Guitar test [audio blog]
Click below to hear the latest audioblog about upcoming ministry. Includes prayer requests.
Ministry glimpses
CAM’s new vision statement
Looking to further define where we’re heading, our mission hammered out a vision statement which was recently approved by the CAM board.
Now everyone on our support team (those who pray for us, or give of their time or money, or encourage us, etc) are familiar with CAM’s mission statement from our Ministry Vision Brochure:
 |
And of course the motto of CAM Mexico, which is:
Change the Nation
Reach the World
These remain the same, and I think they say a lot about who CAM is and what CAM has been for the past 115 years. The vision statement is something different – a more specific view of the direction CAM is headed. Here it is:
Those of you who have seen our “target” presentation will already have an idea how our team in Mexico fits in to the big picture. In areas like Central Mexico and Spain, where there are very few believers, church planting must remain a priority. These are some of the less-reached areas of the world. But the end goal is not simply to make churches. Jesus told us to make disciples – and disciples by their very nature are reproducing.
The missions vision among Mexican Christians and Christians throughout Central America is growing. Multi-national teams are already being sent to reach those peoples who otherwise would never hear the Gospel in their lifetime. Our passion must extend beyond Mexico to other countries and peoples who need to be reached. Those at CAM, and other missions and churches around the world are working together to reach a common goal.
Considering our use of the target in our presentation, it’s interesting that the leadership at CAM chose an arrow to express our new vision statement. How cool is that? Here it is:
The diagram shows how God’s power (the bow string) is released through the help of the larger team – those who pray, who provide resources, and so on. The feathers on the arrow are those who support the actual disciple-makers (of course we’re all disciple makers, but some do this in a more direct way). These people may teach missionary kids or do administration or provide leadership. The shaft of the arrow shows all the things that are needed in Kingdom building, leading to that “reproduction” – sending out more missionaries who can reach those who don’t know the Lord.
This arrow would hit the centre of our target – that one individual or family that needs to know the truth. All of us who know the Lord are a part of it. The Spirit gives us the power and direction. May we let Him use us today!
Injury report [audio blog]
In this audioblog, a report on my injuries 😉 and an update on what I’ve been up to today. Includes prayer requests.
In stitches
Another party it over! Thanks to everyone who came and made it great for Nathanael, who is now officially 1. After two Saturdays of parties, one person asked,”So, what are you going to do next week?”
Now I can answer the question.
I’ll be getting my stitches out.
After humbling myself so much as to tell you how I hurt my foot last week, I’m not going to tell you what I did to my finger in the evening after Nathanael’s party. But suffice to say, it’s well cut, and I now have 6 stitches in it. Now, that being said, I really have a lot to be thankful for. First, it was cut in a “good” place, and did a lot less damage than it could have. Second, it’s my left hand, and I’m right-handed. Third, I was able to get the stitches fairly quickly – within about an hour and a half of the accident. Fourth, the pain hasn’t been too bad. Although I must say the pain of the needles meant to “freeze” my finger was really something. And believe it or not (skip to the next paragraph if you’re squeamish), the doctor pushed one of the needles through my finger and right out of my palm. I don’t think he even noticed. But that was quite the feeling!
So, tomorrow I have to go in to get the bandaging changed, and to make sure there’s no infection. And on Saturday the stitches come out.
Now, there is a concern you could pray about. We’re going to be involved in a lot of music in Glendon on the 29th. Two things that are somewhat difficult to do with one less finger include playing the guitar and the piano. So some quick healing is needed, or there’s going to be a new Cottrill a capella group!
Speaking of music, a song has been going through my head the last few days, I thought I’d share it with you. I updated and wrote music for a song originally written by Isaac Watts and Stopford (yes, Stopford) A Brooke. Here’s my version:
Let ev’ry trembling thought be gone!
Awake and run the heavenly race,
And put a cheerful courage on!
It is a rough and thorny road,
And mortal travellers tire and faint;
But they forget our mighty God
Who feeds the strength of ev’ry saint.
(Chorus)
Swift as an eagle cuts the air
We’ll mount aloft toward our home
On wings of love our souls will fly
Not tire until they reach Your throne
This mighty Lord, who’s matchless pow’r
Is ever new and ever young
And still it lasts, while endless years
Their everlasting circles run.
From You the everflowing spring
Our souls shall drink a fresh supply
While those who trust the strength of man
Shall melt away and droop and die.
(Chorus)
Swift as an eagle cuts the air
We’ll mount aloft toward our home
On wings of love our souls will fly
Not tire until they reach Your throne
Grandparent Week and afterwards
Last week was officially dubbed “Grandparent Week“. The reason you didn’t hear more about it was because it was only at our house. We had a great time with two sets of grandparents visiting, for a while both at the same time. One day we even threw in an uncle, aunt and cousin! Yes, it was a little chaotic at times, but pretty fun. I made up a quick video in memory of the event – visit our Photo Gallery to download it if you’re interested. No doubt in time I’ll throw up a few pictures of the big week.
Also last week I was told that no, I hadn’t completed my seminary course. There was a secret hidden assignment that I didn’t do! Well, now I’ve done it, and it doesn’t look like I’ll be penalized for my oversight. However, I’m still waiting to hear back from the school before I can order my next course, so I’m a little antsy about that.
We’re getting ready for two kids birthdays in the next 11 days, and also a trip north later this month. The Meximize Team has a meeting coming up too, so I’m trying to get things ready for that. And we’re trying to get details nailed down regarding our trip to Mexico in July – where we’ll be when and who we’re staying with and all that. The good news is that the tickets have been bought, to both Mexico and to Sudbury (for a training weekend). So things are coming together. You can visit our Yahoo! calendar for dates.
So there’s a little about what these missionaries are up to right now. We’re praying that we’ll be able to join our fellow Christians in Mexico this fall, to live in an area where the light of Christ is so desperately needed. Please join us in your prayer time!