The Shack

Before leaving Canton, a friend gave us a copy of the fiction book, The Shack, by William P. Young. It is about a father who has an encounter with God several years after his daughter is abducted and presumably murdered. While reading this powerful book, I had to admit there have been moments where I have questioned why God allowed our children to have such horrific experiences; why they weren't spared the pain they have suffered. He reminded me again of His infinite wisdom and perfect love in this dialogue between God and Mack, the grieving father:

"If you knew that I was good and that everything--the means, the ends, and all the processes of individual lives--is all covered by my goodness, then while you might not always understand what I am doing, you would trust me."

When Mack replies that he's not sure he knows how to trust, God replies, "Trust is the fruit of a relationship in which you know you are loved. For now I just want you to be with me and discover that our relationship is not about performance or you having to please me. I am good and I desire only what is best for you. You cannot find that through guilt or condemnation or coercion, only through a relationship of love."

How assuring to know that it is not because of what we do that Christ loves us and died for us...but because of who we are. He desires relationship with us simply because we are His! I know that you too will be transformed by this thought-provoking book--let me know what you think after you have read it!

Jorai and Narah

We have been blessed with the arrival of two new short-termers from Ohio, Jorai and Narah. They are sisters and will be serving with us for two months. They have jumped in with both feet and eagerly offer to help wherever needed. They are constantly surrounded by a throng of kids who have quickly fallen in love with them. Please pray for these two precious young ladies that the Holy Spirit would move mightily in them and through them during their time with us.

Changes

We had several significant changes at CLM while we were on furlough. First, Gabriel (in red) returned to live with his mother after staying here for two years. We miss him but believe that his mother has changed and is prepared to care for him. Secondly, we received Fernando who will be one year old on Sunday, June 15th. His mother is a drug addict and alcoholic. His older sister already went for adoption and his mom is pregnant again. He has been living with a distant relative since he was 4 months old but since they had no legal permission to be taking care of Fernando, he was removed from their home. They are now in the process of trying to acquire guardianship of him. He will be going for adoption, but whether the Judge will look with favor on this family or not is questionable. Lastly, Bethany and Juan's son, Caleb arrived and is healthy and perfect. Please pray for Gabriel, Fernando, and Caleb and the destiny that God has for their lives.

Returning to CLM

We had a busy but wonderful time in the states this past month, spending time with friends and family in Canton and Cincinnati and even taking a quick trip to Oregon to visit my sister and brother-in-law. We were so blessed by the encouragement and support of everyone we met. It was a joy to share pictures and stories of our CLM family face-to-face with all of you. We are excited to share that we have all the money we budgeted for the sports and rec area and plan on beginning in August. A special thanks to all of you who so generously gave towards this project!

Our time in the states was too short to spend with friends and family but too long to be away from our children here. We were literally attacked with hugs and kisses (from Maggie and Mocha, too!) and were reminded again that we are exactly where God wants us to be. (Although we have been warned that it will take awhile to adapt back to the hectic schedule of CLM life...and rice and beans!) Thank you again for your continued support, encouragement, and prayers...we praise God for each of you and our partnership in ministry.