Peter and Leah Humphreys Still Waters...He restores my soul. Hallelujah! update from Pete
Early this morning I checked out the weather forecast, and knew that the cement pour needed to happen today – rain is on for the rest of the week! It was even looking a little iffy for today. It didn’t take long and everything was in motion – soon after lunch, the cement truck arrived and some hard workers rolled in!
I was a little concerned because the ground is very soft from all the rain we’ve had, and the cement truck had to back up so close to the edge of the upper wall. But it held! 
What a thrill it was to see the cement pouring into the forms – it was the culmination of about two months of work, and dispelled a few vivid nightmares, too!
The top of the wall is finished and edged and the rain that is now falling softly, hours later, can’t hurt it. In a few days I will begin the process of stripping and cleaning the forms before returning these borrowed materials.
Wow! Today was a HUGE milestone and represents the completion of the most difficult phase of the retaining wall reconstruction. Thanks to everyone who came and helped, and to those who were praying for safety and success today. Leah and I are so encouraged to see how God continues to provide for the Still Waters ministry, and are grateful every day for the lives it has brought us in contact with.
I’ll be grinning in my sleep all night long! Pete
❂More summer excitement!❂
This was the scene in our backyard when the first cement truck came to pour the footing for the anchor wall by the pond.
What’s the reason for all this activity? Well, just a slight problem with a crumbling retaining wall that is supposed to hold the septic tank back from sliding out where it doesn’t belong! The red arrow below is pointing to the corner of the tank where the wall has eroded. 
So far, the footer for the anchor wall has been poured. We THANK GOD for the generous couple who felt God’s leading to make this possible, and for the wonderful group of students and staff from the New Tribes Mission training centre who came to help. Here are some of them…a great team! We’re so grateful to Ernest Jones (NTMC Staff) for arranging this, and everyone enjoyed the wonderful snacks Tina Jones brought! 
God wasn’t finished providing for the project, however! Bob and Darlene Sheets came all the way from Oregon to encourage us in our ministry and lend a much-needed helping hand for a couple of weeks! We had such a refreshing time with them, and even got in some sight-seeing. Thanks for EVERYTHING, Bob and Darlene! 
Other friends took many hours out of their work day to help, as well – we think we know some of the world’s hardest workers! 
Now the anchor wall forms are in place and ready to be filled – if the weather holds, the cement truck will pull in early this afternoon to finish off this first part of the job. We sure appreciate everyone’s help, and the oversight Eric Esau (NTMC Staff) has provided for this part of the project. 
After the wall is poured, there will be a mandatory 28 day curing period, after which Peter will begin backfilling the anchor wall with rocks for added stability. Then the first 3-foot wall will be established several feet behind the anchor wall, using retaining wall blocks – oh YEAH! God provided for those, too!! We can’t wait to see the finished product. HURRAY! 
Ultimately, there will be 2 three-foot walls put in, in order to achieve the level required to support the septic tank. Please pray that the tank will remain stable until the project is finished – and winter is always just around the corner here in Canada! Thanks for praying. 
One more prayer request – Peter felt so honored recently to receive an invitation from the NTM team working in Senegal, who has asked him to come and be their speaker in April of 2012. We are praying about this possibility right now – thanks for joining us. We thank God for each of you and hope your summer has been fruitful, as well. Okay, it’s fall already—it’s just hard for me to let go of summer!
Leah and Peter (I’ll post again later today to let you know how things went!)
♪ ♬ Summer Songs of Praise! ♪ ♬
Leah and I are so blessed! We recently celebrated our 35th anniversary, and thank God every day for each other and for the ministry God has given us. You bless and encourage us through your faithful prayers and incredible gifts, and once in a while, by visiting us at Still Waters!
Our family and children also bless us – several times they have flown us here and there to be with them, and it’s always a memory-making time.
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Deryk, Ivy, Isaiah and Emery Humphreys
Recently, we visited Deryk and Ivy and their family – how we enjoyed hanging out with them, playing with Emery and Isaiah, and dreaming of the new little one to come! It was so special and encouraging.
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Papa and Isaiah spend some time together!
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Isaiah and Emery with Nana the morning she had to leave – sadness!
I flew on to visit with Cherry and her family as they settled back into their home. It needed some repair, and Dan and Cherry had asked if I’d come and put in a new tile floor for them.
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Cherry mixes the thin set – Daddy’s helper again!
Oh yeah, we had fun! It was just an amazing and wonderful visit, and though this ol’ guy left there pretty worn out, I was thrilled with all we accomplished together – just like old times!
Dan has received an early promotion (no surprise), as he continues to serve his country, and he is in the process of fitting into a new position. Cherry starts med school today! It has been a long and interesting journey to this point, but Dan and Cherry continue to move forward in obedience. They would appreciate your prayers!
Leah and I are both back home at Still Waters. We’ve been asking God together with you for years that He would make a way for us to get a permit for the broken down retaining wall to the side of the septic system. Well, the exciting news is that after quite a complicated process (and even some indication that we wouldn’t be given a permit), WE NOW HAVE IT IN HAND!
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Retaining wall by the pond
This wall is critical to holding the septic tank in place and controlling erosion. I’m already at work (and have had some great help!) to begin preparing the site for reconstruction. We will be able to get started as soon as we have the materials: concrete, rebar, landscaping blocks and some forming materials. The permit is good for one year (though much of that time will be winter when the work can’t move ahead for obvious reasons!)
Please pray that the Lord would expedite this project and provide us with the strength, wisdom, materials, and help necessary to get this big job crossed off of the list. The miracle tractor God provided has already been hard at work in this preparatory process, and we can’t wait to see what He has in mind for the rest of the summer!
Praise God with us for the provision of this permit! It is the first of two permits we need in order to return the water to the pond since it was damaged by flooding in January of 2009.
We hope you are having a wonderful summer with your family and friends, and, as always, our hearts are full of gratitude to you as you lift up God’s work here in prayer. He is still changing hearts and lives through the promises and principles of the Word, and comforting His beloved people as they serve and worship Him.
With love and appreciation,
*¨*Rejoicings from the Igloo*¨*
THE SNOW IS GONE! Wow! After living most of our adult lives in a very hot, arid climate, Leah and I are so fascinated and amazed by distinct and regularly changing seasons here in Ontario. Lately, as spring has finally muscled her way to a knock-out victory over winter, I have been considering many of the parallels between seasonal cycles and spiritual growth cycles.
We have lived long enough to be able to look back and reflect on the various “spiritual seasons” we have gone through.
Read the rest of this entry »
(¯`’•.¸ Tiny Wonders in March¸.•’´¯)
*’”*:•.¦:-:•.-:¦:-March 14, 2011-:¦:-• -:¦-•:*’”*
Our daughter Charissa (Kiki) and husband Dan announce the birth of… 
Gabriel Allan Jongewaard
March 14, 2011
8 lbs. 15 oz. - 22 inches long
Peter and I were able to be present at his birth and rejoice with them!
*’”*:•.¦:-:•.-:¦:-March 16, 2011-:¦:-• -:¦-•:*’”*
Our (heart-adopted) son Max and his wife Zuly announce the birth of…
Vania Isabel Peña
March 16, 2011
9 lbs – 22.5 inches long
Peter and I are longing to see this little one…a trip to Paraguay is hoped for next summer!
Naomi
loves to
cuddle
her new
sister!
Please pray for these families and all the adjustments they are facing.
P.S. That makes 12 grandkids for Nana and Papa Humphreys!
❣ Family and Ministry Update ❣
Leah and I are still smiling from having such a great time with our kids and grandkids!
In late October, Shaun and Melanie and their three kids came home from Paraguay for a short time of leave.
At the same time, Deryk and Ivy and their two little ones came up from Texas to spend a week with us. It was so wonderful to be together. 
Then at Christmas, Dan and Cheralyn and their four children came from Rhode Island…
…with Dan and Kiki arriving soon after with their baby-in-waiting – what a memorable time we had!
In January, Shaun and Mel and family flew out to California where they were thoroughly spoiled by Leah’s family, and the church group there. They arrived back up to Canada blessed and encouraged from their visit. Now they are working on packing up their things for the trip back to Paraguay, and their calendar is filling up as they enjoy visits from folks in this area.
A special blessing at the end of 2010 was that my brother Paul, who is recovering from cancer, was well enough to come to Canada with his wife, Kathleen, for my Mom’s 80th birthday. What a thrill for us all!
Would you please pray about a restoration plan we are submitting to local authorities that will allow me to repair the dam down by the log cabin, and refill the pond? Last month we were advised of the possibility of our request being denied because of environmental concerns. We know that only God decides!
“There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.”(Proverbs 21:30)
Leah and I love our ministry here at Still Waters! Thank you for praying for us as we continue to meet with missionaries and friends who are experiencing difficult times and desire to be reminded of His truth.
We have appreciated your emails, phone calls and gifts that support and sustain us every day. We always thank God for your partnership with us, and are privileged to bring your requests before Him, too.
Thanks for keeping in touch!
⁂ ☁ ⁂ ⁂ Let it SNOW! ⁂ ☁ ⁂ ⁂
Winter is here in full force, and I’m lovin’ it! I thought you’d like to see a recent picture or two of me and some new tools God has provided for my use and enjoyment.
Not long after God provided the amazing and unexpected gift of a TRACTOR for Still Waters, He put it on someone else’s heart to provide a SNOWBLOWER! Now, I really do feel bad for the thousands (millions?) of people who really despise the long winter months, and understand that clearing snow off of everything, every day, is a burden. This winter, I’m so thrilled to be able to clear our snow out in less than a fourth of the time it used to take me (and to help out a couple of other families, too) – praise God with us!
In early October, Leah’s dad came for a visit, and, as always, a great deal of work was accomplished! Late in October, both of our boys and their families came to visit – Deryk and Ivy came all the way from Texas, and Shaun and Mel came back from Paraguay. It was wonderful to have them together for a short while, and then to have Shaun and Mel and family for a little while longer. They will complete their home assignment before going back to Paraguay in March for their third term of service.
In November, Leah flew to Rhode Island for two weeks to care for Cher and Dan Hendrix’ four children as Cherry recovered from major surgery. It was very refreshing for her to have that special Nana time with them, and she had fun teaching them to make bread, as well! 
Over the years, God has comforted and encouraged us so faithfully, and we are continually blessed to be in this ‘caring’ ministry here at Still Waters. You may have become aware of recent accusations of abuse that have come from former boarding students (at an NTM facility in West Africa back in the ‘70’s and ’80’s). Leah and I have joined a specially-formed group that is working with those who are affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. Please continue to pray for us – these are difficult issues that have to be taken care of swiftly and biblically, with repentance and reconciliation in focus.
In a couple of weeks, three of our children and their families will be joining us for the Christmas Holidays (Cherry & Dan, Shaun & Mel, and Kiki and Dan)! While we all enjoy this incredible blessing, we will sure be missing those who can’t be here (Deryk & Ivy, as well as Max & Zuly and their families).
Last year at this time, we were asking God if it was His intention for us to look for another ministry, as we were unable to manage the expenses that the Still Water’s ministry had accrued. We asked God for 20 more ministry partners, and He has provided 14 so far! This has been an incredible encouragement throughout 2010.
We are blessed to be your partners here, and we thank God for each of you. May this Christmas season be filled with joy for you and your family as you celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Saviour, so many years ago.
Peter and Leah
God provides…again!
Peter and I had a wonderful time up north at a friend’s wedding this last weekend! It was Peter’s privilege to marry the happy couple, and we rejoiced with the family afterwards. Weddings are special!
The journey home took about five hours; weariness had settled in by late afternoon when we pulled into Still Waters. And there, sitting in our driveway, was a pretty blue tractor.
Peter said, “There’s a tractor in our driveway.”
“Mhmm,” I responded brilliantly, struck speechless. Then we both started talking at once. “It’s probably a mistake – delivered to the wrong address!”
“Let’s call around and see if anyone knows anything!”
No one knew a thing about the tractor in our driveway.
Then Peter said, “I think I know who to call!”
*¨¨*:·.·:*¨¨*¨¨*:·.·:*¨¨*¨¨*:·.·:*¨¨*¨¨*:·.·:*¨¨*¨¨*:·.·:*¨¨*¨¨*:·.·:*¨¨*¨¨*:·.·:*¨¨*¨¨*:·.·:*¨¨*¨¨*:·.·:*¨¨*¨¨*:·.·:*¨¨*¨¨*:·.·:*
In 2005, after having lived at Still Waters for about a year, I noticed that Peter kept saying, “We desperately need a tractor!” So I wrote that in my notebook, and began to pray about it. I told Peter that I was asking God to drive one in here someday, just for this ministry! We laughed. Peter and I continued to petition God for a tractor over the years (maybe Peter more than I, since he was doing all the physical labor)!
Then, one day, God put it on the hearts of a couple of His children to meet this need, and they obeyed. They drove that tractor with its brand new tires right onto Still Waters, giving it to us for this ministry!
I haven’t seen Peter around much these last couple of days…
God has provided - again! Jehovah Jireh.
Our hearts have been so encouraged and blessed by the saints God has brought to Still Waters for rest, and an infusion of Truth. God has proven Himself ready to meet every need and to strengthen us daily, no matter how fiery the trial.
Thank you once again, dearly beloved prayer partners and supporters! We count you among our blessings, and couldn’t wait to let you know of the latest wonderful thing God has done!
”Blessed be the Lord who daily loadeth us with benefits…”
Yesterday I was driving down a country road, when all of a sudden I spotted them! There was no mistaking their identity and it seemed kind of shocking that they were so boldly displaying themselves, especially in August. I saw leaves showing off their fall colours!
And I still have a long list of summer projects to finish before the snow flies…such is life in the north country.
Summer is always busy and we are very grateful for good health, God’s provision and so many opportunities to invest our lives in fellow believers – there is never an off-season for sharing the truths and comforts of God’s Word!
Thank you for praying for us and our ministry. Here are some prayer requests (and please send us yours!)
> We need to acquire a permit to do some urgent work in the pond
> We’re praying for a work team for a couple of weeks next summer
> For study and preparation to serve the people God is sending to us, and wisdom with each one
We need your prayers and are thankful every day for your support!
Peter and Leah
Please pray for Paul and Kathleen Humphreys!
Please be praying for Peter’s brother Paul, who has been diagnosed with bladder cancer.
Paul is going through chemotherapy at this time, and Kathleen is taking care of him.
We are asking God for complete healing for Paul, and strength for both of them, and their children and families.