September 22, 2014

Just a quick update while I’m sitting here on the computer this afternoon…

The time is flying by so quickly, I just can’t wrap my head around it all.

God is so faithful!  The vision that He put in my heart and mind in January has grown and blossomed into His plan and is still multiplying.  What an honor to get to see it all unfold from right in the middle of things!

Our weekly schedule is somewhat flexible and gets pushed and pulled in different ways each week, to allow for ministry and cultural influences.  The main objective is to be prepared for anything and follow HIS lead in everything.

We have some type of class going on each of 6 days a week.  I have had requests for classes on Sundays, but that is a day that I protect for honoring God with rest and worship.  The other days are very busy and full.  Language classes, Bible Study classes, Sewing/skills classes, Bible Study over Skype, meetings, visits and prayer time.  It fills up quickly.  The key is not to be ‘busy doing things’, but to be ‘obedient in His directions’.  We pray over a balance of that. 

I’m thankful that God has been prodding me along to carve out time for some early morning walks before the busy-ness begins.  I still juggle some things, like finding time for cooking (more than just for survival), sewing personal projects, reading special books, laundry, correspondence, personal Bible Study, visiting friends, etc.  But it all has a place and time and God is the creator and keeper of time, so I’m learning more and more to look to Him to plan my days and weeks.

I love being a part of so many different Bible Studies.  It is a wonderful time of learning for me.  I’m hungry and thirsty for God’s Word and so thankful that He makes a way for me to be fed in these ways.

I also love my church here in Nica, Iglesia Comunidad Cristiano.  It is very evangelistic and discipleship minded.  I’m blessed to get to provide a Bible Study for Young Ladies from our church.  I’ve gained a lot more unofficial daughters!  I spoke at the Youth service last Friday night and there was no translator.  So I did my best with my average, but improving, Spanish skills.  We made it through about 15-20 minutes without too much mishaps.  God is great in communicating between us. 

I’m so used to living in the midst of God’s will that I sometimes surprise myself when I remember that I’m physically living in Nica now.  I wonder why it doesn’t seem strange to me, but I think it’s because it’s HIS will and it just feels natural.  I love it.  It’s hard sometimes, but it is so worth it knowing that He’s leading me and all I have to do is hang on and be obedient!  Sometimes I hear Him tell me to ‘just BE’ and He’ll take care of the rest.  So, for each day, I just try to be ready for whatever He brings along. 

I’m so excited to see the women coming for the sewing/skills classes.  We have a new volunteer teacher, who knows how to do just about everything under the sun!  She has a wonderful heart for sharing Jesus, especially to hurting ladies and teens.  She has one of the sweetest spirits that I’ve every seen.  It’s such a blessing to work along side of her.  (I think God will have a section of heaven just for sewing and crafts and I’ll get to spend time with Veronica and others like her!  How fun!)

It warms my heart to see the look in the ladies’ eyes when I hand them money from the sales of their handcrafts.  I wish it would happen more, but each time it’s a treat!  They are so genuinely thankful to be able to help support their families.  I love being a part of this ministry!  And I can’t wait to see what all God has in store for us!

Time to get a little more work done before I switch to dinner and rest mode for the remainder of today.  Tomorrow is one of the days that classes start at 9:00am and the last one ends at 8:00pm.  But it such a fun day with the ladies! 

God is good!  All the time!

He is faithful and He is worthy of praise!

I love Him with all my heart.

Newsletter July-August 2014

Newsletter for July-August 2014

God has kept us busy these last 2 months and time is flying by!  Pray that we capture every moment for His service.  As I have said before, we have done our best to be obedient and follow Him and try not to get in His way!  All Glory and Honor goes to Him for Who He is and for furthering His Kingdom!

The first week of July, I finally got the chance to send out a Newsletter for the months of January-June.  (If you did not get that update, please let me know.)  We are working on ways to streamline communication and share more efficiently.  It’s always a blessing to share what God is doing.

            Celina spent 2 weeks of July with us as an intern and we had a wonderful time.  She got to experience real life here on the mission field, by helping prepare for classes, teaching crafts to kids, participating in Bible Study, doing projects for the mission house, accompanying other missionaries to experience other types of outreach, helping Sofia with English practice, running errands, exploring the city with other missionary teens, attending our church and many other things.  The weeks went by so fast.  She was a blessing to the ministry and myself.

                        We had a few visitors staying here at Living Grace House through July and part of August.  We are so thankful for the provision that God has given us to share with others.  Also, we have had lots of people drop in for chats, advice, fellowship, a shoulder to cry on, prayer, etc.  All are welcome here at Living Grace House!

            Sewing & Arts Classes are going like gangbusters!  The ladies are doing so great and learning so much!  Some of the items they have made are in the US and can be seen/purchased at Kirby’s Kupcakes (2^nd and Elm St, Rogers AR) or can be seen via Living Grace Ministry facebook page. 

(The items can be shipped anywhere in the states, so be sure to check them out and order something to help these families support themselves.)

            English Classes are very flexible and fluid.  Whenever there is a student available, we provide a teacher.  The students come and go, as per their opportunities for school and work change often.  Every moment spent with them is a treasure and a building block for them and their future.

            There are 4 different Bible Studies being taught through Living Grace Ministry.  The main one is the Foundations discipleship study, which is taught in English.  It has really been impactful and we are excited that God is calling leaders out from this group.  The other studies range from skype classes to small groups, and include A Confident Heart, The Call to Follow Christ, and Lies Young Women Believe (for teen girls).  Living Grace House is also hosting the Gideon Bible Study, taught by a fellow missionary for our missionary sisters serving here in León.  It is a great time of learning, fellowship and encouragement for those of us on the field.

            We are currently working on the Living Grace Ministry website.  Please be in prayer of this endeavor, as we rely on tech savvy people who are very busy in their own lives.  God will pull it all together and we can’t wait for the day when communication is so much easier!

            Thank You to all who support our ministry in prayer, communication, finances, encouragement, etc.  We can’t serve without you.  Romans 10:15 says ‘How can they go if they are not sent?’ and this verse reminds us that we are all part of this ministry together.  Help us share the news of what God is doing here.

                       

                       

All of the above details are just part of our Praise list.  Here are a few more Praises:

v Redeeming relationship with God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit

v Opportunities to serve and minister here in León

v Provision of the ministry house and all material blessings to make it work

v Teachers and Students interested and called to the classes

v Prayer partners and Support partners to lift up the ministry

v Network of ministries and missionaries in León to work with and encourage

Here are a few Prayer Requests to keep in mind for us:

v Protection from earthquakes, floods and mosquitoes (it’s the rainy season)

v Discernment in adding classes and scheduling the use of the ministry house

v Health and safety for all staff, volunteers, students and guests

v Continued financial provision to keep running month to month

v Resources for the sewing classes and Sources for marketing the goods

v Response of all who are called by God to be a part, in everyway, with the ministry

v Smart decisions for all regarding time management, health (spiritual & physical)

v Always watchful for opportunities to share the Gospel in anyway possible

v Blessings over the many ‘team members’ who support us in prayer and finances

If you would like more information about the ministry, please contact Vickie at vickiejocline@yahoo.com.  You can also follow us on Vickie’s blog:  vickiemir.blogspot.com

Donations may be made:

Ø  by mail or in person at FBC Rogers Church, 3364 W Pleasant Grove Rd, Rogers AR 72758 

Ø  on-line at fbcrogers.org. 

Be sure to note the donation is for Vickie Cline at Living Grace Ministry to receive a tax report at year’s end.

¡Dios le Bendiga!

Vickie

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,

faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”  1 Peter 4:10