Clausons in Monterrey

"God's kingdom is like seed thrown on a field by a man who then goes to bed and forgets about it. The seed sprouts and grows—he has no idea how it happens.” Mark 4:26-27
(MSG)

This parable has been with us as we’ve been reflecting on God’s grace in our lives and in the lives of those with whom we are ministering here in Monterrey.  When people ask us what a typical day is like, it is very hard to answer.  Often we are not doing spectacular things, and often in the little or big things we do it is hard to see how God may be working.  But, we are learning to trust that he is, in fact, always at work, and sometimes our eyes are opened enough to see it and be blessed by being a part of it.

Here are a few stories of ways we recently have had the privilege of being with people, and seeing God at work in their lives:

A few weeks ago, Erika was invited by a friend to come to her home and pray for her sick mother.  Arriving at the home, the mother was visibly sicker than expected and Erika offered to help them by taking her to the doctor.  En route to the doctor, the mother unexpectedly died in the car.  This tragic day was obviously difficult for the family and also hard on Erika as she dealt with feelings of guilt and confusion.  But with the help of family and friends, she is learning to see the bigger picture of God’s work in the life of this family and her own.  Erika’s presence with them that day, just to be with them, cry and pray with them, was a testimony to God’s love in their lives.

We had our first ever slumber party with 8 of the teenage girls from the Dos Cerros community ministry at our house…and we survived!  We made homemade pizzas, sundaes, and pancakes, played silly games, danced, watched a movie, talked and laughed a lot.  For half of the girls this was the first sleepover they had ever attended.  That says a lot, because it means that their parents really trust us at the Foundation.  We thank God for that trust and for the work God is doing in these girls’ hearts. (photo gallery)

We also praise God for the women from Dos Cerros, and especially for those who were able to convince their husbands to attend the Valentine’s Dinner at the Foundation for couples.  Eight couples attended (plus our staff) and for many of the men it was their first time to set foot in the Family Foundation.  Again, we are gaining trust.  It was a fun night of excellent food, singing to Karaoke, dancing and laughing.  Everyone had a great time! (photo gallery)

The boys are learning to pray.  Before every meal, Lucas is the first one who wants to pray, and it is always the same and in Spanish.  “Oro, Amen.”  (I pray, Amen.)  Matías, too, loves to pray and his prayers are usually thanking God for each family member, and then we add anyone else that we played with that day.  We thank God for his work in our boys’ lives – even on tougher days of temper tantrums, testing of the limits, and teasing and fighting with each other!

We are learning to see God at work in the small things and difficult things and to enjoy being surprised by his faithfulness.

We are excited that our missionary colleagues Lisandro and Patty Restrepo and their son Samuel recently returned safely to Monterrey after a six month home assignment.  Pray for their adjustment back into ministry here and for our team as we welcome them back.

Please pray for Angelica, the woman whose mother died, and her family as they mourn their loss and especially pray that this experience would draw them closer to God.  And, pray for Erika as she makes herself available to how God may continue to use her to minister and witness to this family and others.

Erika’s sister Brittany will be married to Brent Vetvick next month in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  We can’t wait to celebrate with family and have some much needed time on the beach – our first beach trip in our five years in Mexico!  We ask your prayers for safe travels for all those who will be attending and for God’s blessing on this new marriage.

We know that God is at work in you as well and would love to hear your stories. 

Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, support and partnership in ministry.  Together God is using us all to grow His Kingdom throughout the world, even when it is not always plainly visible.  We still seek to faithfully minister to others and trust God for the growth.

Our love and blessings,

Erika, Nils, Matías, and Lucas