In February, I got a question from Elba Gonzalez, wife of Cesar Gonzalez, our ministry partner in Guatemala. Nola and I were about to fly home, and we were talking about Cesar and Elba’s upcoming month-long visit with us in March.
“Esteban,” Elba began. “You know that I don’t like cold weather. So what’s it going to be like when we come to the states?”
“It’s going to be warm,” I reassured. “We will be enjoying spring-like weather!”
When they arrived here in Kansas City, we had snow on the ground and frigid temperatures. “You lied to me!” Elba accused, pointing her finger at me.
It got worse. Two days later, we drove through a snow storm in Norfolk, Nebraska, and the next morning it was -10 F and like an ice skating rink on most sidewalks!
Cesar and Elba posed for a wintry picture outside of Rex and Deb Kelley’s home.
A few days later while staying at Rex and Deb Kelley’s house near Ord, Nebraska, Elba reached out with an olive branch of sorts.
“Esteban,” Elba said while looking out a big picturesque window overlooking the Le Loup river that runs behind the Kelley’s home, “it’s okay that you lied to me. This has been really amazing to see all this!”
Truthfully, I have to agree with Elba. The week we spent in Nebraska was special. It was really cold, but the people we spent time with were so warm and hospitable to us.
David Martinez (in white shirt), expressed his gratitude after the service on Sunday, March 10th, when his Norfolk congregation (the Hispanic group of Northern Heights Baptist) surprised him with a spontaneous birthday party and pot luck. Note the week after we left, severe flooding took place in Norfolk, and David and many in his congregation holed up in the church one night due to rising waters. As of this writing, all are well. (See pic in prayer section.)
Cesar spoke to David Martinez’ Bible Institute group in Norfolk, Nebraska, about the Play. Story. Eat. process.
We also visited the Evangelical Free Church in Ord and ended the Nebraska trip spending a few days with our friends at Burwell Baptist.
Elba showed some girls at the AWANA “Taste of Guatemala” night in Burwell, Nebraska, how to make tortillas.
The team jumped rope at Burwell Baptist Church Awana program.
“The Wagon Train” at Burwell Baptist Church PSE Training Camp was a great experience! It’s a group exercise that allows everyone to share and pray for every other person present in one-on-one huddles.
Floods in Nebraska
A couple of days after we got back to Kansas City, major flooding hit many places all over Nebraska. Many roads have been impassable. Our friends are telling us that the needs are going to be great in the coming days.
This is downtown Norfolk on March 15th.
Folks set up sleeping spaces in the Northern Heights Baptist Church in Norfolk, Nebraska.
10:02 PRAYER
Please pray for our friends in Nebraska dealing with the floods. Pray for us as we visit our PSE friends in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas in the next couple of weeks. Below is our schedule of places we will be heading toward in the next few days.
ENGAGE
If you are in any of those areas listed below, contact us so we might be able to see you!
INVEST
Your giving is vital during these days of traveling and training. Thanks for partnering with us!
CLICK HERE FOR THE EASY BUTTON TO INVEST.
Love y’all!
Steve
PS…Here is our upcoming schedule…
Saturday, March 23…Open Range Fellowship—Lone Jack, MO
Sunday, March 24…Cross Creek Baptist—Oak Grove, MO
Wednesday and Thursday, March 27-28…Avilla Baptist—near Carthage, MO
Friday to Sunday, March 29-31…First Baptist Muldrow—Muldrow, OK
Monday and Tuesday, April 1-2…Trail Ride Magazine editor, Elliot Johnson’s house—Piedmont, OK
Wednesday, April 3…First Baptist Benbrook—Benbrook, TX
Sunday, April 7…Top Hand Cowboy Church—Valley Mills, TX