Deputation Year in Review

The last week of July 2012 our family set out on an amazing journey, the first leg of this missionary life to which God has called us. The past thirteen months have been a whirlwind of meetings, conferences and family gatherings. God has blessed in various ways, and we are so THANKFUL!

We are thankful for God’s protection on the road. Over forty-one thousand miles and counting, and only one flat tire. We would like to keep that streak going, so we would appreciate your prayers for traveling safety.

Pastor and Mrs. Auten from Temple Baptist Church in Marshfield, MO

We are thankful for ministry partners. Both those who have been partnering with us within the last year, and those new partners we’ve just added. Praise the Lord for bringing in 53% of our needed support, with several other churches desiring to partner with us as soon as God provides them opportunity. Through your prayers we’ll get there!

We are thankful for our sending church. Cherry Street Baptist Church has always been such a blessing and encouragement in our lives: in giving us opportunities to serve and to grow, faithful prayer and financial support, and a great example in reaching the lost for Jesus Christ. It was great spending a few Wednesdays in July with them, and helping reach local families through Vacation Bible School.

VBS at our sending church

We are thankful for our families. This past summer we were able to spend time with both Ben and Rachelle’s families in three family reunions. It was great updating family members on God’s leading in our life, enlisting several more prayer and financial partners, and seeing them all together before we leave for Argentina.

We are thankful for time together as a family. Traveling constantly can be an incredible drain on a family, but God has allowed us to still mix in times of good family fun. We have personally seen missionaries and their children affected negatively by this entire process, so it is always a burden on our hearts to help them catch our burden and see the need for this process. It has been great to watch them grow and learn as we travel along.

We are thankful to be a part of changed lives. We have had the privilege of seeing people make decisions to follow Christ or completely surrender to the Lord’s will. In July two people in one household received Christ. In August we saw 36 children come to know Jesus as their Savior while at VBS, and a young man in Illinois surrendered to missions after a conference. God is still saving and calling people. This makes ANY hardship we go through completely worth it!

Pastor and Mrs. Kurtz with Nate (future missionary)

Mission Conference at Lighthouse Baptist in Murfreesboro, TN

We are thankful for God’s provision. He meets our daily and traveling needs, but also has provided enough funds for our airline tickets needed for getting to the field. We can now start saving up for other start up costs we will incur. If you would like to help with our setup costs, that would be a tremendous blessing, every little bit helps.  You can access our List of Needs by clicking on the link. We do strongly encourage you to give through your local church’s mission program, but if that is not possible, please click here to go to our donation page. 

Click to download printable PDF: July August 2013 Prayer Letter