Living on Borrowed Time

The longer the nation is shutdown, the more I forget what day it is. Time has moved by quickly since I last posted. Much is happening in our world and nation which tells me that Jesus is coming soon. I recently learned that Israel has been performing what they call mock Passover sacrifices for nine years in Jerusalem. This year, they requested to perform the ceremony on the Temple Mount. I had been told they received the permission and held the ceremony, but after much searching on the web, I could not find an indication  that they had completed the ceremony. God is allowing man and nature to push the world towards the return of Jesus, the rapture of the Christians, and the tribulation of the world. I truly believe Jesus could come in my time.

Our church and many churches have tried to follow the precautions for the coronavirus, but churches across the nation are finally realizing that politicians are using the virus to achieve evil against Christians and against America. Small business owners and other workers who have been out of work are also fed up with the lies and deceit being used to keep control of people. After two churches in Mississippi stood up for being allowed to have services, had the fines, which the mayor had imposed on all of them, dropped, Michigan marched in their capitol. Over the next few days other churches and states began marching, and this past Monday, we along with many pastors and business owners marched in our state capitol. If you were to believe the news reports, they say we only had 200 people, but that would be the minimum  which stood on the street. There were hundreds of cars with at least two people, and most with whole families in them as well as a few large vans with 8-10 people in them. These cars created a motorcade which circled the governors house. The very least amount of people that could have been present was 400, but I would guess there was quite a few more than that. My prayer for the effects of these marches across the nation is that they will encourage all Americans to stand up to protect our freedom which has been stripped away over night, and that Christians will wake up and realize that we have a very limited window of time in which to reach people with the Gospel. If we lose our freedom to practice religion as we believe, it will hamper us in getting the Gospel out.

My dad found a way for us to have small groups in our church services, and we had the first two on Sunday. We may have to do  small groups again this week, but hopefully the governor will get the message that our state needs to reopen, and we will be able to quickly get back to normal. Throughout all of this closure, my dad has encouraged those who are older, immunocompromised... to stay home to protect themselves from getting sick.

I have been helping dad with video services. We are not quite ready for livestream due to some sound issues we have been trying to work out. I am learning a lot about how to trim, merge, and split videos as well as a lot about sound systems. Please pray that we can get everything worked out so our members, who can't be with us even in normal times, can enjoy the services.

Please pray for Pastor Martinez, his family, and their ministry in Puerto Rico.  The school parents were already struggling to pay school bills due to the island being closed after the earthquakes we had in January. Now with this lengthy closure which began in the middle of March, they are struggling again. The government has asked private schools to give a discount,  so please pray that God will provide the means to meet all the needs of the ministry.

Please pray for the children#should home in Nepal where I helped a couple years ago. They are still in the midst of their building project for a larger school and dormitory building. They have been OK during the shutdown as far as health, and put I  their own well in order to provide water for the home.

I still have my plane ticket booked to England for late June. Please pray that the world will settle down by then so that I can travel without any problems.

Please pray for my sister Joy who is due in June. Pray for my family to stay well. Pray for our church as we move forward that the visitors who were coming before all this happened will return, and that our members will be faithful.

Jesus is coming soon!

The signs of the times are becoming more and more evident: more earthquakes in various places. multitudes hearing the Gospel via internet, illnesses of all kinds, extreme measures being taken in the name of health which I thought would take a military coup to produce. I truly believe Jesus could come in my lifetime.

Due to the Corona virus, the lock downs, limited travel... Pastor Martinez felt it would be wise for me to leave Puerto Rico earlier than planned. I had asked God to show me whether I should stay to finish out the school year, and He did so by having school close for two more weeks, and now for the month of April. I returned home last Sunday night.

So far the rainy, cold weather has kept me mostly indoors, but I was able to go shopping for the first time in two weeks on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday, we had our last church service for two weeks. At the end of those two weeks, my dad will see how the land lies. Hopefully, the governor will allow churches to meet within the guidelines of the limited numbers without an issue, but if not, my dad plans to petition to open as he feels church is a necessity for people in times of trial. please pray that God allows the church doors to be open.

My plane ticket to England is still reserved for mid-June. Please pray that the doors for travel abroad will be open by then. Please pray also that God continues to keep me healthy. In all the places I have traveled, I have never been extremely sick just simple colds due to weather changes. I take high doses of vitamin C especially when teaching school, so I believe that is what helps keep me healthy along with the prayers of my supporters, friends and family.

Please pray for several missionaries who are dealing with different issues with this virus. I know of two in Thailand who have it, also a preacher from Texas. One of my friends in Brazil lost a cousin to it. A pastor's wife in Guatemala has cancer and isn't doing well. Due to the virus, they sent her home from the hospital. Missionaries and the people of Venezuela have already been through a lot with the political and economic situation, and now the virus and low oil prices have caused them more economic problems. According to the news, the Philippines is taking drastic measures which you would find in a communist land instead of a free one.  Please pray for all the missionaries around the world for health and finances as I am sure support will suffer due to churches being closed. Many people do not understand that the tithes and offerings are still needed even if the building isn't open.

Please pray for my finances as well. Two different situations have occurred which could be a hindrance later. Please pray that God will continue to supply for me to help get the Gospel around the world. Even with these two situations, I have had someone decide to support me as a family, and two older ladies have provided small gifts even though they are on fixed incomes. It amazes me how God continues to use even the smallest gifts to show me that He wants me to continue as I have for  the last 5 years.

My last prayer is for our nation. I never thought that the American people would allow fear to bring them to the point we are at today. Although martial law has not officially been declared, that is basically what we are living under. The Constitution is being trampled in the name of health. I do not deny there is an illness, nor do I deny that people are dying, but I know from friends who work in the medical world, family who have been through the virus and recovered, and reading from doctors and nurses who believe in telling the truth, that those who hate our nation are using it to bring our nation closer to a socialistic, communistic ideal. We have seen our nation go from some of its greatest economic highs to a very low low. We have seen the lowest unemployment rates in years suddenly be very high due to the closure of businesses. We have seen our congress give themselves a 25 million dollar raise while barely giving the people who pay their salaries a minimum wage check, and in most places less than minimum wage. While many say this is to protect us from illness, spreading illness... They do not realize the impact it will have in the future. The door has been opened, and I fear it will always be slightly ajar, and much easier to open the next time we have people, who hate what America was built on, in office. I am praying for a few more years to continue to get the Gospel across America and around the world. Time is getting short. Perhaps God will not answer this prayer as I would like. Perhaps He is ready to allow persecution in America so that Christians will hurry to get the Gospel out, but I pray that He will give us more time. I also pray that Christians and Americans will wake up and realize that our freedom of religion, pursuit of happiness, and even life are very near to being taken away.

Revival begins with God's people. I am in need of a revival. Our churches are in need of revival, and America is in need of revival. May we all pray for it. I pray it does not come out of persecution, but out of thankful hearts because we are given more time.

Cabin Fever!

Here in Puerto Rico we have been on lock down since Monday. They are allowing only one person per family in a vehicle, and they have to have a good reason to be out. My cousin's barbershop has been closed by Ohio's governor. Churches are being told no more than 10 people while stores have lines of way more than 10. None of this makes sense. I can only say that I'm glad God is in control, because if all this were just left to man, I think we'd all be in a terrible state.

I am not fearful of being sick. What causes me alarm is how easy it has been for the government to take full control of our daily lives without even enacting martial law, which I hope does not happen. I am alarmed to think that forced testing and vaccines may be the next step. My prayer is that we have a few more years of freedom as we know it in America. I truly believe this is a warning from God to Americans and to the world. Time is getting short., I believe Jesus could come in my lifetime. While I would be glad to leave this messed up world, there are still so many who do not know Christ.

So far I have remained relatively healthy even with many of my kids having been sick in January and February. Please pray that God continues to give me good health so that I can continue to serve Him and people around the world. Please also pray that my flight home in May and my flight to England in June will not have any issues.

I have many friends and relatives who have been effected financially by the closures of business. Please pray that this illness will end, and life can get back to normal. Pray also for those who are ill.
Pray for churches as they minister to those who will come seeking help and answers.

Please pray for some serious unspoken requests. Also, please pray that the ban is lifted for travel around the island so I can get out of the house. :-)

About to enter the 4th Quarter

Another month gone as well as the third quarter of school. I'm just about two months from finishing the year here in Puerto Rico, and it seems like I just arrived. My students are working on a special parent appreciation day, and while we will show of some of the things they learned, we also have some skits planned. I'm looking forward to watching these kids use some of their hidden talents. One of my students can do a pretty good impression of President Trump, so I may have to post the video when He does his performance.

This past weekend, I was able to spend time with my aunt, uncle, cousin and her family. My cousin and I are like sisters, and I hadn't seen her in about four years. I also met her twin boys for the first time. These boys are miracles for whom we prayed for seven years. They are now two years old. This was my first real break since returning from Christmas, and it was a much needed one.

Crunch time is coming. With tax preparation, yearbook, grades, and end of the year planning, my plate is very full. On top of that, I am finalizing my plans for England and Europe. please pray as I make travel decisions. Also pray for more open doors to other countries. As of right now, I will be in two places in Romania, and one place in Poland. With all the illness and wars happening in the world, please pray that I stay healthy and safe.

Please continue to pray for the reconstruction. There will be another meeting in June to hopefully have a final decision about the continuation of the building. Right now, we need to raise the money to put on the roof to protect the completed portion against the elements. The cost is about $7,000.

I have some unspoken requests which need to be answered soon.

Thanks for the prayers, and for those who support me financially. God continues to bless as you pray and give and I go.

How fast a month can go.

I cannot believe it has been a month since I last blogged. I apologize for not keeping you up to date. Since returning from Christmas break, All but two of my students have been very sick either with flu or walking pneumonia or both. So far, I have been spared from any illness. Please pray that continues to be the case.

Earthquakes continue to shake the island; although most are 2-3 on the Richter scale, there have been a few between 4 and 5. Those quakes I can feel a little. Many public schools even in our area remained closed throughout January and the first part of February due to safety concerns. Our building were inspected in January and cleared as being safe. We began having mini earthquake drills in our classrooms, and last week, we had the emergency management come out and do a practice which including walking to a safe area down the road. The students did well in behavior as wells as in having a sense of urgency which impressed the officials. We pray we never have to utilize what we have learned and practiced in a real setting, but at least we know that we are as prepared as we can be.

Along with sick students, many of our church members suffered with the flu. Even with the number of regular attenders who were out, we ran 40-50. When everyone is well, we run 50-60. We have had several new visitors over the last month.

I now have my plane ticket to go home as well as my plane ticket to go to England. I also have a mid-July date set to be in Poland, and will be working on Romania as soon as I finalize my travel details to Poland. God is continuing to open doors and provide funds. Please pray that He will give me wisdom me as I continue to follow Him.

Yesterday was Valentine's Day. Many singles are unhappy on this day, but I had a very fun day with my students and the teens. My students had a water fight as part of their class party, and last night I held a game night for the teens. I plan to have at least two more teen get-togethers, so please pray God can use these times to encourage the teens and allow them to become closer to God and each other.

Earthquakes in Divers Places

I arrived back in Puerto Rico, Monday, Jan. 6. I was exhausted due to illness and traveling. I took something to help me sleep. I remember waking up in the middle of the night, but I didn't know what woke me. When I awoke the next morning, the pastor told me we had an earthquake. Puerto Rico has had

• 37 earthquakes in the past 24 hours-Most of these have been between 2-3 magnitude, and many have been over 4- 5 with a few above 5.
• 488 earthquakes in the past 7 days
• 1,778 earthquakes in the past 30 day
• You can track the quakes using Puerto Rico earthquake tracker online.

I can feel the tremors when the quakes are at 3.5, and the ones over 4 can give a pretty good shake. Our area so far has been safe, and school reopened this week, but the west side of the island needs prayers. Many people are living in tents due to fear that their houses may collapse. Schools, hospitals, churches have been damaged as well. We have also had a lot of rain, so I am sure living conditions are even more miserable in the tents. Please continue to pray for God's protection and help for this island.

I was able to use the earthquakes as a tool for witnessing to my students. I talked about how Paul and Silas were in prison, and God sent an earthquake. Even though all the prisoners could have escaped, none did. Paul was then able to lead the jailer to Christ. After talking about this story and the earthquakes here, I asked the students to bow their heads. I then asked if there was anyone who did not know for sure that they had received Jesus as their Saviour. One boy, who has heard me teach about salvation and heard it preached in chapel, raised his hand. Pastor Martinez spoke with him a little later in the day, and he trusted Christ. This my 4th student who has trusted Christ this year.

Please keep my nephew Emmett Croy in prayer. He was very sick as a baby, but has been doing well for a couple of years. Now, he has developed some lumps on his back, and had a full body scan today. Please pray that he does not have anything serious. Please also pray for China. Some of my friends have been asked to leave. Even though Trump is making headway with a trade deal, the government is quietly cracking down on foreigners, Christianity... Pray especially for the national leaders and their members safety.

I was able to purchase my plane ticket to England, and God blessed me with a very good deal. Please pray as I begin making travel plans with missionaries in Europe.

A new Year!

I decided to wait until all the festivities were over to recap my adventures while home for Christmas. The week before Christmas was busy as my mom and I prepared for company, shopped for food and present for our ladies' Christmas party, and spent time together. We were both sick, and eventually, my mom got so sick, that she ended up missing the ladies' Christmas party and Christmas Sunday. I handled the party without her, and although mom was missed, the ladies said they all enjoyed the party. At the end of the party, I gave a short challenge based on the lives of the women in Jesus lineage. So many were liars, some were harlots, Leah was unloved... yet God chose to have all these women be in His son's lineage. I believe He did this so we could see that God can use anyone no matter how bad they may be or the trials they have faced.

Christmas Sunday was a fun day. We had five nationalities represented in the service. The kids and a few church members presented special music with the Christmas story narrated by my dad. After church, we had a dinner and an early service where we shared blessing and testimonies.

My sister and her kids came down to spend the first three days of the week with us as well as Christmas morning. We had a good time opening simple gifts, reading the Christmas story, and eating dinner. Christmas night, I left for Boston. On the 26th, I flew out to Chicago and then took a bus to Iowa to surprise my sister who just had a new baby. I spent a week with her and her 6 kids. My brother-in-law was able to repair my laptop which was a huge blessing.

I arrived home again last night. On the plane, I was able to witness to a young lady named Megan. She did not get saved, but a seed was planted. Please pray that God will continue to draw her to him.

I leave for Puerto Rico again on Monday. I will finish out the school year there. Please pray as I still have not found tickets to England at a decent price. I try to be very careful of the funds entrusted to me by my supporting churches, so I always look for the lowest price possible. Please pray that I can recover from the sickness I've had.

Continue to pray for the reconstruction in Puerto Rico. There will be some decisions made in February. Pray that God's will be done so the work can be finished.