Sunday, December 23, 2012

Do You Want To See Our Apartment in B. A.?

We received word of where we will be living the first several months in Buenos Aires while we work on paperwork and logistics.  This apartment is located above the 'Mission Office' in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  Of course, the building brings back special memories for Kristi and Eric as they both recall either living in one of the apartments when their families first arrived to Argentina or, as is the case with Eric's family, having his Dad work from the Mission Office for a short time while they lived in B.A.  Enjoy!





 
Anyway, we thought you might enjoy seeing these pictures.  For those of you who are very familiar with this building as well, this is the apartment located exactly above the offices.

Praise the Lord!

We just got word from Kristi's parents (Richard and Karen De Leon), that Karen's bone scan came out very clear indicating no further growth or spread of the bone cancer.  All her lab work was great and the doctor will have her return in three months for a follow-up bone scan to keep tabs on everything.  This is a huge praise for our family as we prepare to depart for the field.

May you each celebrate the birth of our King in a manner which honors and glorifies our Lord Jesus.  We also hope you enjoy the closing of this year and the hope and blessing that comes with a new year of life.

Blessings!

The Stanton Family

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Hello Again!

As we prepare to embark on the next portion of the journey the Lord has for us, we wanted to provide this venue for sharing.  We know we do not travel this road alone.  We rely daily on the Holy Spirit to lead us, and supply our needs.  We need  you, our partners in this ministry, to walk alongside us as we together go where He leads.  There will be times when we'll share some of the highlights of family times and ministry. We'll also share funny experiences we have as we travel.  We invite you to join with us in laughing, celebrating, and praising the Lord.  At other times, however, we'll be tired or worn by the difficulties of the road.  We'll need you to encourage us as you always have, often writing or calling at just the right time.  The most critical way you can be involved, however, is through prayer.  Please, lift us up daily before the Father. Pray as the Spirit leads.  If a passage of scripture comes to mind, share that with us as well.  We covet your prayers on our behalf.  You are, after all, our family.

You may be wondering about the title of this blog.  Do you remember what happened to a couple of travelers on the road to Emmaus?  Following Jesus' resurrection, we find two of Jesus' followers travelling together toward Emmaus. (see Luke 24:13-53).  While they were talking about everything that had taken place, Jesus joined them on the road, on their journey.  Undoubtedly, they were grieved at the realization that their Lord was dead.  Their eyes were not able to recognize the stranger who joined them as they traveled.  He seemed to know nothing of what had transpired in Jerusalem.  As they recounted the events, He rebuked them for being "...slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken." (vs. 25)  Then, "...beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself."  (vs. 27).  Can you imagine the Bible lesson they heard that day?  They could not hear enough, they begged Him to stay with them.  Then, as He broke bread with them, "...their eyes were opened, and they knew Him..." (vs. 31).  Did you consider the fact that these travelers were followers of Christ?  They knew Him, and those in the inner circle.  Yet, they now knew Him in a fullness that they had never experienced before.  Though He vanished from sight, the impact of this encounter with Christ, and the new depth of understanding for the holy scriptures, was so significant that they were compelled to return to Jerusalem and share all these things.

As they were sharing with those gathered in Jerusalem, Jesus appeared and dealt with the fears, doubts, and confusion of the group.  The testimony of these two, powerful as it was, was not enough for the rest of them. Jesus Himself spoke to them, broke bread with them, then opened their understanding to the scriptures.  These encounters were not enough, this was just the beginning.  Jesus then commissioned them to go, beginning in Jerusalem, to preach among all nations the repentance and remission of sins.  He gave instructions, and the promise of "...power from on high." (vs. 49).  We know His command is that we go and proclaim His name among all nations, making disciples, teaching them to obey all that He commands.  It is our prayer that we would be faithful in walking this journey with others no matter where we are.

We will soon move to Argentina, to follow God's call for our family.  It is our desire to see the Argentine church walking with Jesus, sharing with others, and embracing the vision for making disciples and planting churches that would glorify God.  For those pastors and churches already focused on this task, we pray that we will walk alongside them and encourage one another.