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December 2020<\/p>\n
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We moved to Mexico one year ago, and what a year it has been! We knew it was going to be difficult. We knew there were going to be challenges along the way\u2026but what a year it has been. We\u2019ve often said that we picked quite a year to become missionaries!<\/p>\n
But as we reflect on the journey this year, we see and sense the goodness and nearness of God. We also sense the nearness of the body of Christ. Thank you for your love, care, support, prayer, notes and blessings. They have meant more than you know. You have encouraged and uplifted us. Thank you.<\/p>\n
On November 30, my dad, Duane Jay Clark, went to be with Jesus after a 2-year battle with cancer. I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend with him during the months of August and September. I got to go on several walks with him, enjoy hazelnut lattes, tinker in the garage, watch a few movies, go fishing, pray together, hear him tell stories and reminisce about life, family, church and dear friends growing up. I even got to hear his excitement for the future, Heaven included. I had the privilege of baptizing him. He said the Holy Spirit was convicting him to make a public declaration of the revival that was taking place in his heart as he was thinking about eternity. He said to me over and over that he was more in love with Jesus than he had ever been. The Lord\u2019s timing is perfect.<\/p>\n
My mom, Jane, is doing remarkably well. She was believing for dad\u2019s healing even until the last moment, but was also prepared for his passing. The Lord gave grace and continues to do so. I returned home to be with the family after Dad passed, and it was fun for Mom and the 4 kids to be together to celebrate and process dad\u2019s life. Mom is a remarkable woman who is one of the biggest givers on the planet, and who can start a conversation with anyone.<\/p>\n
So, needless to say the last month has once again been disrupted. Hannah and the kids and my father-in-law came and met up with me in Laredo, TX. We needed to nationalize our car by the end of the year. We got that done, which was a relief.<\/p>\n
We were also hoping to get religious residency visas. We went to the consulate at our appointed time slot to which they said, \u201cYour appointment is only for one person, sorry. Nothing we can do for you right now.\u201d\u00a0 Nothing was said about this when making the appointment or preparing all of the necessary materials. Very frustrating, but the Lord has purpose in it all. We may not see the big picture right now but we are trusting in the Lord\u2019s timing.<\/p>\n
On the trip home we ended up having more roadside adventures. We could do with less of those! Things did not go as we planned. Our car broke down in the city of Puebla. What is that saying\u2026 \u2018when life gives you lemons, make lemonade\u2019? We are believing and trusting the Lord that the car is not a lemon. With the various issues we\u2019ve had along the way, we have certainly wondered!<\/p>\n
We had to stay in Puebla for several days while we waited on a car diagnosis and fix during the week of Christmas. This didn\u2019t happen and we eventually rented a van to come home for Christmas.<\/p>\n
Instead of being bored in a hotel for days on end (although the kids loved the TV!), we chose to have a couple of adventures. We saw a volcano smoking at twilight while we walked the extensive sky walkways above the highways of Puebla. We visited a great number of churches built in the 15- and 1600s. We even got to see the pyramid with the largest base in the world!<\/p>\n
Again, even in the challenges, the Lord\u2019s hand was very evident along the way. Please pray with us for our car to be fixed and be a blessing for the people of Oaxaca. We will need to go in a week or two to pick it up and drive it the last 10 hours home.<\/p>\n
As usual here are some pictures of what recent weeks have been like for us. Enjoy!<\/p>\n
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Dad loved to read to kids, especially his own.<\/p>\n
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He felt just the same about grandkids.<\/p>\n
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Jane, my mom, with Andy, Becca, Jon, and me.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.2.2″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.2.2″][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/rocamission.com\/clarksformex\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/12\/5-ElMoscoChurch-scaled.jpg” title_text=”5-ElMoscoChurch” show_in_lightbox=”on” admin_label=”ElMoscoChurch” _builder_version=”4.7.7″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_blurb _builder_version=”4.7.7″ body_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n
A church in El Mosco, during a recent outreach.<\/p>\n
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The view of the Oaxacan mountains from Ixtayutla.<\/p>\n
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A pharmacy setup for the clinic outreach<\/p>\n
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Base staff minister to church members during services. These believers need encouragement and support! We’re glad to be part of the work here.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/rocamission.com\/clarksformex\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/12\/13-ChurchTileFacade-scaled.jpeg” title_text=”13-ChurchTileFacade” show_in_lightbox=”on” admin_label=”TileFacade” _builder_version=”4.7.7″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_blurb _builder_version=”4.7.7″ body_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n
The beautiful tile facade of one of the churches we visited near Puebla. Absolutely stunning, and the work of many years.<\/p>\n
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Pastor Carmela (center) pastors a church in Ixtayutla, a village not too far from here. Here we are getting her truck down the road to be worked on.<\/p>\n
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Steve, the Roca trade school director, takes a look at the truck. With the roads the way they are, vehicles need frequent repairs!<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/rocamission.com\/clarksformex\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/12\/8-ClinicSetup-scaled.jpg” title_text=”8-ClinicSetup” show_in_lightbox=”on” admin_label=”ClinicSetup” _builder_version=”4.7.7″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_blurb _builder_version=”4.7.7″ body_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n
This is a typical clinic outreach setup. Sheets are hung and clipped to create consult rooms, and a prayer room at the end where the Gospel is shared and patients are prayed for.<\/p>\n
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Patients wait in line for consults and care.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/rocamission.com\/clarksformex\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/12\/12-LaredoConsulate-scaled.jpeg” title_text=”12-LaredoConsulate” show_in_lightbox=”on” admin_label=”LaredoConsulate” _builder_version=”4.7.7″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_blurb _builder_version=”4.7.7″ body_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n
The consulate in Laredo! This picture was taken before our crushing disappointment. Ha!<\/p>\n
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The inside of the church is equally stunning, although very sad. The worship of Mary is evident throughout, with few images of Jesus. Mary is viewed as fair, kind, and comforting. Jesus is seen as harsh and unapproachable. Please pray with us that the truth of who Jesus is will break through to hungry hearts.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.2.2″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.2.2″][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/rocamission.com\/clarksformex\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/12\/15-ChurchPyramid-scaled.jpeg” title_text=”15-ChurchPyramid” show_in_lightbox=”on” admin_label=”Church on Hill” _builder_version=”4.7.7″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_blurb _builder_version=”4.7.7″ body_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n
Another church, this one built on top of the pyramid we visited. The pyramid has the largest base in the world and is the only one in a still-populated area.<\/p>\n
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Ruins toward the top of the pyramid. Human sacrifices are well documented here. It was strange and awe-inspiring to see the altars where human remains were found.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/rocamission.com\/clarksformex\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/12\/17-PyramidBase-scaled.jpeg” title_text=”17-PyramidBase” show_in_lightbox=”on” admin_label=”PyramidBase” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_blurb _builder_version=”4.7.7″ body_font_size=”16px” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n
This is the entrance to the pyramid. Despite it’s size this could be described as the little footstool of the grand pyramid.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.2.2″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.2.2″][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/rocamission.com\/clarksformex\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/12\/18-HannahTourGuide-scaled.jpeg” title_text=”18-HannahTourGuide” show_in_lightbox=”on” admin_label=”HannahTourGuide” _builder_version=”4.7.7″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_blurb _builder_version=”4.7.7″ body_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n
Hannah talks with a souvenir seller about the function of the church in society.<\/p>\n
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(video to the right) “Voladores”, or flyers, do this ritual for curious onlookers. Usually there are 5 spinners, but there were only 2 this day. They spin until they land on the ground. It’s an ancient practice of worship to the sun.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.2.2″][et_pb_video src=”http:\/\/rocamission.com\/clarksformex\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/12\/19-Voladores.mov” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.2.2″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.2.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.7.7″ text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off”]Some of you have asked if we need any extra financial support after these unexpected travel and car expenses. The short answer is yes! For those who are interested in giving, here is the support information<\/a>. It\u2019s a great time to give if you\u2019re interested in tax deductible donations before the end of the year. If you give online through December 31st, or if the P.O. date-stamps a donation by December 31st, the donation will count for 2020 tax reporting. Of course anything that comes in in January is also appreciated!<\/p>\n We pray that you will be blessed with the great abundance, love, joy and peace that comes from knowing Christ. May he lift you up, comfort you, and may you know the nearness of His presence. May unexpected challenges pale in comparison to the thrill of knowing Jesus and making him known.<\/p>\n We love and appreciate you. Happy New Year!! He is waiting for us in 2021.<\/p>\n Blessings,<\/p>\n Ben, Hannah and kids December 2020 We moved to Mexico one year ago, and what a year it has been! We knew it was going to be difficult. We knew there were going to be challenges along the way\u2026but what a year it has been. We\u2019ve often said that we picked quite a year to become missionaries! But as […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":790,"parent":62,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-774","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rocamission.com\/clarksformex\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/774","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rocamission.com\/clarksformex\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rocamission.com\/clarksformex\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rocamission.com\/clarksformex\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rocamission.com\/clarksformex\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=774"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/rocamission.com\/clarksformex\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/774\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":843,"href":"https:\/\/rocamission.com\/clarksformex\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/774\/revisions\/843"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rocamission.com\/clarksformex\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/62"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rocamission.com\/clarksformex\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/790"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rocamission.com\/clarksformex\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=774"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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