MISSIONS NEWS

Many things have been going on in the Caton household since my last posting and our return from Nicaragua in May. Now it’s time for me to get busy and try to get things back on track with timely postings. In doing so, I thought a run down of events over the past month might be in order.   

First off, one of the major issues has been health. Both Norma and I have been slowed down lately with old knee and hip issues.  

Norma had knee surgery, which involved repairing nasty tears in both medial and lateral menisci and extensive fraying of all the articular cartilage. Thankfully, the surgery took away the pain caused by the torn menisci. But, the arthritis was more advanced than what the doctor expected, so the damage left by the arthritis is causing recovery to be slower than usual.

As for me, I have developed a stenosis in the lumbar section of my back, which has caused some pretty severe pain. We are still waiting the final prognosis. One MRI shows a pinched nerve, some arthritis and a missing vertebrate in the lumbar section of the spine. I thought that was strange to find out at my age that I only have four lumbar vertebras in my back while the normal number is five.  Oh well, if I got by with it this long, I guess I don’t need it. The MRI on my knee indicated that I have a torn meniscus, and will probably have surgery soon. 

So, I guess we can say we have officially entered the “golden years.”  I, for one, have been too proud to admit it, but alas, it is evident. But on the flip side, Norma and I are reminded of Jacob who wrestled with God all night until God touched his hip and he walked away from the encounter limping. (Genesis 32) We will study that one more to see what we can learn about God… and us. God’s word is living.

Secondly, there is good news to report. Our church, Ginger Creek Community in Aurora, IL, recently honored me with a position as elder. God has truly blessed me with this wonderful opportunity and I do not take it lightly. I covet your prayers for wisdom and discernment for this responsibility. 

Lastly, we had a wonderful two months in Nicaragua, working in a joint effort with both our church and with PICI (Partners in Christ, International). Our missions passion is alive and flourishing stronger than ever. PICI has been generous to us. We now have the opportunity to join in training initiatives around the world.  Although our primary focus is Nicaragua, we will also be engaging in church training programs in several countries.  Apart from training sights here in the U.S., PICI has partners at work in Slovenia, Kenya, Sudan, India, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Cuba.

We had a short venture among the Miskito Indians of northeastern Nicaragua in May of this year. PICI’s other endeavors for this year will be in India and Mexico. We’re also excited about the research this summer into the feasibility of leadership training among the Hispanic community around Chicagoland. Our objective is teaching courses in sound biblical doctrine and biblical worldview.

Nicaragua is Norma’s and my major ministry focus, since it is our church’s global mission target and is also one of the countries where PICI ministers in collaboration with the Nehemiah Center in Managua, Nicaragua. Isn’t it just like the Lord to unite people in such unbelievable ways? If any of you, our dear friends, desire to participate financially in our endeavors, you may contribute through PICI. You can simply make checks payable to PICI and earmark them NICARAGUA ACCOUNT.  Mail them to:

                                    PICI

PO Box237

Tempe, AZ 85280

If you prefer paying by credit card, call the home office at 480-731-9170 to make a one-time or recurring donation to the NICARAGUA ACCOUNT. In the fall, online giving will be available.

Although we do have a PICI mission account, we do not accept a salary. This account is only for mission travel expenses.    

Above all, we request your prayers in these plans, as much of what we do in the coming six months depends on health.

So, with keeping up with the garden and lawn, my small groups and church work, and the health issues, one could say I have really been on the run. Also, Norma continues her on line job with Big Idea (Veggie Tales), which keeps her on the run. I have been busier in retirement than when I was working and I am enjoying every minute of it (except the health issues.) I wouldn’t trade any of it.  

We thank you so much for your prayers for us, and we will try to keep you up to date with all our ventures.  God bless you all.

Dock and Norma.

Partners in Christ, Intl Nehemiah Center Nicaragua ____

 

Taking Responsibility

One of the challenges I have been taking on lately is that of trying to find and help develop leaders who are willing to be held accountable.  Strong commitment, consistency, reliability and responsibility are characteristics that are found wanting in our society today.  These attributes are direly needed for the sustainability of the programs we attempt.

Recently I was listening to an online report, by a friend of mine, who is a well know psychologist. In his report, a book was mentioned called Q.B.Q. (The Question Behind the Question).   I found the above-mentioned report very intriguing, because one of the areas of my interest and a part of the ministry in which I am currently involved, is that of facilitating.  That of course requires the ability to ask a lot of questions.  However, one of the demands of a good facilitator is to come up with interesting, appropriate and effective questions.  Are the questions I ask relevant or are they ineffective questions?  (IQ’s)    The whole purpose of the discussion, by this  renowned  psychologist had to do with taking responsibility.

 A while back, I was challenged with a question directed to the point of responsibility.  It was one of the better questions I have been asked in some time.  That is, are my questions motivated properly?  Do I raise a question with the clear motivation and intention to spark interest in the conversation or study in which I am involved, or does my questioning only stir up contention, and possibly bring dissension among the listeners, over some emotionally charged question. 

A case in point is directed to some of our Bible studies.  Obviously there are all sorts of doctrinal questions in scripture that can easily agitate a group of believers, and get them off and running in the wrong direction on a given issue.  Therefore, if my questions are not motivated properly, what starts out as being an effective, encouraging and spirit filled discussion, could derail and turn into a disastrous discourse of eschatological determinations on the end times, or predestinated supralapsarianism. 

While in the process of preparing this writing I received and e-mail from my psychologist friend that I thought was relevant for this article.

I think we should all learn how to ask better questions and the first one should always be:  why am I asking a question to begin with…. then be responsible for what comes out of our mouth.

Therefore, I think it wise that I should prayerfully consider my motivation for questions during my planning and preparation for the coming study or program.  I should concentrate on questions that will be edifying to our Master, and that will bring out the good spiritual qualities among the audience of believers.  If I am effective in my questions, perhaps I can add too the spiritual growth and accountability of the group, and therefore enable the sustainability of the program.   I challenge all of you with responsibility and calling of being the leader God intended you to be, to do the same. 

Dock Caton  7/02/12