Sonidos Serranos

The Lord Will Provide!

2012-01-24T10:24:00.000-05:00

When by day troubles assail us,
When by night dangers affright,
Though our friends all should fail us,
Though our foes all should unite,
This one thing secures us, whatever betide;
This promise assures us: The Lord will provide!

The birds without garner or storehouse are fed.
From the birds let us learn to trust God for bread.
His saints, what is fitting, shall never be denied,
So long as it is written: The Lord will provide!

Even when Satan assails us to stop up our path,
And when courage all fails us, we triumph by faith.
Satan cannot take from us, though oft he has tried,
This heart-cheering promise: The Lord will provide!

In Christ, our strong tower, for safety we hide:
The Lord is our power! The Lord will provide!

Text: John Newton
Music: Irish Air

Remembering...

2012-01-20T22:37:00.002-05:00

Jesus said:
I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?

(John 11)

Recent Travels

2012-01-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

We’re thankful for God’s gracious provision!

Theday after Christmas found us on the way to Miamiwith Esteban and Esther and Marcos on a whirlwind two-week trip to Uruguay forJulia’s and Dilney’s wedding. We spent ten wonderful (summer!) days there andfour more days (two on each side) driving to Miami and back.

We’re thankful for the time with extended family.

On December 31, Esteban and Esther reminded us that the last time we threeGarwood siblings were together for “the holidays” was twenty-three years ago.

We celebrated Dosila’s birthday on Dec. 31.

The cousins enjoyed some good timestogether.

DJM reached the 14-month milestone while there.It was fun to take his picture by Tia Viviana’s Christmas tree – in summer! (Christmas in Uruguay isn’t over until after January 6.)

JM preached on New Year’s Day at Iglesia BiblicaMaranatha on the outskirts of Pando, and Esteban preached that evening atTemplo Betel, the church his father pastored for many years. We also attended mid-weekservices at three EMU churches.

We’re guessing that folks from EMU churches allover Uruguayattended the wedding. We enjoyed many opportunities for fellowship and leftgreatly encouraged and more eager than ever to get back – to stay!

Although exhausting, it was an encouraging trip overall.

Two days after our return to the Upstate found JMand me on icy highways on the way to a conference in Ohio.As I commented on FaceBook last Thursday:

A week ago, I was walking the length of “18 de Julio”(one of Montevideo’smain thoroughfares) with John Mark and Kenzi and the kids – in summer! Tonight,I’m on my way to a conference in Ohio– trying to remember how to drive in snow!
On Monday, JM began a two-week D.Min. course.

Please continue to pray for us!

Saviour of the World

2011-12-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

This is my new favorite Christmas hymn:

I cannot tell why He whom angels worship

Should set His love upon the sons of men

Or why, as Shepherd, He should seek the wanderers

To bring them back, they know not how or when.

But this I know: That He was born of Mary,

When Bethlehem'smanger was His only home,

And that He lived at Nazarethand laboured,

And so the Saviour, Saviour of the world, is come.

I cannot tell how silently He suffered,

As with His peace He graced this place of tears,

Or how upon the cross His heart was broken,

The crown of pain to three and thirty years.

But this I know: He heals the broken-hearted

And stays our sin and calms our lurking fear

And lifts the burden from the heavy laden,

For yet the Saviour, Saviour of the world, is here.

I cannot tell how all the lands shall worship

When, at His bidding, every storm is stilled,

Or who can say how great the jubilation

When all the hearts of men with love are filled.

But this I know: The skies will thrill with gladness

And myriad, myriad human voices sing

And earth to heaven and heaven to earth will answer:

At last the Saviour, Saviour of the world, is King!

Text: W.Y. Fullerton

Music: Londonderry Air

Listen to most of the second stanza from Stephen Eager's CD: Breath of Life, an album inspired by the Lewis Revival of 1949.

Christmas Thoughts

2011-12-24T12:30:00.000-05:00

Cherishing precious memories of Christmases past – especially 2009 and 2010. We sang with extended family via Skype in 2010.

Meditating on Truth:

“The darkness of Christmas, whether the first one or the one this 2011, serves as a reminder of why Jesus had to come . . . and why He will come again...”

Read the rest of the post...

God dealt gently...

2011-12-20T15:29:00.000-05:00

Tonight marks eight months since Jona’s Home-going. Ten days ago, I had opportunity to tell how God answered prayer during the past year. I told the ladies at our church’s Missionary Prayer Group that it was difficult to decide what to share; I finally settled on the event that had the greatest impact on our extended family. Because it was hard to fit “everything” into the allotted five or so minutes, I wrote out and read my thoughts. I now share what I wrote for that evening...

Many of you know that our GoodShepherd led our extended family through the valley of the shadow of death thispast spring. My nephew, Jonatan Torres, had been diagnosed with cancer rightbefore his fifteenth birthday in August of 2009; twenty months later, in Aprilof this year, God took him Home.

In late March of this year, JohnMark and I returned from an afternoon walk with the children to find a messagefrom my sister on our answering machine. She told us that Jona was not doingwell, and she asked us to come. As we prepared to pull out of our driveway,John Mark prayed. My mind was numb, but I remember his asking the Lord to deal gently with our extended family; Iwas struck by his choice of words. Tonight, I would like to tell you some ofthe many ways that God specifically answered that prayer.

God dealt gently with us!

The hospice nurse on call thatevening arrived shortly after we did. As the evening progressed and sheassessed the situation, the tell-tale signs were there: That evening shouldhave been Jona’s last one with us. But his ministry here was not yet done, and ourgracious Shepherd gave us almost four “bonus” weeks with him.

In that time, He allowed allJona’s grandparents to come from

Uruguay

and spend time with him.

While the US Embassy in Uruguay had been denying visas, God provided avisa for Jona’s Aunt Julia from Uruguayto come as well.

And on a Saturday in mid-April, asa friend of the family was trying to “buy” a ticket with airline miles forJona’s Uncle Daniel, God opened up a seat on a flight leaving Uruguay that verynext Monday (just two days later) – something that in this man’s experience asan international business man “just does not happen!”

Our loving Shepherd also dealtgently with me, arranging our travel schedule so that we as extended familycould participate in Jona’s care during those last weeks – and be eye-witnessesof God’s grace to him.

During his middle-school years,Jona had taken his struggles (specifically peer pressure and consequent lying)to his father. Esteban had taken Jona to the truths of Romans 6 and 7: “If youbelong to Christ, you no longer are a slave to sin.” Over and over Estebanemphasized these truths of the believer’s identity in Christ to his son – and,by God’s grace, Jona embraced them. In retrospect we can see that God waspreparing him for what was yet to come.

Every one of us who participatedin Jona’s hospice care can give the same testimony: “Jona never complained!” Afriend recently wrote:

One comment that keeps coming to me about Jona isthat he never complained. That’s impossible! These cancer kids go through somuch...

I was able to respond:

God’s grace is amazing! Jona truly nevercomplained. Only Christ can enableone who is suffering so much to follow Hisown example...

Our Good Shepherd dealt gently with us in allowing us to observe thatreality first-hand in Jona’s life.

Because he wanted to remain alert, Jona asked that he not beover-medicated. God gave Esteban great wisdom in the administration of the painmeds in order to honor that desire. The result was that we were more clearly ableto see God’s grace through the valley of the shadow of death.

Jona would often request two favorite hymns: Be Still my Soul and Bow the Knee. We could see himmouthing the words and sometimes hear him singing even though every breath cameonly through extreme effort.

We were able to enjoy his amazing(and sometimes crazy!) sense of humor, teasing or telling jokes even when hecould hardly breathe.

We were witnesses of God’s graceto Esteban, encouraging Jona when his pain was greatest to pray for otherbelievers who were also suffering but who, unlike him, were suffering in theshadows, unknown, without a whole support network to pray for and encourage them.

Because he was not in amedically-induced coma, Jona was able to tell us what he saw as his Shepherdled him through the valley: the angels, the second step he needed help toclimb, the door he could not open. At one point he told his mom: “We’re alldressed in white – and Jesus is coming for us!”

In August of 2009 when we firstlearned of Jona’s cancer, we prayed for complete healing. Before the definite diagnosiswas given, Esteban’s research had convinced us that we were asking for amiracle. So, we continued to pray for healing up until the very end. During thenights of hospice care when Daniel James would wake me, I would also go andcheck on Jona. “Will this be the night? Will God heal him tonight?”

When God chose to take Jona, He gaveus grace to accept His answer as the best.Certainly it was the best for Jona. But more importantly, it was best for theglory of God.

Our pastor recently drew ourattention to an incident in the life of Elisabeth Elliot:

Life Magazine photographer, Cornell Capa, told of an interview hehad with Elisabeth Elliot: “I wondered how Betty could reconcile Jim’s death atthe hands of the Aucas and the Lord’s apparent failure to protect him fromthem. Her answer came back without hesitation:

I prayed for theprotection of Jim, that is, physical protection. The answer the Lord gave transcended what I had in mind. He gaveprotection from disobedience and through Jim’s death accomplished results themagnitude of which only eternity can show.

~ from The Savage My Kinsman

(New York, NY:Harper, 1961), 9

Paraphrasing what ElisabethElliot affirmed, we can say:

We prayed for healing for Jona, that is,physical healing. The answer the Lord gave transcendedwhat we had in mind. He gave ultimate healing and protection from disobedience – and through Jona’s deathaccomplished results the magnitude of which only eternity can show.

Yes, our loving Shepherd answeredabundantly. And He continues to deal gently with us. He is giving us grace. AndHe is reminding us that He is causing all things to work together for good,conforming us to His perfect image – so that ultimately He, the preeminent one, will receive the glory He sorichly deserves!

Christmas is (almost) here!

2011-12-19T21:25:00.001-05:00

“Christmas Is Here!” was the title of the K-5 program on Friday. Elizabeth was so excited – and she did a great job saying her lines and singing:

“A Baby was born in a manger over two thousand years ago for you and me!”

Unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

She was funny... You wouldn’t have guessed it from how distractible she could be at times, but she had most (if not all) of the twenty-minute program memorized. For days leading up to the event, she would say: “So-and-So and So-and-So say... And then So-and-So says...”

She was a lot of fun to watch – especially when she flashed us a big smile upon finding us in the audience!

[Unfortunately, we didn’t get seats very near the front, so I’m very thankful that my pictures turned out as well as they did. The little Canon zooms quite nicely! And, as usual, editing in Picasa is a lot of fun!]

“You!” (at 13M)

2011-12-08T15:52:00.000-05:00

Inspired by a good friend (who’s a great blogger and writer!), I’ve decided to – at least occasionally – write letters to my little ones along these lines. (Thanks, Julie!)

“You!” (at 13M)

Actually today (12/08/11) is theone-year, one-month, and one-day milestone! (Cool, huh? Although, by the timeyou read this, you probably won’t say that something is cool.)

You weigh 22 pounds and arealmost 32 inches tall. That puts you in the 50 percentile for weight and 90percentile for height.

You’ve outgrown most 12M clothesand are wearing more and more 18M clothes. (And your current pajamas are size2T and are only slightly long for your arms and legs.)

Most of the time, you’re a veryhappy Little Man; you love to flash your charming smile at anybody andeverybody – especially your immediate family.

You seem to have a sense ofhumor. You often crinkle up your nose and show your teeth when you smile; youseem to understand that doing so will make others laugh.

You love your family. (And I,Mamá, am still your very favorite person – just as your Daddy predicted I wouldbe!)

You look like a miniature versionof your Daddy. (I’m so happy!)

You still nurse three times aday: morning, mid-afternoon, and night. You fall asleep in my arms while younurse at night – and I cherish those moments!

Most days, you still take twoshort naps. Either Daddy or I rock you to sleep – “en la silla de mimos” –singing Jesus Loves Me or Mi Mi Sol.

You already demonstrate a verytender heart, specifically by making concerned little sounds when you hear yoursister crying and hurrying to her to offer a smile and hugs! (It’s very sweetto watch you hug your sister!)

You love to clap your hands – andyour feet! (I was glad that you cooperated and allowed me to capture that on video.)

You race around on all fours, often“stepping” with one foot as you’ve been doing for several months now.

You haven’t tried to walk on yourown yet, but we’re expecting that any day now you’ll let go of the furnitureand launch out. You sometimes hold out your hand, asking one of us to help youwalk. You like to walk holding our hands and more and more often holding onlyone hand.

You seem to have a very keenvisual memory and are not easily distractible. You remember where forbiddenobjects are (e.g. electrical outlets or the tube of toddler toothpaste you recentlydiscovered when you managed to pry a bathroom drawer open as far as the safetylatch allowed).

You love to point at objects.

You enjoy playing with the FisherPrice farmhouse and animals, often inviting me – through sounds and gestures –to play, too.

You amaze us with how expressiveyou are – making very eloquent sounds when you don’t have the words.

Best I can tell, you consistently say tenwords:

· Mamá

· Papá

· Nena [often sounds like Deda] – referring toyour sister

· Ta – OK!(Uruguayan style)

· [la lu] – la luz

· [lo] and often [lo lo] – flor (your general termfor all flora: flowers, leaves, trees, bushes)

· [nana] and more and more often now [nanana] –manzana (your favorite fruit!)

· [tata] – pelota

· No

The first timeI heard you say it, you were standing by your favorite bookshelf, pointing to one ofDaddy’s thickest commentaries. The second time was at the Christmas Lighting when I tried to give you to Daddy because my arms were giving out…

· [ba] – bye (your first English word)

When yoursister was getting ready to leave for school just two days ago, you waved andsaid: [ba] and then [ba ba]

You love music; you often“bounce” up and down in time to music, and you already seem to have an amazingsense of rhythm!

You seem to think the birthday song is your song, smiling broadly when you hear it. (Having other birthdaysrecently in the family has certainly contributed…)

You loved “getting into” your b-day cakes! And we suspect that [tota] (torta) might be your newest word.

You have ten teeth: eight infront (top and bottom) and two molars (top and bottom right), and you’re workingon getting another molar on the bottom left.

Apples, bananas, and olives (black, green,and kalamata – like your sister!) are your favorite foods.

You eat very well! If you keep upyour current pace, we wonder how we’ll keep up with your appetite as ateenager!

You seem to remember your cousinJona – and I’m especially grateful. I pray that you will grow to love andfollow Christ like he did...

You are our precious MiniatureMan – and we love you!

Jesus Loves Me!

2011-12-06T14:44:00.000-05:00

I often sing this hymn to DJM as I rock him to sleep; I typically sing the first and second stanzas in English. Part of the third stanza recently came to mind, reminding me of Jona. A quick search told that the hymn text first appeared in a novel by the author’s sister; she wanted a song for a Sunday School teacher to sing to a boy who was dying.

You can read more about the hymn’s history and impact at hymntime.com.

Now I can sing these simple, vital truths with even more understanding and conviction!

Jesus loves me! This I know,

For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong;
They are weak, but He is strong.

Refrain:
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! He who died
Heaven’s gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.

Jesus loves me! Loves me still,
Though I’m very weak and ill,
That I might from sin be free
Bled and died upon the tree.

Jesus loves me – He will stay
Close beside me all the way,
Then His little child will take
Up to Heaven for His dear sake.

Words by Anna Warner, 1860
Refrain and music by William Bradbury, 1862

Christmas Lighting & Carol Sing!

2011-12-03T16:39:00.000-05:00

The Christmas Lighting and Carol Sing Event at BJU is an almost-yearly family tradition. We enjoyed it once again this year.

DJM was especially excited about all the little lights!

Seeing Marcos was another highlight!

And running into dear friends is always a treat!

Thankful...

2011-11-27T13:48:00.000-05:00

On Thanksgiving evening, we sat around the table with Elizabeth to compile a “thankful” list...

Here’s what she came up with (and in this order):

MegaBloks
my brother
Thanksgiving
– and specifically turkey
PaPa and Grandma
[Yes, the above two are linked!]
my cousins – all 8 of them!
Uruguay
– specifically pretty flowers and boniato-zanahoria
the United States and Canada
states and provinces – i.e. places where we’ve traveled
Krispy Kreme
Christmas – i.e. the special day when Jesus was born
Easter

As JM wrote down what she said, I was remembering the 2009 and 2010 lists...

Picnic in the Park

2011-11-22T16:30:00.000-05:00

We continued the birthday celebration with a “Picnic in the Park” at PaPa and Grandma’s house...

It was a great excuse to get together and have a hotdog roast – definitely a favorite activity for the boys.

DJM showed great leadership skills, getting into the bags of apples (his favorite!) on the porch and then getting at least two older cousins to do the same. (At last count about two dozen apples had bites taken out of them!)

We continued the soccer theme...

And it did a Grandma’s heart good to see a grandson “getting into” his first birthday cake!

Look at that face!

He again enjoyed untying the ribbon on his present – a special gift of love from Elizabeth after the inspiration of the previous evening’s celebration. (She was sweet choosing and wrapping it.)

Believe it or not, Elizabeth really was very happy about the gift!

Happy 1st B-Day, DJM!

2011-11-22T15:30:00.000-05:00

DJM turned one in late October while we were traveling in Utah.

The folks at PBC were very gracious to our family...

Elizabeth chose the cupcake with chocolate frosting for DJM!

We took DJM’s 12M milestone pictures – with JellyCat – at Bridal Veil Falls near Provo.

We celebrated two more times – with a “Stadium-Style Supper” and a “Picnic in the Park” – when we returned to the Upstate.

I’ll start with the “Stadium-Style Supper” story (with the Torres Family and SJS):

Elizabeth was very excited about the Uruguayan soccer theme!

DJM was excited about everything!

He made us laugh as we sang the birthday songs to him:

And he really “got into” eating his piece of cake!

Yum! Yum!

He entertained us all as he opened his gifts...

...untying the ribbon...

...trying to put on his new shirts...

...showing interest in everything...

...seeming very appreciative...

...and interacting with Tia Esther over a very special photo book.

(Thank-you so much, Miss Sarah Joy!)

[“Picnic in the Park” post pending...]

Remembering: Quintessential Jona

2011-11-20T15:45:00.001-05:00

Seeing the following conversation on a Facebook page, dedicated toremembering Jona, made me smile:

Charlene wrote:

I never met Jona, but I’ve beentelling everyone that he’s my friend. I can’t wait to meet him someday.

Several of Jona’s friends commented:

Jaime:

Jona would not haveneeded long to become your friend. He was a very friendly guy and would probablyhave introduced himself before you had a chance to!

Willy:

Notto mention telling a blond joke!

Chelsea:

And by the time you were leaving teasing you about something.

What a blessing to read your descriptions of him –even through tears... Thank-you! In just a few short phrases, you all captured the essence of his personality!

Mid-Western Autumn & 11M Milestone

2011-11-17T22:00:00.000-05:00

This is the first in a series of catch-up posts on our Autumn 2011 Travels:

We paused to enjoy the beauty of autum in the Mid-West...

(Location? Just a random but beautiful rest area in Iowa!)

...get some much-needed exercise...

...and take DJM's eleven months milestone pictures!

He thoroughly enjoyed the leaves.

Wanna bite, too?!

Beginning Year Two

2011-11-15T11:53:00.000-05:00

Mid-May of last year was a time of great emotion, reminiscent of highschool or college commencement; we stood at a defining momentmade up of an end as well as a beginning. We were leaving the predictability of life as we had known it in the Upstate to beginfull-time travel, preparing for full-time ministry in Uruguay. Originally, our goalwas to be in Uruguayin April 2011. We continue to trust God for His perfect timing...

In mid-May of this year, we were preparing to fly to Uruguay as short-term “furlough replacements” for my dad and stepmom. We returnedfrom Uruguayin late August and began Year Two of full-time travel in September. We arecurrently at 43% of our targeted support level and prayerfully plan to be in Uruguay in mid-2012.

Year One was undoubtedly filled with “stretching” and learningopportunities. Our experiences have been – for the most part! – encouraging andenjoyable. I say “for the most part” because traveling with a four-year-old (nowfive) and newborn (now one) has certainly provided an array of oftenunexpected challenges. We continually find our Good Shepherd to be faithful for each stepof the way; He is blessing us and providing our every need. His people havebeen very good to us, and we have enjoyed reconnecting with friends as well as forming new friendships with like-mindedbrothers and sisters who now pray specifically for us and for the ministry in Uruguay.

Our most recent travels took us from SC through the Mid-West to churches in CO, UT, ID, Alberta, and back through MT, UT, CO, and IA. After that last week of thirty hours in the car, we’re especially thankful for God’s grace and protection. And we’re content to be “sojourning” in South Carolina once again!

Elizabeth gets excited about real-life geography lessons!

(I do plan to post pictures of our trip – as time and the demands of getting resettled allow!)

As we continue this stage of our ministry, we recognize more thanever our need for God’s grace. Each day on the road offers new challenges, new opportunitiesfor growth, and new mercies – all from the hand of our perfect and loving Shepherd. We’re thankful for His promises!

Will you pray for us?

Happy Birthday, Dearest!

2011-10-28T06:30:00.000-04:00

Wishing the Happiest and Best Birthday Yet to my dearest friend, wonderful husband, and beloved daddy of my little people!

We do love you!

Remembering...

2011-10-20T23:00:00.000-04:00

Today as I write from the Canadian Rockies, I lift my eyes beyond theseamazing mountains to the LORD, the One who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121)

Tonight marks six months since our dear Jona was escorted into the Presenceof His Creator and Savior.

Earlier today, as DJM and I watched video clips of Jona, I wondered how muchthe Little Man might remember about what we suspect he might have seen that night six monthsago...

Jona undoubtedly had a great impact even on his littlest cousin.

In late May, DJM tried to interact with Jona's portrait.

The tears fall... I long for Jona's impact to continue and have eternalfruit in my children's lives.

Please continue to pray especially for Jona's immediate family...

We miss him more than ever. We continue to sorrow – yet not without hope. We have much to be thankful for...

First Words!

2011-10-01T21:30:00.000-04:00

On Sunday, September 11, our Little Man gave me a veryspecial present – his very first word!

He and his sister were in their room. They were in rareform, amusing themselves. He was sitting up in the crib, and she was nearbyplaying and singing. I walked in on them, rather unexpectedly, and he startled– first in surprise and then in joy – and exclaimed: ¡Mamá! His immediate and obvious joy at his accomplishment seemed toprove his having used the term meaningfully, and he has since continued to say:¡Mamá! in meaningful contexts.

Eleven days later, on September 22, he spoke the next mostmeaningful word!

We were at the airport, waiting for JM to arrive. When DJMfirst saw his Daddy, who had been gone for almost three weeks, he hesitated, studyinghim very seriously. Then he gave a little jump of joy. And then in response tomy question: ¿Quién es? ¿Es Papá? He repeated: ¡Papá!

A few minutes later in the parking lot, we captured a similar moment on video:

Because DJM is growing up with two languages (as Elizabeth did), I franklydid not expect him to talk before his first birthday. Elizabeth attempted her firstword/phrase la luz [/la lu/] almost one week after her first birthday. Because bilingualchildren tend to be later than their peers in their first attempts to speak, DJM’s earlier start probably means that we have another little talker in ourlives!

Hair!

2011-09-23T21:30:00.000-04:00

I was finally brave enough to give Elizabeth a haircut:

Just kidding!

But, seriously! Here’s how her hair looked after the much-needed trim:

This was only her third trim ever!

We all like how much healthier her hair now looks – highlighting her natural waves.

And while we’re on the topic of hair... Check out this hairdo:

When Elizabeth saw how I’d pinned up my hair that morning, she said: “With your hair like that, you look like the soccer player – like the one with a 10 on his shirt!”

That’s the closest I’ll ever come to being anything like Forlán! (Hee! Hee!)

Remembering today...

2011-09-20T22:11:00.001-04:00

Marcos played his first soccer game for theCavaliers – the same team Jona played for in seventh and eighth grade...

Today DJM crawled around on the grass for thefirst time – and even ventured out onto the field! But his Mommy cut short hisfun when he started stuffing fists-full of grass into his mouth...

Today at Tío Esteban and Tía Esther and Marcos’ house, Elizabeth and DJM ate ñoquis for the firsttime... (Yum!)

Today marks five months since Jona’sHome-Going...

Night approaches...

We remember... We sorrow...

We have A Sure Hope!

Jesus said:

“I am the resurrection and the life;

he who believes in Me will live even if he dies,

and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.

Do you believe this?”

(John 11)

Sweetness!

2011-09-18T15:45:00.000-04:00

My Sweet Little People!
(What more need I say?!)

¡Feliz Cumple, Flor!

2011-09-16T22:00:00.000-04:00

Espero que hayas pasado re-lindo hoy...

¡Te queremos pilones!

More Multiple Milestones

2011-09-15T00:25:00.000-04:00

Here’s an attempt at a catch-up post...

We celebrated multiple milestones in January with Elizabeth turning five and DJM three months old. In July wewere once again celebrating multiples with Elizabeth’s“Half Birthday” and DJM’s nine-month milestone.

We went to a favorite tearoom in Montevideo (filled with childhood and teen memories for me) to celebrate with Elizabeth.

She’s our Little Artist,constantly surprising us with her creations. Here’s a sample:

Notice that she copied the penguin on her shirt

(from the previous picture).

She made great progress withher reading lessons, although other demands tended to crowd out theregularity of lessons. And she’s now enrolled (part-time) in a local pre-school – which she loves! We’ll also be “road-schooling” as well. (In theory, that will look like “home-schooling” – but we’ll see...)

Very happy about her first day of K-5!

She loved our time in Uruguay and was conversing fluently in Spanish by the time we left.

Being out at “TheRanch” in Totoral was a real highlight!

This is DJM’s “official” nine-month picture.

He was already becoming quite a handful!

Look at those long toes!

DJM weighs nearly 21 lbs –compared to Elizabeth’s41 lbs! He measures 30.5 inches “tall” –compared to Elizabeth’sheight of 45 inches – keeping him at 98% or 99% on the growth chart. He’s wearing mostly 12M pants right now.

He’s still very much my “Milk Baby” – but he’s (finally!) sleeping through the night, allowing me to get some nice six, seven, or even eight or nine-hour stretches as well! I now have a new lease on life!

He has eight teeth now! And he loves standing!

He eats very well and seems excited about new flavors. New items on his menu are too numerous to recount, but some of the more exciting (or unusual?) include plain white yogurt, hummus, peaches, and strawberries.

He wasn’t too sure about plain white yogurt at first.

His Daddy pretended to share mate with him.

(But that’s just the angle of the camera...)

He loves to ride on his Daddy’s shoulders!

He went from “commando crawling” in Uruguay (and something that looked more like lunging than anything else!) to tentative crawling to racing around on all fours.

“Catch me if you can!”

He’s now unashamedly trying to get into everything!

Trying to get him to stay still for a posed picture is becoming more and more of a challenge, too! Here’s how the ten-month photo shoot went:

We’re so thankful for our little people!

Psalm 67

2011-09-11T22:32:00.001-04:00

On our ministry blog, Good News from a Distant Land, John Mark shares thoughts from Psalm 67, thoughts regarding the nations – appropriate for the evening of 9/11.

If we would allow this psalm to renew our minds, our interest in these places would go beyond our own national security, beyond our questions about the economy and price of gas, and beyond even a love for democracy and freedom. The writer of Psalm 67 prays for the nations to be rightly related to God...

Read the entire post.

Psalm 2: A Summary of World History

2011-09-11T16:33:00.000-04:00

Why are the nations in an uproar

And the peoples devising a vain thing?

The kings of the earth take their stand

And the rulers take counsel together

Against the LORD and against His Anointed [Messiah], saying:

“Let us tear their fetters apart

And cast away their cords from us!”

He who sits [enthroned] in the heavens laughs,

The Lord scoffs at them.

Then He will speak to them in His anger

And terrify them in His fury, saying:

“But as for Me, I have installed [poured out] My King

Upon Zion, My holy mountain.”

[Think of His Work on Calvary!]

[The Anointed One speaks:]

“I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD:

He said to Me, ‘You are My Son,

Today I have begotten You [referring to His resurrection!]

[See Acts 13!]

‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance,

And the very ends of the earth as Your possession.

‘You shall break them with a rod of iron,

You shall shatter them like earthenware.’”

[The Holy Spirit speaks:]

Now therefore, O kings, show discernment;

Take warning, O judges of the earth.

Worship the LORD with reverence

And rejoice with trembling.

Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way,

For His wrath may soon be kindled.

How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!

This same King said:

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

(Matthew 28)

(We’re thankful for our senior pastor, his careful exposition of God’s Word, and his burden for “taking the Word to the world” – beginning right here wherever we each live and work.)

A Compelling 9/11 Testimony!

2011-09-07T21:58:00.000-04:00

Peter Scheibner, BJU senior cinema student, portrays on video the compelling testimony of his own father, Steve Scheibner, an American Airlines pilot whose life was spared when a more senior pilot bumped him from Flight 11 scheduled to go from Boston to Los Angeles on the morning of September 11, 2001.

The video, In My Seat, also draws a parallel to the Ultimate Substitute, who willingly gave His life for our eternal welfare. Praise be to God for His unspeakable gift!

Trying to catch up...

2011-09-05T21:44:00.003-04:00

We're back in the good ol' USA, trying to get settled, recover from jetlag, and adjust to the late summer heat! (Etcetera!)

You can read our summer (Uruguayan winter!) ministry report on our ministry blog.

We miss our beloved Uruguay very much, but we remain encouraged in this stage of ministry God is giving us among North American churches as well. Do pray for us!

After almost a month of internet issues and sporadic connections (in both hemispheres!), I'm hoping to do some catch-up posts...

Thank-you for reading – and, most of all, for continuing to pray for our extended family!

Pray for us!

2011-09-05T21:34:00.000-04:00

For those who pray for us from time to time, please pray that we will be in Uruguay in 2012.

As JM wrote in April of last year:

We don’t know everything that must take place between now and then in order for this to happen. We do know that everything that will take place between now and then has been designed by God to conform us into the image of Jesus, the end to which we have been pre-destined by grace alone. (Romans 8:28-29)

Our responsibility and the task at hand: To love and serve God and neighbor in His strength among His Church.

Soon enough He will say: “Set them apart for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:1-3)

Until then we say: “If the Lord wills, we will live and begin service in Uruguay in 2012.” (James 4:13-15)

"If you will just believe HIM..."

2011-08-20T16:23:00.000-04:00

"I want to shout from the rooftops that if you will just believe Him, even though you can't understand now, even though some things hurt now, He will never truly hurt you. The pain we feel is a reminder that He is making it more than better – He's redeeming things so perfectly, that the pleasure He's preparing for me is beyond my comprehension; and so, even the pain is a grand evidence of His grace."

~ Amy Caldwell Bixby (May 23, 1974 - August 19, 2011)

You can read her story by clicking here and here.

Sharing the Life of Jona Torres

2011-08-10T11:49:00.039-04:00

Today would have been Jona's 17th birthday...

We miss him more than ever... (How can words possibly begin to describe...?) But we know that he is rejoicing with His Savior in ways we can only begin to imagine.

Today we especially remember...

Jesus said:

“I am the resurrection and the life;

he who believes in Me will live even if he dies,

and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.

Do you believe this?”

(John 11)

A very, very special "Thank-you!" to our dear friend Sarah Joy for her labor of love to our extended family and Jona's friends by creating the slideshow.

To God be the glory!

BitterSweet...

2011-07-25T18:30:00.004-04:00

¡Feliz Dia, Papá!

On Sunday we celebrated Father's Day here in Uruguay. I'm thankful for God's goodness and grace in blessing my children with a father who first and foremost loves God and who also loves me and them with Christ-like love.

I'm thankful for my dear Daddy – el Abu to my little people!

I'm thankful for my father-in-law – PaPa to my little people!

On the way to Sunday School, with a Father's Day project in hand, I suddenly wondered how many of the children in attendance would not be celebrating Father's Day with the joy we experience and all-too-easily take for granted...

BitterSweet days like these are good opportunities to remember spiritual blessings: Those who are trusting Christ alone for salvation from sin can rejoice in a perfect Father, One who will never fail. HE cannot fail!

Sunday was another reminder to "weep with those who weep" even while we appropriately rejoice in God's specific goodness to us – and "rejoice with those who rejoice."

I was also remembering Mother's Day: I could not post the depths of my thoughts that day. The first Sunday in May was too close to the end of April. I was finding it much easier that weekend to "weep with those who weep" than to "rejoice with those who rejoice." And I was weeping – especially for my sister, especially for the absence of my own dear mother, especially for my friends who would love to be but are not mothers... This year was markedly different from other years...

I am humbled to be able to rejoice – and I do rejoice – in God's goodness to me and my immediate family!

I'm thankful – beyond words – for my precious little people! And I'm thankful to be celebrating special family days!

¡URUGUAY: Campeón de América!

2011-07-25T15:17:00.016-04:00

¡Uruguayos Campeones de América – por la 15a vez!

This past weekend, the national soccer team won the Copa América, the oldest international continental soccer competition, for the fifteenth time – giving us more titles than any other national team.

We're very excited to be part of all the enthusiasm here. I personally don't remember ever before seeing so many Uruguayan flags and so much celeste on display...

These are some of our favorite pictures (widely distributed via FaceBook):

I hope these know Christ as personal Savior. Seeing such a public display of reverence for God is moving...

Celebrating... (Again!)

2011-07-21T22:21:00.001-04:00

Earlier this month, we celebrated the 4th of July.

On July 16th, JM and I celebrated twelve years of marriage!

The Uruguayan national team helped to make our celebration even greater by winning over the Argentine national team that evening. We joined Daniel and Viviana and the girls – and a huge group of fellow fútbol fans – at a local restaurant to watch the well-fought match and cheer for our charrúas.

Elizabeth quickly got into the spirit of things. At first, DJM wasn't too sure he liked all the enthusiasm (i.e. ear-splitting shouts of "¡Go-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-l!"), but when he realized that Papá and Mamá were also part of it, he grinned and giggled! He's already a charrúa at heart!

¡Vamos arriba, Uruguay!

The final game this weekend promises to be even more exciting...

To the glory of God...

2011-07-14T19:59:00.002-04:00

The following portion of the May 2011 EMU Newsletter was especially encouraging to our extended family. God is working...

As Christians, we know the meaning behind [Bible] stories, and we know that the meaning has eternal and temporal significance not only for us but for unbelievers as well. We need to not only show forth lives that are pleasing to our neighbors, but to explain the reason for why others see in us what they see. And that is the purpose of missions: to make Christ known, to the glory of God...

[Jonatán Torres'] story exemplifies one whose goal was to glorify God, not only in life but in death, too. Just before midnight on April 20, Jona . . . took his last breath. He died surrounded by family and a few friends. Jona had fought cancer for several years but continued to be involved with his schooling and classmates at Bob Jones Academy. During that time, he gave his testimony before youth groups and church groups. Earlier this year his family even made a trip to Uruguay, the birth country of his father. While in Uruguay, Jona accepted the many invitations to speak in our EMU churches and elsewhere. His testimony of trust in God continues to be used among the youth and adults.

Jona’s father, who pastors a church in Greer, SC, is the son of Gilberto and Docila Torres. Gilberto was a pastor with EMU for almost forty years until he died of a heart attack in 2003. Jona’s mother was raised as an MK in Uruguay, and her parents still serve the Lord in that South American country. Three generations of Torres have preached the Gospel so far. At Jona’s funeral, part of the service was the playing of his testimony via DVD – one in English and another in Spanish. Even after his death, he was a witness to the glory of God.

Pausing for Praise and Prayer

2011-07-11T08:17:00.035-04:00

This past weekend marked the midway point of our three-month ministry here in Uruguay. We have so much to be thankful for...

We are thankful for God's grace.

We need our God. We need His grace. Every day is a reminder of our need of Him. The nature of the Battle in which we are engaged is readily apparent:

Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist...
(Ephesians 6:12-13)

The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.
(2 Corinthians 10:4)

We must pray for one another!

We are thankful for abundant opportunity.

Ministries have included worship services on Sunday afternoons; a morning Sunday School hour for teens, children, and pre-schoolers; mid-week prayer meetings; Bible studies with teens on Saturday afternoons; a ladies' Bible study; visitation in homes; and miscellaneous opportunities to share at least a few words and Gospel tracts with some with whom we cross paths as we go about the demands of daily living.

We are thankful to be co-laboring with Daniel and Viviana, who so faithfully assist especially with the Sunday School ministries and the music in the worship services.

We have been encouraged to see the small but faithful group here taking small steps forward. Several memorized and even recited publicly Daniel 4:35, the theme verse for last month. Many also worked hard to read through the Book of John (another of last month's goals). Although the majority rely on the church van for transportation, an encouraging number came to the ladies' Bible study on their own initiative when sickness in our family did not allow us to provide the usual transportation. A dear elderly lady has consistently looked for opportunities to help in "hands-on" ways, bringing a bag of tea for use at church or ordering a huge pizza for the teens' day of camp. Her situation and actions move me deeply as they bring to mind what Christ said of the widow's mites in His day. Similarly, several teens volunteered to bring snacks for that day of camp or for their regular weekly Bible study. On their own initiative, the ladies enthusiastically provided quite a spread on their Bible study day. Each of these are precious snapshots of a healthly community of believers, ministering to one another. We rejoice to see evidence of God at work in hearts. Please continue to pray for growth in grace!

We are thankful for generally good health.

For the most part, we have remained healthy. Leaving the Upstate in late spring and arriving in South America in late autumn (almost winter) with two little people has been a challenge. Acclimating to the cold has not been easy, and we have each had bouts with at least runny noses if not several days of low-grade fevers as we have battled the many "bugs" that are now going around.

Please pray for strength and health needed to carry on the work still before us. Pray for grace to accept the measure of health that our Good Shepherd in His wisdom chooses for us.

Will you pause to praise the Lord with us? Will you carry these requests to His throne?

another milestone (already?!)

2011-07-09T19:25:00.085-04:00

DJM reached the eight-month milestone just over a week ago.

We all love him more and more each day.

His cousins are spoiling him.

He's growing quickly – and so is his appetite for table food. (I'm especially thankful! We're now down to two – and sometimes only one – middle-of-the-night feedings!) To the previous menu of prepared oat cereals, bananas, apples, carrot-sweet potatoes, and squashes, he's now added whole wheat & bran bread, bits of cheese, and small servings of meat: chicken and – most recently – BEEF! I'm having fun pureeing everything!

On his own initiative (i.e. before we could stop him!), he also added coloring-book paper (complete with a bit of crayon!) and diaper liner to his list. Maybe he thought he needed more fiber?!

With the new tooth that appeared on the bottom right, he now has five teeth showing. Two more on top look like they might appear at any moment! He seems to teethe quite comfortably; based on what moms post on FaceBook, I'm realizing I should be very thankful for that fact.

Look at that new one poking through!

He isn't crawling yet, although he did start getting up on "all fours" and rocking back and forth right after I wrote the seven-month milestone post. In all fairness to him, he doesn't spend any time at all on the floor. (It's winter here, and the floors are truly frigid!) He does manage to roll and wriggle across a bed or pack & play to get where he wants to go.

And he has found another much more creative way to get around, too:

We call it the Nas-Chair! DJM can really cruise around in it!

In the realm of communication, he very obviously shows that he understands specific phrases such as:
¿Dónde está Papá? [Where's Daddy?]
¿Dónde está Elizabeth? [Where's Elizabeth?]
¿Dónde está Danielito? [Where's Little Daniel?]
Mirá a Mamá. Mirá los ojos de Mamá. [Look at Mommy. Look at Mommy's eyes.]

His understanding of the latter became very apparent when after biting my shoulder, he tried very hard to avoid looking at my eyes when I was reprimanding him!

He also has a very distinctive cry that we've come to understand as a Dirty Diaper Alert. He absolutely hates to have a dirty diaper! Maybe he'll not only look exactly like his Daddy but will also (like his Daddy did) be potty-trained by the time he turns two!

Life promises to be exciting!

¡De tal palo tal astilla!

2011-07-06T15:07:00.001-04:00

"Like the stick, so is the splinter!" (That's a whole lot more poetic than: "A chip off the old block!" or "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!")

DJM really is a carbon copy of his Daddy – both then and now!

So fun for me!

Celebrating...

2011-07-05T10:40:00.001-04:00

Our family's 4th of July Celebration included a beautiful Uruguayan sunset:

We splurged and made hamburgers! (Sadly, beef is no longer as inexpensive as it used to be during my growing up years.)

DJM got his very first sample of cheeseburger!

Elizabeth enjoyed coming up with some decorations:

And – as a very last-minute thought – I did a quick online search and found some pretty neat video clips of fireworks!

Great fun!

"Happy 4th of July!"

2011-07-04T14:33:00.000-04:00

We are overwhelmed with thanksgiving for freedom: freedom from sin, freedom from tyranny, and freedom to openly worship our Savior in a land we love! Today we celebrate the lives of those God has sovereignly used to unfold His good and perfect plan for us!*

*Thank-you, Mrs. Holly Stratton! I couldn't have said it better myself – and especially not while typing one-handed, holding my squirming eight-month-old!

Thank-you, Dr. Ken Casillas, for posting the link to an excellent article on Christian Patriotism!

Autumn & Winter in Uruguay

2011-07-01T20:17:00.048-04:00

We arrived in Uruguay just over five weeks ago; we were met by the beauty of late autumn. We're now ending the second week of "official" winter here. The temperatures last night dipped to almost 0 degrees Celsius!

We're enjoying the beauty of God's creation all around us. Shortly after our arrival, Elizabeth and I enjoyed a late afternoon walk...

The late autumn flowers were beautiful:

The roses are still blooming...

I digitally captured this Dalia (I believe) before the whole plant became one of many victims of the first hoarfrost:

Sunsets, as seen from The Ranch, have been impressive:

The fog has also been impressive:

The eucalyptus bloom in autumn and winter:

And there's nothing quite like a eucalyptus log fire in the hearth:

DJM was captivated the first time he saw that much fire!

Abundant opportunity...

2011-06-30T19:01:00.001-04:00

Please pray for the teens who regularly attend Sunday School and/or Saturday youth meetings at Iglesia Bíblica Maranatha in Pando.

They and so many like them have had abundant opportunity; they have been recipients of abundant light.

Please pray specifically for a one-day camp for them, scheduled for tomorrow, July 1st. Pray that our loving Shepherd would enlighten the eyes of their understanding. (Ephesians 1)

To Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

(Ephesians 3:20-21)

Friendship!

2011-06-29T15:24:00.012-04:00

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
(Proverbs 17:17)

Much can be said on the topic of friendship. The Scriptures (especially the Wisdom Books) are rich with it...

The following quote by C.H. Spurgeon, often called Prince of Preachers, has recently become a favorite:

Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life. Many might have failed beneath the bitterness of their trial had they not found a friend.

During the twenty months of Jona's battle with cancer – and especially during the last, most difficult month – we, as extended family, were blessed with many such friends. And we thank God for you.

We're thankful for your continued prayers. The following note, received via FaceBook in late May, has been a special blessing to me personally. I must admit that when I first read it, I even cried tears of thankfulness...

I was thinking of you the other night at midnight and praying and remembering Jona's challenging nights. I wondered if maybe nights are especially hard for you now because everything is quiet, and thoughts can swirl, and memories are not quiet. We ache with you and his parents and brother for the empty places and are praying that God will help.
What I wrote in response is still true for us now:Your note was a great encouragement... Nights continue to be very hard. Thoughts do swirl, and memories of difficult moments tend to sharpen in focus. The reality of it all is just now beginning to sink in...

I'm so thankful for Jona's testimony – for God's amazing grace in his life. I sorrow not for him but for his family, for myself, for my children who lost such an amazing cousin, for my six-month-old son who lost such a mentor...

God is giving grace and strength and comfort, but our hearts ache. The empty places are becoming more and more noticeable now...

"Thank-you!" to all of you who have loved at all times and been brothers and sisters to us in our time of adversity. Thank-you for praying! Please continue!

Sorrow – not without hope!

2011-06-21T20:40:00.004-04:00

Yesterday marked two months since our dear Jona’s home-going. His maternal grandmother (my own dear mother) went Home twelve years ago on May 31; June 18 was her birthday...

We are sorrowing – yet not without hope...

Some may ask: Is it right for a Christian, one who is genuinely trusting Christ for eternal salvation, to grieve – to cry?

I raise the question here because this blog has been a means of chronicling our extended family’s sorrow and because in this very real area of life on a fallen planet, we desire to seek and act according to what God reveals in His Word, the Bible.

This question and many others like it will undoubtedly lead to profitable, long-term study; but some thoughts come immediately to mind:

Christ Himself, our greatest and ultimate example, shed tears at the gravesite of His friend, Lazarus. Undoubtedly, there were multiple reasons for His tears, but those immediately surrounding Him saw those tears as evidence of His grief: “See how He loved him!” (John 11)
Paul’s encouragement to believers in Thessalonica that “you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope” implies that we do, in fact, grieve. However, our sorrow – in contrast to that of those who have no eternal hope – finds comfort in God who is our ultimate hope. (I Thess. 4)
I, personally, find it interesting that our Savior does not take away our tears when He saves us from the penalty of our sins; instead, He waits until one day when we are in eternity with Him – when “there will no longer be any death, [or] mourning, or crying, or pain” – to “wipe away every tear from [our] eyes...” (Revelation 21)
In a passage rich with instruction for overcoming evil, we are commanded as believers in Christ to “weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12)
Godly leaders of the past (on whose shoulders we are privileged to stand) recognize tears as part of this earthly pilgrimage. Included in an earlier post is an excellent quote: Do not waste your sorrows.

Scripture is undoubtedly rich with this topic, and I plan to continue studying – and writing. Feel free to listen in...

Look who's getting older!

2011-06-18T13:15:00.004-04:00

Thursday marked three weeks since our arrival in Uruguay. In some ways, it seems longer. We’ve been busy in many good (but also tiring) ways.

It’s been three months since I last posted “milestone” pictures of DJM. (Where does time go?!) So, this will be an attempt at a (brief) catch-up post.

DJM is growing by leaps and bounds! We did our best to weigh him on Uncle Daniel’s scale, and – trying to take squirming into account – we’re guessing that he now weighs between 9.1 and 9.5 kilograms (i.e. between 20 and 21 pounds!) He finally (in the last week or so) became interested – avidly interested – in solid food. (We had nicknamed him Milk Baby; he was waking me three and even four times per night – genuinely hungry!)

Butternut squash, carrot-sweet potatoes, bananas, and apples, and a bite or two of chicken (all home-cooked!) – in addition to prepared oat cereals – have comprised the menu so far...

Unlike his sister who started crawling at six months, he is as of yet seemingly not at all interested in becoming mobile in that way...

As for temperament: He continues to be as smiley as ever, and he recently began showing a very, uh, shall we say “determined” bent – and in very vocal ways! (Ahem! It’s definitely in the genes on both sides of the family – and a lot closer on the family tree than Adam and Eve!)

Well, here are some “milestone” pictures – the real reason for blog posts of this nature, eh?

5 months old – with his beloved Jona

A snapshot we will treasure forever!

6 months old – with JellyCat, as usual

We're not sure how "tall" he is, but he's been wearing many 9M clothes for a while now!

We took advantage of a great coupon and got some professional photos, too!

He’s now getting two more teeth – on the top!

7 months old – in Uruguay

“But, Mommy, this isn’t the usual lion!”

We’re thankful – beyond words – for our multi-cultural little people!

We’re working hard on Spanish – and Elizabeth started English reading lessons this week! (I’ll be posting more on that exciting aspect of family life as soon as I can make time to do so...)

"Jona"

2011-06-16T16:40:00.003-04:00

I long to see him one more time;
He had a peace sublime.
He did have cancer,
But he had the Answer.
He was a Good friend to me.

He could not frown,
And was never down.
He never complained
Even though he was drained.
He was a Great friend to me.

Bow the Knee
Was his plea.
He asked us to trust
In a God who is just.
He was a True friend to me.

He sang Be Still, my Soul
As death took its toll.
To God be the glory
Was his story.
He was the Best friend to me.

(c) Copyright, April 2011, Willy Walker

(Willy is a dear junior-high friend of Jona's; he included this poem in a card sent to the Torres family after Jona's home-going.)

Do not waste your sorrows...

2011-06-15T13:55:00.000-04:00

Take care that you do not waste your sorrows; that you do not let the precious gifts of disappointment, pain, loss, loneliness, or similar afflictions...mar you instead of mending you... There is no failure of life so terrible as to have the pain without the lesson, the sorrow without the softening.

~ Hugh Black, early 20th-century pastor

Our Big Trip with Little Jona

2011-06-14T20:35:00.000-04:00

On our ministry blog, John Mark shares memories of our big trip with little Jona...

O give thanks unto the LORD;
Call upon His name:
Make known His deeds among the people.
Sing unto Him,
Sing psalms unto Him:
Talk ye of all His wondrous works.
(Psalm 105:1-2)

Praise God for...Jona Torres!

2011-06-11T19:40:00.009-04:00

Debbie Petersen, traveling with a university group to Spain, posted in Praying for Jona (Hona) Torres on FaceBook:

I shared Jona's story with some people here in Petrer, Spain, while witnessing to them... I think the story made them think hard.

Gracias a Dios por la vida de Jona Torres!

Yes! Praise God for the life of Jona Torres! Praise God for amazing saving grace!

In the news: Chile's Puyehue Volcano

2011-06-10T16:15:00.000-04:00

The effects of the volcano that erupted in Chile last Saturday reached us in Uruguay. Yesterday all flights were cancelled to and from the international airport here, and there was also an "orange alert" advising care because of the volcanic ash that shifting wind patterns were carrying this far east.

Credit: NASA's MODIS Rapid Response Team

You can see a short video clip (taken by satellites) of the ash plume at Nasa.gov. You can also see some amazing and sobering photographs at The Big Picture.

Please pray for those affected by these events.

Co-workers!

2011-06-09T14:51:00.001-04:00

We've now been in Uruguay for two weeks. In many ways, we're still getting settled...

We're excited about the abundant ministry opportunities here and would appreciate your praying for grace and strength and wisdom for us.

I have a number of blog posts "brewing" but not much computer time right now. However, I just had to take a few moments to post pictures of our little co-workers!

Elizabeth is making lots of new friends.

She enjoys helping set out hymnbooks and cushions at church.

DJM smiles at everybody.

(SMILE seems to be his default setting!)

His soccer loyalty has been decided for him,

and he seems very happy about it!

We're thankful – beyond words – for our dear little co-workers and the many ways they enhance our ministries.

It Is Not Death to Die!

2011-05-27T21:35:00.003-04:00

Listen...

It is not death to die,
To leave this weary road
And join the saints who dwell on high,
Who found their home with God.

It is not death to close
The eyes long dimmed by tears
And wake in joy before Your throne,
Delivered from our fears.

Oh, Jesus, conquering the grave,
Your precious blood has pow'r to save!
Those who trust in You
Will in Your mercy find
That it is not death to die.

It is not death to fling
Aside this earthly dust,
And rise with strong and noble wing
To live among the just.

It is not death to hear
The key unlock the door
That sets us free from mortal years
To praise You evermore.

Oh, Jesus, conquering the grave,
Your precious blood has pow'r to save!
Those who trust in You
Will in Your mercy find
That it is not death to die.

What wonderful truths for those who know Christ!

Remembering...

2011-05-25T13:19:00.043-04:00

Reality and its implications are still only beginning to sink in, but tears come more easily now. Random memories change the dull ache into a sharp, stabbing pain and bring the tears to the surface.

I’m very aware of the date: May 25. Six months ago (on November 25), Esteban and Esther and Jona and Marcos were on their way to Uruguay. We’re more thankful than ever for that wonderful trip – and memories made – with extended family and friends there!

The four Uruguayan cousins enjoyed an outing to Atlántida.

One month ago (on April 25), the memorial service for Jona was taking place in Greenville.

As we travel to Uruguay with a highly-energetic five-year-old and a six-month-old, I remember another trip eleven years ago when John Mark and I were traveling to Uruguay with another highly-energetic five-year-old. Memories of that trip are very sharp and extra precious today. We’re actually flying on the same airline, stopping at two of the same airports: Costa Rica and Lima, Peru.

On that trip we landed in Buenos Aires.

We’re recalling our whirlwind trip through San Jose, Costa Rica. On a last minute whim we asked if we could leave the airport, and the airport personnel said: “Sure!” We told the taxi driver we had only fifteen minutes… A few pictures and a half hour later, we were rushing through “security” at the airport – running to catch our plane with Jona in tow! The guys waved us through without even scanning our passports! (Those were the days before “9-11” for sure!)

These moments (present and past) remind us to buy up opportunities before us. I'm so thankful that God has given us today to live and enjoy and serve Him...

Happy Birthday, Dear Marcos!

2011-05-22T15:25:00.017-04:00

Marcos turns twelve today...

The cousins on May 17, enjoying a late spring evening!

We're so thankful for dear friends, who (at the very last minute during a very busy week) helped to put together an early birthday party for Marcos. In God's providence, every detail for the last-minute idea came together in truly remarkable ways, and the celebration took place on Thursday, March 24 (one day before Jona started having great difficulty breathing).

Bittersweet memories...

[I'll try to post more pictures of that party later. I must now finish packing for our three-month trip to Uruguay!]

Jesus, Healer of my Soul

2011-05-18T22:30:00.001-04:00

Four weeks ago tonight, God graciously gave Jona ultimate triumph and complete healing, and Jona entered the presence of his Savior he had, by God's grace, so faithfully served right up to the end.

As I relive memories of those last almost four weeks of struggle and especially the precious moments God gave us in the final hours, I've been thinking of a hymn that was written for Jona.

Thank-you, dear friends, for your ministry to Jona in those final days; he was keenly interested in reading the words as he listened to the recording you sent of the hymn. May God bless you for your ministry in encouraging him (and us, too, as his extended family).

Jesus, Healer of my Soul

Jesus, Healer of my soul,
Wash me now and make me whole.
Stricken come I, Lord, to Thee,
Marred by sin's impurity.
Bind my wounded heart in love,
Grant Thy cleansing from above.
Wash me now and make me whole,
Jesus, Healer of my Soul.

Jesus, Keeper of my soul,
Hold me fast while billows roll.
Though the raging of the sea
May surround and swallow me,
Sheltered by Thy mighty arm,
Safe am I from every harm.
Hold me fast while billows roll,
Jesus, Keeper of my soul.

Jesus, Master of my soul,
Yield I now to Thy control,
Ever clinging close to Thee.
May I serve Thee faithfully.
'Til at last in Heav'n I stand,
Only guide me with Thy hand.
Yield I now to Thy control,
Jesus, Master of my soul.

Words: Duane Nichols
Music: Sandra Achterberg

Beyond suffering...

2011-05-16T15:51:00.002-04:00

The memorial service for Jona took place three weeks ago this evening. Reality – and its implications – are only beginning to sink in. (It’s hard...)

We continue to look to our Good Shepherd. I recently restarted a study on the book of Job, using a very readable commentary, Beyond Suffering: Discovering the message of Job, by Dr. Layton Talbert.

Here is the core of comfort in the message of Job: beyond suffering, past our pain and loss, is a God Who is not only all-knowing and omnipotent, sovereign and free to do as He chooses but also always good and just, loving and wise, purposeful and perfect in all that He chooses to do or to allow – and ultimately aware of all its effects on us. In a word, God is always sovereign, God is always benevolent, and ultimately God always rewards (both evil and good). But He is the center of all life, not we. When we ignore or doubt or deny these realities in the face of suffering, we not only harm ourselves but also rob others of an opportunity to see God as He truly is.

(from the Preface)

I'm hoping to post occasional gleanings from my study...

Praise...

2011-05-07T20:55:00.000-04:00

So many emotions this weekend...

Praise to the Lord of the small, broken things...

Praise Him, O praise Him, all ye who yet live
Who've been given so much and can so little give...

I was encouraged as I listened to excerpts on the background of this hymn text (as well as others) on the newest SoundForth CD: Beyond All Praising.

HE sees His dear children through mercy-filled eyes!

"Thank-you..."

2011-05-03T19:57:00.002-04:00

On behalf of our extended family, we would like to try to express our appreciation for the many ways you all have encouraged us in the past twenty months and especially in the past six or so weeks. Your notes, calls, statuses on FaceBook, poems, songs, meals, hands-on help, listening ears, and shoulders to cry on (to name just a few of the ways you’ve ministered) have blessed us beyond words. May our God richly repay you – as only HE can.

If you’ve been one of many who have read this blog for updates on Jona, please feel free to keep reading. Besides returning to occasional posts about my immediate family and ministry, I plan to continue posting tributes, poems, and songs that have been written for Jona, being convinced that he would want us to remember his amazing God.

The LORD is my Shepherd!

2011-04-27T23:58:00.002-04:00

A Psalm of David

The LORD is my Shepherd;

I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the LORD

Forever.

(Psalm 23)

April 26: A lasting impact...

2011-04-26T08:31:00.002-04:00

A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.

~ C. H. Spurgeon

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.

~ Proverbs 22:1

April 25: Heaven's Teardrops

2011-04-25T23:57:00.004-04:00

To preview an Introduction to Speech unit on writing and giving tributes, Jona's teacher shared with her classes the following thoughts that she had written earlier this year:

When I consider Heaven’s Pearly Gate, I imagine a scene something like this one day:

Just as a saint in eternal service (perhaps a lifetime musician) lifts to his lips a silver trumpet to herald the entrance of the Heavenly City’s newest arrival, he is stopped by a tap on his shoulder.

Another saint (with a flair for drama and a wink in our direction) suggests: “Let’s try something different this time.” Calling a cue down Heaven’s golden streets, his clear voice rings out: “Drum roll, please!”

Just as we on earth hear an impressive roll of thunder, a young saint peeks around the pearly gate, and his bright face breaks into a wide smile as he steps into Heaven for the first time.

Before anyone can stop him, he steps right up to that great cloud of witnesses and asks, “Do you want to hear a story?” And before any of them answer, he leans forward and eagerly begins: “Okay. So there’s this guy down there at this school where everyone knows him by name. He’s a pretty friendly guy, and he has lots of friends ... not too many, but just enough so he's never lonely. ... Now one day, see, this kid ... …”

It’s a great story, and it goes on … and on … and on – forever!
I look forward to one day perking up my eternal ears and picking up the story where my ears on earth ceased to follow the plot.

And in the meantime, whenever raindrops fall, I'll imagine they come from hosts of angels wiping away tears of joyous laughter as they hold their sides and catch their breath for yet another chuckle at his version of the story of a lifetime. And every now and then when the story gets especially good, the sun will shine through the tears, and we'll see a rainbow.

This is the day which the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
(Psalm 118:24)

April 24: In Heaven Today!

2011-04-24T18:27:00.002-04:00

Today we reflect on Christ's death which purchased eternal life for Jona...

We praise God for Christ's resurrection which declared HIM to be the Son of God with power! (Romans 1)

During this morning's service, John Mark drew our attention to the seven signs in the book of John – and the sign of Christ's own Resurrection – which all prove that Jesus is the Son of God.

Truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

(John 20)

The Jews of Christ's day knew that Christ's claim as Son of God meant equality with God!

Today we can rejoice – through our tears – as we are assured that Jona is singing praises face to face with Christ, his God and Savior!

April 23: Jona's Theme

2011-04-23T23:00:00.007-04:00

I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry.
He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps.
He has put a new song in my mouth –
Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear,
And will trust in the LORD.
Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust...
(Psalm 40:1-4)

April 22: A Tribute to Jona

2011-04-22T19:17:00.000-04:00

Upon receiving the news of Jona's Home-going, his great-uncle in Canada wrote the following tribute to a group who had been praying for him:

My nephew, Daniel, phoned around midnight to say that Jona went to be with his Lord about half an hour earlier – that is, late Wednesday evening. I am proud of the life lived by this hero of the faith. He had a profound impact on many during his short time here – especially through his response to his sickness these past almost two years – his consistently positive attitude, his steadfast faith in his precious Saviour, his desire to minister to and be a blessing to others, his desire to witness to the saving grace of Jesus and to challenge others to come to faith.

Having so gallantly and magnificently completed the short race that was assigned to him, Jona is finally relieved from his suffering, but we are deeply saddened by our loss. Please pray for his family as they grieve this loss while continuing to extol the loving kindness of their Heavenly Father and seek to use these circumstances to further His glory.

April 21: Jona's Obituary

2011-04-21T15:18:00.001-04:00

Jonatán David Torres, born August 10, 1994, went into the presence of the Lord at 11:40 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, 2011.

Jona was a sophomore at Bob Jones Academy, where he served as a class officer.

He was a member of Iglesia Bautista Calvario de Greer and taught the junior church children. He fully enjoyed life and especially excelled in sports, singing, and playing the guitar.

On his fifteenth birthday he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma cancer, which God used to demonstrate to thousands of others around the world how much Jona enjoyed the eternal life that the Lord had given him through the gospel of grace. He was a man of prayer and a warrior of the faith.

He will be greatly missed by his parents, Esteban and Esther Torres; his brother, Marcos David Torres; his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins; and friends too numerous to mention in the U.S., Uruguay, Canada, and around the world.

Visitation will be open to the public at Bob Jones Academy on Saturday, April 23, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., and at Morningside Baptist Church on Monday, April 25, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Morningside Baptist Church on Monday, April 25, at 5:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Jona's memory to "Bob Jones University, Torres Memorial Fund." (These donations will then be designated for Bob Jones Academy.)

April 20: Jona is Home

2011-04-21T01:59:00.005-04:00

Jona is Home. Tonight God gently and mercifully carried him Over There. Now more than ever, Jona’s greatest desire is that you should one day join him Over There.

We Want You Over There

We're going home to glory soon
To see the city bright,
To walk the golden streets of heav'n,
And bask in God's own light.
But some of you are out of Christ
And held by many a snare –
We cannot leave you lost and lone;
We want you Over There.

The pearly gates are open wide,
And we shall enter in –
To know thenceforth no tear or sigh,
No sorrow and no sin.
O come with us, and come at once!
That land is bright and fair!
We cannot leave you lost and lone;
We want you Over There.

We come to tell the story true
Of love so rich and free!
A crucified and risen Lord
Has grace for you and me!
O listen to the words of love
His messengers declare!
We cannot leave you lost and lone;
We want you Over There.

We once were burdened sore with sin,
And dark were we and sad;
But Christ has washed us in His blood,
And He has made us glad!
Fly to His wounds, ye guilty ones;
His love and mercy share.
We cannot leave you lost and lone;
We want you Over There.

Text: M. Bass
Tune: Scottish Air

"Abide with me..."

2011-04-19T22:50:00.009-04:00

This hymn text has been a favorite in our family. We found out today that the Bob Jones Academy choirs sang a new arrangement – written for Jona – at their concert this evening. Several extended family members (including Uncle Daniel) were able to attend the event. What a blessing!

Jona is looking forward to hearing the arrangement. We're not sure which stanzas were sung, but I'm posting a few of the more familiar stanzas here; you can see several other not-so-familiar stanzas (and hear the traditional tune) at cyberhymnal.org.

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide.

The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day.
Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see –
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still if Thou abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Words: Henry F. Lyte, 1847

April 18: Update on Jonatán

2011-04-18T23:33:00.010-04:00

At times, it's hard to know what to write for an "update" on Jona's situation... Tonight is one of those times... So much is the same, yet so much is changing...

Will this be the night...? Will we witness a miracle of healing? Or will our gracious Shepherd choose ultimate healing for our dear Jona?

One thing will always be true: We need God's grace! We're thankful that HE stands ready to give that needed grace...

Please continue to pray!

Pray for Jona; pray for rest and peace and continued grace and strength...

Pray especially for Esteban and Esther.

Pray for Marcos.

Pray for Jona's Uncle Daniel who is on a plane, on the way from Uruguay, as I type these lines. He is scheduled to arrive at GSP tomorrow afternoon.

Pray for all of us as extended family.

Pray, most of all, that Christ would be exalted in everything! HE is worthy!

April 17: Update on Jonatán

2011-04-17T21:49:00.001-04:00

First of all, last night's plumbing problem has been fixed. Thank-you for praying! We've been blessed as we've traced the small (as well as the big) ways our gracious God answered and provided...

God sent a (now) dear friend to help by Jona's side while Esteban worked on the water pipe and Esther got some much-needed rest. John Mark was over at our house, finishing his evening nap (since he was on deck to be the main one at Jona's side last night), and I was finishing the daily update (all the while I was on-call for our five-month-old who was scheduled to get hungry – again!) Looking back, we're so thankful for God's advance provision – in every detail!

Another exciting detail in this story was the very large case of bottled water a co-worker of Esther's dropped off just yesterday. Folks have been very kind and generous, bringing all kinds of things to help the family, but this was the first bottled water they'd been given – and just when God knew we would need it! We saw it as one of those "before they call, I will answer" situations! As Jona has reminded us so often during this whole trial in his life: God is amazing!

Considering the fact that Jona is getting weaker, today has been a good day for him...

Sweet friends came to sing hymns to him – including his two current favorites: Be Still, my Soul and Bow the Knee. He was able to sit up – and even participate, moving his lips to the words of Bow the Knee. As we asked him what else he wanted us to sing, he asked: Do Christmas carols count? At his request, we sang O Holy Night and then a stanza in Spanish. (Click here to see a video clip of Jona singing the carol in Spanish last Christmas.)

Later in the afternoon, when he was sitting up again for meds, he even told a long, drawn-out joke to John Mark! No... It's far too corny to post... Just let me say (again!) that we're thankful for every interaction we're able to have with our dear Jona.

Please continue to pray – especially now as night approaches...

God is good – all the time!

The LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD will give grace and glory;

No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You!

(Psalm 84)

April 16: Update on Jonatán

2011-04-16T22:50:00.049-04:00

We're thankful for another day with our Jona. We are becoming increasingly aware of the fact that every day – every breath – is truly a gift from God. Then again, none of us knows our chosen time...

Yesterday actually marked three weeks since that Friday evening when we thought our Good Shepherd was calling Jona to his eternal Home. We are grateful beyond words for the extended time God has given Jona to minister to us, to so many friends and extended family, and to many others who have never met him.

Let us say, once again, how much we appreciate you. Thank-you for taking time to write and encourage us. Thank-you for so many other ways in which you minister to us as Jona's extended family. Thank-you, most of all, for praying...

Please continue to pray:

Pray for Jona. Breathing is increasingly difficult for him. As we sit by his side (especially through the nights), we notice that pauses between breaths are becoming longer and more frequent.

Pray for continued wisdom, especially for Esteban and Esther, as they oversee Jona's care. Swallowing (and therefore eating or taking medicine) is becoming more and more challenging.

Pray for rest – and peace. Night hours, as you know, are hardest. Jona is now experiencing periods of very deep sleep (even during the day); at times he is hard to awaken when the next medicine is due.

Pray for Jona's Uncle Daniel who will be arriving from Uruguay on Tuesday, April 19. Rejoice with us in God's marvelous provision! Amazingly, an air miles ticket for Monday opened up this afternoon during the call to the airlines!

Of course, life would not be real life without moments of added excitement: Like Marcos trying to help his normally sweet little dog while he (the dog) was fighting off some bees. The result was a half-inch gash on the back of Marcos' hand! OR like what happened a few minutes ago while Esteban was trying to do the routine task of changing a main water filter... The water pipe broke! He says he can fix it in only an hour; if you read this right away, please pray (for his sake) for that to be the case!

Thank-you for praying! We continue to trust the faithful and good hand of our loving Shepherd...

April 15: Update on Jonatán

2011-04-15T23:29:00.008-04:00

Tia Julia Torres and I enjoyed the happiest of birthdays today: our good and loving Shepherd gave us a day with our beloved nephew, Jonatán!

We are reminded of how much we take for granted every day...

Make sure you tell your loved ones how much you love them; today is a gift from God!

[Pictures of our birthday celebration are pending...]

Praise and Prayer:

2011-04-14T21:47:00.000-04:00

Praise the Lord with us! Jona's Uncle John Mark arrived in Greenville about a half hour ago – safe and sound but very tired after an almost 14-hour drive!

As you pray for a restful night for Jona, will you pray that God will give his Aunt Julia and me a good day with Jona tomorrow? (It's our mutual birthday!) I've been asking my Good Father for this gift...

April 14: Update on Jonatán

2011-04-14T20:35:00.001-04:00

I know... An update is overdue. To fill in some gaps, I'm posting excerpts from a note written by Grandma Pat (who is now here from Uruguay):

The Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations...

(Psalm 100:5)

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.

(Psalm 46:7)

First of all, let us say that we are grateful for and overwhelmed by all of you who are praying for Jona and for all of us as family. Many of you are passing along updates regarding Jona's current condition; this means a great deal to us even though we can't reply to each one of you individually.

Jona has been sleeping more and more during the day and resting quite well at night. Mornings the past four or five days have been the most difficult for him. He is getting weaker but still enjoys texting and talking with friends on his I-Pad 2 – a gift from some of the staff at the Cancer Center.

Prayer is a very important part of Jona's day and night. Whenever he's having difficulty breathing, he asks one or several in the room with him to pray. We count it a privilege to ask our God to calm his breathing and make it easier for him to get his breath. His pulse for the past almost month has been very fast – as if he's running a continuous race. Only the Lord knows how long Jona's heart can run this race. But God's grace is sufficient, and He's always near. We confidently trust Him to do what is His best and perfect will.

Grandma Dosila and Aunt Julia arrived last Saturday. Thankfully, we were able to change their tickets so they could arrive two days earlier than originally planned. They, too, have been enjoying Jona's good times and amazing wit. He also enjoyed a visit from Patch the Pirate earlier this week, and he enjoys the visitors and all who are encouraging and supporting him and his family.

Eating is becoming more and more of a challenge for Jona. Please pray that he wouldn't lose his ability to swallow as the tumors, no doubt, are continuing to grow.

We have enjoyed some precious times of singing, Scripture reading, and prayer together as a family. We consider each day with Jona as a special gift from God.

Please continue to pray for us...

April 12: Update on Jonatán

2011-04-12T22:22:00.043-04:00

We appreciate your continual prayers for Jonatán. This morning was challenging – as the past four mornings have been. In spite of resting "well" during the night hours, he tends to have great difficulty with rapid and/or irregular breathing and racing pulse, a problem which is now more noticeable even in the daytime...

Visitors continue to be a blessing throughout the day. Jona appreciates you, and you're a (good!) distraction for family members, too!

Uncle John Mark is currently at a missions conference in Iowa; I more than suspect that Jona misses him. Please pray for a safe (and timely) return for John Mark.

We continue to rest in our loving Shepherd who as He promises is leading us in righteous paths for His Name's sake. The night hours are once again upon us, and we continue to rest in His presence.

As the psalmist penned many years ago:

If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me.
If I say: Surely the darkness shall fall on me,
Even the night shall be light about me;
Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,
But the night shines as the day;
The darkness and the light are both alike to You.
(Psalm 139)

April 11: Update on Jonatán

2011-04-11T22:26:00.036-04:00

Yesterday was a fairly quiet day; Jona seemed to be extra tired and napped off and on most of the morning and into early afternoon. Seeing him like that was very difficult for us, making us extra thankful for his "alert" time, especially today.

After not resting very well during the night two nights ago, he seemed to have a more restful night last night. We're thankful! As I posted on FaceBook: "Rest is certainly not to be taken for granted!"

Visitors have also been a blessing!

We're especially thankful for Ron Hamilton ("Patch the Pirate") who came this afternoon with his wife and son, Jason, to sing several encouraging songs, including Jona's current favorites: Bow the Knee and Be Still, my Soul. What a blessing! We can only imagine what Heaven will be like when we who have been redeemed sing together in our Savior's presence...

Read Ron Hamilton's story – and find out how he learned to "rejoice in the Lord" in the middle of his trials!

We were deeply moved by the Hamiltons heart-felt, humble, and gracious ministry to us...

Jona was especially blessed by their ministry – and Marcos was delighted to have Patch the Pirate here, too!

Patch the Pirate was also a highlight for our Little Princess!

April 9: Update on Jonatán

2011-04-09T21:22:00.012-04:00

We are praising our gracious God for continuing to answer prayer: Jona's Grandma Torres and Aunt Julia arrived this morning, and we've been enjoying a day together as extended extended family!

"How is Jona doing?" We, too, wonder. It's really hard to know... His body is growing weaker by the day, but his spirit is growing stronger and stronger and stronger. God's enabling grace continually amazes us!

A number of friends and classmates stopped by today; Jona continues to be encouraged.

By the way, check yesterday's post for pictures of last night's Skyped Sophomore Class Party. What a blessing technology like this can be!

Yes, we have abundant reasons to praise our God!

If you are new to reading this blog and especially Jona's story, you will probably find the following posts helpful:

August 9, 2009: The beginning of this chapter in Jonatan's life

August 29, 2009: Jonatan's testimony

October 7, 2009: Focusing on God's truths

November 26, 2009: So much to be thankful for

December 10, 2009: Seeking the LORD and resting in Him

November 5, 2010: Trusting our Good Shepherd

November 25, 2010: So much to be thankful for

April 3, 2011: Praying realistically

Once again, pray for a restful night... (Rest is certainly not to be taken for granted!)

Please continue to pray for Jona and for all of us; we are waiting on our Good Shepherd for the answer that will most glorify Him, knowing that it will also be His best for us all.

April 8: Update on Jonatán

2011-04-08T23:30:00.005-04:00

The day began with the following FaceBook status:
Please PRAY for Jonatan David Torres; he had a good, restful night but is now struggling (more than "usual") to breathe...
By God's grace, tonight's FaceBook status reads:

Thank-you for praying for Jonatan David Torres today. His breathing improved as the day went on, and he was encouraged by a conference call that included him in this evening's Sophomore Class Party at BJA.

Please pray now for another restful night, free of complications...

Thank-you for praying so faithfully! God is working...

"Bow the Knee!"

2011-04-07T17:57:00.002-04:00

We've been singing another of Jona's favorite hymns. I'm struck by the significance – for all of us (including you!) – of the last line of the chorus (highlighted in bold font below):

What a privilege to come into God's presence,
Just to linger with the One who set me free.
As I lift my eyes and see His awesome glory,
I remember who He is and bow the knee.

Bow the knee! Bow the knee!
He is King of all the Ages! Bow the knee!
God alone on His throne!
See Him high and lifted up and bow the knee!
Kneel before Him; all adore Him.
As you live to love Him more, bow the knee.

In His hand He holds the power of creation.
With His voice He spoke, and all things came to be.
Yet He hears each simple prayer I bring before Him
When I humbly seek His face and bow the knee.

Bow the knee! Bow the knee!
He is King of all the Ages! Bow the knee!
God alone on His throne!
See Him high and lifted up and bow the knee!
Kneel before Him; all adore Him.
As you live to love Him more, bow the knee.

Bow the knee!

Words and music by Ron Hamilton

April 7: Update on Jonatán

2011-04-07T15:58:00.000-04:00

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever.

(Psalm 136)

We invite you to continue praising the Lord with us!

We are, once again, thankful for another good night. Jona was able to sleep several stretches, lying down – a real answer to prayer since it is often very difficult for him to find a comfortable position and really rest.

We were in contact with the airlines today – and were able to arrange earlier flights for Jona's Grandma Torres and Aunt Julia. They are now scheduled to arrive on Saturday, April 9 – two days sooner than originally planned!

Praise the LORD!

Please continue to pray; we are waiting on our Good Shepherd for the answer that will most glorify His Name, knowing that it will also be His best for us all.

April 6: Update on Jonatán

2011-04-06T17:10:00.005-04:00

We're thankful for another good night. Jona did start coughing this morning, however...

We continue to wait on the LORD for His best for us all.

We certainly appreciate your praying! Thank-you for leaving encouraging notes, too. Computer time is often limited these days, but we are encouraged as we read each note.

Please continue to pray...

Praise the Lord with us! Esteban's sister and mother were given airline miles to purchase tickets and are scheduled to arrive in Greenville on Monday, April 11.

Not only was Julia granted a visa, she was given a ten-year visa! God answered exceeding abundantly above anything we could ask or even think! (Ephesians 3)

Please pray that we would be able to arrange earlier flights for them. We've been in daily contact with the airlines, but representatives insist that the earliest available flights out of Uruguay are on Sunday, April 10. (Does anyone have "connections" with United Airlines?!)

Please continue to pray for strength for Jona – and for restful sleep, especially at night.

We are thankful for God's good hand on our lives; we praise Him for His sustaining grace, and we know He will continue to deal mercifully with us. We are believing His good words:

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. (Psalm 136)

April 5: Update on Jonatán

2011-04-05T22:16:00.000-04:00

After a rough beginning last night, Jona was eventually able to rest well. This morning, he told me: “I found a comfortable position and was able to sleep.” God answered prayer! And Jona has had a good day today, too.

When you read about “good” days, please keep in mind that we’re thinking back to eleven evenings ago when we were seeing signs that should have meant it was Jona’s last evening with us. God has given us eleven “bonus” days with him... Then again, He has given every one of us eleven “bonus” days. Only God knows the number of our days – and yours, too! (Psalm 139)

We are thankful for Jona’s continued ministry – to us as his extended family as well as to innumerable folks literally around the world! And we’re thankful for the precious moments we’ve enjoyed especially in the past few days, singing favorite hymns as a family and sharing passages – especially from the Psalms.

So many have encouraged us, letting us know that you pray for Jona when the Lord awakens you in the middle of the night. Several have commented that sleeplessness or interruptions are unusual for you, and you have taken the opportunity to pray for Jona and for us. We appreciate your praying – more than words could possibly say...

And now, night is once again upon us... With the darkening sky come the challenges of once again trying to find a comfortable position and rest in sleep; we appreciate your continued prayers for Jona...

Please do pray for another restful night.

April 5: Just a quick update on Jonatán

2011-04-05T08:12:00.000-04:00

Thank-you for praying for Jona!

Our God "who gives life, and breath, and all things" gave Jona (and us!) several stretches of restful sleep last night...

Don't forget to thank Him for the rest He gave you last night, too!

"Be still, my soul..."

2011-04-04T22:30:00.001-04:00

We've been singing a favorite hymn repeatedly these days. It's Jona's favorite hymn – and the one he was trying to sing when gasping for breath after his dad resuscitated him ten days ago...

Yesterday we had a wonderful time as extended family, singing hymns. As we prepared to start, Jona requested Be Still, My Soul – and tried to sing through the oxygen mask...

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone;
Sorrow forgot; love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.

Words: Katharina von Schlegel, 1752
Music: Jean Sibelius, 1899

We love this hymn text more than ever now. The Lord has used this hymn to minister repeatedly to me. I posted it on this blog in July of 2010 one year into this trial...

Please continue to pray for us...

Pray fervently tonight...

April 3: More on Jonatán

2011-04-03T23:02:00.000-04:00

The hospice nurse gave us a good report when she checked on Jona this afternoon. He had seemed extra tired today, often drifting off to sleep, but she said that the oxygen-saturation level in his blood was 97% – an A+ medically! Such a report is obviously encouraging to us. On the other hand, he has not eaten much today; swallowing is becoming increasingly difficult – due in part to the tumor that has been pressing on his trachea and undoubtedly now on the esophagus, too.

We continue to pray for the miracle of healing. Some may wonder if we are realistic in doing so. My answer is: Yes! We are not praying in a new way; Esteban has insisted from the very beginning that praying for healing from this type of cancer would be asking for a miracle. We are confident that praying in this way is realistic because Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He healed lepers! As our perfect and loving Father, He expects us to come boldly to Him, asking for the desires of our hearts. So, we honor Him – asking with confidence.

At the same time, we recognize that our good and loving Lord does not always grant healing. Even when He walked this earth, He did not heal every leper. So, with confidence in His goodness and power, we stand ready to receive whatever He chooses as absolute best. Jona and his family have always asked us to pray for what would most glorify the Lord, so we rest in Him – confident that He will cause all things to work together for good and do what will most glorify His Name.

Please continue to pray with us...
(I'm including our original list of prayer requests from August of 2009):

For Christ to be exalted through this trial and our responses (Ephesians 3:14-21; Romans 8:26-39).
For others to come to know Christ as personal Savior (Romans 10:9-13).
For complete healing for Jonatán (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12; Matthew 7:7-11).
For grace, strength, and wisdom for Jonatán and his immediate family – his father, mother, and 11-year-old brother, Marcos – and for comfort and grace for extended family, especially those in Uruguay (Psalm 84:11-12).

Thank-you for praying!

April 3: Update on Jonatán

2011-04-03T14:32:00.000-04:00

Thank-you for praying for Jona throughout the night last night. He was able to get some rest, but his body is overworked and extremely tired now. Every breath is an incredible workout for his chest muscles.

Lord willing, I plan to post more later today; however, I wanted to write at least a quick update, thanking you all for your faithfulness in praying for Jona – and for all of us.

Do continue to pray...

April 2: Update on Jonatán

2011-04-02T22:16:00.006-04:00

We continue to praise our loving Shepherd...

Jona had a good night last night. After a friendly visit from some of the staff who helped care for him at GHS, he slept for a five-hour stretch – without medication! He then went for another five-hour stretch without medication – into the late morning...

We were very, very thankful to be together as an extended family today, celebrating Grandpa Garwood's 75th birthday! (Click on the hyperlinked words to see pictures.)

Another blessing this evening was the Skype call from the youth group at the church in Pando, Uruguay – the church that Jona's Grandpa Torres pastored when Esteban was a teenager!

Overall, the day went well for Jona. He is quite tired right now. Once again, the night hours are near; they are always the most difficult for Jona. Please pray fervently for him.

A dear friend encouraged us last night with the following thought based on Psalm 121:

Each night we bring to the One who never sleeps our pleas for Jona to find rest in sleep.

Please do pray for another restful night.

¡Feliz Cumple, Abu!

2011-04-02T21:43:00.000-04:00

Today is Grandpa Garwood's 75th Birthday. The cousins enjoyed decorating, and we all enjoyed celebrating together.

We're thankful to our gracious God for allowing us to spend this day together as extended family!

DJ and JD with Grandpa!

April 1: Update on Jonatán

2011-04-01T16:01:00.027-04:00

Thank-you for praying!

Last night started out quite rough, but our loving Shepherd gave His beloved sleep (Psalm 127); Jona was able to get some good stretches of rest.

Earlier today he was sitting up in the dining room, interacting with his grandparents (who arrived last night) and listening to his mom read touching, encouraging, and often humorous letters from his classmates.

Amazingly, he hasn't tried to pull any April Fool's pranks on us!

Right now as I type this update, he’s back out here, interacting with visitors and answering his littlest cousin’s chattering – pretending that he’s being told about last night's football game or the OJ Simpson Trial!

We are thankful beyond words!

God is giving wisdom and strength to Esteban as the primary care-giver. We are blessed to be here and observe how wonderfully Jona trusts his father’s judgment. Please pray specifically for continued wisdom and strength.

Praise the LORD with us!

Jona's grandparents, Donald and Patricia Garwood, arrived in Greenville after an all-night flight and an all-day drive. Thank-you for praying for safety in travel.

Jona's Aunt Julia was granted a visa yesterday morning. She is now following up on passport details and should be able to fly out early next week. Please continue to pray.

Thank-you to all who responded to the request for a travel or medical pillow. Several are allowing us to borrow “husband” pillows you already had – and the travel pillow we alluded to yesterday arrived at the house today!

We are constantly overwhelmed by the love and support being showered on Jona and our family. Most of all, we appreciate your interceding for Jona before our gracious Father’s throne of grace.

Please keep praying! May God bless you!

March 31: Update on Jonatán

2011-03-31T09:49:00.004-04:00

Jona had a rough night; finding a comfortable position is becoming increasingly difficult, and breathing is a constant struggle...

He asked his dad to pray with him throughout the night last night. Earlier this morning, he spontaneously prayed out loud, asking God to comfort his family, to give him peace, praying for another day with his family and asking that if any of the family do not know Christ they would come to Him...

I mentioned in the note last night that I have never heard Jona complain about anything – big or small – in this situation. His dad, who spent countless (often excruciating) hours at the hospital with him, gives the same testimony.

What an amazing work of grace God is doing in our sweet Jona's heart!

March 30: Update on Jonatán

2011-03-30T23:50:00.001-04:00

We have been truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of prayer support from so many – all around the world. May God bless you! Please continue to pray...

Sitting down to write an update, I realized that I last posted details on Jona's situation two nights ago. (Where has time gone?!) We're thankful that last night went better for Jona than the night before did. In fact, he slept so soundly last night that John Mark had to work really hard to get him to wake up for the next nebulizer treatment...

When the hospice nurse checked him last night, she said that his chest sounds fairly good; however, the constant struggle to breathe is making his heart rate high. In spite of all this, he continues to be a blessing. I've never heard him complain about anything – big or small – in this situation. That's very convicting!

Please keep praying.

Pray for Jona's Aunt Julia, who will be having an interview tomorrow morning at the American Embassy in Montevideo. Thankfully, the letter from Jona's doctor arrived in her inbox today. Please pray that she will be approved for a visa so that she and her mother can travel to the US as soon as possible.

Pray for Jona's other set of grandparents who are in flight from Uruguay as I write. They are scheduled to arrive in Jacksonville at mid-day tomorrow and would like to be in Greenville by tomorrow night. Please pray that they will be able to rest well on the plane in preparation for a long day's drive.

Pray for Jona to rest well. He has had a relatively good day today but is having trouble finding a comfortable position for sleep tonight.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for praying!

We continue to rest in the loving arms of our Good Shepherd...

Praying, believing...

2011-03-29T13:40:00.001-04:00

A friend posted on FaceBook the following thought-provoking perspective on prayer:

"This is the day that the LORD hath made..." That same God that created our day, our life, our world can certainly take care of us. How amazing of a testimony would it be to everyone who knows him, if our prayers were answered! I know all of us have prayed that prayer at one point, but how many of us prayed this morning – expecting God to answer!

We start out fervent, then we doubt a little, and prayers become like half court shots. We shoot them, we have seen other people make them, we know it's possible that it might go in, but we don't actually expect it to. It just seems too far away! My point is God doesn't get glory from us when we treat HIM like he doesn't care. I think most of us don't do it on purpose, it just seems to happen when we pray over and over for the same thing.

My challenge to all who read this is: Please pray for God to reach down and touch Jona today and bring him peace and healing. He will do it! Believe it. Allow this boy's life to change yours.

March 28: Update on Jonatán

2011-03-28T21:18:00.000-04:00

This will be a very quick and rather short update: Telegraph Style. (I'm sitting in Marcos' bedroom with a very squirmy almost-five-month-old...)

Please continue to pray for Jona. He has had several rough moments today... Breathing is a constant struggle as his lungs fill with fluid. He did have at least two incidents coughing up "stuff" today, granting some measure of relief. He also has moments when he breathes extremely fast. At one point today, he was breathing fifty times per minute!

Please pray for continued grace and strength for the family – especially as we watch by Jona's side during the night. He rests better, knowing we are there for him.

Please keep praying for extended family. (A list of specific prayer requests is included in the March 26 update.)

Jona continues to be a blessing. We are so thankful for God's extending his time with us. We are trusting our loving Shepherd to do what is best...

March 27: Update on Jonatán

2011-03-27T20:12:00.000-04:00

Thank-you for praying! What a blessing, encouragement, and privilege it is for us all to know that our brethren are praying and want to know how to keep praying...

Jona rested very well last night. ("Very well" must, of course, be interpreted in light of his current condition and the seriousness of his situation this past Friday night.) He slept four hours straight last night in between nebulizer treatments, which seem to be helping immensely.

He is having to take quite a bit of medicine now to help him relax and breathe and to ease increasing pain. In spite of that, he's very alert – and still joking! For instance, at one point yesterday evening, he took the oxygen tubes off his face; Esteban asked him if he was taking a break. "Yeah, just taking a breather!" Jona said. He then made a thumbs-up sort of motion to show us he recognized how great a pun he had just made!

He's been able to take several such short breaks from oxygen; he's also walking a little, but he tires easily. He's eating little bits at a time, sitting up in a recliner someone loaned them. That recliner is giving him huge relief and has been a wonderful God-send!

When we left the house this afternoon, Jona was just settling back into the recliner. He looked rather tired. There has been a non-stop stream of visitors – many of them classmates and teachers as well as friends from several churches in town. As we left, a group from a Spanish ministry had just arrived to sing hymns with Jona. Previous to this, he had been sitting up, playing "Apples to Apples" (I think it's a kids' card game) with some of his classmates. All the love being shown in these and so many other ways has been a great encouragement to Jona and to his family!

We're trying to spend as much time as possible with the whole family; it's hard to know how long Jona will be with us. From our perspective, we are thankful for the break in our out-of-town travel schedule. It's been very good to have this time together as family.

Please continue to pray for the extended family. (A list of specific prayer requests is included in the March 26 update.)

I'm still asking the Lord to perform the miracle of healing, fully confident that He will do what will most glorify Him. He is a perfect, loving Father, who wants His children to make our wants and wishes known – always praying for His will, not ours...

So, please do keep praying. And please pray specifically! We are thankful for you!

Jona: my first favorite Little Man!

2011-03-26T20:03:00.000-04:00

How proud this Aunt Deborah was of her Little Man!

How much prouder I am of the fine Christian man he has become!

To God be the glory!

Little Jona (November 1998)

March 26: Update on Jonatán

2011-03-26T12:30:00.014-04:00

This update comes primarily from an email sent by Jona's grandparents in Uruguay:

How thankful we are for the prayer support of family and friends during this difficult time!

Late last night we received a phone call from John Mark, telling us that Jona wasn't doing very well. The hospice nurse had told them she thought it would probably be Jona's last night. Based on his condition, she felt that the Lord would likely take him Home within the next 24 hours; his breathing was very labored, and he was struggling to breathe.

We called this morning to find out how the night had gone for Jona and for all of them. John Mark (who had alternated watching at Jona's side) said, for the condition Jona was in last night, he did remarkably well. His heart rate was down some (though not normal yet), and he seemed to be breathing a little easier. He had slept some and didn't seem to be as restless. He found he could lie on his right side to get some relief. All these things are answers to prayer!

As we (grandparents) mentioned last night, we already have tickets to leave next Wednesday, arriving in Jacksonville, FL, on Thursday. A couple hours later we'll drive to Greenville to be with all of them. We're SO thankful for gracious friends who provided the tickets with airline miles, a car (sending it from Ohio), and a cell phone...

Daniel, Esther's brother, and possibly his girls plan to travel up when the Lord takes Jona Home. Esther's Uncle Will and his wife also plan to travel down from Canada, so there will possibly be lots of traveling in the coming days. Please pray for safety.

Docila and Julia, Esteban's mother and sister, would also like to go. Both have passports, but Julia does not have a visa for the US. John Mark and Deborah are currently working on finding a way for her to have an urgent interview at the American Embassy here in Montevideo – on Monday, if at all possible – so she can get a visa. Please pray! (Current wait time for an interview to try to get a visa is one month. Obviously Julia can't wait that long.) Pray that an interview and a visa would be granted – even if it's only for a week or ten days. Also pray the Lord would provide funds needed for their airfare.

The Lord continues to sustain us, and we thank Him for His goodness and mercy to Jona and to all of us.

We continue to covet your prayers. Pray for us this afternoon as we challenge the teens with the questions: What would you do if the doctor told you that you have only 4 to 9 months left to live? Are you ready? Pray for God to work in hearts.

We remain grateful for HIS grace...

March 25: Update on Jonatán

2011-03-25T17:47:00.000-04:00

Please pray!

We got home from a quick afternoon walk to hear a phone message from Esther, who was leaving work early. We immediately called their house. Esteban asked that I send a note requesting prayer.

Jona is having great difficulty breathing; there is only one position in which he is comfortable...

Please continue to pray with us. Pray for God's best, and pray for His glory to be clearly shown!

March 23: Update on Jonatán

2011-03-23T00:53:00.001-04:00

Thank-you for praying and writing and expressing love and concern in so many ways...

We are experiencing God’s grace; He is good!

Jona has been able to get some rest with the help of oxygen (as needed) and pain medication (as needed). Night time is hardest; there just doesn’t seem to be any good position for sleeping since lying down puts extra pressure on his chest. Please pray for Jona (and the family) especially at night. Right now, Esteban is “sleeping” on a mattress on the floor beside Jona’s bed so he can be there for him as needed...

Jona continues to be in amazingly good spirits. He’s such a blessing! He’s still going to school (and attending the Bible Conference services during the day this week.) On Sunday morning, he taught Children’s Church – as usual!

Please continue to pray!

Pray for God's continued grace for Jona.

Pray for Marcos who is right now fighting an upper respiratory problem; he’s wearing a mask so he doesn’t share any possible germs with Jona.

Pray for God’s continued grace for Marcos; he and Jona have always been very close...

Pray for Esteban and Esther. God is giving them amazing grace – but, as you can imagine, it’s very difficult for them to see their boys going through all this.

Pray for continued opportunities for the family to glorify God through this trial.

Pray for God’s provision for extended family in Uruguay.

Pray for complete healing for Jona. Yes, do! Doesn't our Savior tells us to come boldly before His throne?

If you know HIM, you know His promises... HE is the same yesterday, and today, and forever!

Just today I heard once again of His healing a leper; leprosy was a disease that had no cure in that day! In the same passage, we read of His forgiving and then healing the paralytic. Do we really believe that HE still has that same power?!

We are praying (as the family has asked us to do all along) that our Good Shepherd would do what will most glorify HIM. Will you pray that, too?

We appreciate your praying. This is a very difficult time, but we are resting in our loving Lord; HE is always faithful!

Abba: Father!

2011-03-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

“My testimony is that of a dishonorable man that God has saved and honored in every conceivable way. Every good thing that I’ve ever wanted to do, God has let me do; and every good thing I’ve ever wanted to have, God has let me have. That’s the way dads are to their children.”

~ J.D. Crowley, current missionary in Cambodia

Eyes!

2011-03-21T16:14:00.002-04:00

The kids and I have been enjoying the opportunity of being in town, spending time with extended family – especially Jona and Marcos and Esther and Esteban.

Marcos and Elizabeth have apparently been doing a lot of philosophizing. She keeps sharing facts that she’s learning from him...

On the way to church last night, she leaned over and solemnly asked DJM:

Do you know what that black thing in your eye is?

After a short pause, she continued:

It’s a hole; it’s so your brain can see!

I’m just sure Marcos’ explanation was more sophisticated...

(Hee! Hee!)

March 18: Update on Jonatán

2011-03-18T01:00:00.025-04:00

Thank-you for praying for Jona and his family. Thank-you!

Please continue to pray fervently...

Although Jona had been doing well for several weeks (considering all things), he had a difficult evening – with a lot of pain – on Wednesday, March 16, followed by a very rough night – with difficulty breathing and, therefore, sleeping. A chest scan on Thursday revealed that the lung which was operated on in early November is entirely overtaken by tumors; a large tumor is pressing on the trachea, making breathing difficult. The doctors have prescribed new pain medication...

Jona attended school on Thursday. (Yes, he loves school!) When we stopped by to see the family in the evening, Jona seemed as encouraged as ever – telling us about his good-natured joking with hospice representatives earlier in the day, playing the guitar for us, singing a song he composed for his literature class, and holding his littlest cousin’s rapt attention with familiar Sunday School songs. He is resting in the Lord, confident in Christ...

If you read this right away, please pray for rest tonight – for him and for Esteban and Esther and Marcos as well.

Pray for wisdom in decisions that will be made in the next few days, concerning ongoing care.

Pray for continued grace and strength for the entire family – including extended family. (There are moments when our hearts are breaking...)

Pray that the Lord would continue to be glorified through this situation. We continue to rest in Him, confident that He knows and will do what is ultimately best...