Happy Fall! – Pray with us as we seek to follow Jesus on his mission |
| Hi, friends, It’s been a while since you’ve heard from us. Part of the reason is busyness and part is procrastination, but a big factor is that these updates are very hard for us to write. So much of what happens in ministry develops out of deep and often very sensitive conversations with missionaries from around the region, with national partners, with friends in the community, and in the counseling room. We can’t really share these things, and yet it feels shallow to write newsletters without sharing the things that are most meaningful and closest to our hearts. This is not a good reason not to write, however, because there is a lot we can report on, and we definitely want and need your ongoing specific prayers. Here are some ministry updates since our last letter: We asked for prayer for the university student CUR (RUF) retreat that Steve preached in Bogotá. About 50 students attended, and around 8 of them were unbelievers, invited by friends. Steve preached from Colossians about being rooted in God’s incomprehensible love for us, and the response and discussion were very encouraging. At least 3-4 of the unbelieving students began attending small group Bible study after the retreat, and we trust and pray that the seeds of curiosity and faith will grow and produce fruit for the Kingdom.  We also asked for prayer for my Parakaleo training with church planting wives from all over Colombia. This time was amazing on so many levels, but the best part was the excellent leadership and teamwork among the Colombian leaders whom we have been training for several years. They did most of the teaching and coordinating, and it was so encouraging for me and for fellow missionary wives to be challenged and encouraged in the Gospel by our Colombian ministry partners. There were some significant relational tensions among the group of attendees (all leaders from different church groups) where the Spirit seemed to bring healing and reconciliation. Our new MTW team is on the ground in El Salvador, making contacts, learning culture, and excited about opportunities for ministry that the Lord is providing. Steve had a great visit in April (see sunrise photo above) to welcome the first missionaries and to spend time with others who were there to learn about the ministry. My counseling licensure process was approved, and I am now accruing hours with Latin American clients as an Associate Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia, where our mission has its headquarters! Steve has had multiple opportunities to preach and teach across the region, and also was able to participate in a sending conference at Westmont College in California with young people who are considering or seeking direction in vocational ministry.  But our most exciting update is a family one! Steve and I are now suegros (parents-in-law), as Mary Beth married Andrew Mares in Huntsville, AL, on September 9. There were so many challenges to planning a wedding internationally, and we are deeply grateful for all the ways God provided logistically, financially, and emotionally for a beautiful celebration, complete with meaningful participation from some of our dearest friends from church-planting days in Guadalajara, Mexico. We are so thankful for Andrew, his love for the Lord, and his love for Mary Beth. Thank you for your prayers for this event and for the newly married couple, and for the parents/in-laws who still have so much to learn about this stage of parenting. We also have some sad family news, in that this month we said goodbye to our faithful companion of many years, our Mexican golden retriever Maya. Her absence is a big change to our everyday life and affects each member of our family deeply. We are very grateful for God’s gift of Maya to us for years and ask for prayers as we all grieve the loss. Two of our friends in the neighborhood have recently experienced similar losses, so this event has provided an unexpected connection that we hope will continue to deepen. We are so thankful for you and for the opportunity to serve. Please continue to pray for us.  Some practical prayer needs: More missionaries: Jesus told us to pray to the Lord of the harvest that he would raise up more workers. We look around us and see so many opportunities for fruitful ministry – but the workers are few. Please pray that the Lord would add to our number. MTW Americas Area Retreat, October 3-8: This will be the first time in 5 years that all of the missionaries under Steve’s leadership have gathered in one place. Please pray for the Spirit’s work in and among us and for all that is needed for renewed vision and strength in our respective fields (115 missionaries in 15 countries). Visa Troubles: The new Colombian government has done away with the visa category that we are currently under, and in November we will have to start a new and complicated application process. One of our teammates has already been declined his visa renewal (he can try 2 more times). Please pray for wisdom, favor, and help in this situation. Global Leadership Conference in November. Steve will be presenting and interacting with ministry leaders from around the world regarding mission need and strategy. Please pray that God would use this time to glorify himself and help us participate better as an organization in His mission, with our partners in the global Church. Dependence on Christ. We need this every day.   Que Dios los bendiga abundantemente. With love, Steve & Amy steveamyrobertson.orgClick here to support the Robertsons financially.  If you wish to contribute by check, please note the following address:MTW P.O. Box 744165 Atlanta, GA 30374-4165 Please put ‘Robertson 16521’ in the memo field. Our best mailing address is: Steve & Amy Robertson 928 W. 7th St. Columbia, TN 38401 Steve (615) 916-7519 Amy (615) 916-7520 Copyright © 2023 Steve & Amy Robertson, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because of the interest you expressed in the work the Robertsons are doing with MTW.unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences |
Persevering – Visas, Training, Retreat, and a Wedding – September 2023
The Robertsons in Latin America 