Pre-Trip next week

Rich Trautman and I are heading to Curacao Mon., Feb 4th for 4 days to plan out our summer trip, cast vision for a long-term partnership, and see what other projects emerge. I am looking forward to a fruitful trip.

A cool bonus on this week: We'll get to meet the Alabama church that has been working in Curacao for years as they will be there the same week. I look forward to meeting Pastor Murphy and the folks of his church. I don't even know the name of the church yet. We may even get to help them with a project or two while we're there.

If you're praying for us, here's another request: Camp Braakeput. It's a Catholic camp that we've rented on our 2 previous trips. It's always been touch and go as we're Protestant and therefore not an automatic client. In other words, we can rent it if no one else wants it that week. So, we're hoping to secure it next week as it's the most affordable lodging of any size we've been able to find so far. If not, then God has other plans. Right now I'm praying for it or something better.

We're also going to be talking to Cesar's and Emma's church while we're there. Their pastor is Calvin.

I'm also hoping to meet the pastor of the Holiday Beach church that was planted by Gene and Sue Lanier back in their IMB days there. They were missionaries there when we went down the first time.

Rich and I are also taking down 2 suitcases full of stuff collected so far for Cesar and Emma to use in ministering to the people in need. We'll also help them financially as God leads as people have donated money to help in any way we see is needed.

We're also praying about helping Cesar with his baseball team.

Feb. is love month

February is love month (how appropriate!). We'll take love offerings for expenses and other purchases that have not yet been identified. Some of that will become clear once we're there.

Should you wish to help with any of these emphases, feel free to bring them by Grace any Sun. morning. Or you can call Darien (832-3775).

More info from Emma

From Emma in Curacao. She lives in a poorer neighborhood called Fuik.

Darien, Here are some replies on your questions asked in your mail of Jan. 8

Pre-trip: That is a great idea! Schools are closed in the first week of February (Carnival Break), so I'm off. March 23-28 is our Easter Break. April 30-May 02 is our Queen's birthday/ Labor Day break. But, of course, you may choose any other date in January-May and we will arrange our schedules. You mention 2-4 adults. You are welcome to stay at our home, but we need to know if there are only men or also ladies involved.

Pastor Murphy of the church in Alabama is arriving with a team on January 31 and they will stay till February 7. They will be helping with several projects, construction work, etc. They will be building a wall in our yard. Apart from that they will be giving work shops. I don't know too much about that. Caroline is coordinating their whole stay.

No other churches are coming down as far as I know. Except, we are having a visit from our AWANA coordinators from Venezuela from 1 to 3 March. They will be giving leadership training and child evangelism sessions to our leaders here in Fuik and they will also visit several churches in the island to try to get more AWANA clubs going.

About the baseball team. Cesar would like to re-start the baseball practice again, but this time with the smaller kids (7-13 yrs more or less). Is Parker Davis (Editor: from Wilson) coming down with you for VBS? That would be great. But, Cesar will mail Parker again about that.

The name of our church is: Iglesia Grasia Abundante (Abundant Grace Church) and the pastor is Calvin Varlack.

The support of our church consists of praying for our ministries. When we have a special request (like now for a youth leader) I pass it on to the prayer chain coordinator. Also we get financial support four times a year, which we appreciate a lot because it covers some of our paper, toner, drum expenses to keep our photocopier going. The church has a coordinators meeting every month, which we cannot attend because it is on Sunday afternoon, right when we are up to our ears in AWANA and our weekly praise service. I have asked Caroline to keep me posted on the developments in that meeting. The thing is, we have our hands full here in Fuik with everything going on and keeping contact with +/- 35 families and don't really have time to get involved in the activities the church organizes.

We don't know if Herman (Editor: Runs the children's hospice on north end of island) gets any support from our church. He does not attend there, but he attends the English speaking services in the Holiday Beach Hotel (Editor: This is the church that was led by the Southern Baptist IMBLanier attended Summerville Baptist Church for years). (By the way, that congregation regularly gives an offering for our ministries here in Fuik). missionaries during our first trip. They are back in SC. Gene & Sue

I have three minutes to make coffee before running to the students, so, have a great day Darien and if you have any more questions, don't hesitate.

Ku amor, Emma

Airfares up a little

Ticket prices have increased to about $600 as of today (Jan. 8, 2008). If you are still considering going, you should make your decision as soon as possible to secure the best ticket price. While tickets have only increased about $40 since last fall, they can go up very quickly if supply goes down quickly.

Letter from Emma

Hello Darien,

The countdown has started for our VBS 2008! But, in the first place: Happy New Year to you and yours - may this year be filled to overflowing with happiness, health and blessings in your personal life and your ministries.

We have had a very very busy December month with lots of extra activities. This Sunday, January 13 is the re-opening of the AWANA club and everything else.

Thank you for praying for us, especially for God to send a leader for our youth group. And we will pray daily for your preparations to come here.

We are really excited to have your group and please let us know what you expect from us and how we can make your stay unforgettable.

I did not forget about pictures I promised to send of our ministries. I will have Carol do that (I don't have a clue how to go about sending pictures via email).

Please give a hug to everyone involved and let's keep in touch.

Ku amor (with love),

Emma

Emma Eman-Bradshaw

Seru Grandi Kavel 30, Fuik

Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles

Ph home: 738-4787

Cell: 522-0943