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 learned of Bethany's ongoing 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 asked for $800 in donations to help with air-conditioning for the training room in Bethany Isabela in advance of our meetings in April. The full amount has come in. Thank you. 

Prayer Requests: 

1. We have mentioned our Filipina god-daughter - Melonie Fiesta Mills in previous updates. She came to the Lord in 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. Pray that preparation and our visit is meaningful for those whom we are desiring to serve. 

3. We have received part of the funds we need for Alberta's trip to Thailand in September. There is $1200 left on our goal if anyone would like to have a part in that.

Serving Christ with You, Steve and Alberta