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.
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