“Blessed Be the Flexible”

That’s been the saying at the school—and wow, did we ever get a crash course in Flexico… lol! Flexico is a combination of two words: flexible and Mexico! That’s what the Lord has been leading us to be each year that we’ve been in Mexico.… Flexible.

When we arrived in Mexico for our 7th year of Calvary School of Missions (CSOM), we started out on the “right” foot and then we “left…”

We could hardly believe that we were here with 12 amazing students and 8 passionate leaders. With eager anticipation, we were looking forward to what the Lord was going to do in and through this year. We start the school off with the theme of surrender where we ask the students to be willing to lay down their hopes, dreams, thoughts, and plans in an act of surrender to the Lord, Jenn and I participate in this as well offering Him our lives to do with as He will. We do this very literally and symbolically, after looking into the Word of God and what it says about surrender, we spend some time in worship and prayer and write down the things that are near and dear to us. After that, we take our pieces of paper to the fire and burn it, watching our plans go up in smoke. That’s the right foot to start off on!!

Though we started off on the right foot, we took a major U-turn after just one week—Jenn fell down some stairs and broke her left leg. Ouch! After four days in the hospital and reconstructive surgery, we find ourselves back home.

Trusting God in the Unexpected

The Bible gives us so many examples of flexibility and trust in God’s guidance:

• Abraham left his homeland on God’s Word.

• Moses led an unpredictable people through a wilderness.

• Paul adapted through every twist in his missionary journeys.

And now, we too are learning how to trust God’s plan and adapt to changing circumstances.

Over and over again, God was showing us through His Word how faithful, trustworthy, and able He is to handle any of our problems. I, Tim, was thinking wow maybe this is going to be one wild ride this year… Never even thinking hardship would strike so close to home and I would find my bride laying on the ground reeling in agony. There’s not enough room in this newsletter to tell you how many ways we saw God’s hand upon the situation beforehand, in the middle of, and afterwards, but we happened to have some extra time on our hands and would love to visit with you either in person or over the phone and share more of God’s goodness in the middle of apparent catastrophe.

I Tim don’t normally share what I’ve written on that piece of paper that I put in the fire as an act of surrender to the Lord, I keep it between Him and I but this year I wrote that I’m willing to surrender CSOM. With no idea that resolve would be put to the test the way it has been. I’m happy to report by God’s grace, I’m still in that place and find myself in acceptance to whatever He chooses to do in my life… No regrets, no resentment.

We want to share one more glimpse of God’s fingerprints on our situation. The Lord had set Tim and I up with an incredible team of support staff that have been able to slide right into our roles in such a seamless way that we wonder if we were ever really needed. 

Everybody stepped right up into their instant promotions, and they are doing a great job. Jenn had prepackaged children’s ministry and women’s ministry in such a way that our student leaders were able to take the ball and head down field for a touchdown. Tim is still available and working hard from home in a consultation and support roll along with wrapping up a few of the details handing over the school to Pastor Gary. Along with his home healthcare duties caring for Jenn as God would have it, he has also resumed some of his regular responsibilities around the church. One of them being teaching four of the midweek studies throughout the summer.

We also want you to know we have been truly blessed in serving God in many other ways since our last newsletter, we have been running full speed….As you all know it takes a lot of planning for a 6-week program for CSOM along with the other day to day things we get to be a part of!! Here’s some updates on the wonderful things we GET to be a part of. 

What We’ve Been Up to Since our Last Newsletter – It’s been go time! Preparing a 6-week program for CSOM is no small feat, not to mention the many other ministry opportunities we’re blessed to be part of. Here’s a peek at what’s been happening:

Voice of Refugee (VOR) Outreach – Jenn recently took a couple of students to Friends Church in Corona to help host a VOR outreach event for women in the refugee community. It was a beautiful time of showing the love of Jesus through facials, manicures, food, and fellowship.

This was the first time this church participated in such an event—praise God for new partnerships and open doors! It’s so encouraging to see more churches coming together to reach the unreached.

Lydia and I (Jenn) sat at the bracelet table and had the opportunity to engage in deep, meaningful conversation with three incredible women: a mother, her daughter, and an aunt. The daughter, a former teacher, had left Afghanistan to give her child a better life. Hearing their stories—full of trauma, strength, and hope—reminded us of the deep need for Jesus’ healing love.

Welcoming Workers on Furlough

One of the greatest blessings of our ministry through SGWM is having the opportunity to welcome and host global workers while they’re on furlough. It fills us with joy and gratitude to open our home—to love on them, encourage them, and share meals and fellowship together.

Recently, we had the joy of reconnecting with Michelle, a missionary serving in South Asia who married a national brother just one year ago. She returned to the States for a visit, and we had the privilege of attending a special dessert gathering at her home church.

It was a powerful evening—Tim shared the Word, and Jenn had the honor of praying over Michelle. It was such a beautiful time of encouragement and unity, seeing the body of Christ gather to support one of our own.

Moments like these remind us just how deeply connected we are, no matter where we serve. What a gift it is to come alongside these faithful laborers, even if only for a short time, and refresh their hearts as they prepare to return to the mission field.

Our very dear friend and sister Lacey from our first year of school has finally been able to come on furlough after two long years from S. Asia. What a joy it is to reunite and share precious time together again, especially to have them stay in our home! It was such a blessing to see her daughter experiencing a new culture and delighting in the company and joy of other children.

Walking alongside the students in discipleship is one of Jenn’s deepest joys.

Prayer Requests:

• Continued healing for Jenn’s foot

• Health, unity, and strength for the CSOM team

• Open hearts and fruitful ministry as the students & leaders serve in Mexico

• Opportunities for deeper discipleship with the students

We love and appreciate all of you who pray, give, and support us in so many ways. We couldn’t do it without your partnership in the Gospel. If the Lord leads you to partner with us financially, or increase you’re already generous support you can do so by clicking here to become a financial partner or mailing your support check to
Saving Grace World Missions

17451 Bastanchury Rd., Ste.203 Yorba Linda, CA 92886

*Note Pappas support in memo