Missions

Last week I (Sara) had the privilege of teaching a class on Missions to our students. It was a 12-hour class that covered: Biblical basis for Missions, History of Missions, Current Issues and Strategies, and an application lesson called, 'Where do I go from here?'. About half of my course material came from the incredible "Perspectives in World Missions" course that I took 6 years ago (look it up online at www.perspectives.org to find it offered in your area).

I felt a great burden and responsibility to get the message of missions right. It led me to pray that God would anoint me with His wisdom. I told a friend before I started teaching, "I am happy to be a weak vessel if that means God does all the work!" It sounded funny at the time. But, during the week I felt inadequate and feared that students were laughing at me. It was a good reminder to trust in God to do His work behind the scenes of their hearts. I AM the weak vessel, but He can still be poured out through me.

Please pray that God's word would bear fruit in the lives of our students through this class - and all the other classes - so that His name would be glorified in their lives and in the world.

Marcus Family - New Year - 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

Blessings to you for a New Year! It has been some time since we wrote a “Christmas letter”, so we felt it necessary to update you on our lives. Thank you for being a part of our lives and for taking an interest in us; for that reason you are reading our letter.

Our work in Costa Rica continues at Portantorchas Bible School. We are enjoying the ministry and the chance to make a difference in the lives of our students. We have many godly and loving students studying God’s Word with us and they bless and teach us. Tom continues as Principal with a lot of different duties. He does them all very well and is a real asset and blessing to the school (in Sara’s opinion!) I, Sara, am at home and involved in ministry and teaching when I can. I look forward to teaching my Missions class this spring.

We enjoyed having a Mission Team come from NewSong church this summer. They worked with several of our partner ministries including an orphanage and men’s shelter. Another team will be coming this year also. We are glad that we can share our ministry with them and work together for God’s purposes.

Our girls are doing very well. They enjoy life, school, and church. Their Spanish has reached near fluency for their age, so it’s been fun for us to hear them play and converse effortlessly with Costa Rican friends and with each other.

Rekha will begin 2nd grade and turn 7 in February. She is bright and challenging! Her loves are reading, ponies, and playing. Last year she learned to skip rope and swim. She is thoughtful and often writes us sweet notes.

Neena is 5 and our love-bug. She started preschool in July and will begin Kindergarten in February. We have been so encouraged to see her loving nature extend to her schoolmates and teachers. She is a great helper at home and a much-sought-after friend by many, including our Portantorchas students.

Jayna is still our baby at 2 years and 3 months. She is a delightful child with a great independent streak and a joyful spirit. Her life proves that God has shown us favor, just as her name means.

Costa Rica has been home to us now for 5 years. Many of you have asked, “When are you coming back?” We are settled here, yet always listening to hear if God has a new step for us. We want to serve the Lord with gladness wherever He wants us. The best place for our family is in His will.

We want to thank you for your continued interest in our lives. Many of you have supported us financially and with prayer and time. It has been such a blessing to us. We need your backing as much as always. Would you prayerfully consider including us in your giving to the Lord's work this year?

Please send us an email so we can update our addresses and hear from you too!

Once again, may you know God’s blessings for this New Year.

Love,
The Marcus family
Tom, Sara, Rekha, Neena, and Jayna

Any financial support can be sent to: Torchbearers, P.O. Box 3340, Estes Park, Colorado, 80517-3340
Make checks payable to Torchbearers. Please do not write our names on the check but include a note in the envelope. Thank you!
Tax receipts are available to US donors only. For more information please click here.