{"id":273,"date":"2021-03-25T15:57:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-25T20:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.ethnos360.org\/joshua-mathew\/?p=273"},"modified":"2021-03-25T20:49:00","modified_gmt":"2021-03-26T01:49:00","slug":"march-2021-update","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.ethnos360.org\/joshua-mathew\/2021\/03\/25\/march-2021-update\/","title":{"rendered":"March 2021 Update"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In many ways, 2020 was a weird blessing that we’re incredibly grateful for and still trying to recover from.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Over the last few months, not only have I been challenged to dig into the Word of God, but I have had the opportunity to do so with an old friend. In the process, it seems that we\u2019ve picked up a few new ones as well.  Are you guys familiar with the YouVersion Bible<\/a> program\/website\/app?  It has been helpful as we\u2019ve tried to stay connected in the Word of God while being separated from family.  We have been able to read and \u201cdiscuss\u201d the Word of God, even when we couldn\u2019t be in the same room.  One of the most encouraging studies we shared was about how Jesus loves the broken.  The reminder that our past (decisions, hurts, etc.) does not define our future rang true.  Paul echoed this sentiment in his letter to the Philippians: \u201cI do not count myself to have apprehended\u201d\u2014I don\u2019t pretend to understand everything that has happened<\/em>\u2014 \u201c\u2026but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead\u201d (Philippians 3:13). To further underscore this truth, read Revelation 21 and 22. That\u2019s our future, and it is glorious. \u201cGod will wipe away every tear\u2026there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying\u201d (Revelation 21:4). Whatever has happened in your past is your past. It cannot be changed. But God can use everything you\u2019re going through now to build your faith, to encourage others, and to prepare you for glory in eternity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

100% MPD, during the pandemic?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our official time of concentrated Partnership Development MUST come to an end.  It has been encouraging!  By the end of May 2021, we will close out the chapter of life that has included a pandemic induced rapid shut down of EBI -Jackson, state mandated C19 Lockdowns and travel restrictions, and SO MUCH MORE family time than we had ever dreamed of being afforded.  For our family it really has been a weird blessing that we\u2019re incredibly grateful for and still trying to recover from.  This was obviously not our original plan to do ALL of these things at once.  WE were just thinking we\u2019d \u201cdo MPD\u201d and then make the move to Waukesha.  As one of our new friends recently said, \u201cMan makes plans and God laughs.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Gallons of coffee and pens that were full of ink…<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

We have greatly valued the time to renew and rebuild the team of people that make this ministry possible.  We have learned many things about what it takes to be engaged in this type of ministry for the long term and have a rekindled appreciation for each one of you, and your role on this team. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of, and to, each one of you, if you would like to talk about how to serve WITH our partnership team, in a greater capacity, or in a different capacity, or if you\u2019re not even sure what your place \u201con the team\u201d is, please don\u2019t hesitate to respond! Email me: Joshua_Mathew@ntm.org<\/a> Call me: 5179372919<\/a>.  I am certain that there exciting ways to get you more connected!  There are so few things that WE can give back to you, other than this partnership in taking the Good News to the unreached. Not to diminish that partnership, at all, but the main thing that we can give to you, share with you, is the immediate knowledge that your prayers and your words of encouragement, your advocacy for us and the ministry, and (most assuredly NOT LEAST OF ALL!) your financial generosity are VITAL to the great commission!  Lives or livelihoods are all that Jesus asked of His disciples, no big deal, right?!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Little Bit of Good News!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Well, the good news about the Good News is that the work has continued in many hamlets and villages around the world!  The language learning and relationship building, the clean water projects, and medical clinic days, literacy training, Bible translation and teaching continues, albeit sometimes \u2018differently\u2019 than anticipated in pre-2020.   I\u2019m still waiting for the details, but I can share that we have many new brothers and sisters in new people groups that will be joining us as we one day shout praises together into eternity.  What a family reunion that will be! <\/p>\n\n\n\n