Victoria's Baby Shower

Victoria’s Baby Shower – December 14, 2014

What a celebration we were blessed to have for the coming arrival of our sweet baby Victoria (in January).

Sofia and I decided that the baby shower would be a big blowout and take the place of our Christmas and birthday celebrations for years to come!   Haha.  Really, we were both so excited to celebrate this little life.  And it was neat to do it when all the world was focusing on the coming of baby Jesus.  It made me even more excited for Jesus’ birthday celebration.

We handmade the invitations.  Little pink dresses with tulle tu-tus and some quilling adornments and ribbon.  So pretty.  (and time consuming!)  We cut, pinned, sewed, typed, glued and wrote on each one.  It took a couple of days to get them made, but it was worth it.  Everyone loved getting their invitations!  Sofi hand-delivered them all over town, which took her a few days.

We had some tulle, ribbon, and some donated baby girl shower decorations from my friend in the states.  We just put everything we had together and it all came out beautiful.  We hung some white Christmas icicle lights around the ceiling of the dining room.  (had to use my new staple gun for this project!)  Sofi wanted lots of balloons, so, as much as I HATE balloons, we blew up 100 (because that was how many we had in the bag) and they all started popping due to the heat.  I really HATE balloons, but this was for a good cause, my sweet baby Victoria.

We hired our friend Erika to cook the food.  She came and helped Sofi buy the items in the markets and stores.  Then she came early on Sunday to start cooking on the open fire on the back patio.  We prepared enough for 50 people and had lots of leftovers, that we were able to share.  The food was good and everyone had a great time.

Sofi looked so beautiful in her new dress.  This was probably the biggest celebration in her life, so I wanted her to feel special.  We found a really pretty dress and (after many trips to the stores) found some shoes that she could also wear after her pregnant-feet returned to normal.  We found some pretty earrings and even a couple of hair barrettes to complete the ensemble.  I found a tiny heart necklace in a piece of furniture and gave that to her and it was a special surprise gift from God for the shower.  Sofi had her hair straightened and wore a little bit of makeup.  She felt really beautiful. 

Many friends and some family came to the shower.  We had games that were funny.  She got to open her gifts and she was so thankful for each and every one of them.  We put Victoria’s crib in the center and hung the mosquito net (that we decorated with handmade organza flowers) over it.  The gifts all went into the crib.  It was very pretty.  I asked Sofi why they don’t record who gave which gift here.  She said this way no one knows what each person brought, so no one is embarrassed that they could only buy a bar of baby soap or just a washcloth or barrette, etc.  I thought that was very thoughtful.  No one expected any thank you notes.  Everyone just enjoyed seeing all the gifts.

Another sweet custom is that at the end of the shower, each person comes to the honoree and gives her a blessing.  Then Sofi gave each person a handwrapped party favor to remember Victoria by.  That was neat.

I had baked 6 dozen cupcakes in the toaster oven, 6 at a time.  We used the party cake mix and vanilla icing with sprinkles.  Each cupcake had a plastic baby favor on it.  We had to keep all the cupcakes in the fridge, because they would melt in about 10 minutes.  Timing was everything that day!  I had to wait until the food for the meal was out of the fridge before I could put the cupcakes in.  We were working everywhere in the house at once, but it was fun.

Yamilet was great helping out!  She steps in sometimes and goes way beyond what is asked of her.  She and I filled in for some friends who bailed on the responsibilities of the shower.  We got it done and loved doing it for Sofi.

Since our bi-lingual friend didn’t make it to the shower, I asked our friend James to help translate for me.  However, he doesn’t know many words for baby things, so he wasn’t much help.  I winged most of it with my mediocre Spanish and lots of body language.    It was very entertaining.  (I love the graciousness of these friends who encourage me to keep talking, even when I’m messing up.  The focus was on Sofi and celebrating Victoria, so I didn’t mind looking silly at times.  It adds to the festivities!)

We were very tired at the end of the night.  (baby showers last for hours!!!!)  We went to bed with the promise of cleaning house the next day.  I had told Yamilet to come to work in the afternoon on Monday, instead of first thing in the morning.  She was pleasantly surprised to see how much cleaning we had already done.  By the end of the day, we had everything back to normal.  (we had moved all the living room rocking chairs to the bedrooms and had set up 30 plastic chairs around the living room and dining room.  And had set up serving tables for the food and drinks in the sewing classroom.  Now we know that we can host a lot of people for an event!)

Of course, we kept the white icicle Christmas lights up to enjoy for Christmas.  They really did make everything look magical.  Our theme was pink and white and silver, just perfect for a beautiful princess.

I was so thankful to be a part of this celebration in Sofia’s life.  I’m so glad that God has brought us together as a family.  And I pray every night for baby Victoria to be healthy and happy.  What a wonderful blessing from God!!

November 13-December 19, 2014

Life back at home in León has been great.  I came back from my trip to the states feeling refreshed and excited for the future.  There are a lot of changes for 2015.  Some are blessings and some are challenges (which are also blessings in their own way).  Through all things, I know that God is in charge and I trust Him completely.

Veronica and Enia and I unpacked all the supplies that I brought back from the wonderful people in the states.  My luggage was overweight and I paid dearly for that, but it was worth it to get this first batch of stuff down here.  The girls had so much fun unpacking, sorting and organizing everything with the stuff already here.  They are very good organizers. 

I continued my morning walks and ran errands in the early mornings, including a much needed haircut!  It’s good to get out for my walks in the mornings.  Sometimes, that is the only time I leave the house during the day, since the classes are all held here.  I love to walk and I enjoy going down different streets and exploring, too.

Sofia had not been feeling well, and went to the doctor on Friday.  She ended up in the hospital with what the doctors thought was Dengue fever and turned out to be Chikunguya.  Both are viruses spread through mosquito bites.  Since she was 7 months pregnant, they wanted her in the hospital.  There is no cure and you can just treat the symptoms.  One of the ladies in her room (4 other pregnant patients) delivered her baby 2 months early.  I was given permission to visit Sofi for a couple of days.  Most of her visits and care was from Yamilet, my part-time housekeeper and our friend.   When you are in the hospital here, you bring your own bedding, clothes, food, everything…  So Yamilet took her food 3 times a day and brought clothes back and forth.  It was a long week!  But I was thankful that I got to spend a few afternoons with Sofi and also to get to meet the ladies in her room.  The doctors said that baby Victoria is okay and still cooking away inside mamá’s belly.  They did, however, give Sofi medication for the baby’s lungs in case she comes early.

Because Sofia was in the hospital with Chikunguya, some government/health officials (I call them the mosquito police) came to inspect the house.  I refuse the fumigation process that comes around occasionally to blow the smoke from a combination of chemicals and diesel fuel throughout your house.  It is so nasty.  Most expats don’t have it done in their houses either, but the Nicas do.  Anyway, the officials said that our house is very clean and not a mosquito hazard at all.  I was glad to get the all clear, especially since many Nicas think I’m crazy for not doing the fumigating.  We still have mosquitoes at times, since the house is open to the outside in many places.  But I use a can of Raid mosquito repellent once or twice a week throughout the house and we have good protection from that.  It’s a lot better than having the residue of the diesel smoke all over the house.

Glenda, the mother who delivered 2 months early due to the virus, was in the room with Sofi and her mother was there with her 24/7.  Baby Kendri José, weighing 3.5 pounds, was in the NICU area of the hospital.  (keep in mind that this is a Nica hospital – very dirty/nasty, with limited medical care).  When Glenda was well enough to return home (to Chinandega, about 40 kilometers north), she and baby and grandma went home.  Just a few weeks ago, they all came to visit us here at the house.  I was thrilled to get to hold this precious bundle!  We said a prayer over Kendri and his family.  He had suffered some seizures in the hospital and the doctors won’t know until later what his condition is.  But he is so very cute and special and I know that God has a plan for him!  They will come and visit us again when they return to León for more doctor visits.  What a blessing to know them.

Sofia and baby Victoria continue to grow daily.  We worked hard on baby shower plans.  Since Sofia didn’t get to have a quinceñera (big 15^th birthday party), this shower was a very big deal for her.  We took 2 days to cut, sew, print, quill, glue and finish the invitations.  It was fun.  The baby shower will be really exciting and fun.  It’s been interesting for me to see the different customs here for celebrations like this.  Some of the games are the same and we had a hard time to choose what all we wanted to plan!

Veronica (co-teacher for crafts) and I were blessed to spend 2 afternoons at a friends ministry, facilitating a craft station for breakout sessions at a women’s conference.  We helped the ladies make ribbon flowers and decorate small coin purses.  We met some really nice ladies and even gained a couple of new students for our classes!

Sofia and I stay around home a lot, but when we get to go out it is usually something we are very interested in seeing or doing.  It doesn’t take much to entertain us!  One day, we very excitedly went to a new grocery store!  We loved it!  It’s a lot like stores in the US.  And it is expensive.  We won’t shop there much, but I can find some items that I can’t get anywhere else.  And it’s fun to be in the nice, clean, new, AIRCONDITIONED store!  So we will go there to mosey around sometimes!  We also visited the new Sinsa store.  It’s a hardware store owned by Ace Hardware from the states.  I bought a staple gun and have been very excited about it.  Sofi thought I was kind of funny, but she appreciated it when I used it to hang our white Christmas lights for the baby shower.  I can’t wait to do some more projects with it. 

Another early Christmas gift to myself was a large electric griddle.  I was explaining it to Sofi and she just shook her head and said okay.  I price checked them at a couple of stores.  When I finally got one and carried it to the checkout, she saw the picture on the front showing cooking pancakes on it.  She got very excited about buying it then!!!

We take advantage of joy wherever we can find it.  God gives us little blessings all the time.  And we enjoy celebrating each and every one!  He is Faithful!

November 1-12, 2014

These weeks were spent in Rogers AR.  It was so fun to feel the fall-ish weather for a while.  I had tons of things to accomplish and limited transportation & money, so it was definitely a time of relying on God for EVERYTHING!

I was able to keep up my morning walks almost every day.  I was thankful for that.  Another thing I did quite often was to eat turkey dinners 6 times!  I knew I would probably be missing that in Nica, so I took advantage of the opportunities in AR.  Yum! 

I had a terrible toothache for part of the time in the states.  My jaw hurt, my gums hurt and my tooth hurt.  Some days I couldn’t eat anything.  Some days I could hardly hold my head up.  It finally got better, so I didn’t go to the dentist.  I hope that was a good decision!

I had the chance to meet with lots of people regarding different aspects of the ministry.  We’re starting the 502(c)(3) process, which will take lots of time, documents, money and frustration, but will be so worth it in the long run.  I am blessed to have some great people helping with this endeavor.  I am so thankful!

Many people have donated supplies for the sewing and arts classes.  Someone called to see if I could use 6 used suitcases.  Why, yes!  Now I have some suitcases packed and ready to be hauled down by the next friends coming this way.  Also, I was offered some plastic tubs which I used to pack up the rest of my stuff from Deanna’s house.  Perfect timing for all of these! 

I continue to lift prayers of thanksgiving for Debbie’s Pharmacy for the way they handle my meds and payments while I’m here in Nica.  I also got the chance to get some bloodwork done to follow up on my continuing health issues.  I love my doctor and the convenience of his office for getting these things done.  I was also able to get some documents from my friend Ricky, to assist in putting my wishes on paper regarding issues that would occur at my death, whether in the US or in Nica.  Lots of things were checked off my to-do list.

I was invited to 2 Life Group meals and had a great time of fellowship with all.  I love sharing about what God is doing here in Nica through Living Grace.  And I loved the food!

I had some good meetings with people who are helping with different parts of the ministry.  God has called them to be a part of what their passion is directed to.  I’m excited about how all of these people and plans will come together for 2015.  Most of all, I trust God in all His plans and provisions!  He is faithful!

I moved the rest of my things from Deanna’s house to a storage unit in Rogers.  I have some things in a smaller unit in Springdale, which will need to be moved to the new unit.  It’s hard to get things done when you are not in the states much.  And I don’t like to impose on people.  But it will all get done sooner or later.  I’m thankful for all the help I get.  Jim and Cindy Sigmon were wonderful angels who came to my rescues the day before I left.  Cindy spent hours helping to sort, organize, pack and move items to the new place.  Jim offered his truck and muscles to help, too.  What a huge blessing they were to me!

I flew back to Nica on the 12^th.  It is always hard to say goodbye to Deanna.  I miss her so much.  She has been such a huge blessing to me over the last 5 years. 

My flights back were good.  Jorge picked me up from the airport and drove me back to León.  Sofia and Jacqueline were waiting for me at the house when we arrived about 11pm.  They said I looked different (after only 3 weeks away).  When I asked how, they said I looked ‘whiter’.  Haha

It was a great trip to the states and I’m very happy to be back home again in Nica.  God is good.  All the time.  In all circumstances.  He is faithful and worthy to be praised!

October 31, 2014

It’s the last day of October – all ready!

I’m in AR for 3 weeks and going through many emotions.

My traveling day was very nice.  Even though we had no water at the house the night before or the morning that I left León, and I was very much in need of a shower, I was ready to leave home at 3:30am.  My friend, Jorge, drove his family’s taxi to take me to the airport.  Their family didn’t have water in their neighborhood either.  But, we survived the ride.  Lol  I laid back my seat and had a little nap on the way to the airport.  I didn’t get carsick this time and I was very thankful!

All of my airport experiences and flights were routine and there were no problems.  That was very much a blessing.  I slept off and on during the flight to Atlanta, partly because the plane was only about 1/3 full.  In Atlanta, I caught up with the Smiths, some fellow missionaries and we enjoyed trying out the new Customs process.  We had lunch together and shared about our ministries and how we feel God moving in our lives for 2015.   I really enjoyed getting to spend the time with them.

We arrived a little early in NWA, so I got the chance to sit on a bench outside the airport and enjoy the beautiful weather.  Nichole picked me up and we stopped at the store on the way to Deanna’s, so that I could get some food for the week.  It was really great to get to Deanna’s and see her and Jet (the dog).  I was pleasantly tired and slept very well that night.

I got to spend a few days with Deanna before she left for a week in Las Vegas with her daughter’s family.  She comes home tonight and I look forward to getting to spend more time with her over the next 2 weeks.

I’ve been running errands, visiting with people, taking care of medical appointments and other personal business while here.  I have lots of things to do at the house this week (packing up the rest of my things for storage) and will be spending more time inside than running around. 

I have purged and organized and purged more and packed for storage and purged some more over the last 7 years of serving in the mission field.  There are still things that you just don’t know what to do with.  Those things are going to storage and I’ll figure it out later.  Some things need to be packed up and ready for people to bring down to Nica for me.  I’ll be glad to be on the finished end of that chore.  I’m weary of dealing with life’s ‘stuff’ and like the liberation of not having a lot of material things.

I’ve been working on the document process of getting my resident status in Nica.  I should be able to have all of my U.S. papers ready to take back with me this trip.  So, hopefully, that process can continue and be complete by spring.

I’ve started the process of Living Grace Ministry becoming a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity.  It’s a big undertaking and I don’t like to mess with lots of red tape.  But, I feel that God wants this next step for the ministry and for the future of His ministry, so I will be obedient and trudge through.  I have been blessed that a lawyer friend, Josh, has agreed to do the legal stuff for free.  He is checking on an accounting friend to help with the initial IRS stuff, too.  Step by step, but it will get done sometime in 2015.

I’m currently praying over whom God has chosen to be asked to serve on the Board of Directors.  God is going to do some awesome things in the ministry in this next year, and I’m excited to see what all He has planned!  And I’ll do whatever He directs me to do, no matter how ‘unfun’ it is.  I’m blessed to be able to do whatever He asks.

And I know that I will be blessed to work along side these special people.

My financial support from my home church will be adjusted down, so that it is equal with what other missionaries from the church get.  My missions pastor was a little uncomfortable to tell me, but I knew that I would be adjusted down, and I know that God will supply in the ways HE chooses, so I’m not worried.  I know that God is doing different things in the ministry this coming year and I’m excited to see who the new people are that God will lead to be a part of the team, either through  prayer, finances or physical work.

I just finished a Bible Study on Gideon with some of my missionary friends in Nica.  It has been very impactful in my life right now.  Especially, with the changes in finances and advanced structure.  Trusting God with all that I am, including my ‘lack’ in many areas, is such a blessing to me and strengthens my walk with Him.  I am thankful for all of those moments.

The weather here is very ‘fall-ish’ and I love it.  However, it’s supposed to be unseasonably cold tonight and tomorrow.  I’ll be ready to be back in Nica when I get back, but for now, I’m enjoying the cold.  (knowing it’s only temporary for me!)

Deann’s home and we are all ready for a good night’s sleep.  I look forward to tomorrow, since I get to stay home most of the day and work around here and hang out with her.  I think I’ll probably make some homemade soup!  Yum!

God is so good, all the time.  I’m thankful for all of the opportunities that I got to talk with people and share about what He is doing in Nica.  Some of the encounters were planned and some were a surprise to me (but not to Him).  I’m so blessed.  And He is so faithful!

October 19, 2014

Another month has sped by again.   It’s been a full, challenging and exciting month!

Our schedule is ever-changing to meet the needs of the people we minister to.  It keeps things exciting as we see how God is leading us month by month, week by week and even day by day.  Some call it being flexible, some call it being fluid.  I call it being obedient and hanging on with all my might!!! 

The Creative Skills Classes (aka sewing/crafts classes) are growing and evolving and we are getting more structure down now that we see who God is bringing into our fold.  It’s exciting to meet the new ladies and spend time each week with them all.  We’ve met some pretty talented gals!  Some of them are already making a little money from their handcrafts.  What a blessing!

We have two wonderful volunteer teachers, Enia and Veronica.  I am so blessed to get to spend time with these two precious ladies!  We all love the Lord more than anything and we love using the skills that God blesses us with.  I praise God all the time for bringing these ladies into this ministry with me.

We have all been busy these last 3 weeks making items for me to bring to the States for sale.  It will be awesome to hand over the money earned to each of the artisans!  They are anxious for my return on Nov 12!  I’ve had a blast making things myself, which will help to support the ministry and support me personally.  I thank God for the opportunity and the skills to be able to support myself so that I can stay out on the field serving Him.  And I have so much fun doing it!

Sofia, my unofficial adopted teen daughter, found out that her baby is a girl and she is planning on naming her Victoria Antonela.  Victoria will be arriving the end of January (or first of February, if she follws Nica time).  I can’t wait to meet her!  Sofia is still cleaning a house part-time for now, but will soon have to quit that job.  She will be able to work part-time in the little store that God has made available to us to sell the handcrafts.  As she is working, she can be making more items to sell.  She will be able to take Victoria to work with her, too.  We are very thankful for this wonderful opportunity that God is providing for now and the future!

On a personal note, I am starting the process to get my Nicaraguan residency.  (this has nothing to do with citizenship, so I’m still North American!!)  When I’m in Nica, I am here on a 90 tourist visa.  I have the option to extend this visa for 90 more days and then I have to leave the country and return.  The immigration portion of the government is getting more strict with us who ‘live’ here and have asked that we get our residency.  It’s a long process of documents and red tape, but it’s doable.  Having my residency will give me some benefits.  I will get to stay in-country as long as I want and will just have to renew the residency every year.  After 5 years, I will get start getting residency status for 5 years at a time.  Being a resident will allow me to open a bank account here, as well as a few other perks to make life a little easier.  As with everything in a third world country, the process is long, uncertain, ever-changing and quite the adventure.  But it will be worth it!  Especially, since I won’t have to fork out $800 every three-six months for plane tickets!

I’ve really enjoyed the different Bible Studies that I get to be a part of.  I’m finishing up the Gideon study by Priscilla Shirer and it is hitting the spot for the things that God has in the works for the rest of this year and looking forward to 2015.  I feel God making some big changes for next year and I’m ready for the challenge!  I’m learning to trust Him more and more.  It’s not always easy (or fun), but it is always a blessing, because I’m growing closer to Him and learning so much on the way.  He is faithful!

I’ll be in Rogers AR from Oct 21 to Nov 12.  Those 3 weeks will be action-packed, even though I wasn’t starting out that way.  So much to do and so many people to see.  God will plan the days and I will hang on for the ride.  It will definitely feel like a ‘trip’ to the States, as I feel more and more ‘at home’ here in Nica.  And that’s okay.  In fact, it’s great!  I love living in God’s will!

Anyway, if you are in NWA and want to get together between those dates, please contact me!  Email at vickiejocline@yahoo.com or call/text at 479-270-0727.  I can’t wait to share about what God is doing here at Living Grace!!!

To HIM be all glory and honor and praise and thanksgiving!

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