July - August Prayer Letter

Dear Support Team,

We are beginning to wind down a very busy year of stateside ministry. We have visited most of our supporting churches and many individual supporters. By the time we leave in August we hope to have made contact with all of you. God has used your prayers to help us create greater awareness of the leadership training needs in Latin America. Some new individuals have joined our support team. One of the most encouraging things that has happened is to see God begin to raise up a group of volunteers to provide support and encouragement for the Costa Rica LATN team. Launching and sustaining a ministry that seeks to touch all of the Spanish speaking world with advanced theological training is a huge task. We need help! God knows that; this year we have seen Him work along side us in many ways. With Jesus along side us we are finding that His yoke is easy and our burden is light. That is because Jesus does the heavy lifting!

A few weeks ago we helped move Mark’s parents to a skilled nursing facility. Although this has been a difficult time for everyone, the transition has gone well. We were glad that we have been able to help our family by being personally involved. Thanks for your prayers. Please keep praying for their adjustment. Your prayers have made a difference.

July 22-25 Martha is heading up a Howard Family Reunion at the YMCA Camp in Winter Park. This is the first ever for her family. Please pray for this time, that God would be glorified, and use us to accomplishes his purposes in the lives of those who attend.

Soon we will be saying goodbye to Melinda as she stays behind and begins her second year at Dayspring Center for Christian Studies and Rivendell College in Boulder. Please pray for Melinda (and us!) during this time of transition.

LATN’s third session of classes begins September 8. Five courses will be offered, four are brand new courses! Pray for the professors and new students. Pray for endurance.

LATN as an organization is currently facing a major financial crunch. We have been working on contacts will foundations that may provide more help in the long run, but on the short term we have a serious need for funds. Donations can be made to the EFCA. Designate your gift for the Latin America Training Network. Please pray for this need.

As for our personal support, please pray about a small increase in your support that would enable us to return to the field fully supported. It is definitely within reach!

Thanks you so much for your prayer, support and love demonstrated to our family.

Mark, Martha, Melinda and Michelle