitment to preaching the Gospel. He Spirit brought the comfort of His presence.
Let us share just a few of the comments that we heard.
“Pastor, we have a confession to make. In 32 years of marriage, this is the first time that we have been alone together without the kids and we have been very blessed by everything. In fact, this is the first time we have ever stayed in a hotel.”
“This week has been a miracle. We were invited to the conference, but we didn’t have the money to come. Then, I was paid for some work and so we were able to, but I wasn’t sure. When we arrived however, we were hugged by Rick and Dot and I knew then that this was a place of love.”
Another woman shared that she had been deeply discouraged and was rebelling against the Lord and her husband. In April, he asked her to come to the Shepherds’ Support conference. At first she said no, but later decided to join him. The Lord changed her heart completely throughout the week. As a special blessing, she and her husband exchanged vows in a wedding ceremony with the conference participants gathered together as their church.
It was a wonderful blessing to have pastors Chuck and Susie Tabor, Rick and Dot Webb and William and Ruth Evaristo together on our teaching team. They brought Biblical wisdom, practical insights and beautiful pastoral hearts that expressed the love of Christ so well. We were also blessed by our Colombian partners. Pastors Jorge and Carmenza, Fredy and Johanna, and Leonardo served everyone with excellence and warm enthusiasm. The many details that they prepared expressed a deep care for each couple.
Ways You Can Pray!
- Please be in prayer for the couples as they return home committed to put into practice all that the Lord had spoke to them about.
- Pray also for Pastor Jorge and Carmenza as they follow up with each of the couples over the months to come.
- Our next training conference will be in Ukraine (June 5 – 15). More to follow on this shortly. Ukraine will be quickly followed by our Albania Pastoral Couples Training (June 28 – July 6). Please pray for us as we work with our teaching team and partners to prepare well for these two very important training conferences.
Bless the Lord for all His works!
May you never tire of seeing the Lord part the Red Seas in your life!
And the Shepherds’ Support Board:
David and Beth Butler, Jack and Nancy Shirley, Sid and Zane Williams, Daniel and Kate Wurzberg
P.S.
Pastor Chuck couldn’t resist directing a chorus of Alabaré one last time!
(click on the photo to watch it)