I am a full-time missionary and have the privilege of serving abandoned children in Guatemala. Our life here is a beautiful mess! We are surrounded by beautiful little faces but we are never far from the mess of life. Ours is a 24-hour ministry, leaving little time for rest.   Last week in the midst of circumstances that seemed more than I could bear, I called Pat and Charlie and asked for a reprieve. As we drove, my little boy looked over and said, “mom, I just love the way Pat and Charlie smell!” I was imagining a hundred different smells when I asked him what they smelled like…..”FREEDOM!” he responded! I have to admit I had not thought of that, but it’s so true! While freedom may not have a smell to you, to my nine year old he is convinced that this smell exists at Pat and Charlie’s!

For our family Restoration Ministry Center provided rest, perspective, “freedom” and an opportunity for restoration to begin in our hearts. While we minister the gospel of Jesus to the hurting, abandoned and broken we ourselves recognize our own brokenness and intense need of Jesus.   To everyone who helped to build this beautiful home, THANK YOU!

We are now back in our own home, covered in the smiles of children and the mess of life but also filled up to the brim and overflowing with the Spirit of God, empowered to share Jesus and love intensely!   THANKS!

Toni and Stefan Steere, FUNPRONI-Casa Bernaba Orphanage www.discoveringpearls.blogspot.com

Each year we host two events with His Joy Ministries, Pearlene Nolan, Snyder, Texas. Each January, Pearlene comes with one other person to conduct two days of Joy in Jesus for our missionary ladies. This year we were blessed to also have Karyl Simmons.  Karyl, along with Pearlene, blessed 19 missionary ladies with the Word of God. Pearlene taught on Psalm 91 and Karyl from the Song of Solomon. We spent two days enjoying the presence of the Lord and our time with each other.