Last Updated on 13.08.11 Written by Wayne Dale
Dales Prayerletter May 2011
2 Thessalonians 3:1 "Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly
and be glorified . . ."
Dear Friends and Family:
We hope you are getting to experience a small part of Spring as we know many of you have had a white winter and a wet spring. We have enjoyed the warm days and the cool nights before the temperature rises above the 90s and stays there. This past month has been filled with many ministry opportunities. Shanna's dad and Wayne, along with 4 other men from the church, helped replace the roof of "Pastor B." He is the 80 year old former pastor. His roof had been damaged by hail and he wanted to get it replaced. This was an opportunity to spend time working along side and spiritually encouraging the men.
A young man came to the chuch seeking assistance because of requirements of the court. Wayne evaluated the nature of his offense and then coordinated a community service program for him. He has been attending church and working in and around the building under supervision. He has been a good worker and although he has not accepted Christ, he has heard the Gospel of receiving Jesus by faith for the first time. He brought some family on Easter and his sister received Christ as personal Savior. Also on Easter, Wayne had the privilege of praying with two others who received Christ. What a glorious
Resurrection day!
We also had a single missionary come and stay with our family for a week. Kelly Mascarenas is on deputation and praying about where God would lead her. She wants to serve in Hispanic ministry and would like to come to the Phoenix area. She is talented in music and has a great heart for people and working in Bible studies. We also began an English Bible study on the first and Second Tuesday. We are going through the video series
of Faith Lessons that was given to us by some supporters from Ohio. What a great ministry gift that has been. One of the Baseball Chapel players was able to attend. Baseball Chapel has begun and Wayne has been getting to know the new team manager and reaquaint with some of last years players. God has brought some young men that have spiritual needs.
Shanna has also been teaching English again with some players from another team. She
definitely has some challenging students as they are not used to the classroom setting. She keeps their behavior in check and then balances that out by bringing them treats.
Shanna has been busy with preparation for Sunday School, Wednesday kid's club, English classes and piano lessons. Women do not get enough credit for the work they do and
Wayne wants to emphasize the importance of their role in the church planting ministry. Not only are they the major childcare provider, but they are actively involved in serving
in the church and supporting their husbands. They are a vital part of the team!
We finished last month with a great Easter Resurrection service and a Quincenera. A Quincenera (unable to put ~ above the "n"), pronounced (kin sin 'yair rah) is the Hispanic celebration of the 15 year female birthday. In the church context it becomes a service to dedicate the young woman to faithfully love and serve God and stay pure till marriage. It involves many aspects of a wedding service, including dress, flower girls, and cake. Our girls participated as well. It was a beautiful service and a wonderful time for the church family to come together and support this young woman and her family.
FAMILY
Thank you for taking time to pray for our family. In the world which we live in there are many stressors that can cause divisions among families. In the balance of ministry, work, and life in general, it is hard for me ( Wayne ) to make quality time with the family. Please pray that I would balance the list of items that need to be completed, with focusing on spending quality time the family. I thank God for a wife that has made sacrifices in many areas. She doesn't complain and yet is patient, loving and kind. Shanna is truly a gift from God.
Rylee is developing into a mature and responsible young boy. He is sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading and is faithful in keeping up in our nightly Bible reading. He is developing his chess skills and has finally beaten his dad on his own. He earned it through a few tearful losses, but it was worth it. Rylee is almost finished with his second grade curriculum and enjoys math and science. He is getting excited about summer swimming lessons and is hoping the neighbors let us use their pool.
Gloria has lost 2 teeth in about 3 weeks and is wiggling a third! She really enjoyed being a part of the quincenera and getting all dressed up. She has also been a blessing in the younger kids' Wednesday night class, as she learns new songs and concepts quickly and then encourages the others to participate as well. Please pray that she will have patience with her younger sister and that she would learn more about how to live for Jesus.
Claire is counting down the days until her birthday. She loves riding her bike and catching small black bugs she calls, "beetle bugs". Claire loves her classes at church and has enjoyed learning about new animals and bugs that God created. Please pray that this little girl will be able to one day have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and grow in her understanding of God and the Bible.
PRAYER
Health amidst our busy schedules
Spiritual growth of Bible Study participants
Salvation decisions for Baseball players
Time management
Wisdom in making choices
Good financial stewardship
Clear presentation of the Gospel to those around us
Clear communication of Bible lessons and Messages
Our testimonies may represent Jesus Christ well
Humility in our service to others
Love in Christ,
Wayne, Shanna, Rylee,
Gloria & Claire Dale
