We have returned from the conference in Fortin de las Flores.  There’s one thing I was thinking of commenting on last year, but I don’t think I did.  At conference I have been amazed at the many unique ways that people help those who are working cross culturally.  Here are some of the ways people have helped through the yearly conference…

• A free Christmas CD from your church music group - we got one from Irving Bible Church last year; a nice encouragement for the Christmas season
• For years a group came down just to do repairs on missionaries’ cars (not anymore)
• This year a professional calligrapher made tiny books with encouraging verses for everyone.
• Some people came to the conference to care for children and youth and teach them from the Word.  Many of these people also brought their families, to expose them to Mexico, and introduce them to those who have experience serving here.
• Every year a doctor comes, volunteering his time to help those with medical needs (yep, we talked to him!)
• Somebody donated some little door prizes (like trail mix, screwdrivers, candles…).  They were used as incentives to get people to the sessions on time (this is Mexico, after all)
• Every year someone gives their time to speak at the sessions, sharing insight from God’s Word (this year Dr. Roger Peugh, co-author of Transformed In His Presence: The Need For Prayer In Counseling)
• A couple who were psychiatric nurses (hmmm… I think I have that profession right!) came to do some sessions on emotional health, how medications impact emotions, etc.
• A group came to lead in songs of worship
• Every year there’s a table of "giveaways".  Many of these are from other missionaries.  There are books, recordings, magazines - even clothes, medicine and other odds and ends.  One person who came to the conference found his specific heart medication.  We found some music for the kids.
• This year Ediciones Las Américas had Spanish materials for sale at a discount
• We all got a Christmas tree ornament

And that’s not all!  It’s amazing how many people were really involved in this conference.  Some of these things are small, and some big.  Some involved coming down, some involved sending a little gift.  But these things are a real encouragement, even if it just lets people know that they’re being thought of.

I’m not mentioning this so that YOU can do more for US at conference next year - though you’re welcome!  We were abundantly blessed.  But whoever you want to encourage, there are many many ways to be involved.  If you have an idea, contact a missionary you know, and have a talk!

I believe this is Orizaba,
the third highest mountain in North America,
as seen from our hotel.

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