Subject: Marine email update October 3, 2009
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.” Psalm 23: 1-3
During the first three weeks of September we were afforded the opportunity to take a “mini sabbatical”. Colleagues at EBM home office graciously agreed to take over our ministry responsibilities for us during that time. We did not check email or make phone calls. We stepped back from ministry. The first two weeks we were in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. We stayed at a Christian Retreat Center called Canaan Land. We were the only guests for the first week and a half. We slept (lots), took naps, read a book together, sat in front of the fire place, enjoyed extra time with each other and especially with God, read several books individually and reflected on God’s goodness and working in our lives. There was no TV and no schedules. We hiked to the top of the mountain and enjoyed breathtaking views of the Smokey Mountains. We hiked down into the valleys and sat at the foot of beautiful waterfalls. At the foot of one waterfall we picked up garnets in the sand. Our time at Canaan Land was a kin to the “green pastures and still waters” that David talks about in the 23rd Psalm. God began to restore our weary souls.
The third week of our “sabbatical” we spent with our son Lance and his family at Camp LeJeune, N.C. Lance was able to take the week off so it was even more special. They rented a beach house for a few days and we enjoyed relaxing at the sea side, cool ocean breezes and falling asleep to the sound of the waves. We celebrated Shelby Diane’s third birthday, walked five year old Alex to school each morning and even went back two different days to eat lunch with her. We also enjoyed happy little 9 month old Zack who acts like he may walk soon. It was fun to be Granddaddy and Grandma without other responsibilities.
Since leaving North Carolina and heading back to Florida we have been struggling with sickness. We have both had severe head/chest colds for two and half weeks now. We have been to the doctor (several times) and just can’t seem to kick it. On Thursday of this past week Chris noticed blood in his urine. He was also having severe lower back pain. This did happen during our time at Lance’s but cleared up and we had forgotten about it. So, back to the doctor on Friday. They ruled out a kidney infection. He will be having a test to see if he has kidney stones on Tuesday the 6th. Please pray for complete healing and renewed strength and energy for both of us.
Please continue to pray for the political situation in both Niger and Mali. There will be elections in Niger during the month of October. There are many who oppose the Presidents attempt to retain power. Pray for safety for our missionaries and the nationals living in Niger and for God’s will to be accomplished through this election. We are not yet ready to send any of our missionaries back into the Tombouctou, Mali region. Pray for wisdom in making those decisions.
We have a busy schedule coming up and ask that you pray for God to enable us with his strength and to use us for His glory.
October 10-14th- Missions conference Southside Baptist Church-Sebring, Fl
October 16-17th – Chris performs the marriage ceremony of our niece-St. Augustine, FL
October 21st – leave for Illinois and Indiana
October 25th – First Baptist Church, Silvis, Illinois
November 1st – Wawasee Baptist Church, Syracuse, Indiana
November 1st – Calvary Baptist Church, Valparaiso, Indiana
November 6-7-8th – Missions conference Evangel Baptist Church, Bradenton, Fl
November 9th and the 12th – Diane has two more suspicious moles removed surgically November 15th- Whispering Pines Baptist Church – Sebring, Fl
November 18th-19th – Maranatha Baptist Church, Sebring, Fl
Thank you for your faithful prayers and support on our behalf.
Resting in Him,
Chris & Diane
3327 Bristol St.
Sebring, Fl 33872
Cell: 863-273-1464
Chris & Diane Marine
Evangelical Baptist Mission
W. Africa Regional Coordinator
B.P. 11324
Niamey, Niger
Home & Office Ph: 227-20-75-46-27
See Marine Missionary Page
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