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Word from the Director - Madeleine Allard
Dear MMI friends,
Training for ½ marathon gives you many hours alone to think. I have been thinking lately of one special run where my daughter Chantale joined me for the last 5 kilometers of the race. I am sure when she spotted me in the crowd of runners she made the decision to run with me for the last leg of the race, because she wanted to be there to call 911. She started to run by my side, just a step or two ahead as to make sure I knew she was there. She didn't talk, certain that she would not get an answer anyway, since my breathing was strenious. After a while we started to run at the same rhythm. The pace was still strong, much faster than what my body wanted to do, but I didn't feel as much pain, I just wanted to remain by her side, there was some comfort to run with her. All I remember was feeling her presence and saying to myself "I think she believes I can do this". I finished the race and realized that I had just run my personal best.
This makes me realize that someone presence give comfort and I am reminded of the Lord's presence. His presence gives me the strength to "run" through difficult roads. He runs with me at a pace that is not beyond my strength. He believes that I can actually go through challenges and still reach the finish line. The anticipated joy of crossing the finish line with Him becomes my focus.
May the Lord help us to remind ourselve of His presence as we go about our ministry, service, job, and responsabilities of life. If He believes we can do this, we will because He is by our side.
Madeleine |
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Ciudad Sandino, Nicaragua (March 29-April 6)
Submitted by Wes Cavin-Team Leader-Grace Church, SC  The construction team accomplished a lot toward the expansion of the church's wall. Long days spent digging footers and laying foundations were coupled with intimate times. The church members and mission team members shared what God had done and is doing in their lives. Many tears were shed as we saw how powerful our Mighty God really is in each of our lives. Both sets of team members realized the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
One of the Nicaraguan church members working on the
construction team has been going through a particularly difficult time,with no work in over six months. He was at the point that he was beginning to question whether God was still with him. His attitude went through an incredible transformation by the end of the week as we shared together and he communicated to us that he had a renewed spirit. Praise God. |
| Third trip to Nicaragua - March 29-April 6, 2008
(Submitted by Wendy Arnold, PA from South Carolina) 
This is my third trip to Nicaragua and it left me wondering if I would be as impacted as I had my previous two visits. The answer...a resounding yes! The people were warm and the members of The Church of Living Waters made us feel welcome and at ease right away.
Regardless of their circumstances, the believers in Nicaragua have a belief and peace that surpasses understanding. And that is something to be envied. I came away with such a visual of how Jesus sees our hearts much like the dry parched dirty alleys in Ciudad Sandino, before our hope is place in him. Afterwards there are beautiful vibrant flowers which represent the hope he brings in the midst of the dust. We saw many persons in the clinic, helped a church expanded their walls, but the glory was all God's. Praise the Lord 90 new brothers and sisters accepted Jesus. It will be a trip not soon forgotten.
(photo: Wendy Arnold with patient_ |
Dorcas Center 
The date for the ING Ottawa Half Marathon is coming too soon, according to Madeleine, but ready or not we are going to have her run on May 25th.
We are thankful for your response in this effort to raise money for the construction of the rescue center for the children of Mali Africa.
There is still time left to pledge. 100% of your support goes directly to the project. A tax deductible receipt will be issued for your donation next January by Atlantic Missions Inc., Medical Mission International's financial organization overseeing the ministry.
Thanks for your gift encouraging Madeleine in this fund raising activity and for your love of Children!
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NEEDING NURSES AND HELPERS
We are looking for nurses and helpers to come on the following projects:
October 16-31, 2008- Mali
October 31-November 14, 2008 - Mali
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In memory of Pastor Joseph Kouriba
On April 11, 2008 Pastor Joseph from the village of Gwana, in Mali Africa left us to be with the Lord. His sudden death has left all of us in sadness. Pastor Joseph was a strong collaborator in all the outreaches that MMI did in Mali. In 2004 he hosted the first MMI project. He had a love for the ministry and was burdened to share the Gospel. He left his wife Marie and four little children. He just dedicated the last baby girl in January and named her Dorcas.
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Popoyoapa-Nicaragua-Apr. 12-19
Kirk of the Hills project
Submitted by Arnie Dahl
"On Wednesday, the last day of the clinic, I was deeply touched by a young mother who came to the clinic seeking help for her two young daughters. The youngest daughter had been losing weight for quite some time and had no appetite. She was also experiencing stomach pain and she looked so sad and scared. I was able to hold the little girl on my lap as we talked with her mother and older sister about their medical concerns. We finished our interview and sent them on to consult with one of our team doctor's. For the remainder of the day, I could not stop thinking about that precious little girl and wondering if she would get better.
That evening, our group attended evening worship services at the church and as I entered the church, I looked up front and there sat the mother with her two young daughters. We waved at each other and during the entire service the young girls kept looking around and smiling at me. Not long into the service, the pastor gave a report about the number of people from the community who had accepted Jesus as their savior. He then mentioned a family who had returned to church, and the mother who had rededicated her life to God. It turned out to be the same young mother and her two daughters. I was so happy to have witnessed first hand how one particular part of the "body of Christ" was fulfilling our Lord's commandment to "go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature". They were doing just that, beginning in their Jerusalem.
MINISTRY TEAM KIRK OF THE HILLS - TULSA  | |
