Fall 2008 Newsletter: Velarde

High and Mighty allMen's Retreat Whales

Our Bunkhouse

One of the waterfalls on the gorge

Whew, I know, it's about time that we have added a new post to our blog, we thank you guys who follow our family and ministry through this medium. It has been an interesting and challenging time that we haven't had the Internet, and the saga continues. It will be another 2 weeks before we are back "online". Though our Internet usage has come to a stand still, ministry hasn't, we continue full speed with a mid week study and other prayer meetings.

Also this past weekend I was allotted the opportunity to go and speak at the High and Mighty Men's Retreat in Whales. It was an amazing time out with 11 other guys in the mountains in central Whales. The scenery was breathtaking as we walked and swam and jumped off waterfalls on a river gorge, then ended it with a hike up one of Whales highest peaks.

WE also spent much time worshiping and studying the Bible, looking unto men like David and Daniel, to glean from their lives of what it means to be a "man of God" in the 21s century. There was much time of prayer and waiting on the Lord to bring breakthrough in many different areas of many different lives. We all left spiritually refreshed and physically worn out after the physical activities.

All in all we all had a wonderful time seeking the Lord together, please continue to pray for Devon, the Lord is doing a great work here in the midst of rampant secularism, be encouraged.

Charis 1st Birthday

Happy Birthday Charis! On the 10th Charis turned the big 1, we are so blessed by her and she has been so much fun. We are so blessed that the Lord has entrusted us with Charis, to raise her and lead her to Jesus.

She also is getting her top front teeth in, please pray for her that she would grow to love and serve Jesus.

Our New House

The house from the front

Sandra in her kitchen getting things "sorted"

Getting ready to eat some cake

Phil and Jim having some tea after moving furniture

Whew! We have finally made it into the new house, well new for us. We are so blessed to finally have a place to call our own, once again. It has been an arduous task but we are getting settled. The Lord has been good to us in bringing us into this place. There has been a lot done and there is still much to do in getting unpacked. We have been assembling furniture and picking things from different places here in Exeter and North Devon.

Mike and Sofia, friends from Sweden arrived the night we moved in and have been a tremendous blessing in the settling process. They are moving to London where Mike will go to school to be an audio engineer. Sandra has been busy setting up her kitchen, I have been setting up the kids rooms and office area.

Please! Pray for us here in Exeter, the Lord is doing a great work in us. He is aligning things for us as we walk according to His ways. We still have very limited internet access, we have to walk to the library in town, our phone line is not yet activated, I am still searching for the best deal to obtain an internet provider. We will be back online soon, thank for all your prayers and support.

No internet Service

Sorry everybody, we are currently moving into Exeter and don't have internet access right now, hopefully we will have something in the next week or two, please pray for us as we settle into our new home, thanks.

D.L. Moody

D. L. Moody

I have recently been reading a bio in Dwight Lymon Moody. It has thus far been a great read, very inspiring and I can see why the Lord has me reading this book right now, timing is always key. I have been greatly challenged as I am sure that you will be too.

In a conversation with another man, this other man named Varley remarked, "Moody, the world has yet to see what God will do with a man fully consecrated to Him." Moody responded, "Well by the Holy Spirit in me I'll be that man."

The Lord has been challenging me personally in areas of complete surrender, am I? are we? at a place that we can honestly say that we are His, every aspect of our lives, belonging to Him. Spurgeon once said, "If you desire Jesus to be a perpetual guest in your heart, then you must give Him the key to every cupboard and closet." If we as believers would live like "believers" we could in our own spheres of influence see the world changed for Jesus, for eternity. 

Surrender all that you are today, and live for Jesus tomorrow. It's our reasonable service.

CCWOOLACOMBE BRING AND SHARE

Last week there we some people who left to move to Australia, to South Africa and to York, UK.

So we had an awesome time of fellowship...they  call it "BRING AND SHARE"  instead of 

Potluck....It is a blessing to be part of the family of Christ where we can all hang out and our favorite part is eating.

Pictures of the kids

All suited for bed

Starbucks in Exeter mobbing a fruit smoothie

Wednesday Night Kids Club in Exeter

Charis showing off a mouthful of teeth, well at least two on the bottom

Silas sitting on the family bed

Due to recent requests of a blog update with pictures of the kids, here it is, aren't they the most adorable and lovable kids you have ever seen? Sandra and I make a lot of jokes about us having friends only because of our children.

They are doing good in adjusting to their new life in England, they are excited about out opportunity to serve the Lord in England. Please pray for them as they continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus.