October 2024 Newsletter

Joshua Vanrenterghem

Dear Friends, Family, and Loved Ones,

Spending these last few months in the States, God keeps reminding me that He has me exactly where He wants me. The constant temptation when preparing to move overseas is to only be focused on the next season, and end up missing out on the things God still has here.

A Present Pillar

Earlier in the month I got a chance to go to a worship/prayer service called Orange County House of Prayer, and during that time the Lord spoke to me. The word He used was ‘pillar’, that I am a pillar where I am right now, and He is going to use my words for supporting others here. That really shocked me, especially because I felt like I couldn’t be depended on because I will be moving so soon, and that I can’t be too rooted. But He used this word to remind me to really seek Him for the things happening now in the States and not miss all the work He still wants me to do here, and that a pillar can be moved wherever, and still be a support and strength for others.

One event that really stuck out was a ‘church takeover’ we do every few months with a sister church of Calvary Chapel Saving Grace called Hope Central Watts, an inter-city church in LA. I got the privilege of leading the children’s class of 3. Though it was the smallest Sunday class I have ever lead, it was the most impactful. As I was explaining the gospel through the story of Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus in Acts 9, one of the kids said, “I don’t really know if I am saved or not”. This really struck me, especially because of how genuine and simply the kid said it. Although everything in me wanted to stop and pray with the kid, I knew he would be too shy with the other children to pray right there, so instead at the end I lead the group in a prayer of repentance and confession of Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Additionally, the next year of the Mission Training School has begun! Although I am going to leave the school year very prematurely to move to Peru, I am excited for the last month of connecting with the other students and taking in the ever-valuable classes on homiletics, hermeneutics, Bible Study and cross-cultural ministry. 

One of the first endings of this season of my life living in the States was the Spanish Ministry at Calvary Saving Grace. We had our last meeting on October 30th, and they won’t begin again until after I leave to Peru. Having been part of the group and leadership gave me invaluable experience in preparing for ministry in Peru. Carlos, Gaby, and I met together for our last leadership meeting the night before and we talked for hours, connecting on an even deeper level than before. God has really knit my heart to this group, and I will never forget the growth in the Lord that we experienced as we spent time in community seeking Him!

A One-Way Ticket!

I have bought one-way tickets to move January 18th to Peru! With the date set, I am now taking time to connect with partners and share what God is doing in Peru. I am currently in writing this from Texas, where I will be staying for 2 weeks, until November 14th, and sharing my testimony and all that God has put in my heart to do for trafficked children in Peru. 

Speaking of moving, because of the necessities of the church and Bible school, we are currently looking for another property instead of the one that I shared last month. Something that will give space enough for the church, school and children’s home. Please keep this in prayer!

Lastly, I have created a signal messaging group where you will be able to be updated more regularly on things going in the mission field. If you would like me to add you, simply respond to this email!

Calling All Partners!

I will be moving to Peru January 18th. In order to move to the mission field full-time as a Saving Grace World Missions missionary, I need to have at least 80% of my monthly budget provided through regular monthly giving to ensure I am able to meet all my needs on the field. If the Lord is calling you to be a part of this work He is doing through me for the children and church in Trujillo, you can do so through the Financial Partner link below! It is my honor to connect you, my sisters and brothers of the American Church to all that God is doing on the mission field, and show you the fruit of your work through me.

Praise Reports

• We have an official legal name for the children’s home non-profit, Refugio Calvary Trujillo. Although this may or may not be the actual name, the legal side is coming together
• All the opportunities of service and ministry this month at Watts and the year of being apart of the Spanish ministry at CCSG
• We have many new students at the Mission Training School in California!
• Peru just had its first Harvest Crusade type-evangelism event with thousands of people!

Prayer Requests

• God to be glorified in the calling of rescuing children, and that many children will be saved and able to grow up in a Christ-Centered home
• Legal and financial provision for a property that will have space for the church, Bible school, and children’s home
• Monthly provision for me to be able to be sent out as a full time missionary in January
• Continued provision for the connections we need in government, as well as the children’s home non-profit organization creation.
• For me to be able to reconnect well with my church in Texas and connect/partner well with them for the work in Peru.