Today, we say goodbye to our team leader, Marc Summers, and his family.  They are returning to the States to pursue further education and possibly other fields of ministry.  Marc and his wife, Sam, have been an encouragement to us since we began to pursue serving in cross-cultural missions.  We will sorely miss their presence here and hope to someday have the opportunity to serve alongside them again.

After nearly six months on the field, we are just beginning to feel settled and adjusted to the point where we are seeing the beginnings of purposeful relationships with Belizeans develop.  It is exciting to see where God has opened doors for us to enter the lives of others and help them, as iron sharpening iron, to grow in their maturity in their walk with the Lord.  For the first time since coming, we feel like we are not ready to go home.  In some ways, we are envious of Marc and Sam returning to America, but on the other hand if we returned now, what would we have to show for the time, money and effort that have been spent?

On the way to church yesterday morning, our son TJ asked me about returning to The U.S.  "Mom, if we had to get on a plane tomorrow and go back, would you be glad?'  My answer came quickly.  "No T.J., because then all of this would have been a big waste of my time."  Just as soon as the words escaped from my mouth, the Holy Spirit said to me, "Whose time, Sarah?  Yours?  Really?  Because I thought it was my time."  Those inaudible words stopped me in my tracks.  One thing I have struggled with since coming here is not having a sense of purpose and of significance.  When everything in our current circumstance seems like a dead end and there is no apparent progress or change, I am tempted to think of this as a big mistake and a waste of my life.  But, today, with resounding clarity, I have been reminded – my life is not my own.  This means that my time – not only the minutes in each day, but the two years of my life that are committed to serving with MTW in Belize  - is also not my own.  The years of my life are God’s time – to do with what He will.  If He wants to “waste” His time, then that is His prerogative.  Of course, I am speaking from a human perspective here.  God wastes nothing.  His plan is perfect.  His purpose is always sure.  His timing is precise.  If I am going to exist as though I truly live and move and have my being in Him, then I will not assert my “rights” to my own time.  I will also relinquish my rights to decide whether or not my circumstances are for my good or for evil.  I will refuse to listen to the twisted words of the enemy, that carefully mask The Lie which has not changed since the creation of the world:  ‘Is God really good?  Does he really work in all things for the good of those whom He loves and who are called according to His purpose?”         Earlier this week, I was in prayer and thought, as I have so many times before, “God, if you would just TELL me, you know, speak out loud or write it on the wall, or something, then I would know for sure…”  And the Holy Spirit, he is SO good at his job, reminded me, “Sarah, Eve had the audible Word of God spoken to her, and still the Enemy twisted it and sewed seeds of doubt.”  There would not be any greater benefit if indeed God showed up as a visible personage to speak to me in words that my physical ears could hear.  I would still need the same armor that He has given me to defend against Satan’s darts of doubt.  (Ephesians 6) These practical means of grace are God’s provision and prescription for my strengthening and my defense.  I think I have discovered the big secret of missionary service.  At the risk of sounding very weak, needy and non-missionary-like, I am going to share it with you:  Missionary service is more about the changes that God is working in me than it is about the work that I am doing for Him!  Sorry if that bursts your bubble of perception of missionaries, but I really believe it is true.  Perhaps this brings greater glory to Him than any “job” or “service” that I could ever hope to do.  I pray so.

PRAISE!!!
We had our first meeting with a young couple in Cristo Ray village, who we are partnering with to start a couple’s Bible Study on Wednesday nights.  They are eager to do the organizing and inviting and want someone to help them dig deep into God’s Word. 

We are truly seeing some good friendships with Belizeans start to blossom.  We recognize God’s hand in this and know that He has given us gifts to be able to relate and communicate cross-culturally.  God is so faithful to equip us when He sends us!

Our language acquisition studies are starting to pay off.  We are both able to communicate beyond simple greetings and carry on fairly decent conversations with our language helper and her family (Spanish speakers from El Salvador).  We are also able to follow much better in church and get all the hymns and scripture references and even understand the main points of a sermon or Sunday school lesson.

PRAY!!!
We are excited to see God drawing people to His Word, but know that it is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that we can begin to teach people how to feed themselves through the study of Scripture.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to empower and equip us for this ministry.

With the Summers family leaving, our oldest daughter, Elizabeth (13) is losing a close friend.  She and Mariah (15) have been best buddies since we arrived and now Elizabeth is starting over.  Please pray for the Lord to send a special friend for her and pray that we could walk alongside her with understanding and compassion as she struggles with loneliness.

Please pray for the church here.  It would take a dozen newsletters to begin to describe all the problems in the church and the obstacles for us as missionaries.  Please pray for a spiritual renewal for the leadership and for the congregations.  Pray for a spirit of humility and reconciliation for ALL involved (missionaries included!) and for a passion for the things of God.

Final Note:
We are short on support.  Getting here ended up costing a good deal more than MTW or we had anticipated.  Our one-time expenses far exceeded the projected budget.  Because of this, all the surplus monies that we were counting on to carry us through our 24-month term have been used.  If you are currently supporting us monthly, thank you for your continued faithful support.  If you give on a yearly basis, please remember us as you approach your annual donation date.  If you have given one-time in the past, would you please consider giving again?  We have approximately 18 months left in our current term.  Will you help us remain for that time and continue in the work that God is doing to build His church here?  You can give to us by printing out and filling in the form below.  If you have any questions about giving, please feel free to send us and email and we will be glad to answer any questions you have.  Thank you for prayerfully considering our request.

In His Grace,

Scott and Sarah Arensman
ssarensman@aol.com
www.mtwsa.net/people/sarensman.htm
001-501-422-0080 (h)
001-501-627-7192 (c)

If you would like to contribute to our support, please make checks payable to Mission to the World. Fill out the form below and mail to: MTW P.O. Box 116284 Atlanta, GA 30368-6284