The missionaries say it better....

The missionaries share with us through email, when we get back, what an impact the ministry has had on them. Enjoy this email from Becky that serves in Ukraine. You made a difference in her life through your praying, giving, gifting, and going.

Love you all,

His,

Vickie

Dear Vickie,

I wanted to take a few minutes to let you know what a wonderfully renewing time the retreat was for me.

When I left Ukraine on Monday, it was snowing and cold. Nothing was quite yet in bloom...but had signs of the promise of blossoms. Today, as I look out my bedroom, Ukraine is alive with spring. The birds are singing, the cherry trees have sweet smelling blossoms, and ground is alive and growing (unfortunately with some dandelions, too!).

In reflection, this is a valid picture of myself. When I left Ukraine to come to the retreat, I was tired, cold, and frozen....spiritually, emotionally, and physically. The last year, as you know, has been filled with war, deaths, separations, and disappointments for me. In protection, I had shut down. I was functioning on auto-pilot and had lost my joy.

Within the first 24 hours of being at Pure Joy, the thaw began. I remember Jerre Moore (not alone....she was with others!!!! :-) stopping me on the streets of Naples even before I had registered. Her words began the thaw as she told me how intensely she had been praying for me this past year. (The ice cracked.) She hugged me (crack!!!) and introduced me to the others. That was the beginning of the great thaw. And it continued... from the warm greetings of the leaders as I registered, the hugs from ones met in Prague, and on and on. The newly thawed and wet ground was ready to hear the Word of God speak truth into my heart through the gifted speakers and renew the joy and PEACE that comes from Him.

Thank you for the safe place to allow the Holy Spirit to work! I thank God for the vision He gave you to begin this ministry, and for your obedience to His voice. I truly can say that this time away with Pure Joy was an answer to a desperate prayer!!!

In His Hope,

Becky

Day 10.....Home

We are back in the States! We are glad to be back and headed to our own homes! However, we honestly already miss our new friends! You cannot imagine how closely God knits our hearts in the days we spend together. Praying that all of the ladies make it safely home to some dangerous areas.

We are all totally moving in coma mode right now. Please pray that we all get some rest tonight (Sunday). It will take several days for our bodies to readjust.

Thank you all so very much for your prayers and support of this trip! The women were truly convicted, challenged and affirmed!

Love You,

His,

Vickie

Day 9...

We broke bread together today for the last time as this group of women. Many new connections and friendships were made for His Glory!

The team road the metro to Steve and April’s (our contacts) to have our last meal of Pizza! It was great hospitality!

We are all packing and weighing bags right now 11:02 p.m. Saturday night here. We leave for airport at 4:00 a.m.

Please pray as we make our way safely home. Also, please pray for the families in Nepal that were devastated by the earthquake. Pray for encouragement in the chaos and the peace that only Christ can give.

By the time you get this we will be in the air a little closer to home.

Love you,

His,

Vickie

Keep praying!

Day 8 Wow!!

I think it is safe to say we are all being saturated with the word of God!! The teaching has been incredibly strong. Today, I had to free us up from our evening meeting time because I could sense everyone needed some time to just rest their minds and hearts. Janet, JerryAnne, Iva May and Laura all spoke.

Since we had free time tonight I met with all the single women that are here. They were good sports today when we spent time on the married couples issues so we decided to give them their own time. Ha ha ha. We had about 11 or 12 of us piled up in my room.

I must say it was pretty entertaining as we considered and discussed single life on the field and the pro's and con's of it. We had some serious laugh time!!!!! It was sweet to see and hear hearts sold out to God and His will for their lives!

Tomorrow for us and today for you as you read this (Saturday) we will finish our time together. Please pray that we finish strong and don't miss God on anything!

Love you all,

His,

Vickie

Note: They are spell bound by the number of you that are a part of this team from the state side perspective!!! Thank You for Loving God and Pure Joy International!

Day 7 God continues to move on our hearts....

The ladies are having a sweet time, lots of fun, seriousness, laughter and tears. God's Word is being spoken in a very clear way through those doing devotionals, messages, hospitality and worship. Please continue to pray that He will do His work in each of our hearts.

Speaking of working in our hearts.... I received the following comment on the blog today in reference to something I said on yesterday's blog, Day 6......

"Read your blog. This will probably not get posted but it always is great being a guest in a country and learning about their culture and food.

Consider these things and embrace the parmigiana and expression in Napoli and try and eat and drink what is set before you in a positive manner. Glad you are there to encourage the Americans, but remember your witness to the Italians."

Normally I would not post something that someone is not willing to take ownership of as this came in nameless. However, I do believe what was spoken has merit and was meant as a loving rebuke. Therefore I have posted it. My heart would never be to dishonor God, a person and or a country. Rebuke acknowledged and received as an encouragement to be more mindful.

Note: We are ministering to women that are from many other counties as well as American women. Praise God for the opportunity to be an encouragement to all of them.

Keep praying as the women are being poured over with the Word of God. Laura, Iva and Janet all shared messages today and Anna gave her testimony tonight.

His,

Vickie

Day 6 Missionaries and Trunk arrive together....

A big Praise God! The trunk came in and April our contact person was able to pick it up from the airport on her way in. Danke (German for Thank You)!!! I believe all the prayers lifted up were answered!!

All the missionary women made it in, except two, today. This is an incredible group and so ready to be ministered to. So many young ones in this group or maybe I'm just getting old! Ha ha ha

Nikki did a great job leading us in worship tonight and Julie's testimony was wonderful! Of course we have had lots of chocolate and gifts so far. They are so enjoying all the things so many of you sent to encourage them.

Tonight we had a seafood salad as one of our choices for dinner. Seriously we ate either octopus or squid in it, maybe both. Also had some eggplant lasagna, which was pretty good if you like eggplant. I don't think the servers liked it that I wanted coffee BEFORE desert time or maybe it was because it was my third time through! Ha ha ha! But in fairness I wouldn't have had to go back if the cups weren't the size of teacups from a tea set for children. Ha ha

Continue to pray as God ministers to our hearts this week!!!

I'll send more pics tomorrow.

His,

Vickie

Day 5 - Still praying....

Today has been a great day! We got our retreat preparations done, finished up some last minute shopping, had two wonderful team devotionals by Anna and Julie, actually located a hamburger and fries for lunch on the street with a little entertainment. 
Click for video: Street musicians in Naples

Please continue to pray, we need one more trunk that has sound equipment in it. Also, pray for the missionary women as they travel in tomorrow for the retreat. Registration starts at 1:00 p.m., which would be 6 a.m. central time.  

Some of our preparation work today.

Headed to Bed...

His,

Vickie