August 2010 (2)

Greetings from Armenia!  We’d like to ask you to partner with us in prayer.  We arrived back here just over a week ago and since then we have sensed the enemy trying to discourage us and make us weary before we even start ministry this fall.

Our first day back our water was cut for 4 days (in 40C heat every day) until we could manage to dig 160 meters from main supply to bring a new pipe. Since then we have struggled with health problems, a lost suit case, coming back to a moldy office, and household items needing repair, difficultly getting adequate sleep, etc. Every day has presented a new obstacle. Even our staff have faced difficulties with costly car problems and other malfunctions.  Our administrator, Karen, noted tonight that ever since we arrived back there has been an ongoing struggle.  It has been extremely tough to focus on the primary tasks of ministry preparation that will be launched this September.

Life on the mission field is not always easy, but we sense more of an attack than usual.  There are many great opportunities ahead of us (and more doors are opening), so we think the enemy is trying to thwart those plans.

Please pray for the following:
* For a breakthrough in our personal lives and that we can get through the next few weeks without further distractions that rob time, energy and focus.
* For Mark as he has had some inflammation and infection that has sidelined him for a number of days – pray for a full recovery.
* For Alyssa’s homeschooling and Maddy’s pre-school as they start on Wednesday.
* For Kim to have grace for each day an each challenge that she faces.
* That the Lord will open the door for the opportunities that are at hand and that much fruit will result.
* That the enemy’s attacks would be turned back and the Lord’s favour would rest upon our family, ministry and the nation of Armenia.

Thank you for partnering with us in prayer so that there is a spiritual breakthrough.

 

August 2010

Caleb’s Arrival

“When is he going to come?” That’s what everyone was asking as week 39 approached, then week 40, then week 41. Finally, 10 days overdue, the contractions began – as we were driving to the hospital for the inducement! Five hours later, Caleb Mark Steinfield arrived, with a full head of hair and strong lungs! He is now 10 weeks old and has stolen everyone’s heart with his huge grin. We are so thankful that the Lord has blessed us with another precious child!

Mark’s Studies

Studies, studies, and more studies! Papers, papers, and more papers! Mark has been working on his master’s degree for the past 3 years, and completed his final course last March. He is now working on his thesis which includes plenty of reading, research, library visits, and writing. When Mark finally finishes his thesis, you can discover what (or whom) the book of Revelation is really about…

Edmonton in the Spring

When someone mentions Edmonton, we usually think of snow! And so it was (in May!) just a few days before we arrived. Thankfully, the snow melted in time for PAOC General Conference. The 3 days were filled with meetings, plenary sessions, worship, and fellowship. It was a great way to reconnect with colleagues, pastors, and friends!

Along with seeing people at General Conference, we have also been able to visit many of you in your churches, homes, and if nothing else, at a favourite restaurant! Thank you for the privilege of being called friends and partners with you!

Gearing up for the Fall

Yes, we are ready and eager to return to Armenia. We are anticipating a busy fall. Yerevan Bible College will begin a new year and take further steps forward. Kim is strategizing for family life ministries at Yerevan International Church; and we are planning to homeschool Alyssa for grade 1!

Prayer Requests

• Pray for safe travels as we go back to Armenia on August 16.

• Pray for grace and patience as we adjust to being a family of 5.

• Pray for wisdom and anointing as we re-enter Armenia and prepare for intense ministry.

• Pray for the students at the Bible College that they will come with receptive minds and hearts, ready to grow as the Lord leads them.