March 2008
NEVER BEFORE have we been two months late with our bi-monthly letter. My Mother, Marjorie
Ford, died Saturday, February 2, which took our focus elsewhere for several weeks before Czech Republic trip.
From a family friend: “I write tonight with a sad heart because of the news of your mother passing away. I have so many fond memories of this lovely lady who had such a beauty both inside and outside. I remember especially her soft spoken loving kindness, her wonderful spirit of community and cooperation, her delightful smile and happiness, and her ability to play the piano with amazing talent.... She was truly a wonderful child of God who showed her love for Him in all that she did and said. She leaves a special legacy of love and service. Even though I haven't had personal contact with her for many years, my memories remain fresh and vivid because she was a remarkable woman. May God be with all of you as you mourn her loss.”
“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord... will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Mom was a godly woman who loved and cared for people openly until the week of her death. Thank you Lord, for such a model of loving kindness, a servant heart, and a prayer-filled lifestyle . She was one of our most faithful prayer warriors for all these years. Every overseas trip, I would call her from the airport and she would pray me off to whatever country. Even to our last phone call, she would ask us about Stephen. She never lost sight of others, even with limited vision remaining in only one eye. Lord, may we continue her legacy of Kingdom faithfulness into the next generation
TODAY’s REMINDER: Even as Mom Ford modeled it, God gives us people to encourage, even partners who multiply His Kingdom purposes....
From Julie and her part in Juntos, a neighborhood outreach to at-risk kids ages 4-13 Every Wednesday night I pick up four young girls whose family relocated her from Liberia, west Africa. I continue to meet new extended family members, share about Jesus with the girls, explain things about our culture, and pray.
From a brother in an undisclosed location in central Asia
“Hello Paul, I wanted to let you know that the leadership group has now gone through most of the Discover you Ministry Identity material. And we have a four-woman ministry team using it in their village ministry work. The Russian copies have been a great resource tool. So, thanks again for providing us with multiple copies.”
In Doha, Qatar (Saudi Arabian peninsula)
A friend just trained 20 utilizing Your Leadership Grip. “I was impressed with their level of ownership of the event. Doing it on line worked very well, even has some advantages.”
From ministry partners Robert & Diana Clark in Manila, who trains Filipino nationals for world missions:
“200 Asians a year are using the Discovering Your Ministry Identity workbook in the Philippines. They use it in preparation for serving on ministry teams in both the Philippines and in other countries where they are going as missionaries. We designed a simpler version of the workbook to be contextualized for these many different cultures of Asians and is proving to be very useful. (She sent us a copy – great stuff!)
In March, at Lincoln Christian College and Seminary, Illinois, Paul will train:
• President of a Bible College from Tanzania, east Africa
• Church planter from Myanmar, east Asia (east of India).
This brother will be shocked to find a Burmese translation of Your Leadership Grip , done three years ago!!
NOTE: Report on Czech Republic trip just completed with co-trainer John Blake will come in next newsletter.
