Learning Patience - Haiti Open House

“Patience” and “wait” are two words that are not especially popular in our busy American culture.  We want everything now, or yesterday.  Today in Sunday School, our class was discussing the importance of waiting on God’s plan as we studied Joseph in Genesis 40-41. He had to wait two more years in prison, even after he had asked the cupbearer to put a good word in for him before the cupbearer was released from prison.   Imagine how long those two years must have been for Joseph in that prison cell, as he wondered what was taking so long for God to accomplish His plan for Joseph’s life.  And yet, God WAS accomplishing His plan, even in that prison cell. 

Our family feels like we are in a similar time of waiting, although we certainly are not facing the difficulties that Joseph faced in prison.  God has given us a vision of where and how He wants us to serve in Haiti, and yet, He is not finished with us here, in Greencastle, PA.  He is molding us here, refining us, teaching us, and preparing us for ministry in Haiti. 

While we are here, experiencing the waiting, He has called us to minister to, and alongside, another wonderful congregation of people, as well as, continue the work at Pregnancy Ministries.  He has given us tasks to do, although some days we have to wonder exactly what those tasks are, we know that there is purpose in our being here, now.  We are thankful that our plan is not His, and yet some days, as Joseph probably did, we wonder why this part of the journey needs to be so long and hard.  He is molding us, refining us, teaching us, and preparing us for the road ahead.

Do you hear a recurring theme here . . .

However, God has also given us another task in this time of waiting.  He has given us the responsibility to share the ministry that we are a part of with Reciprocal Ministries, Intl. (RMI).   Few people in south central PA have ever heard of RMI, and our job during this time of waiting is to share the mission, passion, and strategies of RMI, which have also become ours over the past three years.  Last night, we took an opportunity to share just that, as well as a little bit of the flavor of Haitian life. 

We are so thankful for the incredibly supportive group of friends that have come around us and helped us to bring a little bit of Haiti and RMI heart and passion to Calvary Bible Church last evening in Greencastle, PA.  The last week was a testing ground of some new Haitian recipes to share with friends and family as we also shared our excitement of serving as a part of RMI.  Between 40 and 50 of us gathered in the gym with the smell of Haitian rice and beans, pikliz (spicy coleslaw-like condiment), pan patat (sweet potato pudding), banana fritters, and other Haitian-like treats filling the air as Lee expressed RMI’s mission of sharing the gospel through C3 Partnerships. 

A third responsibility that God has given us during this time of waiting, is fundraising.  Although this certainly isn’t our favorite part of the task before us, it is certainly essential.  We need a network of people, here in the States to support us both prayerfully and financially.  Many times a week, we are asked when we will be leaving for the field, and many times we respond with the answer, that when we are able to raise the needed financial support, we can answer that question better.  We wish we had a better answer, but we don’t, other than to say, until the fundraising is complete, we have God’s answer about our moving to Haiti, “Wait”.   Although that isn’t exactly the answer that any of us want to say or hear, that is where we are for now. 

Many of you have joined our financial sending team, and for that we are so grateful.  Many of you have joined our prayer team and for that we are equally, if not more thankful.  You have blessed our lives, whether we have known you for  a short time or all of our lives.  Thank you for being such an incredible part of this journey.

We would love to share what God has called us to with your family, friends, and/or community as well.  Please contact us about sharing with your small group, church family, or just a gathering of family and friends.  We are excited about what God is doing through RMI in Haiti, we would love to share that excitement with you.

Way To Go!

Success!  That’s how our pizza hut fundraiser would have to be classified, thanks to the many of you who came out and invited your friends and family!  We were told by the Pizza Hut managers that it was the best fundraiser they have seen.  More importantly, it gave us a chance to connect with many of our friends and have a chance to meet some new individuals.  We were also able to be a light to our community.  I spoke with one lady from the community who said she “didn’t know what was going on.”  She thought it must have been a church or “something”.  I had a brief opportunity to express God’s calling on our life and be able to share about the love He has for others.

 

One more event before the holiday season and we would like to challenge each of you to bring along a friend! Hope to see you there!

Two Great Events!

 

 

Hungry for Pizza? Be sure to stop in and visit with us while you eat your fill!

Mark you calendars and plan to attend!  We are excited to be able to share with you some videos, pictures and information. You can also get a taste of some Haitian coffee, rice and beans, and pikliz. Feel free to invite your family and friends. 

 

It is so good to continually see God’s spirit moving in the hearts of people!  In a brief three day period, we were blessed to have had four new people partner with us!

We are also reminded of 2 Corinthians 5:7 where Paul states that, “we walk by faith, not by sight.”  There are many steps along our path right now that we can not physically see; but we walk by faith.  We believe, trust and hope in the One we cannot see and live in confident expectation of things to come! 

Thank you for walking this journey with us!!

Yard Sale Fun!?

Yard Sales are always fun. . . especially if you’re a 9 year old, named Nathan.
Setting up at 4am on Saturday morning was not an option. . .at least not a good one, so the solution was to set up canopies and  tables for our Haiti yard sale on Friday night.  But we were a bit hesitant to leave them set up alone and unattended.  The last thing we wanted was for someone to walk off with items that were borrowed.  Especially tables from the church!    So the decision to camp out in the parking lot was decided upon.  Nathan quickly volunteered and we prepared for the epic event.
After removing the seats from our van, we loaded our equipment for the night: sleeping bags, pillows, change of clothes, and toothbrushes.  But most important to a nine year old boy; a battery charger, DVD player, and a Tom and Jerry movie!  Then we were off.  Nathan anticipated what he believed was going “to be the best night ever.”  
It was around 10pm when we finally got settled in our cozy accommodations for the night.    Doors locked. . .check.  Sun visor in windshield. . .check.  Flashlights. . . check.  Movie playing. . . check.  Food for snacks. . .uh nooo.  That's' when it hit us.  We were hungry.  We scrounged the van looking in every possible compartment and under the seats.  All we came up with was one pack of smashed crackers, a couple of old pieces of candy, and crumbs.  After devouring the crackers, we did what we had to do, man up and do a late night McDonalds food and bathroom run. 

We finally had fulfillment.  Warm sleeping bags, moonlight, McChicken sandwiches, french-fries, water, and Tom and Jerry. What more could you want.   Nathan already wants to know when we can do it again. 
Sometimes it’s in the seemingly little and mundane activities that we express our love to others.  Don’t take those moments for granted.  Even if it is sleeping in the back of a van. :)

It’s God’s Work.

God is faithful!  When we prayed that God would open and close doors, we agreed to step out in faith.  Lately, that faith has been tested and has taken us on quite a journey.  As many of you have noticed, we seem to be stuck at 39%.  Truth is, we have been working really hard to make up a $900 deficit in our monthly support, since a main supporting church had to step out due to  various reasons.  This has been difficult to say the least.  But we know that God has this.  We are grateful to those who stick by us, encourage us, listen to us, and most importantly pray regularly and earnestly for us. 
It has been humbling to see God moving in people’s hearts. Recently we had three single individuals, all on limited income, partner with us financially.  Another family who has been through hard times has made the choice to step out in trust. Still another, has decided to honor our boys with a monthly gift.  God is still opening doors, but we too are learning obedience, trust and patience. 
We long to be there, but God has us here for now. It’s HIS plan. . .HIS timing. . . HIS work. 

God Will Provide!

Sometimes trusting in God is like a roller coaster with a lot of ups and downs.  We recently found out that a church that was to support us has fallen on hard times and it will affect our support.  What a blow. Then we had to jump through all kinds of hoops to find family insurance. In contrast, we hear stories of individuals and families, even youth who have chosen to support us in what God has called us to do, how God has laid us on people’s hearts, and stirred them to prayer and action.  God opens doors to share His Word in churches and share about the people of Haiti in a home school co-op.  Next He provides employment for me in a local church which is willing to allow me the freedom and flexibility needed to continue moving towards Haiti and entertain speaking engagements.  And then there are friends; friends who are faithful in their prayers for us.  What a blessing! Indeed. . . God will provide. “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” Philippians 4:19-20 NASB

 

Only in the Nunemaker household do you have butterfly’s landing on noses. 

 

 

Pretending to be a turtle at the Baltimore Zoo

 

 

Another use for Grandmas’ Easter baskets. 

 

 

Hummm?  That wall must taste good!

 

BTW – Our oldest son, Daniel now has his Learner’s Permit

What have we been up too?

Since January, our two oldest boys, Daniel and Josiah, have been very active with a local 4H Robotics Club.  They helped to design and build a robot for competitions which were held in Pittsburgh and Baltimore. For both events, they made it to the qualifying final rounds!

 

Josiah spent most of his time assisting with the programming of their robot while Daniel worked diligently to enable their robot to climb.

 

 

For the first time in 13 years, Lee grew a beard. . . . it didn’t last long :) 

 

The boys were having tractor withdraw while ours was getting fixed so they made their own Cub Cadet 107.  They also took advantage of enjoying all the little snow we had by creating some memories.  

 

While Daniel and Josiah were busy with Robots, Nathan and Isaac carried on our five year tradition of tapping our maple trees.  When it was all boiled off we had our greatest season with around two gallons of 100% pure maple syrup! 

We will miss this in Haiti. . . not sure if you can tap coconut trees or not?

 

 

On another note. . . We have been plugging away with preparing for Haiti.  Some days we feel we are making great strides, while other days we shake our heads and wonder what in the world we are doing.  Through it all, God is strengthening our trust and stretching our faith.  We know that God is able and will make a way.  Thanks to each of you who have come along side us during this journey!  We are truly grateful for all your prayers and support!

"Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God" — William Carey, who is called the father of modern missions.

More great pics to come. . .

Humbled

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” I Peter 5:6-7 (NASB) 

Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God. . . This is becoming more real to me everyday.  I am continually humbled by those who have decided to partner with us in fulfilling God’s calling upon our lives. Not just financial support, but prayer as well.  Some are long time friends, youth, college students, friends of friends, or families struggling with life changing difficulties and challenges; each brings to mind a memory, a story, a tear.  Words of thanks and gratitude seem so insignificant.  It’s a gift we  will never be able to repay. 

Humility is hard.  

BTW – it’s great that we have such an awesome God that cares so much about us!

December 2012 Team - RMI

Check it out!  We had the privilege of working alongside some great friends in Haiti last December.  It was such a blessing to all.  This is just a glimpse into the projects and ministries in which we got to be involved. 

Serving God’s people will change your life forever!

December 2012 Team with RMI

What A Great Team!

We recently had the opportunity to lead a team to Haiti. It was such a blessing to share with them a glimpse of the country to which God has called us to minister.  It was truly an honor to serve alongside such a great group of individuals. . . and who knows. . . maybe future partners and missionaries overseas :)

 

 

Great place, great people, great time, but even a greater God!