Sept.

2013
Sept. 17, 2013 marked a milestone for us we have been serving in Nicaragua for 4 years now. It seems like a lifetime and yet just a blink, all in the same motion. We send our thoughts and prayers to all who may be reading this newsletter and pray for your blessing and bounty as you who have supported us through these years. There have been trials and tumults as well as discoveries and jubilations. We thank you for sticking with us. It has been a journey. As most of you know, we moved our family to El Crucero, in January. We felt God leading us to leave the place where we had become so invested and move to a new location. Although we didnt understand Gods reasons for moving us at the time, we recently received that confirmation. We were robbed several times while living there, the last being in December just before we left. We recently learned that in early April, six armed men climbed over the compound wall, shot in the air, and accosted the security guard, his son, and an American intern living there. They were bound and roughed up. They demanded money then loaded the ministrys van with its own tools and equipment. They stole $19,000 worth of vehicles and equipment. I thank God that in His infinite wisdom, He spared my family from that ordeal. I am left breathless just imaging the trauma that my wife and kids were spared. Thank you, God, for your protection. Please pray for Hearts to God as they deal with the aftermath of this incident. In August, we lost a great friend and brother in Christ. Michael Sirius (pictured on the far left), served with us from the time we first arrived in Nicaragua. He served as our guide, our interpreter, and over all helper. Michael had a great heart and willingness to serve, whether it was preaching the gospel or clearing trees for farm land. He was always by our side. You may remember that his appendix ruptured last June, and he received emergency surgery. In the process, he discovered that he had intestinal cancer. He endured many surgeries and fought it all the way. Last month, his body finally gave up. In his early 30s, he left behind a wife and young son. I am reminded that time is not our friend. It steals away our treasures and can easily be spent on idle things. Please pray for his wife and son with me. On a much lighter and happier note, Sierra was able to realize her dream trip to France this summer.

She spent two weeks with a group called Teenagers Abroad. Her smile says it all pictured here at the base of the Eiffel Tower.

CURRENT EVENTS

Vanessa has started her 8th year of home-schooling our own family in addition to teaching 3rd level English at the high school here. Sierra is in the 10th grade and also teaches 1st grade English and sewing at the school. Caleb is in 8th grade and works hard on our chicken project. The kids have grown quite attached to our chicks. Kyle is in the 6th grade, and Sydney is in 3rd. I continue to work hard at repairing things around the school and keeping everything well-oiled. My current project is building a second stairwell to the 2nd floor in the high school.

PRAYER NEEDS
As we are approaching the end of our one year commitment with New Hope Ministries in EL Crucero, I am pondering what God has in store for us and what the future holds. Are we to extend our time in El Crucero, or is it time to branch out on our own, stepping out from under the umbrella of other ministries? Is this the season for regrouping and education, or is it another focus entirely? Please pray for us as we try to discern Gods guidance for our lives.

FINANCIAL NEEDS
Most of our current needs continue to be financial. For the last four years, we have been able to purchase things that our family needs (school curriculum, flight tickets, etc.) from the nest egg of the sale of our house in the U.S. We were able to use donations solely for living & ministry expenses. Well, that nest egg has been depleted, and we now find ourselves relying solely on donations & support for all our needs. We need funds to repair the van that we are borrowing from another ministry. They are not charging us to use it, but we are responsible for repairs while we have it. Currently, we are facing a $1,800 repair to get it back on the road. Ideally, we would like to be able to purchase our own vehicle. We are praying for about $15,000 to purchase a reliable van. Lastly, our plea is for funds for the Holidays. This Thanksgiving and Christmas will be the 5th one we have been away from family & friends. We would love to come home for the holidays to visit with family & friends. At the same time, wed like

to visit supporting churches and people, as well as hopefully seek out new churches to garnish additional support.

PARTNER WITH US AT: By Gods Grace, Inc. P.O. Box 2487 Harrisonburg, VA 22801 Email us: Skype us: jvspeigle@hotmail.com jdspeigle John.speigle