NTM - New Tribes Mission | Planting Tribal Churches

We are in full swing of a new school year.  All three kids are settling into a routine and are making friends.  We are involved in several missions conferences and speaking engagements as well.  In addition, we’ve been juggling family life with the care of both Julie’s mom and John’s father.  Julie’s mom is about the same.  She’s bedridden and still under the care of hospice in her own home.  We visit daily.  John’s father was recently hospitalized and John has been very involved with helping to take him to medical appointments.  On top of that, Julie’s had her fair share of doctor’s appointments along with an MRI and CAT scan as doctors try to diagnose the cause of her optic neuritis.  We continue to press forward each day and look forward to the day we can leave for the field.  It’s been such a long process and God continues to train us as we wait on Him.

September 23, 2008

New Tribes Mission ministries in Bolivia continue to experience constant tension from civil unrest, and talks of a large protest march in Santa Cruz on Wednesday has raised more concerns and could disrupt some NTM ministries. The march is not a certainty at this time.

Civil unrest and social tension in the country led to discussions last week between the government and opposition leaders. The dialog appears to have slowly advanced, and there are indications improvements will continue.

There have been no direct threats to foreign missionaries, and so far minimal disruption in the work among Bolivia’s least-reached people groups, which New Tribes Mission carries on in partnership with the churches in Bolivia.

At this time, no NTM personnel are seen as being in danger and most ministries continue to go forward. For example:

This last weekend in a Simba community, the local church along with several missionaries, held a Bible conference that encouraged and edified those who attended. 

The training and teaching at the missionary training center in Bolivia, which equips Bolivians and other Latin Americans — continues on its normal daily routine.

Please pray that God would bring peace to Bolivia. Also, pray for the Word of God to continue to go forward to those who need to hear. Pray that the local churches around the country will not be distracted and will be able to focus on the Lord. Pray for NTM missionaries to continue to be safe as well as to sense the peace that God alone can give during tense times.

We have had a very busy June with a trip to Florida as our major event.  When we started our training 5 years ago, we promised the kids that we would set aside some money and take a trip to Florida after we finished.  Well, it’s 5 years later and we had planned our trip for February, however, cancelled the trip since mom’s health was so bad.  Since she’s been eating and doing well, we made a decision to go at the end of May.

The kids thoroughly enjoyed our time in Florida.  We were able to visit New Tribes Mission’s Headquarters in Sanford.  We also visited 2 of John’s sisters, Julie’s Aunt and Uncle, and 3 long time friends.  The kids enjoyed seeing Walt Disney World and enjoyed the rides and shows the various theme parks have to offer.  It was a great trip and we are so glad to have had the opportunity to go.

Since we’ve been back, we helped out with the VBS program at Exeter Bible Church (one of our supporting churches).  It was a great week.  Over 135 kids came out during the week.  Over 25 kids expressed an interest in the gospel.

During the same week, we had to finish compiling the kids portfolio’s from our year in homeschooling and have it evaluated by a teacher.  It was a hectic week, but everything is now turned in and we’ve begun making plans for next year.  Since it’s been difficult to balance homeschooling, mom’s care, and deputation, we’ve decided to send the children to school this next year.  This way, we’ll be able to concentrate our efforts on sharing our ministry while the children will get the attention they need.

(Julie’s) Mom continues to do well, physically.  Although bedridden, she remains in good spirits, and in no pain.  She does grow restless most days and we ask prayer for wisdom with regards to medications and how to meet her needs.  It’s so very difficult since she cannot talk.

Thanks so much for your ongoing interest in our lives.  In church on Sunday, several of us were asked "What is the greatest compliment someone could give you?"  At the end of the service, the pastor said that the "Greatest compliment any of us could receive would be to hear the words, ‘Well Done, my good and faithful servant’".  Some days it seems like it has taken us so very long to go through this process and yet John and I know it’s all been to shape and mold us into the creations God wants us to be.  We long to hear those words someday and we thank you for your encouragement, financial support and prayers as we continue to prepare to leave for the field.

We arrived in Canada earlier this month.  We came so Rachel could participate in a chess tournament with local Christian schools as well as see our friends and supporters.   All was going well…at least we thought.

On Thursday, April 10, my day started at 7:30 a.m. after receiving a phone call from my husband, John. He and Rachel left at 6:30 in the morning with a van (our van) full of kids going to the chess tournament in Toronto, ON.  About 45 minutes into the trip, our van transmission gave out and John was only able to drive in low gear going 20 miles per hour.  The other car went ahead with a car full of kids and John found a place to rent a car so he could get the rest of the kids to the tournament.

Why?  Why now?  What a time for this to happen.  We just paid someone to fix our transmission 3 months ago?  Did they really fix it?  God knows.  He sees all and we can give the situation to Him and know that  there’s no such thing as bad timing because God knew all along that this would happen as well as when it would happen.

This past year has been a roller coaster of change for our family as my mom entered hospice care in December.  Many of our plans have had to be changed and recently we made a decision, in fellowship with our church leadership, that we would delay our leaving for the field.  This was not an easy decision as we feel the immediacy to go.  However, wise counsel suggests that it would be in the best interest of all involved for us to remain in the U. S. for another year due to both the situation with my mom as well as our support level.

It’s so very hard at times when we make plans and they seem as if it is God’s will then He lovingly closes a door.  Although disappointed, we’re not discouraged.  Our confidence continues to rest in knowing that God sees the full picture when we can only see in part.

All is still going well, just not as we planned.  But that’s ok.  God continues to direct our steps even though our plans get thwarted at times.  He is still in control for which we’re truly thankful.  Proverbs 16:9 states "A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure."

Hey, ya’ll. Instead of my parents writing this article, they said that I could write it from my own perspective. A lot of you folks out there know that I’ve started a "hobby" playing chess since I learned more about it in Canada.

I joined a chess club in early December and the members meet every Saturday from 1-5 p.m. to compete against each other. We’re require to play with a chess clock and also to notate the moves of all of our games.

The games have a 40 min. time limit for each player to make all their moves with an extra 5 seconds before your time starts each turn to record your opponents last move. Whenever you play there, you play in a quad: four people playing against one another (3 games total) to see who wins the most games in order to claim the first place prize for the week.

Besides the break I took in February, I’ve been going every Saturday to practice and learn how to get better. Although I did sometimes beat an opponent, I never got first place.

Well, today, there were enough people there, that I was able to play against people who were rated about the same or a little better than I am instead of playing people who are rated much higher (these people are extremely wise and cunning in the games they play…I hope to be there some day).

Anyway, I was able two win my first two games and draw (or tie) my last one today. This made me the over all winner of my quad and I was so excited to win the $25.00 prize!

Afterward, as my dad and I were driving home and I was thinking about all the congrats I had gotten at the chess club. After a while, I remembered that I hadn’t done anything…God did. I thought about how God was the one who made my brain and gave me the ability to play chess well. I considered that if God hadn’t given me that knack, I never would have won a single game. I deduced that with the help He gave me while I was playing, even though I didn’t realize it at first, I was able to do better than I had imagined before the clock started. When things like this happen, they are NEVER possible without any help from God.

Recently, I (Julie) celebrated my 41st birthday.  Each day after the mail came I kept hearing, "You got another card?"  I just want to thank all of you who sent cards and notes for my birthday.

We also want to thank those who have sent notes of encouragement as we continue to care for my mom and her failing health.  It is so very difficult to see a loved one "go downhill" so fast.  Yet, God has proven His faithfulness over and over and we know His will, His plan, and His timing are perfect.  Our desire is that He get all of the glory in this situation.

Lastly, despite our being somewhat "tied" to the Easton area, we continue to have opportunities to present the needs in Bolivia.  It is still our desire to leave for the field by the end of July, but are trusting the Lord to provide the remainder of our support.  We are truly thankful for those who have given financially as well as those who have been praying for our needs.  We are happy to report that we are almost at 40% of the recommended level of support for our family.

As many of you know, these past few months have been full of uncertainty for our family.

Many have asked about mom.  Well, we are certain God could heal her if He chooses and we’re certain that if He doesn’t she’ll be in heaven with Him.  We’re uncertain as to when He will carry out His plan, so we try to enjoy each day that we have with her.  We have set up a separate webpage where you can see updates on her condition.  www.jackieromann.blogspot.com

Many have asked, "when will you leave for the field?"  We plan to leave this summer at the end of July.  Are we certain?  No, not completely, but that’s the plan.  One thing we ARE certain of is that we want to go to the field and we’re certain that God can supply all of our needs. We’re not uncertain if  He will, but just when He will choose to do so.  A minimum of 60% of our recommended support is required and God has provided 30% due to the faithful giving of our home church and various supporters.

Many of you may be facing uncertain days.  You can be certain that you are not alone and that God loves you.  Many tribal people are paralyzed with fear over uncertainty.  Our desire is that all men know the truth so that during uncertain times, they can be confident  in our Great and Mighty God.

When my brother and I heard of our mom’s prognosis, we made the decision for me (Julie) to take her to Florida to visit with her eldest brother, John.

Mom is the youngest of four children.  Her sister, who is 11 years older, lives in NJ, and her brother, 8 years older, lives in FL. Her other brother from NJ passed away several years ago.  Mom had the opportunity to see her sister this summer, but hadn’t seen her brother in a couple of years.  We knew he would be unable to fly, so we decided one of the best gifts we could give her was to take her to see her brother, and his wife, Penny.

We made the trip a week before Christmas.  Mom beamed from ear to ear as soon as she saw her big brother (who stands 6’4").  It was well worth the trip!  The nice warm weather didn’t hurt either.  It felt good for both of us!

We’ve been told that mom has weeks at this point.  She is no longer eating and drinks sips of water and juice throughout the day.  She can still walk, with help, for which we’re thankful, however, she grows weaker day by day.  We cherish your prayers as we try to make what little time we have left with her as meaningful as possible.

From our family to yours, we wish you a very Happy New Year.

We have been touched by your support and encouragement through prayer, emails, cards, and gifts.  Thank you for remembering our family during this time.

Over the past four years we have been training to be missionaries with New Tribes Mission, however, God has been training us for a much longer time.  My journey began when I was about 7 and I understood and accepted the gospel with my mom.  I thank God for her and how He has worked in her life since she was 17.  He is now preparing her to leave this world and join Him.

Over these past two months, mom has lost about 25 pounds and her eating has diminished greatly due to increased difficulty with swallowing.  She wasn’t drinking much either and giving her medication each day became challenging.  We were worried about dehydration and asked her doctor to see us as soon as he could.

Last week we were able to get an appointment and after reviewing her symptoms and seeing her weight loss he pulled my brother and me into a conference room with several others to discuss her prognosis.  We knew this was coming, but didn’t expect it quite so soon.  Mom’s disease, primary progressive aphasia, has basically run its course and she is in the end stage of her dementia.  When asked how long, the doctor said about three to six months.  My brother clarified by asking, "So you would be surprised to be treating our mom a year from now?"  "Yes", he stated.

We inquired if a feeding tube would add any quality to her life, however, at this point, her brain is shutting down and as a result so is the body.  By forcing food into a body that isn’t "desiring" it, could add more complications.  A hospice nurse was called in to consult with us as well and we’re thankful for the service this organization provides.

We are thankful that our mom is not in pain, and is alert.  She no longer goes to the adult day care center and I have become her primary caretaker during the day.  John has taken over the homeschooling for the children until we can get additional help lined up in the home.

Although she rests much of the day, mom still has her sense of humor, and appreciates having the familiar faces of her family around her.  She will be able to stay in her home for now for which we’re grateful.

We cherish continued prayer as this will most likely be our last Christmas with her.  We find tremendous comfort in knowing that we will one day be reunited with her in heaven.  As we celebrate Christmas, we remember the gift of Christ and his willingness to go the cross on our behalf.  It is in this alone that we have placed our trust and our confidence is in Christ alone and nothing that we have accomplished.  We know that mom’s desire would be that you, too, understand this so she could spend eternity with you as well.