Don and Elizabeth Sendek Newsletter August 2007

Paul Hiebert states that it is in the “context of God’s activity within this world and throughout history, that we must understand our task. The mission is ultimately God’s….Our planning and strategizing are useless, even destructive, if they keep us from seeking first the guidance and empowerment of God himself.” (Anthropological Insights for Missionaries, p. 17) This thought struck me as I read it, and I want to ask you to pray that we seek His guidance and empowerment as we continue our work. I moved into my 66th year, of which 36 have been with Latin America Mission (and 33 with Elizabeth), and I still need for Him to guide each day.

Although some of you, or your children, will just begin the academic year, we are now into the fifth week of our second semester of this academic year, which began in January. It seems like a whirlwind, and I do not see any letup before December. I have six trips on my schedule, and all will include weekends. Pray that I will have needed time for rest.

As stated in the July 6 letter, I was able to go to California to see my mother. Because it was cheaper to fly to Las Vegas, instead of LAX, I took two days for the scenic wonders at Zion and Bryce National Parks in southwest Utah. Although it sounds as if I went backwards, if you have never seen these God created marvels, you might consider it for a future trip (even if it means driving a few miles “backwards”. Look at the pictures at the end of the letter to tempt yourself (Elizabeth made me promise to have at least one photo of myself from each park). I enjoyed the two days in the parks and the week with my mother. She has done well this year, although a constant dizziness is discouraging. She MUST use a walker and hang on to keep her balance.

Our semester at the seminary started with Dr. Sven Soderlund from Regent College in Vancouver, B. C., delivering a series of lectures on “The Pastoral Vision And Practice of the Apostle Paul” (July 21-23). It was profound, and given in a language that all the students and special guests could understand, so they learned easily. This is the touch of a real expert on the subject.

Classes have gone well. Both Elizabeth and I are team-teaching our courses with other colleagues, which has been a joy. I am also trying to improve my use of computer technology. There is so much for one to learn, and it seems to come naturally to many of our students. Age does make a difference.

The weekend of August 14-17 was a God given gift. Former students of the university Christian group, Unidad Cristiana Universitaria, invited us for the coastal celebration of the 40th anniversary of UCU. We had worked with the group for 14 years on the Northern Colombian coast. A larger celebration had occurred in Bogota for the whole country, but many were unable to attend and wanted a regional celebration. What a joy to share God’s faithfulness in the lives of many who attended, and to remember special conversations, retreats and the music of the movement. Five pastors of different denominations were present, witness to how God had lead during these years.

Because my 66th birthday fell during those days in Cartagena, the friends made sure that I would never forget this special time together. It can be summed up with “food and fellowship”, with many of the fried finger foods of this part of Colombia being enjoyed. For those of you who know the region, carimañolas, alegrias, butifarras, chicarron, bollo limpio and arepas con huevo were enjoyed.

Elizabeth’s health is better with diet being important to her recovery. Pray for her classes and administrative work, and her preparation for two big responsibilities. She will be teaching a workshop titled, “From Exegesis to Contextualization” at a meeting of “escuelitas de predicación” (schools for preaching) the week of September 21st. She will also travel to California in mid-October to speak at the mission conference at First Presbyterian Church in Berkeley, California. We are planning two weeks away from Medellin, and will be contacting many of you to see if we can get together.

Pray for the health of students and administrative staff. Last week over twenty were ill with flu symptoms. Only the daughter of our president was hospitalized with pneumonia, but many were seriously ill.

As always, I find it a privilege to write these letters and communicate Gods goodness to us here at the seminary in Medellin. Thank you for your friendship, prayers and economic uniting with us in ministry. Pray that we can continue to serve for more years guided and empowered by our God.

In Christ,

Don and Elizabeth Sendek
Serving with Latin America Mission at the Biblical Seminary of Colombia
Medellin, Colombia