April 25, 2003
Through Christ all things are possible
Dear Family and Friends,
As the foliage turns brown and fields are blackened by farmers
burning them, God bestows upon Venezuela a gift of yellow, orange,
and purple flowers as the araguaney, flamboyant,
and apamate. Trees bloom—a gift of hope in the
midst of a dismal landscape.
The month of March was in one in which we could have easily lost
hope. The situation in Venezuela continued tense. The psychologist
at the adoption agency resigned when we only lacked one interview
in order to finish all the requisites, the war in Iraq began,
the church in Santa Bárbara was robbed four times. Water
was rationed due to the drought here. To finish out the month
our whole family was ill.
But praise be to God who continually accompanies us and reminds
us that hope is never lost. As we neared the resurrection of our
Lord, Jesus Christ, hope was never more real for us. The situation
in Venezuela has stabilized as all await a referendum in August
to decide the fate of Chavez' presidency.
We had our last interview for the adoption. The war in Iraq appears
to be over. The thieves in Santa Bárbara have shown us
where we have security problems, and we've resolved them. Rain
came to the mountain areas and water reserves were restored. We
are all healthy once again.
The economic crisis here has produced much desperation but at
the same time the church has been moved by God's Spirit to offer
hope in new and creative ways. The Good Shepherd Church in Santa
Bárbara is in the process of establishing a food cooperative
and a clothes closet. Moreover, we are looking to organize the
local churches in Ocumare so as to offer a soup kitchen accompanied
with other social services. Several other Presbyterian churches
in the country are also offering and looking to offer services
that will help to feed and cloth the poor.
The spiritual crisis in the country has brought about a renewed
commitment of those called to serve in hope. This semester the
seminary (IEES) has 25 students from the Presbyterian, Lutheran,
and Catholic churches attending. Four of these students are serving
as licensed Presbyterian ministers in four different congregations.
In addition, evangelism efforts are being met with less resistance
as people seek God in the midst of these difficult times.
Your many prayers during this time have been our yellow, orange
and purple flowers of hope. Thank you so much.
Please continue to pray for:
- Venezuela during this political and economic crisis.
- The Presbyterian Church so that it continues to let the Holy
Spirit move it in new and creative ways.
- The ministerial candidates in the seminary,
- All the many Venezuelans who are of need of Christ in their
lives.
- Church members who are currently unemployed.
- The mission team that hopes to come in June.
May God rain down blessings of yellow, orange and purple flowers
of hope upon you and yours.
The Clugy-Sotos
The 2003 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 264 |
