Summer Update

Leon preaching in Peñasco Christian Fellowship earlier this year.

 We have much to catch up with you since our last update.  As this year started we anticipated several mission trips, however we had no idea of all that God would be doing, which would include three mission trips thus far, a new addition to our family and transition in Leon’s medical treatment.  As these first six months have passed so quickly,  here is our much needed update.
 
Mission travel and activity:
In February we went to Puerto Peñasco, Mexico.  We were there for two weekends, which gave Leon time to do a two-part message on Sundays and for Teresa to minister during the midweek service.  However, we spent most of our time visiting with individual families and the Lord really blessed it.  It was so good to talk to quite a few of the people in the church one on one and hear their hearts. We also had a sweet time of further getting to know Conrad and Heidi and their family who had returned from being sent out from the church as missionaries several years before.  They had successfully planted a church and worked in several other ministry areas.  Upon returning they were filling in as directors of Peñasco Mission Center and as interim pastors in the church.  We are very impressed with this couple and their two children, and could see God’s guiding hand in their return.  It was a very blessed trip.

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In April we traveled to Mazátlan for two weeks and knew that we were set for a busy schedule including men’s and women’s conferences, leadership training for ministry interns, ministry at the two primary church campuses and individual times with leaders and friends, some of whom we have known for over 30 years.  We were blessed to stay with our friends, Pastors Joe and Laurie Pacheco, who have done such an amazing work in the church.   However, during our time there, Leon developed a UTI from a medical procedure that was done just before we left.  He was quite sick for several days.  At first this was disappointing, but we did feel that the Lord showed that He could be glorified even through Leon’s weakness.  And we were so appreciative of the wonderful care extended to us through Pastors Joe and Laurie and the church.  God blessed us so much through them and endeared them even deeper to our hearts.  Leon improved and we were able to finish and return home without further incidence. 

Meanwhile Teresa ministered to over 200 women at the Women’s Conference on The Worth of a Woman This is a theme the Holy Spirit has been speaking to her about for several years.  We also had very good reception from our time with the leaders and interns and, as always, were so blessed to minister in this church!
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Teresa teaching at the Women's Conference in Mazatlan, Mex.

Worship with the ladies in Mazatlan.

In May we returned to Puerto Peñasco for our annual conference, which this year had the theme, Raising Up Our Generations, and to ordain Conrad and Heidi as the pastors of the church.  It was a very busy and fruitful time as the pastoral counsel composed of ourselves, Stan and Becky Tedrow and the Pachecos, ministered to the church.  The spirit of the congregation is very good, the church is growing and we are excited for the future of Peñasco Christian Fellowship!
 
Health and Family
Leon has continued to have chemotherapy, utilizing a different medication since January, with measured success.  We are monitoring this monthly as  he has been on chemotherapy for about ten months now, and while he has done very well thanks to all of you who have kept us in prayer, it does have its cumulative side effects.  The current medication is a bit more difficult than the first was.  Recent PET/CT scan show no progression of cancer and there is no pain from it.  We are very grateful for our Lord’s goodness through all of this.
 
Our latest addition to our family is Layla Rae Porter, who was born to Leah and Roarke in early January.  She is absolutely beautiful (like her sister and cousins) and just seems to fit right in like she’s always been a part of our family.  We cannot express the thankfulness we have to God and the joy that our four granddaughters and one grandson bring to our hearts.  
 
Missionary Updates:

• We spoke with Alex, Hilda and Cynthia recently and Alex continues to have much weakness due to his diabetes and Parkinson’s.  Please pray for strength for him.
• Alicia, in Dumagete City, Philippines, recently had a motorbike accident and was hospitalized.  She is recovering and is on her way back to the States for furlough.  Please pray for refreshing and recuperation during her time here.  We are happy to report that she did find a larger home for her and the young women she oversees in Dumaguete and they are settled in!  
• We are also blessed to announce that John and Rebecca, who are currently in Toronto, Canada, are expecting their first baby! 

 
 
Personal Prayer Requests
Please pray for:

• Wisdom in monitoring the current chemotherapy treatment that Leon is undergoing.
• He will also be having cataract surgery on both eyes in the next month.  Please pray that it goes well.
• Wisdom regarding upcoming trips. 

Layla Rae with her beautiful mom, Leah.