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McConnell’s Marvellous Moustache (notes on history)

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McConnell's Marvellous MoustacheIf you receive our newsletter by snail mail, you’ll see the face of someone on the envelope – someone with a simply marvellous moustache. Yes, it’s McConnell’s Marvellous Moustache.

It was 1891. Canada was only 24 years old. A new student movement, with its roots in the Haystack Prayer Meeting, was just taking off, with 6200 new volunteers for missions in just that year. Dr. David Livingstone had died in Africa only 18 years earlier, and James Hudson Taylor (who actually influenced the founding of Camino Global) was expanding the China Inland Mission.

A new mission had been formed just the year before, with a goal to reach Central America with the Gospel – the Central America Mission (now known as Camino Global).

The man with the moustache was William McConnell. He was from – and of course, it starts with an M too – Minnesota!

William travelled ahead to Costa Rica, with his wife Minnie and three young boys arriving later. The McConnells were Camino Global’s very first missionaries.

You can actually read a report from William online. It’s from the very next year, when the McConnells were still exploring a new mission field. Check out: My Visit to Talamanca and the Indians

Guatemala and Cross-Cultural Meetings

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Antigua GuatemalaI’m in Antigua, Guatemala, for some meetings with Camino Global leadership from around the world. So far we’ve been doing a lot of singing and praying. We’ll be here until Monday when I actually go home. 🙂

Once again, I wasn’t thinking about it, and wasn’t expecting it. My main thought before coming was that I should keep quiet and try to learn something while I was here. 🙂

So I have been listening carefully, and once again I’m struck by something.

Although we have people here from various cultures, the dominant culture is still American (USA). And I’m struck again by just how differently people from other cultures (such as the USA) think.

I will go through an entire session, and think I know what we’re talking about, and then realize that it’s something just a little different (or maybe even a lot different).

I do have the company of Keith and Ruth Ann from Canada – and several others who are not from the USA. But of course I’m enjoying the time with everyone – and trying to be quiet and learn something from any American – or Colombian – or Guatemalan – or whatever. And what better place than in Guatemala – a land of so many different cultures?

I think one reason why the Church is made up of so many different cultures is so that we can learn to see things a different way, get out of our ruts, and ultimately see more of the character of God – that we would not see otherwise.

But let’s face it – I still have a lot to learn about – and from – my friends – brothers and sisters – from the USA.

What the Camino Team Leaders WISH they were doing in Guatemala.

Guatemala

Yes, we are home!

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Mexican road sideAlthough I announced it on Facebook and Twitter, I didn’t actually mention it before here at Finding direction. But yes, we are home!

Our seven days of driving went mostly without incident. I have to admit we did have an engine light come on – apparently due to a problem with our gas level gauge. The cost of repair that I was quoted was incredibly high, so we haven’t fixed it yet. But we should deal with that one day soon – otherwise we’ll run out of gas with no warning!

In the end, we are amazingly thankful to God for a safe return – having accomplished what we needed to accomplish, with medical issues, paperwork, and of course – a (mostly) working van!

So now we’re unpacking – and trying to control the armies of ants that took over our house while we were gone.

In two days I’ll be on my way to meetings with Camino Global leadership in Guatemala. We would certainly appreciate your prayers as we discuss many critical issues. Also pray for Shari as she starts school with Hannah and Nathanael while I’m away.

Then as soon as I get back, community centre classes will begin! I’ve got an English class (my first time teaching one!) and a Bible study that I need to prepare for. Maybe on the plane?

Thanks again to those who prayed – and also helped in so many ways – before, during and after our road trip. God is good!

The Last Few Weeks (!)

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Camino Global shirts!

It’s been a crazy few weeks – but good crazy!

wheelchair and shoelaces
Bible and Wheelchair Presentation, New Shoelaces!

In a nutshell the community was served, new contacts were made, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ was preached – exciting!

Most of our activities centred around the neighbourhoods of Jesús María and Las Palmas. There were soccer tournaments and sports camps. Craft classes and English classes. Apple pies and roasted cactus. Wheelchairs and shoe laces. Tiling and painting. Verse memorizing and song learning. Going for wings and stopping for tacos. The seniors’ shelter and the rehab centre. Services and Sunday Schools.

Shari and some kids
Shari handing out a snack

Making apple pie
Making apple pie
We’re thankful for everyone who was a part of it – both the local believers and those here for a few days, weeks, or months.

Sports Camps!I hope some of those who came to help will come back again!

Please pray for those who heard the Gospel – that they would come to Christ and that His Spirit would do amazing things in their lives. Please pray that the momentum would continue as we head into the fall.

Community centre classes will start up again in September, and there is already a considerable amount of interest. Please pray that the Lord would bring many of these people back to hear His Word. We’re excited about what God may do in the future!

Let’s keep asking God that He would be glorified!

Hebrews 4:16

Aaron has been found!

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Thanks so much for your prayers! Aaron has been found! He is alive and well.

God is good.

A little more information: Aaron took the kayak from Raotan Island, off the north coast of Honduras. He stayed with his kayak, and was found about 29km NNW of Utila Island. It had been about 15 hours. What a journey!

Urgent Prayer Request: Honduras

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Please pray for Camino missionaries Mark and Michelle Fittz and their family today. Mark’s sister and her family were visiting from Texas. Mark’s nephew, Aaron, went out on a kayak in the Caribbean Sea last night around 6pm and has not returned.

The search had to be called off last night, but is resuming this morning. The search will now be extending to Belize as well.

This from Aaron’s Dad, Daniel:

Please continue to pray for Aaron to say afloat on the kaiak, him to have peace as he remains lost on a huge sea at night, for Mary Beth and the kids. Also that The Holy Spirit with guide the rescue effort straight to Aaron’s location. I am eternally grateful for the prayers and the outpouring of love and support from both those who know us well and those we have never met. May God richly bless you. Hug your kids.

Update: Aaron has been found!

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