When we were first married Ron and I went to missionary training straight from our honeymoon. There we received lots of Bible training, classes on what to expect in a new culture and intensive language classes. We then spent a year in Quito, Ecuador. What a year that was! We learned way more than we were able to contribute. We loved the culture, the people and the language. We had our firstborn there in the Voz Andes hospital. But we had yet much to learn. It was “ our heart's desire” ( which surely must translate to God's calling!) to return to Ecuador or some other Hispanic country to serve Him. For why would God allow us to do all this preparation and get such a good grip on the language and develop such a love for the people and a hunger to serve in this way if not to return and fulfil what we thought was “ our calling”. In the 40 years that have passed since then we have learned a great deal, been shaped ,sanded hammered and honed . Now I know that “waiting" for God's timing while not easy is always the best. We had started out leading when we needed to learn how to follow. To follow as individuals, as a couple and in the church. 15 years later God allowed Ron to pastor and co- elder in a small Alberta church and that only after many years of teaching, preaching and guiding Bible studies plus several years of seminary. 11 and a half years later He allowed us to respond and be accepted to a call from a small group of believers in Mexico. Were we perfected? Not on your life. When Ron was 15 he had already read through the Bible. When an elder in his Church proposed a Bible study for youth, he balked at it thinking (as only a 15 year old can) why do I need to study the Bible.. I've read it! He thought he had all the answers when today he will tell you he hasn't even got a handle on the questions!! We are so thankful that God in His infinite grace and mercy knew the desire of our hearts and decided to work with it . Most of all in the years of following and being conformed to His image ( an ongoing work!!) We learned it is not so much what you think you know but very much about Who you know and how well you know Him. We look forward to seeing you at Ixtapa Christian Fellowship this year as a regular visitor or as a brand new one. You are family and our home is yours. Matthew: 16. 24. Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?
Haven't we all felt that way at some point or even regularly. It has seemed so very short the season of foreign tourists this year. But its March and Easter is almost upon us when Mexican tourism fills the town for two weeks. We have not spoken in our service a great deal about the ministries of ICF this year nor how the offerings are used to help others but God has continued to allow us to share and work with prisoners and pregnant teens, to serve in a variety of hospital related ministries and work alongside of Bet Shalom the home for at risk seniors. As well, 2 local missionary pastors and a seminary student have received assistance from the tithes and offerings of ICF.
The Word is preached each Sunday morning and Bible Study is available each week in English as well as in Spanish. We continue to pray for committed workers with a heart for ministry and commitment to sharing the message of truth that brings eternal hope. Pray for us in the off season when we are but a handful of believers meeting on Sundays. There are unbelieving foreigners here year round. Pray that we would somehow see and connect with them. The time is short. For the last 10 years ladies from ICF and community have met to put together " bundles" of baby and mom necessities as an adjunct to the ministry to pregnant teens meeting at the adolescent unit at the local General Hospital. Below you will find the contents of each bundle. We would ask you to consider bringing a few items in your suitcase or even a pkg of infant diapers in your suitcase to bless these teens in the name of Jesus. Anyone interested and or wanting more information on how to help including those who have already helped, please leave us their email by message . Joyce will contact you directly. She wants to keep in touch with those who have shown an interest..Thanks for being a part of this ministry.
Receiving blankets. Onesies Size 1-3 months Bibles ( new testament small) Disposable newborn diapers Tooth brush med Tooth paste small Small soap (hotel size is fine ) Shampoo (hotel size) Lotion (hotel size) Baby soap Baby newborn caps Multivitamins suitable for pre or post pregnancy Ixtapa Christian Fellowship is pleased to announce our new website. We invite you to join us in Fellowship and to also plug into the many opportunities to serve in the area. Please check back as our intention is to provide periodic updates to this site. Blessings to you.
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