Newsletter

The Westbrook Family

Newsletter

February 12, 2008

Settling In and Moving On

click here to view video "The Big Move"

On November 15th we loaded our container bound for Trinidad and on December 4th we once again boarded that familiar American Airlines flight 1819 headed to Piarco International Airport. The flight personnel had called our row for boarding and we had just settled into our seats on the aircraft when we received a call from partner missionaries Josh and Renaé Olson. They said they had bad news, the house that we rent in Trinidad had been broken into. They said that it appeared that only a few things had been taken, a DVD player, 2 cell phones, and an audio receiver. Marie and I were relieved by the fact that nothing had been vandalized, but still it was an unsettling feeling knowing that people had been in our house. A break-in is difficult to deal with anytime, but the emotions of this day seemed to magnify our anxiety. Coupled with the fact that this was the house that would be home for our newborn daughter didn’t help matters any either. Despite all of that, we decided to give the situation to God and were reminded that “safety is of the Lord”.

In regard to the items we shipped from Jacksonville, I’m happy to report that the container and all of it’s contents, with the exception of a few dings and dents, survived the sea voyage to Trinidad. My prayer was that we would be able to clear customs and have the container delivered to our house before Christmas. Praise God, we were able to jump through all the necessary hoops and do just that! The container arrived at our house the Friday before Christmas.

Challenges in Trinidad

The day after Christmas Josh and Renaé told us that they would not be coming back to Trinidad. This news came as a complete surprise to us. All of the conversations we had had with them up to this point gave the impression that they planned on being long-term missionaries in Trinidad. This situation is extremely difficult for us because we have been friends with the Olson’s for a long time. Relationally, it is difficult but also from a ministry standpoint it is like we have taken several steps backward. It is hard to keep missionaries on the field. Since I have been coming to Trinidad, I know of four different missionary families that have come and gone. This makes the challenge of building the ministry team here daunting, but with God all things are possible. We thank God for the time that Josh and Renaé spent laboring here in Trinidad. Pray for them as they seek God’s will for their life.

New Prayer Cards!

click here to view full size

If you didn't read it in the last newsletter, we have new prayer cards. You can "order" them by clicking on the link below:

Prayer Cards and Family Portrait

Check This Out!

Since you are reading this article, you have already discovered our website and are well on your way to getting an in depth look at our ministry. Our online newsletter far exceeds the periodic paper newsletter that shows up at the church. Here on our newsletter page you will find links, pictures, and additional articles that expand and elaborate on the information contained in our hard copy newsletters.

Here are some of the points of interest that you may want to check out on our website:

Video Presentation

This video chronicles our first term in Trinidad starting on the night that we landed in 2003.

Virtual Tour of Our Ministry

Using the popular Google Earth interface, users can take a 3D tour of the locations that our ministry utilizes on the island of Trinidad. High resolution satellite imagery makes it almost like you're really there!

Trinidad Information

Real time information for Trinidad! Current weather conditions, current satellite picture, and front page news. In addition there is a virtual steel drum that you can play, a currency converter, and a distance measuring GPS so you can see how far Trinidad is from your town.

Another Church Van

We are preparing to purchase a second van for Arouca Baptist Church. The ministry has continued to grow and the transportation needs are great. Four times per week this vehicle will bring people in to hear the gospel. Your help in this endeavor is greatly appreciated!

Donate Online

Or, you can send your donation to BMFP. Please note that it is for the Westbrooks. (BMFP will provide a tax deductible receipt if address information is provided.)

Baptist Missions to Forgotten Peoples
PO Box 37043
Jacksonville, FL 32236

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