4 Servant Leaders

There were two events at our recent fellowship conference that I want to tell you about, because they involved some people that have a big part in our lives.

First, we all said goodbye to Toby and Marilyn Casteel.  Toby and Marilyn just recently moved to the USA (they’re Americans) after spending 8 years serving (and I emphasize serving) in Mexico.

I haven’t written much about the Casteels leaving here because it all happened very fast, and during a time which was busy for us.  It was the end of August when they let us know that they would be leaving.  Toby’s health was the main reason, though of course we trust God’s greater plan in it all.

Recently I wrote an email to them – one I haven’t yet sent.  We have a million things we want to say, but we’re not sure how to say them.

Let me just say two things here.  First, many many believers in Mexico will miss the Casteels.  They served missionaries in many ways – hospitality, counsel, experience in business, spiritual leadership.  They led a key ministry called Mexscape, where they used their wisdom and creativity to rejuvenate many marriages.  Counselling married couples was a special gift.

But we have to say – though we really can’t – how much the Casteels mean to us personally.  They started as our supervisors in Cuernavaca, and have been friends, leaders, and counsellors in our lives too.  Their input into our lives would go on and on if we had to say goodbye for good – but of course it goes without saying that we intend to stay in touch and hope to see them again soon!

The time of goodbye was filled with so many others saying thanks – I could write on and on, but I’d better stop there.  There is a photo and a video of the Casteels from this time.

Also honoured at the conference were Rod and Mayra Fry.  Each year, a missionary or missionary couple are honoured for their servanthood both where they are and to the field as a whole.  The Frys have served in many ways – various churches, leadership roles, bringing short term people to the field.  But one thing that was especially mentioned was their hospitality.  It would be hard to find anyone that has as many people going through their home as the the Frys!

We’ve known Rod and Mayra a little for 15 years now, and are enjoying getting to know them better.  From what we know, they were a great choice for the award.  As with the Casteels, the Frys have already have an impact in our lives, and we hope we can learn how to serve just a bit as they do.

See some photos of this event here at Judy Stewart’s blog.

Thanks to all of you for your example!  It’s obvious God is working in your lives and using you for His glory!  🙂