Bethany Mexico Retreat 

For a variety of reasons, it had been 20 years since we have experienced a retreat for cross cultural workers in Bethany. Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, we and 20 other workers from "the Americas" were treated to 4 days at a luxury hotel in Cancun, Mexico and amazing fellowship with fellow cross-cultural workers and staff from Bethany headquarters. One of the staff asked us to text the number of years we had been 'on the field' and the total came out to 879. That is over 40 years each! So yes, we weren't  a bunch of spring chickens but we did have lots of stories to share as encouragement of what God had been doing in our lives and ministries. 

We had breakout sessions doing Discovery Bible studies together and also learned of Bethany's renewed passion and vision to reach the unreached. 

All in all, we came home very encouraged. Pray with us for the next season of life for these long-serving Christian workers. Some have been away from their passport countries for so long that they will end up retiring in their country of service. Others are not sure. We covet your prayers for wisdom for our brothers and sisters in ministry as they seek God's will in their "golden years".  

Praise Reports:

1. We asked for prayer for Heather's residency permit and it was granted! Thanks for praying.

2. We have received all of the funds we appealed for last month for Alberta's trip to Thailand in September as well as the funds needed to install air conditioning in our training room on our Bethany campus in Isabela. How cool is that! Thank you! 

Prayer Requests: 

1. We have mentioned our Filipina god-daughter - Melonie Fiesta Mills in previous updates. She came to the Lord in the church we started in a village in the Philippines. Melo married 4 years ago to Kenny Mills and we are sad to report that Kenny passed away March 7. Please pray for Melo and Kenny's extended family as they mourn his passing. 

2. Pray for our trip to the Philippines. There are always a lot of moving parts for us and for our partners in the Philippines. The war in the middle east has created new challenges for travelers. Pray for our preparations and for our visit to be meaningful for those whom we are desiring to serve. 

Serving Christ with You, Steve and Alberta