On Sunday, Richard Smith, founder of MyRefuge Christian Radio in Belize, addressed the Westwind family. He and his Wife Rosa lead a ministry that impacts the entire country of Belize. He challenged Westwind to open their lives to missions and take action against the darkness. If you would like to find more about Richard’s ministry in Belize, click HERE.

Looking for a way to fight homeless in the Des Moines area? Below is an excerpt from Reggie’s Sleepout website about an upcoming event and Drake Stadium on October 24th.

In 2006 we held the first annual Reggie’s Sleepout to help raise awareness and money to address the critical problem of Youth Homelessness in central Iowa.

In 2008, over 1000 individuals contributed to the cause by sleeping out and/or fundraising. The event was a huge success with over $156,000, including a generous $50,000 match from the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation.

Help us make 2009 an even bigger success!

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

Amy Miller will be a Westwind Church sent missionary to Brazil. Here is a post from her as she continues on the path that God is leading.

A friend of mine recently told me that in Sunday School they’ve been going through a series on “How to Manage Your Money.” Throughout the term, their teacher has repeated this statement…“It’s about the money, but it’s not.” As I was thinking about what to write here that idea kept coming to mind. “It is, but it isn’t.” Right now, I have the privilege of doing what is called “pre-field ministry”. While one of the main goals of this time is to raise prayer and financial support that will allow me to move to Brazil as a missionary…“it is, but it isn’t.” In the past few months I gained a few new prayer supporters, and my financial support level jumped up to 27%.

I’m thankful for the numerous opportunities I’ve had at work to talk about God and what I’ll be doing in South Brazil. And also the times spent with friends encouraging and challenging each other with truth from God’s Word. I’ve had the privilege of sharing with believer and unbeliever, by mail or visit, both day and night. I still fervently pray for new financial and prayer partners and the needed funds to attend my last week of training, Pre-Field Connection, in March. And I am thankful for several very promising church and individual commitments in progress. Nevertheless, I constantly need to remind myself… “it is, but it isn’t.” When I was thinking about what to write here, the Lord reminded me that while this post is about me…“it is, but it isn’t.” I write, not for my own good, but for the Brazilians, for my teammates, and for you – the reader. I want to encourage all of these people. Ultimately, the best way to do that is to lift high the One who should always be the focus of my updates – Jesus Christ, my Savior, Redeemer, and Friend. May everything I say and do be the result of Christ living in me.

Please continue to pray for the Cadwells as they minister in Nepal.

Thank you so much for your prayers. Ben has recovered from being sick and is back here in Kathmandu. We are excited about all that God is doing in our hearts. There have been many things impacting our lives daily from poverty to the bondage of religion, and we are encouraged that God is at work. We are feeling more and more called to reaching the Nepali’s that are in Des Moines.

In addition to that, we are feeling God encouraging us to simplify our lives. To look at all that we have and consider it not only a blessing from Him, but His. We desire for God to be in complete control- whether it be our house, our cars, our money, or our time, it all belongs to Him. I am reminded that our time on earth is but a mist. So let’s make the most of the time and resources we are given!!

This weekend we are attending a Nepali church. Please pray that we will take away much from this experience. Our heart is to start a church for our Nepali friends in Des Moines! We are excited to go and observe what a Nepali church looks like. We also will be going to a feast for a Nepali holiday that is taking place for the next week. So, please pray for connections with other Nepali believers in order that we may hear their God story!

Thanks again for your support! We are blessed!
Ben & Meredith

Here is the most recent update from Ben and Meredith who are in Nepal.

Hey,
I just wanted to let you know that we arrived safely into Kathmandu, Nepal! We are excited to be here and have felt blessed by the Lord to feel somewhat adjusted to the time difference. I believe Nepal is about 11 hours ahead of you.
Ben will be leaving next Wednesday to go up into the mountains. Please pray for safe and successful travel. Travel in Nepal is very difficult and at times dangerous. There are really no road rules that anyone follows, so it can be either really terrifying or exciting depending on the view you want to have! =) Also, please pray for someone for me to connect with that were Hindu but are now Christian. We are staying in a predominantly Tibetan area and the church our friends go to is actually a Tibetan Church- different from what we thought. I am still excited to see what I can find out about the Hindu religion, but also to hear God stories from whomever God gives us an opportunity to hear from.  

Thanks for your prayers! We are so thankful to have you behind us!
Love,
Ben & Meredith  

Be sure to check back to find out how you can partner with them in prayer.