Costa Rica

First, I want to start out by giving a big Praise to the LORD for each of you that has contributed to the sponsorship of the 50 missionary women that will be attending this conference. We don’t take lightly any donations made to this trip and the ministry of Pure Joy International.

As we continue to prepare for our departure in less than 5 weeks I am reminded of the verse God gave me for the ministry of Pure Joy International.  

Hebrews 3:13 (ESV)
But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

The whole purpose of this ministry is to bring encouragement to our missionary women/families on their field of service… that they may continue to serve the LORD in the areas He has called them to serve. Our time spent with them there is precious. The one prayer I consistently have prayed over the years is that we would show up as encouragers and leave the fragrance of His knowledge (the Word) and the aroma of Christ when we depart.

Nothing gives me more joy than to hear from a missionary that has attended one of the Pure Joy Conferences over the years who says, “The things shared during that conference have continued to help me in my journey with Christ and on the field.” That tells me that we left the fragrance of His knowledge (the Word) and the aroma of Christ with them when we departed.

So, I would be remiss if I didn’t leave you with something to ponder this week. What kind of fragrance/aroma are you leaving behind when you leave your family in the mornings, leave a ministry situation, or job situation, etc.? I am ashamed to say as I have been writing this blog that I suspect the fragrance/aroma I have been leaving behind this past month is more of a fleshly smell than the fragrance/aroma of Christ. I have not been a good patient on these crutches. So, at the conviction of my own blog writing (ha,ha,ha) I am seeking His forgiveness and choosing the fragrance of Christ, not my flesh! I know my mom will be happy about this! ha,ha,ha,ha 

Keep praying for all the details for Costa Rica. Lots still to be done in preparation in the weeks ahead. Lots of churches still working on things that will be going with us when we leave the country. (smile)

Choosing the Fragrance/Aroma of Christ,

His,
Vickie