Little Update

Friends and Family,

Just a short e-mail to fill you in on the last couple of weeks.

Violence in Juarez, Mexico has been very bad. There is an average of 3
murders a day. Due to this violence ALL teams have cancelled their trips to
the Border. That poses a problem for me - that as the Short Term Missions
Coordinator, there's not much to coordinate! I prayed about it, and talked
it over with the director of Life Challenge, and I have decided to perform
my duties when they arise from home in South Dakota. This way I am able to
work part time, and also be with family.

So I'm back in South Dakota, which is NOT where I thought I would be this
year, but God obviously had a different plan than me. I've gone through
about every emotion you could with this whole situation, but know this is
where the Lord has guided me back to. I will continue working for Life
Challenge, but also will be looking for opportunities here for ministry.

I thank you all for "hanging in there" with me during this year. For me it's
been very tumultuous and I have needed some rest. Please keep me in your
prayers, and feel free to call/e-mail if you have any questions or concerns.

Love and Blessings to all,
Kel

Jedi Training

Jedi Training is not always fun and games. And some people don't have Yoda or Obi-Won helping them. So please, as much as you might think you know what YOUR training looked like - don't expect mine to look the same.

Juearez/El Paso Update

Wednesday April 28th 2010 began my adventure here on the border of El Paso, TX and Juarez, Mexico. I was given a tour of the facilities that Life Challenge International uses in Juarez. One is in a community called Tapias – which for those of you who know Pastor Jorge; the community center is right down the street from their house. The other area called Chivaris is on the other side of the city.

Thursday I spent the day in the office trying to make my way through files and paperwork deciphering what was what, and just getting familiar with things. Friday I looked at the warehouse that the ministry has and continued to work in the office. A lot of my job will be office work and communication – but from time to time, I will be going over the boarder.

Saturday was a day of just that. Although many people in the US think it’s a very fearful place to be right now, please know it safe for me to be here. The only issues have been Mexican Nationals that have been targeted for having something to do with the drug cartel. They pretty much want to leave this Gringo alone! The communities that we work in are not a home to the gangs anyways – so please know I am safe.

It’s been several years since I’ve been in Mexico, and from a development view, the communities seem to be developing with housing, roads, electricity etc. There doesn’t seem to be as much “electricity stealing” as their once was – but then again I’m sure it’s still happening.

So far, I am enjoying my time here; I definitely have my work cut out for me.

In His Service,

Kelley <>< 

Praise Reports:

• Safely reached Denver, and El Paso, TX with my dad

• Found some temporary housing for 1 more week

• Feeling comfortable in the culture and climate

• All basic monthly bills have been paid (thank you to my supporters)

• Car is running great! (Thanks dad, Mechanic Bill and Sears Lube!)

• All Saxton Family is doing well in Denver

Prayer Points

• Health (I do not have health insurance, and cannot afford it)

• Continued Safety

• Favor on the boarder and in the communities we serve

• Focus and fervor for the ministry

• Finances (I lost several supporters through the “Germany Transition”

• MaryJo – the woman I am staying with for several weeks. Recently widowed.

• Anything else the Lord lays on your heart.

• Favor to learn Spanish FAST!

If you would like to come along side me in ministry via fianancial support, please send donations to:

Faith Temple Church

c/o Kelley Oaks

2121 W 33rd St

Sioux Falls, SD 57105

 

**If writing a check, do not write in memo area. Please attach a note with my name on it.  May you be richly blessed for your giving!

Alice In Wonderland...

The past few months I have felt somewhat like Alice spiraling down into Wonderland wondering where she’s going and what she’s going to land on. Well, this Alice has at least one answer…I’m landing in El Paso, TX.

I will be taking over for a man who needs to go back to Canada due to visa issues. My new role will include many hats from Missions Coordinator, Office Manager to English Teacher! I will be working with Life Challenge International and Tim Gamwell (Founder).

I will be attending a month of training in various areas including leadership, ropes course (team-building activites) and I’m sure many more things I’m not even aware of!

Many of you know how anxious I have been to get on the mission field (again). I’m still anxious, nervous…but so excited to see God moving in my life. It’s always good to know He doesn’t give up on us. He constantly reminds me of His provision and love for me.

Support will be similar to my needs in Germany. I am looking at a total cost per month of roughly $700 - $800. Please consider partnering with me again, or for the first time.

Many blessings to you all!
Love,
Kelley



** Support can be sent to:
Faith Temple Church
2121 W 33rd St
Sioux Falls, SD 57105

Write my name on a piece of paper (not in memo area of check)

I've arrived in Germany

So I've arrived in Germany more jet-laged than I have ever been before. I arrived in Prague and my friend picked me up to take me back to the base that was 2 hours away.

I immediately began meeting new people and seeing things, in which I got a little overwhelmed because in my mind it was 3am and I should be sleeping! I felt a little bad also because I was not myself, in fact I felt (and probably looked like) a zombie walking around. So no one has really seen my "real side" yet, which may be a good thing...I dunno yet.

I have 1 roommate, but several others that live in the actual apratment. They are all YWAM women that are on staff here. I will be walking back and forth from the apartment and the base everyday which is about a 1 1/2 walk or so.

The base has so many American's it doesn't even feel like I'm in Germany. I heard someone saying something about German lessons though, so if or when they start those I will hopefully have time to learn some German.

So goodbye for now! I'll hopefully keep updating things on my end.

So I need to put more updates on this thing! Wow. Well, I guess if you're reading this anyways you already know what's going on. But just in case...

I will be heading to Herrnhut Germany with YWAM to staff the April DTS (Discipleship Training School). I will be mentoring and loving on people that want to get closer to God. What an honor and a privilege to do so!

I will be leaving February 15th, and don't have any time lines of how long I'll be there for...but I know I'll be there as long as God wants me to be.

So! Keep me in your prayers...and we'll keep in touch.

Blessings,
Kelley <><