Latin American Ministry

     Greetings from all of us at LAM. We hope you experienced the best Resurrection Sunday you have ever had.

     We made another great annual trip to Garland, TX this month. The children's ministry at Iglesia Sobre La Roca once again blessed LAM with their 2010 Christmas offering. Although a little belated, we thanked them publicly with a presentation of a beautiful plaque for their help. We know there are many worthy ministries out there and we thank all of you who make our work easier with your generous support. We are blessed to know you.

Refueling in Crosset, AR

       When Pam and I flew to Garland, an interesting thing happened. It is a trip that can often be made without stopping for fuel but it became impossible this time due to a 40 mph head wind. We made a non eventful landing at Crosset, AR (CRT), refueled and continued to our destination. I could have made the tragic mistake that so many pilots have made. I could have said, "I've made this trip may times before, I know I can make it." To have done so would have been a grave error. 

      How often do we as Christians continue on our journey, knowing that we need to stop and refuel? We continue going through the same spiritual calisthenics we've been doing, only to find out, as Samson of old, that our strength has drained out. We must make regular fuel stops along our journey. These stops must not be based upon the distance covered, but upon the time the engine has been running. My airplane will run 4:45 minutes and then regardless of how far I've come, where I am, or who's on board, the engine will shut down. You too have a limit, be sure to make note of it. Learn to say no, I can't, another time, maybe tomorrow, etc. I hope you have a spiritual fuel stop planned soon! We need them often, even daily. Don't allow yourself to become so absorbed in serving, that you forget to feed yourself. The results could be devastating. 

      Pam's father often tells us both to take time to smell the roses as we travel through life. Truer words have never been spoken. The refreshing smell of a rose after a rain or the marvel of a hummingbird as he drinks deep will both do you good. Each will cause you to ponder about the power of God's creativity. Between the sharp thorns of a rose bush he chose to grow one of natures most aromatic and beautiful flowers. Through an aeronautical marvel he chose to demonstrate his ability to defy logic through a bird not much larger than your thumb. The only bird in the world who can fly backwards. Indeed a wonder! We must take time to refuel.

Your Friends,

Jim &Pam Stockdale