Changes in time....


     As the leaves begin their changing to beautiful arrays of colors we see the hand of God in the beauty of the season of autumn in upper East Tennessee.  One of the things we will miss if we do not return each year at this time.

     As we approach the end of this year and the beginning of a new one, (January being our departure to the field date), we see how much more we have to prepare to be ready to leave here and then to arrive there.  Brings to mind as we approach closer to the throne of God, how HOLY He truly is and how much more we stand as filthy rags without the blood of Christ.  So grateful for a loving Saviour who has redeemed us.

To update....

*  Frank and Bradley had some time of enlightenment their three weeks in the Dominican in August and God gave much direction.

*  God has provided an apartment (3 bedrooms, extra room for office (or sewing) and 4 bathrooms)
                                          far larger and closer than we thought we would have.

                                                        He is a gracious God !
 We will be living just behind the medical clinic on the SCORE complex. This will assist in lowering cost as far as gas needs, but electricity is just outrageous.  To run 3 room air conditioners for only 4 hours  a day will be $300.00 a month.  Yikes!     Yet, we are so grateful for God's provision for us.

*  God has also given direction in service for the next year. Frank will be assisting in helping to manage all the logistics at the SCORE Mission Training Center, referred to as the MTC.

   

This will be inclusive of coordinating ministry to the villages, bus transportation, drivers, assignment of  translators , coordinating the housing of all the groups (teams) as well as the ministries in which they will participate. Last year that were about 4,000 + team members that traveled with SCORE. The challenge this year is far greater.  
  Please pray we represent Jesus well in all we do as we work together as a family to help make the Dominican Republic "home" for so many for a week, as well as an opportunity to serve and minister in Jesus' Name, and for some, to receive Him as their personal Saviour.

                                                                                                                                                                                                         
    Jo and Jennifer were able to go with 5 other ladies to the Women's Conference on October 13th and returned just a week ago.  Much ministry took place and they were privileged to participate in working in the   elementary school          
   

Praying, would be nice for USA schools, too !          

 Autumn, pastors wife worked with us in the school.


and leading in a ladies meeting in the Honduras Village with Autumn, the pastor's wife.  OH, don't under estimate the excitement of  70 + year olds trying to pop a balloon tied to the ankle of other ladies and her's be the last one left!      

                                                 What fun they had.

The excitement on their faces as we were allowed to go to their homes and pray with them about their needs and to encourage them in the Lord will not be soon forgotten. We were especially blessed by the testimony of one of the ladies as we visited her that day in her home - as she had just buried her son.  She knows who gives her strength and who has her life !  Jesus !  She was a blessing to us far more than we could have been to her, we are most assured.

Houses were painted and the faces that lit up were priceless. They were so grateful to have a beautiful blue house, even though made of scrap sheet metal tin. Oh, the lessons of being content were so great to us.  Not only houses were painted, but we enjoyed painting fingernails and toe nails of the nursing home resident ladies.

                                                         

  The men were not left out though, as we cleaned their feet and cut toe nails and fingernails and filed them.  They were also happy for the fruit and cookies as a special treat prior to the lunch meal, too. We were also privileged to work with Sarah, another SCORE missionary during this visit. Although so sick (because of a precious blessing they will soon have) her countenance did not change.  It was a week of many blessings and lessons learned. Many not too soon to be forgotten.



     Frank and Bradley have the privilege of returning in about 2 weeks (by graciousness of a fellow believer) to the Dominican for their first experience with the November Baseball Clinic. Hopefully at least 3 others will be attending with them as they use training Dominicans in some baseball techniques as the avenue to share Jesus with them.  There are about 160 men from the states going at this present time. Please pray for the out pouring of the Holy Spirit on this adventure with God. Pray both for Dominican and USA men.

     God has been so GREAT to us. We thank each one of you who join in prayer on our behalf  as we seek to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. We are most needful of those prayers and grateful. Thank you to those who have been on mission with us over the years.  What a privilege for us to experience God at work with so many.  We do covet your prayers as we grow closer to departure from the USA soil and begin new adventures with Jesus in the Dominican.  Although we are at only about 80% funded, we feel God has said to GO in January.  We are still in need of about 22 partners in the amount of $ 50 monthly, or 44 partners of $25 monthly.  No amount is too small...even the sacrifice of $10 a month  would be greatly used.  We are trusting that HE will provide All we need.  We have attached (if this not-so-tech-savvy writer can get the partnership information to attach) --for those who would like to know and participate.

We desire to pray for you and your families as well. Please let us know how we may be lifting you to our heavenly Father. We want to be a "sweet fragrance" as the scriptures state in bringing request to the throne on behalf of others.

     We ask you to be in prayer for:

*   those of our family that will be remaining in the states, especially the transition for Jo and her mom.  They are close, and it will not be the easiest. We love her.

*   the continuance of learning the Spanish language

*   full partnership support of $5,500 per month

*   discernment on what is needed to take to the Dominican and HOW to get it there.  All these logistics have still to be worked out.  Containers shipment can be $5000 - $10,000.

*   purchase of a vehicle after we arrive in the Dominican Republic


YOU ARE INVITED !!

We ask you to join us on Sunday night,  December, 9th at Tri Cities Baptist Church, Gray, Tennessee  for a Commissioning Service, beginning at 6 pm. Three families from our church will be commissioned for the foreign field. How humbling for us to be apart and we would love for YOU to join us in this event.

   Thank you many times over for your love and support and the reading of this newsletter !
                           Thank you for trusting Jesus and obeying Him !
                 These are not just words, but deep from our hearts. THANK YOU.

We ask each of you to come and join us in the work of the Lord in the Dominican Republic in 2013 and the years beyond.

                                       With Grateful Hearts,

                                                The  Ogles
                           Frank, Jo, Bradley, Kristin, and Catherine


c.f.ogle@juno.com
www.scoreinternational.org

Grateful Hearts.......in progress

   
     It has been way too long ( 8 months) since our first post.  Not what we had purposed in our hearts to do...waiting so long before this post..., but life has been busy and moving.  Since January we have seen  God moving in our lives and the hearts of others as well.

     In our last blog we stated looking to language school in February, well...God had different plans and we
have been in language classes so graciously given to us by a dear friend. We have been in classes 4 days a week for about 2-3 hours a day, til May, when her beautiful grandson was born.  What a blessing!
Since that time and after a month off and mission trips in between, we are back at 2 days a week for 2 hours.Please pray that understanding and usage comes quickly. The younger ones seem to 'get it' so much faster than the older ones of us.  But God is so gracious to the learning of the older minds.

     We took a group at the end of May on a week long mission trip to the Dominican.  We experienced
construction on this trip like never before. Let's just say that the pastor's house is built on a  'solid' foundation as the ground was much like lava rock. Digging the trench for the footer for that house was definitely team work...so much so...God put together 2 teams. We     are grateful for that.                                                                                                                                  

We were blessed to feed pastors (and their families) of the group of churches we work with and several families in a village.  So little goes so far in this country compared to the USA.   We were able to minister at Josiah's House (new orphanage for boys with houseparents for every 8 boys - to make it just like a family) and also at Emanuel Day School - a school to help the poorest of the poor.

 The children were able to take a shower for the first time in their lives and received oral hygiene instruction and new clothes.  What a blessing to hear children thrilled to be under running water.


      Of course there was the play in the villages with the children, puppets with songs, and testimony and teaching to each village. Hearts were opened and Christ received along with clothing and shoes and food. Just as Christ did,  he had us use physical needs being supplied to reach them for the Gospel sake. We definitely returned to the states blessed.






We were also able to have a meal with two different missionary families and hear of the work of the Lord in those areas and the needs as well.  Please continue to pray for discernment for exact area of service.

     Looking forward......we feel God has pressed upon our hearts to be in the Dominican by the first of the year. Therefore we are in the process of planning that way. To let you know the hand of God at work, we  were trying to decide about our home in TN...whether to rent, look at sale, or just have our daughter continue to live here.  It is a big yard and that is a lot to care for for her and Jesus knew this well.  Generally talking one night with a sweet family at church lead to God arranging that family to come and rent and live at
our house. We are so grateful to the Lord for His provision in this area. They are so gracious to allow us to live down stairs right now and to allow Jennifer to continue after we leave for the Dominican.   Still sorting through all the 'stuff' we have....have you ever tried to put 3 bathrooms into one?  God is just preparing us for Dominican way of living. Pray that we would be diligent in the 'downsizing' process and pray that the things that need to sell will sell. Pray for the best garage sale ever : )...timing on that as well.

     The Lord blessed in this years Annual Golf Tournament as well. The Tournament raised an extra $5000 over last years funds. Praise the Lord and THANK YOU to all those who worked so hard in this tournament and for ALL those who participated. Everyone seemed to have a great time.  We are grateful
for the extra funds as living cost in the Dominican seem to be rising as well. Gas now at $5.50 - $6 a gallon.
Therefore our budget needs are $5,500 a month,(up from the last post) yikes, but we know it is the Lord who raises these funds.

     We are grateful also for the new partnerships that we now have for monthly support. We are at a level of $3,953 in partnership support and have a remaining need of $ 1,547. Please continue to pray for those whom the Lord would call to join Him in missions in the Dominican Republic through partnership with us.
As my sister stated: "So you are in need of  about 15 people to partner with $100." and I stated, 'Yes, or 150 people at $10,  or 75 people at $20".  You understand the perception. No amount is too small.  Pray God people will open up their hearts and allow God to open windows and pour out blessings through their lives.

     As this is being written, Frank and Bradley are in the Dominican in ministry for 3 weeks.  They have seen much from a different perspective during this ministry time. Pray for safety as Frank drives in the Dominican...yes... for HIS safety and the others on the streets as well.  Driving for FedEx has served well and  for this I am grateful to God. On that note....we are now FULL TIME missionaries...as Frank is no longer employed with FedEx since the end of May.

     October 16 -20 is the Women's Conference in the Dominican and as of now, there are 5 ladies that are
committed to attend with us to join others from around the USA. We look forward at what the Lord has planned during this time.

Be in prayer for those we know who have loved ones in dire needs situations. Loved ones in hospitals hanging on to life at the grace of God. Ones with parents who need extra attention and help in the aging years. Especially those with loved ones needing the salvation of their Creator, even if they don't think so.

As stated before:

We look forward to the Lord’s working here and in the Dominican Republic. We covet your prayers as much (probably really more so) as your financial support.  Your love for the Lord is truly evident and we are grateful.  We pray we are found faithful in serving Jesus and making Him known, as well as growing more in love with Him and helping others to do the same.  May our loving heavenly Father bless you beyond measure. May you still marvel at His greatness and never, ever get over what He has done for each one of you.  To think….God himself, has come and dwells among us! Not only among us, but now dwells within us.  WOW ! 

Pray for Dominican Housing to be finalized, partnerships, and growing relationship with Jesus.
                Thank you for loving Jesus and obeying, and for reading and praying,

                                                         The Ogles
                                  Frank, Jo, Bradley, Kristin, and Catherine

A Year in Review.........While Looking Ahead !

We look to the Lord with grateful hearts as another year comes to a close, but we look with anticipation to the adventures the Lord has for us as another year begins. We thank each one of you for your impact in our lives. For many of you, your prayers have been the sustaining force of God’s power in our lives.  Let us share a recap of the past year.  It may be a little longer than we had hoped, but it has been too long since our last writing.

We are grateful to the Lord for His calling and placement of a Senior Pastor at TCBC and his leadership and love for the Lord. Thank you, Lord, for Mike Laughrun. May he honour your name and bring glory to You. 

            We were privileged to participate in the GIC (Global Impact Celebration) at TCBC this past spring, meeting many new friends in church, and be able to hear and witness what the Lord is doing all over the world.  What excitement for us.

Two trips this year were taken to the Dominican Republic.  One in June, staying at the Highland’s Complex in Boca Chica and experiencing new frontier and building great friendships.  Seven new people were exposed to God’s work in the DR and we will be forever grateful for seeing God’s hand at work….

   ...... in building a wall, .....

                                        to                                                                                                                       

Highland's Complex,    Boca Chica 

…..teaching children about Queen Esther’s availability to the Lord,

           …….feeding over 30 families of the Complex workers

                         ..…sharing a smile with the workers…a small way of being Jesus,

                                 ...handing out clothing, bubbles, school supplies…..just an avenue to share Jesus.

    It was sweet to see the children’s faces when they received such a simple gifts. We shared Jesus      

 through testimony, puppets, lessons, singing, and Gospel presentation through a simple salvation bracelet. 

                                       Amazing how God will use the simple things. 

                                                                                         Bubbles !!

                                          

      

                                                                                                                        Uno,  dos,  tres

                              

 

                         New Flip Flops

The summer kept us busy as it seemed too short until school began again. Summer began with an Annual Golf Tournament being held by some local business men. What a blessing for our support. We are grateful for their hard work and desire to be used by God in this way. We have been able to meet with a few more and share of God’s calling on our lives. 


In October, we were able to attend the D. R. Women’s Conference with 16 ladies – renewed friendship from afar – and three men.  No, the men did not attend the conference, but helped in some construction projects with which we were involved,

We saw God move in some precious ways and touched each heart.

Hospital visits to the sick and to new moms and their babies.

They were so grateful for the small gift bag

of items we brought.

God used it as an opening avenue to share

the most precious gift – JESUS.

                                   And  yes, we saw souls saved through hospital  visitation.          .

The week also held light construction and painting,

                                      

                           feeding families  ......... and one of the greatest highlights:                    

                                                                

                                                                          A Dominican Wedding –

             not of a young couple, but a 70 year old couple (who recently received Jesus) who wanted to follow the Lord’s design for marriage after 50 years of living together.  What a testimony to the younger generation.  We will never view a wedding the same, not only beauty in the wedding, but in new life of a witch lady who received Christ at the wedding – where the Gospel was clearly shared.  All this topped off with challenging and inspiring Bible study and conference lessons.  

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

                                                                         

   

               We were once again involved with Operation Christmas Child in November; bitter – sweet - this being Jo’s  last year as Regional Collection Center Coordinator.  Thanksgiving was a family gathering in Knoxville with Jo’s side of family – 28 in all- enjoying our 2 grandchildren, as well. Celebrated our granddaughters second birthday in November. Wow, where does time go?  We also enjoyed them for a week just before Christmas through Christmas night – let us just tell you, they are DOUBLE rewards of being a parent.  Blessed are we by our Heavenly Father for 5 children that profess Jesus and a son-in-love, too, who leads his family in the ways of the Lord!  Christmas was at home – quiet and restful- with Mom, (Jo’s) and our family.

                             Thank you, God, for your most marvelous gift – Jesus Christ!

      Just last weekend, we experienced the joy of watching the first Dominican boy’s basketball team    (ages 9-10) come to the USA and play basketball, then share their testimonies.  At Saturday’s game, 16 Americans indicated praying to receive Christ!  Praise the Lord!

Not all of the players came knowing Jesus as Lord, but they return to their country –

ALL professing Jesus. That is what it is all about.

          

         Many of you have been so faithful in your partnership with us and we are so grateful. Some we welcome to the adventures with the Lord in the Dominican Republic. Later in January we are scheduled to meet with our ‘youth-aged’ friends of years ago. We look forward to seeing them again and sharing with them in Knoxville. The Lord has supplied partnerships to a total of 73% of our $4,860 monthly needed funding, leaving us with a need of $ 1,312 monthly. Thank you, Lord. You shall supply all our needs.

Housing was shown to us while we were in the DR in October and we are presently lining up language school, looking to be the last of February or March – unless the Lord graciously gives us the ‘speaking in tongues’ of Spanish  : )  We are blessed to have  friends to help us with this now.  Looks like more excitement is in store as packing, decisions on which language school, health insurance, what to take, what is NOT needed. Yet, we must be at 100% funded before we can go to the field.  

We know and REST in God’s timing as it is PERFECT!

A look ahead … mission trips are being planned for this summer (probably May 26 – June 2) and the annual Women’s Conference is scheduled for October 16 – 20.  Come and join us. The annual Golf Tournament is set for Friday, June 8, at Crocket’s Ridge, Kingsport.

We look forward to the Lord’s working here and in the Dominican Republic. We covet your prayers as much (probably really more so) as your financial support.  Your love for the Lord is truly evident and we are grateful.  We pray we are found faithful in serving Jesus and making Him known, as well as growing more in love with Him and helping others to do the same.  May our loving heavenly Father bless you beyond measure. May you still marvel at His greatness and never, ever get over what He has done for each one of you.  To think….God himself, has come and dwells among us! Not only among us, but now dwells within us.  WOW ! 

Love the child’s song…’Oh, be careful little eyes what you see,     ears what you hear,      tongue what you say,    hands what you do,    feet where you go,  and    thoughts what you think.’

 May our gaze be fixed on Jesus, our ears open to His Word, ours tongue speaking His truth, our hands busy about the Lord’s work, our feet on the paths of righteousness, and our thoughts, oh our thoughts, may they dwell on Jesus.  For whatsoever a man thinketh, so is he.

Jesus, may we be more like you!

Thank you again for your partnership with us and let us know how we can be praying specifically for you and your family.

Serving only Jesus,

Frank, Jo, Bradley, Kristin, Catherine Ogle

                                                                        www.scoreinternational.org
                                                                           (sending organization)