Today, 8 years ago, was the first full day the DeLynn and Gloria Hoover family spent in their new home, Costa Rica. It is amazing to look back at all the “water that has passed under the bridge” in this time. We have experienced the blessing and fulfillment of having over 2500 participants, long term staff and short term staff past through the ministry. The ministry has grown from just Gloria, Carmelinda, and I to a small community of people committed to the vision of being and making disciples. It has been awesome to know that we have effected lives for the kingdom and been successful in fulfilling the Great Commission and “made disciples.”
The journey, as with all journeys has had its ups and downs. For instance, 3 ½ years ago we lost Gloria’s precious mother to cancer, living on a “by faith” basis has its own set of trials, and relationships in a tight community have their normal ups and downs. We have come to know our heavenly father as faithful provider in all circumstances!
We, as a family came for a short trip to the states at the beginning of January. As we spent time with family, friends, and supporting churches and took stock of health and where we are at in ministry, we realized that it is time for an extended sabbatical/furlough time in the US. The last extended furlough that we had was 2 months in 2005. Therefore, we are extending our time here in the US for several months.
Whenever an announcement like this is made all kinds of different scenarios arise in the minds of friends and family. Therefore, I would like to make some certain assurances so that we can be clear:
Some items for prayer during this time:
The journey, as with all journeys has had its ups and downs. For instance, 3 ½ years ago we lost Gloria’s precious mother to cancer, living on a “by faith” basis has its own set of trials, and relationships in a tight community have their normal ups and downs. We have come to know our heavenly father as faithful provider in all circumstances!
We, as a family came for a short trip to the states at the beginning of January. As we spent time with family, friends, and supporting churches and took stock of health and where we are at in ministry, we realized that it is time for an extended sabbatical/furlough time in the US. The last extended furlough that we had was 2 months in 2005. Therefore, we are extending our time here in the US for several months.
Whenever an announcement like this is made all kinds of different scenarios arise in the minds of friends and family. Therefore, I would like to make some certain assurances so that we can be clear:
- We are still very committed to, VidaNet, the ministry we started back in 2003 and plan to return as soon as possible (I will be returning for PVM in May)
- We have an awesome staff that is and will continue to maintain ministry as normal while we are absent.
- Our marital and family relationships remain as strong as ever!
Some items for prayer during this time:
- Finances- Please pray that the Lord will supply our financial needs! We are doing some things concerned with health and we do not have stateside insurance and as you know these are costly. We have also placed Carmelinda in a local Christian school and are needing to pay tuition. Being stateside puts a heavier strain on our finances.
- Ministry- Jed and Jaime Redcay, Raul and Kimi Molina, Nathan Sensenig, and Beth Peters are working hard at maintaining the ministry. We give much thanks to God for such a capable staff. Please keep them in prayer as they function in our absence!
God bless your family for obeying and serving God in Africa.
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