God's Team

Lord, we praise you for who you are...a majestic, powerful, loving and faithful God. Your ways are perfect. We are so thankful that you have assembled such an amazing team od missionaries who deeply love you and want to share your love with others. Thank you for your guidance, your protection, your provision. Thank you for filling us with your strength. Thank you for giving us the courage to go into uncharterted waters. For some us this experience although exhilirating, it is not without apprehension. But you Lord, in your divine mercy have filled us with boldness, courage and excitement. We are so in awe of you Abba. We pray that your hand would remain on us, that you would guide our every step and take us exactly where you want us to go. Continue to equip us and prepare us so that we may finish the race well. May your will be done. In Jesus' precious name we pray. Amen

Well, it's been a few weeks since I've posted any information on this blog. There is so much to share with you that I don't know where to begin. Here goes...God has revealed Himself in so many ways throughout this journey. I can honestly say that I have seen miracles. At the inception of this mission we realized that we had to work hard and pray harder if we were going to accomplish the task set before us. God assembled an awesome team with all the gifts necessary to fulfill this task. Let's take a look at each of them... my sister Debbie Boyce. I remember three years ago after my visit to Cuba I was sharing with her the amazing things God had done. I told her about the spiritual hunger I encountered and shared with her the calling I felt about taking a group of missionaries to Cuba. Her eyes began to water and soon tears covered her face. She was deeply moved and felt the call right there and then. She was the first one to say YES LORD! She has the gift of mercy. Her heart is soft and overflowing with love. Karen Boyce initially came to the first meeting to accompany her daughter Kelli. She had apprehensions about Kelli going to a communist country and wanted to appease her fears. It was at that initial meeting that Karen felt called to go. As it turns out, Kelli decided not to go, but Karen said YES LORD! She has the gift of discernment and more than once has utilized it wisely. Audrey Boyce saw the excitement in Debbie and Karen. She was the last one to join our team. Several months into the preparations she came to me and asked if she could join us. I met with her and saw in her eyes the desire to serve the Lord. She shared with me her desire to go and God's confirmation through her prayers. Audrey is a great addition to this team. I am so glad she said YES LORD! Greg Cashner was one of the first called. He came to the office to sell us his product and instead was sold on this mission . Through much prayer and dicussion with his family he also said YES LORD! He is a gifted teacher who often leads our Bible study at the opening of our meetings. Nicole Guerra was chosen through the fundraising efforts. Her parents and I have known eachother for over twenty years. I went to solicit funds from her grandfather and shortly thereafter I received an e-mail from her mom asking if Nicole could accompany us on the mission. Nicole said YES LORD immediately! She is creative, artistic and loves the Lord and His kids with all her heart. She is a pastor's daughter with a lot of missionary experience. Although she is only nineteen, she has witness God's power and glory many times in her life. Elsa and John Lopez are a mom and son team who are active members in our Spanish Ministry. They both said YES LORD! Elsa is a gifted children's ministry teacher with an amazing capacity to love and serve. John is a musician who utilizes his talent to serve the Lord in the worship team. They are fluent in Spanish and a tremendous asset to the team. Betty Martinez is also a leader in our Spanish Ministry. The joy of the Lord is evident in her. She said YES LORD! at the very beginning and has been encouraging throughout. She is a mighty prayer warrior who walks closely with God. She is gifted in prophecy and exhortation and has utilized her gifts to keep us focused and on track . She is also fluent in Spanish. Hannah & Naka Piohia a father-daughter team. Hannah, our youngest missionary at only 16 years of age said YES LORD! all on her own. I believe God is going to do great things in her and through her. She will serve in the drama and the games. Naka is experienced in children's ministry and will share those gifts with the children of Cuba. Margarita, Beatrice & Carlos Quintanilla a mother, son and daughter team. They are also active members of our Spanish Ministry. Margarita is gifted in grace, teaching and encouraging. Her desire has been and is to please God. Her servant's heart and humility is an example to us all. She has been planning and coordinating our VBS. She has strong organizational abilities. Beatrice's faith has been renewed through this mission. Her fire and passion have been re-ignited. Carlos is a musician. He utilizes his gift in the worship team. Both Carlos and Beatrice will participate in the drama ministry as well as the games for the children. They all said YES LORD! Frances Vazquez has been in Youth Leadership for a number of years. She said YES LORD! and the inception of this mission and is excitedly looking forward to serving God in this capacity.

As you can see, God has assembled an awesome team of faithful servants. We are looking forward with great anticipation at what God is going to do in us and through us.