Merry Christmas 2010

As I (Delilah)walked into the house I was warned with what I would see in the next room. But I was not prepared to see this woman, bruises all over her face and arms. As I quickly caught my breath, I started praying furiously, please Lord please show me how to share Your story with this lady. As I talked to her the next couple hours, I was happy to see her smile. I am also happy to share that she is open to hearing about God's Word. Instead of asking what we are getting for Christmas, maybe we should ask ourselves what we are giving. We serve a God that came into this broken world in a barnyard, gave all of His time and resources for others, and loves us so much that when we were/are at our absolute WORST He gave all (Romans 5:8). All of us have heard the Christmas story and all of us ponder it for about 5 minutes as we reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, but do we really? As soon as the story is over (depending on your personal tradition) we're off to open the things we get. Here's the reality of what we, as believers, get. We get eternal happiness, we get to walk on streets of gold, we get everything rightly belonging to a son or daughter of God because we are heirs with Christ (Romans 8:14-17). So what does that mean for unbelievers? It means that whether they know it or not, they are absolutely desperate for what only we, as believers can give. Are we giving to a lost and dying world or are we constantly seeking what we can get? Well many of you knew Joel and I were interested in going to the Philippines, it seems as if that door may be closing for us. But we are so excited to share the new direction we feel God is leading us,southeast Africa. We have 6 more days of classes, then our 1st semester is over!! Wow, that was fast. Joel's Mom will be here for Christmas this year with us. The boys will be taking part in the Christmas program at the church we are attending. Aiden will be a wise man and Alton a sheep! The girls have been keeping busy with school and friends and creating doll clothes :) Joel in his free time has enjoyed learning how to trap. So far he has "trapped" three raccoons, 6 possums, and 1 red squirrel and a turkey vulture toe!! Can you believe 2010 is coming to a close?? It has been a busy year for us, gradating from Bible school and now in training to be missionaries. God has blessed us so much this year. We are so thankful for those who have spent so much time encouraging,praying and giving financially to us. If you have anything you'd like us to pray for let us know. We love hearing from you, and our family would love to pray for your needs too. Enjoy your Christmas!! Joel, Delilah, Alexis, Alyssa, Aiden, Alton
SUPPORT/ INFO Partnership gifts can be sent to: New Tribes Mission 1000 E. 1st St. Sanford, FL 32771 **please include a memo indicating gift is for Joel & Delilah Spears CONTACT INFO Joel & Delilah Spears 134 Main Drive Roach, MO 65787 Joel's cell 630-608-3379 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 630-608-3379 end_of_the_skype_highlighting Delilah's cell 630-608-3245 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 630-608-3245 end_of_the_skype_highlighting	OUR CLASS!!	Prayer request Future people who will want to partner with us. For the lady Delilah is sharing God's love with, pray that she will want to have a relationship with Jesus. Joel will be preaching at a church here in MO on Sunday the 26th and Jan. 16, pray for him that he will speak clearly what God has laid on his heart to share. For continued opportunities to share God's love with people in our ministry outreaches.

MORE OCTOBER FUN

JOEL AND I TEACHING A CLASS IN

FOUNDATIONAL BIBLE TEACHING

(Joel did most of the teaching)

JOEL DOING WORK DETAIL


CAN YOU FIND THE BALD EAGLE?
I CAN'T EITHER, I THINK I MISSED THE SHOT :)

THE LIZARDS HOME!!

THE BOYS ENJOYING THE HARVEST PARTY

OCTOBER FUN

FUN STUFF IN OCTOBER

DELILAH & ALTON MAKING BUBBLES

ALYSSA & JOEL LOOKING FOR LIZARDS

JOEL & AIDEN ENJOYING THE HAYRIDE!!

MOM, ALEXIS & AIDEN ON THE HAYRIDE

OTIS

SEPTEMBER 2010 UPDATE

Dear Friends and Family, 9-19-10

MTC is finally off to a good start. The first week of school was complete orientation to the training. The second was Field Fair week which is a group of missionaries from around the world. They came to tell us about opportunities in different areas.

Perhaps the biggest highlight of the week was different seminars on Creative Access into countries that are closing their doors to missionaries. Despite Satan’s many attempts to derail the “Great Commission” (Matt. 28:16-20) there are several other legitimate and totally legal ways to enter these countries for the work that we are all to be a part of.

The last two weeks have been regular classes and it finally feels like we are getting some sort of a schedule in place. PRAISE THE LORD!

A few of you have asked about what our classes look like, so here it is. The focus here is relationship building, with a biblical emphasis, so keep that in mind as there are NO Bible classes.
1. FBT (Foundational Bible Teaching): The focus is on chronological teaching, beginning with creation, or God’s foundation for all we know. Also how to develop the teaching, how to answer questions or not answer them etc.
2. Communication Skills: How to not only be an effective teacher, but a learner as well
3. Learning Styles: Literally understanding the 4 basic styles of learning people fall into and how to identify them to be a more effective teacher.
As a side note, Delilah and I have finally figured out that we are literally exact opposites. (Nuff’ said)
4. Worldview analysis: Developing a relationship with someone despite the fact that they will probably see the world through a different lens than I do. Also, confronting my own worldview in light of Scripture and changing as necessary.
5. Stewardship: Time, money, people, possessions, etc.

That’s it for now, Please begin/continue to pray for us that the Lord will raise up individuals that will want to partner with us in the financial support of our ministry. Love, The Spears

ENJOYING THE LAKE OF OZARKS :)

Just some pictures of the kids enjoying the benefits of their new home :)

New Home

Well we made it to Missouri!! The kids are enjoying the lake and the new home. I have finished unpacking.... still have two more boxes to unpack. So thankful to be here. Enjoying the last couple weeks of summer, but looking foward to begin our training. Hope you enjoy the pictures

3-15-2010

We had an awesome weekend, back in IL, great time visiting family, and fellowship with friends. It was also great to be back and worship, at our home church.
We are still keeping busy studing God's word, also busy with parenting. Aiden is still wrestling, Alexis playing basketball.

Christmas Break

Wow , it has been way too long, I am going to try to post here again monthly. To catch up a little..... this Christmas we spent our time with Joel's family in Virginia. It was fun a many good memories. The kids got a visit from "Santa" one night. Joel went to his first Chicago Bears game, with his dad and brother. We all got to enjoy Virginia Beach, Alton and Aiden ended up soaked hm................. I know....... I know.... not a big surprise. But The beach is still beautiful, even when it is a chilly December day :). There was another day,when the boys & Joel went to Uncle Craig's house to work, and me and the girls and Grandma Jan went to Buckroe beach, and went seashell searching. That was a lot of fun!!

In the next week we will post again, an update on our schooling, an update on the kids, an update on our praises and prayer request. Thanks again for your prayers!!

The Spears Family