August 2009

Por: Sarah | |

Lastrapes Legacy vol VIII

Patteran – is a handful of leaves thrown on the ground by a gypsy to indicate to other gypsies the path taken.

We recently came across a book written about Reverend Paul Leeds entitled Patteran. This book is a tribute to a pioneer preacher in the "Piney Woods" of Louisiana. Bro. Leeds’ primary purpose in life was the conversion of sinners. The book tells of him preaching at the drop of a hat, walking, riding and driving amazing distances, swimming rivers and even helping build chimneys. He was a great minister to the Koasati Indian tribe in Louisiana. He was above all, a man of prayer! The group of churches Sarah grew up in (Bible Conference and Missions) may not be here today if it were not for this man. What an amazing example of a missionary to our "home" area. We want to follow in his footsteps.
However, we feel like we are living a double life right now. On the one hand we are gearing up for school and routine with Maddy beginning 1st grade and Jerry beginning a new school year and football season, on the other hand our weekends are full of speaking engagements and ministry opportunities many requiring us to live out of a suitcase (that I have refused to put back up in the closet) causing us to feel "gypsy-ish".
Our summer was also full of such times. We recently spent a week at Camp Pearl (the heart of Bible churches in South LA) as camp missionaries. We had a wonderful week sharing about Guatemala and getting to know some incredible 5th and 6th graders! We were also able to participate in 2 VBS’s this summer, Iowa First Baptist and Indian Bible Church in Elton (one of the churches started by Bro. Leeds).

Thank you guys for your support and making us your VBS missionary this year!
Jerry was able to take a trip to Guatemala. Part of his time was spent with a group of about 20 pastors he hopes to work with from the San Marcos area. It was quite humbling for Jerry as he was able to be a part of a prayer/fellowship/discipleship time with these pastors; they even prayed for Sarah, Maddy and Coleman while he was away. Please pray for the Guatemalan church as they have many questions and for the pastors as they work together to understand and try to minister to their congregation.
Also, as an update, our one-time outgoing account is really growing. We are currently at 45%! We have also added some more monthly supporters; for that we are grateful! One thing we have been considering is trying to learn as much Spanish as we can before we move to Guatemala to give us a head start. We have researched and found Rosetta Stone–Latin America to be the best available. If you are willing to purchase this for us or would like to make a donation for us to purchase this specifically, please let us know. We truly want to thank each of you who have partnered with us on our "gypsy way", gathering leaves and spreading them around.
Peace of Christ to You,
the Lastrapes
E-mail: jlastrapes@caminternational.org