Hola! We are blessed to be able to bring this report to you, our brothers and sisters in Christ.
We have shared the vision of church planting, with TEAM in Mexico, at many churches, both in the La Crete area and in Calgary. We have received encouragement and continue to feel God’s hand upon us as we obey His calling. We have 3 other local churches that have invited us to share in the next month. Please keep us in prayer as we share this coming month.
Language learning is going to be our first priority when we are in Mexico, and we are also taking steps to learn now. Karlene has registered in a 3 week course that assists in learning a second language. Anthony is up to Level 2 in Rosetta Stone, of 5 levels, and continuing to progress by practicing at least every other day. When “skyping” with a native speaker, he realized that speaking without a script is much harder than learning from Rosetta Stone. We ask for prayer as we learn a new language.
We are planning to attend Phase 4, our last training with TEAM, on July 20-28th. If you are planning to support us, please don’t wait until our departure date, but start before June 1st if you are able. A note to us indicating you’re partnering with us is very appreciated so that we know where we are at in this process. See our pamphlet for instructions on how to give. Pray that the support will come in according to God’s schedule.
We are humbled to receive support from others. We don’t take this lightly. There have been questions raised as to the amount of support needed. We don’t know what our needs will be when we are on the field, other than to take the advice of those who have gone before us. The budget we shared in our pamphlet is developed by TEAM using the experiences of those serving already. The total amount per month was over $6700. This amount was broken into categories that allocate about $3300 for our family living expenses, plus a housing allowance of $700. Guadalajara is a city of business and the fastest growing economy in North America according to what I read on a website recently. The cost of living is not less, but more than here. This surprised us too. The other money needed, $2700, is for health insurance, TEAM home office operations, retirement and education savings, travel for home leave, and ministry in Mexico. So the actual amount that goes to us for living expenses is $4000. Of this, we are expected to pay for the schooling of our children, save for vehicle replacement, maintenance, emergencies, computer replacement, etc. We are not allowed to ask for special project money from our supporters for items that are regularly replaced, even if they are large items. So the $4000 is the total amount to support us personally. I hope that this helps to answer any questions you may have. We are trying to live out 2 Cor. 8:20 in this process. “We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.”
In Luke 8:1-3, we read of Jesus going from town to town, proclaiming the good news. Others traveled with Him, and some of these were supporting the team. We are humbly asking you to be a part of our team to proclaim the good news in Mexico. As Jesus was supported by others, we realize we are undeserving, yet by His grace, we go in His name. Please pray about how God might have you partner with us.
We trust the following is true for us all. “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Phil. 4:19-20
In Christ,
Anthony, Karlene, Josiah and Keyana Thiessen
Missionaries in Mexico with
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