Pohl Update!

April 2005

Dear Praying Friends,

We trust, that as we have just celebrated the resurrection of our Savior this Easter, you will continue to experience the Lord’s blessing, presence and power in your life!

Since we have not written in a while, you may not be aware that we arrived from hot and sticky Guayaquil to snowy St. Louis in late January! Over the last two months, we have had the privilege of visiting with many of you and more than 10 churches in 5 states.  Our family has traveled around the mid-west and southeastern US in what Karis calls our "green Missouri car" (a mini-van generously loaned to us by a member of our home church).  We count it a true privilege to have been able to personally share with so many of you what the Lord is doing in our life and ministry in Ecuador!

Recently, Craig traveled to Ecuador for 8 days to participate in meetings that may prove significant in terms of our team's ministry direction and focus in both Guayaquil and Quito.  Please continue to pray for godly wisdom, a pastor's heart and a servant's hands & feet as Craig continues to lead MTW's "Team Ecuador".

Don't blink, but the plan is to complete our brief "home ministry assignment" (HMA) and return to Ecuador on May 10!  During the second half of our HMA we will be visiting with more friends, supporters & churches in the greater St. Louis and Memphis areas.  Also, we will take some time to rest, visit & vacation with our families.  Although we will not be able to see everyone in person, it would be great to at least talk with you... since we don&'t have all of your phone number's; here is our cell: 314-420-4592  (We are on the "cingular" network... so if you are, the call is free anytime.  Otherwise, we've got a great phone card deal and would be happy to call you back.  It would be great to talk to you!)

During this remaining time, we will also be working diligently toward completing our financial support team.  Please read the accompanying e-mail and prayerfully consider how God might be leading you to get involved, if you're not already!

Praise!

• KARIS: We are thankful for God's gracious hand in seeing Karis (2-1/2) through three bouts of (still unidentified) stomach and intestinal infections this winter.  After much testing, doctors' visits and two trips to the ER (due to dehydration), she is now gaining weight, talking up a storm in both English & Spanish and seems quite healthy.  As we continue to travel, please pray for good health for the whole family!
• AIMEE: Our almost 5-month-old is growing by leaps & bounds, loves to squirm & squeal as she shares a huge smile.  She and her sister bring much joy to our lives!
• SCOTT: Stacy's brother is a Marine captain and helicopter pilot.  He just completed a 7-month deployment in Iraq. We praise God for Scott's sacrificial service and his safe return to the States, and we can't wait to visit with him in Memphis this April!
• STUDENTS: In our absence, we praise God that many of our university student friends are continuing to study God's word each week with Mike Van Gilst, our friend & co-worker in Guayaquil.  Pray that many would come to Christ and be enfolded into God's Church!  (They know the truth... it just hasn't made that 18 inch journey from their head to the heart... pray that the Spirit would lead in His time and His way!)

Prayer...

• NEW "COMBO" CHURCH: The church which was formed by joining the congregations of San Andrés and San Agustín churches is now about 2 months old.  It is now vacation season in Guayaquil and the church has experienced its share of growing pains.  Please pray for God's leadership, direction and renewing power in this "young" congregation of believers!
• FINANCIAL PARTNERS: We still need churches and individuals to pledge monthly financial support.  Please pray that 100% of our financial support team will be in place so that we will be able to return to Ecuador as scheduled in early May.
• TEAM ECUADOR: Please pray for our missionary team, its ministries and especially its leader (!) as we navigate some changes, challenges and opportunities that lie before us.  Please pray that we would be dependent upon and responsive to Christ every step of the way!

Pictures!

Karis' first ever snow!              Sisters! Karis & Aimee

Thank you, once again, for your love & partnership

as God builds his Kingdom - in Ecuador,

your home town, and around the world!

Love in Christ,

Craig, Stacy, Karis & Aimee Pohl