Wow. I can't believe that tomorrow will be my last day in education. After 21 years, God has called me to do something different. Yes, I have finished my degree, and I'm qualified to be a principal or special education director, but that's not where God seems to want me. We're thrilled to be doing the Lord's work in Guatemala.
Bill and I leave for our 10 days of training in Florida on Monday. Training starts on Wednesday. We'll have training, an interview with the personnel committee, and if all is good, we'll be commissioned on the 10th. I'm feeling fairly positive about this. We're excited to see the MVI headquarters, and learning what we need to be missionaries besides a heart for God.
When we return, we have 4 rallies to do. CMA is still a major priority in our lives, and it always will be. We'll be in Elko, Mackay, American Falls for the Idaho/Utah/Nevada rally, and of course, the POW-MIA rally. It's the last time we'll attend these rallies too. It seems bittersweet to think that this will be it.
Departure is scheduled for the first week of August. We have to make contact with a Spanish teacher, rent a car to use in Guatemala, and get everything out of this house and sold or stored. Our vehicles have to be sold, and our bikes will go to storage.
We need your prayers. Prayers for a successful training, traveling mercies, monthly support for our mission, and safety. If you are able, we could use many donors (I think 60) who could step up at $30 a month. Thank you to those of you who are already supporting us. We appreciate it greatly.
God Bless y'all.
Lisa
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Progress!
I got a phone call last night from the other side of the state. The man on the other end informed me that he and his wife definitely want to rent our house. :) Hurray for this God connection, because it couldn't have been anything else.
These people almost got caught in a rent scam. The man figured it out at the last second, and called our church (Calvary Chapel Pocatello). There were two reasons why he did this. One is that his employer is buying the CCP radio station and that's the reason for the move. The other is that he and his wife used to attend CCP, and so they knew someone might have an answer about a house for rent!
Here is the most interesting piece...the man will be moving back into his old neighborhood. You see, he used to live in the house next door. He knew the people who built our house, and the rest of the neighbors who have been there since the neighborhood was established. Who but God could do this? No one. There are no coincidences with God.
This puts Bill and I on a scramble to get things accomplished in the next 6 weeks. That's not counting wrapping up our jobs, traveling to Boise for prison ministry, traveling to Florida to spend 10 days in training with Missionary Ventures, and two motorcycle rallies. And FUNDRAISING! Oh my word. That takes a bunch of time.
If you'd like to support our work in Guatemala, please go to the link on the right side. You can donate online, or by sending a check to Missionary Ventures at the address in the box on the right. Monthly supporters are what will keep us going in Guatemala. Even if it's as little as $15 a month, that will help keep us funded. We also covet your prayers. Please pray for us, for our work in Guatemala, and for people who believe in what we are doing so that we can be fully supported.
We believe God has called us to Guatemala, and we believe that He will provide the funds to take care of us there. God is always good, and always faithful. We stand on that.
God Bless y'all.
Lisa
These people almost got caught in a rent scam. The man figured it out at the last second, and called our church (Calvary Chapel Pocatello). There were two reasons why he did this. One is that his employer is buying the CCP radio station and that's the reason for the move. The other is that he and his wife used to attend CCP, and so they knew someone might have an answer about a house for rent!
Here is the most interesting piece...the man will be moving back into his old neighborhood. You see, he used to live in the house next door. He knew the people who built our house, and the rest of the neighbors who have been there since the neighborhood was established. Who but God could do this? No one. There are no coincidences with God.
This puts Bill and I on a scramble to get things accomplished in the next 6 weeks. That's not counting wrapping up our jobs, traveling to Boise for prison ministry, traveling to Florida to spend 10 days in training with Missionary Ventures, and two motorcycle rallies. And FUNDRAISING! Oh my word. That takes a bunch of time.
If you'd like to support our work in Guatemala, please go to the link on the right side. You can donate online, or by sending a check to Missionary Ventures at the address in the box on the right. Monthly supporters are what will keep us going in Guatemala. Even if it's as little as $15 a month, that will help keep us funded. We also covet your prayers. Please pray for us, for our work in Guatemala, and for people who believe in what we are doing so that we can be fully supported.
We believe God has called us to Guatemala, and we believe that He will provide the funds to take care of us there. God is always good, and always faithful. We stand on that.
God Bless y'all.
Lisa
Thursday, May 5, 2011
How did we get here?
Have you ever had the refrain of a song get stuck in your head? No matter what you do, it doesn't seem to go away. I have had one particular song stuck in my head for almost a year. Chris Tomlin's song, "Everlasting God" has been my companion for over 9 months now. I hear "Strength will rise up as we wait upon the Lord" echoing through my brain. Bill has been hearing "Where You lead, I will follow". Wise words as the Lord has called us to Guatemala.
Bill and I went on a mission trip to Guatemala last November with CMA (Christian Motorcyclists Assn.) and Missionary Ventures. These mission trips are used to distribute the motorcycles (horses, bicycles, boats) that CMA donates the money for each year. We knew that God had plans for us, and that we wouldn't be in Pocatello forever. We just had no idea that we would be called for missions work! In the week before we arrived, all I could hear in my head was "wait upon the Lord". I knew we would learn something during the trip, but I had no idea that we would be called to return to Guatemala so quickly.
We landed in Guatemala, and instantly, it felt like home. I didn't say anything to Bill about what I was hearing from God for a couple of days. He didn't say anything to me either. But we were the ones questioning the directors about everything Guatemalan. Our directors revealed to us that there was a need for a couple to manage the mission house for them. Bill and I just looked at each other, and then we prayed about it for the remainder of the trip. Before we left, we talked to the directors, and told them that we would be applying to Missionary Ventures to come back. When we returned to the States, it felt different, like we really didn't belong here anymore. We started the paperwork as soon as we were in contact with Missionary Ventures. We go to training in June for 10 days at MVI headquarters in Orlando, FL. Then it's back to close up the house, pack our belongings, and get ready for final departure.
Bill and I have been Christians since we were teenagers. Situations led both of us away from church for a time, but neither of us was far from God. It's amazing how your faith in man is tested, but God is always nearby. The Lord was just waiting for our return to fellowship. We both feel like walking with God is a continual process, and we are forever being refined. Pruning hurts sometimes! How else do we get rid of the things in our lives that aren't necessary for God to be our center?
To all that are reading, God Bless you. Please pray for our safety, our financial needs, and our ministry. We are still looking for monthly supporters to keep us in Guatemala. We need approximately 70 at $30/month. Donations can be mailed to Missionary Ventures, PO Box 593550, Orlando, FL 32859-3550 or you can go online to http://www.mvi.org/ and donate there. All donations need to be marked "preferenced for the future ministry of the Rileys". This ensures that you get a tax-deductible receipt, and that the money is used as it is intended.
We are trusting in the Lord that He will provide for our needs. He is ever faithful!
God Bless y'all!
Lisa
Bill and I went on a mission trip to Guatemala last November with CMA (Christian Motorcyclists Assn.) and Missionary Ventures. These mission trips are used to distribute the motorcycles (horses, bicycles, boats) that CMA donates the money for each year. We knew that God had plans for us, and that we wouldn't be in Pocatello forever. We just had no idea that we would be called for missions work! In the week before we arrived, all I could hear in my head was "wait upon the Lord". I knew we would learn something during the trip, but I had no idea that we would be called to return to Guatemala so quickly.
We landed in Guatemala, and instantly, it felt like home. I didn't say anything to Bill about what I was hearing from God for a couple of days. He didn't say anything to me either. But we were the ones questioning the directors about everything Guatemalan. Our directors revealed to us that there was a need for a couple to manage the mission house for them. Bill and I just looked at each other, and then we prayed about it for the remainder of the trip. Before we left, we talked to the directors, and told them that we would be applying to Missionary Ventures to come back. When we returned to the States, it felt different, like we really didn't belong here anymore. We started the paperwork as soon as we were in contact with Missionary Ventures. We go to training in June for 10 days at MVI headquarters in Orlando, FL. Then it's back to close up the house, pack our belongings, and get ready for final departure.
Bill and I have been Christians since we were teenagers. Situations led both of us away from church for a time, but neither of us was far from God. It's amazing how your faith in man is tested, but God is always nearby. The Lord was just waiting for our return to fellowship. We both feel like walking with God is a continual process, and we are forever being refined. Pruning hurts sometimes! How else do we get rid of the things in our lives that aren't necessary for God to be our center?
To all that are reading, God Bless you. Please pray for our safety, our financial needs, and our ministry. We are still looking for monthly supporters to keep us in Guatemala. We need approximately 70 at $30/month. Donations can be mailed to Missionary Ventures, PO Box 593550, Orlando, FL 32859-3550 or you can go online to http://www.mvi.org/ and donate there. All donations need to be marked "preferenced for the future ministry of the Rileys". This ensures that you get a tax-deductible receipt, and that the money is used as it is intended.
We are trusting in the Lord that He will provide for our needs. He is ever faithful!
God Bless y'all!
Lisa
Monday, May 2, 2011
The countdown is on...
We'll be leaving to Florida on May 30 for ten days of training with Missionary Ventures. We're getting really excited, and we know that there are many wonderful things that will happen in Florida that will help us get ready for Guatemala.
In case you were wondering what a mission team might do when they come to Guatemala, here is a glimpse written by our directors, Randy and Brenda Purcell. Just click on the link...it will take you to the newest MVI newsletter and their article. http://www.mvi.org/mission-team-summary-morning-star-church
Our jobs at the mission house will be to take care of these teams as they come in and while they stay at the mission house during their time in-country. We'll handle their needs and make sure the house is suitable for a mission team. I will handle inside chores, Bill will handle the outside chores.
We are working really hard to pare down our house and sell unneeded items. :) We've got a weight set, some oak and slate tables, and bookcases, as well as a couple of full size beds to get rid of at this point. One of the beds probably hasn't been slept in a dozen times. All of this money goes into the mission fund.
We are still looking for approximately 70 people to step up and help fund our mission. We are trusting that God will provide those people, and they will be willing givers. We want your prayers as well, so if you would please pray for our safety, for adequate funding, and for the work at the mission to be successful
God Bless y'all...
Lisa
In case you were wondering what a mission team might do when they come to Guatemala, here is a glimpse written by our directors, Randy and Brenda Purcell. Just click on the link...it will take you to the newest MVI newsletter and their article. http://www.mvi.org/mission-team-summary-morning-star-church
Our jobs at the mission house will be to take care of these teams as they come in and while they stay at the mission house during their time in-country. We'll handle their needs and make sure the house is suitable for a mission team. I will handle inside chores, Bill will handle the outside chores.
We are working really hard to pare down our house and sell unneeded items. :) We've got a weight set, some oak and slate tables, and bookcases, as well as a couple of full size beds to get rid of at this point. One of the beds probably hasn't been slept in a dozen times. All of this money goes into the mission fund.
We are still looking for approximately 70 people to step up and help fund our mission. We are trusting that God will provide those people, and they will be willing givers. We want your prayers as well, so if you would please pray for our safety, for adequate funding, and for the work at the mission to be successful
God Bless y'all...
Lisa
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