Our Basket of Eggs!

These plastic eggs can be found in stores everywhere. We use them in Children's Church as a reward for memorizing Bible verses. They are filled with "goodies."

Today they are being used for something else. Life can be filled with all kinds of things to do, bombarding even the most self controlled person. God does NOT expect us to do everything, even when they are good things to do. We have to learn to have balance in our lives and do what He desires, not what we or other people desire of us. Even Moses, from the Old Testament, learned to delegate responsibilities.

Lately we have found that our "basket" is becoming too full of good things. Each egg represents something that needs to be done...but not necessarily by us. As we pray and seek the Lord's guidance, those "eggs" that we don't need to concern ourselves with are tossed out. But watch out, someone may try to put an egg in your basket that doesn't belong!! The "eggs" we are supposed to work with will stay and "hatch" in God's perfect timing!

"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."  Jeremiah 33:3

Fruits of Our Labor

Recently we picked some fresh peas from our garden box. There were not enough for a meal but a taste just the same. When we planted them we knew it was too warm for them to grow here. They need a cool start.

It is always fun to see the fruits of our labor.

Even more exciting is to see children accept the Lord. Last week we saw a little 8 year old boy trust the Lord and this week a little girl made the decision to accept Jesus as her Saviour. Their hearts were tender and ready. Our job was to plant the seeds, and when the Holy Spirit led, to be ready to lead them in the sinner's prayer. God has a plan for these young lives. They have a lifetime to know and serve Him.

Like I said it is always fun to see the fruits of our labor!

Friends in Need

 I really like this picture! Their smiles can brighten any day!

We met Curtis and Faye Yancey about 18 years ago at Gamble Road Baptist Church. It was a Wednesday night service and they immediately came up to us with a smile and handshake and told us they were glad we were there. Over the years we came to know and love them and their chidlren, Chris and Hannah. Curtis was one of our deacons. He has a heart for the Lord and was very instrumental in helping to meets the needs of our church family and getting the church's gymnasium to come together. Faye also has a heart for the Lord and for children. Wednesday nights you would find her working with the children and then teaching a Sunday School class. They were committed to raising their children in church and in setting an example of Godly parents.

It was a sad day when the Lord moved them to another church to serve but we understood. God had a plan for their lives and they were being obedient in following His ways.

Friday, March 2, 2012 their home was destroyed by a tornado. Everyone was safe but at first we asked "Why did God allow this to happen to such a good family?"

Sometimes in life there are no easy answers. This tragedy came into their lives, just as it did many others in that area. We are asking for prayer for this family and all those affected by this tornado.

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16



Tropical Island Turmoil

This afternoon we heard lots of cars honking out behind the property here at Youth With A Mission. As we went to check on the noise we saw a large group of people who appeared to be protesting. They were heading towards the hospital just up the road from here. Yesterday 86 people were laid off from their jobs at this government owned hospital. Car after car was following the group with loud horns blaring and soon they were heading back down the road. My camera had a glitch and by the time it was fixed the group had passed by. But you could still hear them as they headed west.

Now it has quieted down. But one thing we have noticed is that the sound of sirens has increased over this island during the last month. We praise God we live in a gated area and have watch dogs at night. We are hearing of break ins and shootings. Darkness comes early on the island and seems like that's when life changes here.

I am so glad my trust is in the Lord and He is my Protector!

Photo update on day 2 of protest. Over 100 people with children showed their concern for the layoffs.

January ~ February 2012 Newsletter

Recent Headlines

Hovensa, the large oil refinery here on St. Croix is closing it's doors. 2500 people will be out of work. For an island this size, it has a huge impact. Unemployment is already high, the government is dependent on the tax revenue from Hovensa, several private schools benefit from this company and it's donations, and the ripple down effect is already being felt. Gas prices have jumped $.40 a gallon this month. In June they anticipate much higher gas prices since gasoline and oil will have to be shipped in. Of course that affects food prices, cost of utilities, etc.



Hugo was the hurricane that devastated the island in 1989.

The Big Question is "How are families going to survive?"

Many people are talking about leaving the island in search of work and a new beginning. Many have mortgages, children and roots deep here on the island. The older workers will have a tougher time making the transition after years working for the refinery. Our hearts go out to the people of St. Croix. Having been in the midst of the decline in the construction business in the states, two years of trying to sell our house, and starting over in a different life, we know some of what the people here will be going through.

The ANSWER?



The only answer is placing our trust in God, the creator of the universe, Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, and the Holy Spirit, who comforts, teaches and guides in our lives.

Does that mean there won't be tough times ahead? NO! It just means that during the tough times there is Someone who WILL be there every step of the way.

What Are We Doing?

We are finding ourselves praying more, taking more time for Bible study, and trusting God more than we have ever done before. There is plenty of work to be done if you are willing to volunteer your time and energy.

Billy recently laid some tile in the Director's house at Youth With A Mission. He also continues with his van ministry. Seems like when a bill is due, the Lord opens the door for another paying work project. He recently has done some work for Altona Baptist Church. Cecilia continues to work part time as a school nurse at a mission school.

God is STILL at Work!

Joo, our new brother in Christ, lives in Korea. While here on a mission trip he prayed with Cecilia and made a decision to invite Jesus into his heart and life. He is a young man seeking after the heart of God. We look forward to hearing how God will use him!

Good News! D"Andre does not need surgery at this time. Thanks for your prayers!

Ky'Danya is back with us in Children's Church!! God has answered the prayers of His people.

School Supplies

School nurses from Chattanooga sent 5 boxes of school supplies, toys and candy to the children here on the island. More school supplies are being gathered as we write this newsletter. A Family Partner Specialist is working hard in the Chattanooga area to gather much needed items for the 2012-2013 school year. God's perfect timing with the closing of Hovensa!

Children's Ministry

Children's Church continues to be a joy. The children are eager to worship God on their level. Several of the children have prayed the prayer of salvation and we are working with them one on one to make sure they understand true salvation. Their little hearts are much more open and tender for the things of the Lord.

CEF Training

We both attended a Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) Training Workshop. The new director is in Missouri for 6 weeks of training. Plans are under way to start Bible Clubs on the island. What an exciting time! More news to some!

Our New Phone Numbers

340-643-0820  Billy

340-643-0821 Cecilia

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."  Psalm 46:1

Praises

Salvation of Joo

D"Andre's health

God's faithfulness in providing for our needs.

Prayer Requests

Safety with rising crime

Joo and his ministry

The young people to seek God and His ways

Ministry opportunities

Affordable Housing

CEF outreach

We thank you so much for your prayers and financial support. It is the perfect time for us to be here on this island and there is a lot of work ahead.

Billy & Cecilia

Tax deductible contributions may be sent to

YES Ministry

P.O. Box 700697

St. Cloud, FL  34770

or

http://www.yeservants.org/

My New Brother In Christ!

Sometimes in life you find yourself in a position to make a difference in another person's life. It's usually not those earth shattering, seeing fireworks moments. It's during the simple day to day activities of life. A young man here at Youth With A Mission knocked on my door a week ago and needed someone to look at a broken leg on a table. Since Billy, the expert at those things, was not here I took a look. Later while walking in the yard we stopped for a while and talked. God quickly became the center of our conversation. I look back now and see that God had our paths cross and that nothing happened out of coincidence. Without going into detail, this young man made a personal decision to invite Christ into his heart and life to be His Lord and Saviour. A week later I am still in awe of God and how He works through our lives...



Joo, my new brother in Christ!



Some Good News!

The school nurses in Chattanooga sent some much needed school supplies to our students at Free Will Baptist Christian School here in St. Croix. Some items have been distributed and some will be given out in February during National Dental Health Month. This group of 5th and 6th graders were all smiles when I gave them crayons and colored pencils. I made sure they knew who had sent them from miles away!

Happy 5th Grade Students...Happy Teachers!

6th Graders

Kids are always happy to get a surprise!

Thank you Chattanooga School Nurses!