Equipping the Saints...

SHANNON’S CORNER

October 2021

Walking in the brisk coolness of the morning, listening to the birds sing, the wind blowing through the trees, the water babbling, and the sun rising over the mountains creation in its beauty is praising our Creator God and I get to not only hear and see but also participate in worship. Mark, Bethann and I had the privilege of facilitating a time of retreat with around 30 gap year students and four staff members of OneLife. As a way of introductions, the students shared a photo that they had chosen that represented their definition of wisdom. Most of what these students shared amazed me of how they articulated things and the maturity as they shared why they chose that photo in regard to wisdom. The theme was Wisdom Received and Wisdom Achieved as we walked through creation – the fall – redemption – new creation. Some amazing discussion during class, around meals and the campfire chats. We had some good conversations with the staff as well throughout our time together.

The BCM Peru group that traveled to Shipibo to serve the local church and do a VBS with the children had a splendid and marvelous time sharing the Gospel to many, many kids, and their families. The BCM students who went learned many things and grew in their walk with the Lord. They are thankful that the trip went well and were safe. They raised extra funds to be able to hand out school supplies to the kids who came to VBS, which was a real treat not only for the kids who received but also for the BCM students and missionaries to be able to give. We had a training shortly after they returned on holistic health to give an overarching but all-encompassing view of our health as whole beings. After the training, it was so much fun to “hang out” with Marlon, Luz and Estefanny as we not only talked about the trip but also reminisced the years when I lived in Peru. Lots of stories and laughter.

I am really enjoying the ladies of my women’s bible study. Recently, our study has been on a chapter called, “Strength Enough to Wait.” In the book, the author shared a poem called, The Thorn by Martha Snell Nicholoson that made me stop and think about 2 Corinthians 12 when Paul talks about his thorn in his side. In the poem, the Lord gives a gift to the person, which was a thorn and at first the person was complaining of the hurt and pain, yet the Lord says he gives good gifts. Would you think of a thorn as being a good gift and God’s best to you? The end of the poem says, “I learned He never

gives a thorn without this added grace: He takes the thorn to pin aside the veil that hides His face.” Wow. One of the ladies looked up the word “wait” in either Hebrew or Greek and it means to bind together. As she shared with the group how this definition has given her a different perspective on waiting in this season of her life. As she was sharing it brought to mind what Mark shared at the retreat of God calling us to him – “withness.” How precious to know that in the waiting you are abiding, tarrying, and flourishing in and with the Lord. It has been such a blessing to now see these women at church and strike up a conversation. God is answering our prayers and meeting my need for community.

This week Mark, Bethann, and I have been facilitating a member care training for ABWE member care. What a joy it has been to get to know these folks who have a desire to serve and care for those who are serving overseas. Hearing their own personal stories, their hearts’ desires, and their love for Jesus has been so, so sweet and refreshing. Being invited to give them some foundational framework and tools to be able to guide them as they walk this journey alongside of those they are serving, their colleagues, and organizationally is honoring. A delight for me has been to reconnect with a couple whose children I had the privilege of debriefing several months ago and now to hear how they are doing and that the kids are still using tools from their toolbox. One of the ladies shared with me her heart for pastors’ wives and pastors’ kids as they serve in the ministry to North American churches. Some of their takeaways are…”member care is a priestly posture,” “not to take ownership of another’s issues,” “God calls you to himself and the rest is geography,” “elicit story, validate and normalize,” and “trust God in the process.”

“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
those who hold her fast will be blessed.”

Proverbs 3:13-18

PRAYER REQUESTS

Praise the Lord the OneLife Retreat was inspiring and loved getting to know the staff and some of the students!

Praise the Lord for the conversations I had with those at Water Street Mission!

Praise the Lord for the safety of everyone and those who came to know Jesus during the BCM Peru’s trip to Shipibo!

Praise the Lord for member care training ABWE!

Pray for meeting with OMS November 11^th in AM.

Pray for me as I am facilitating a Connection Group of Missionary Ladies with Velvet Ashes for 10 weeks via WhatsApp. Come & Rest (Mt. 11:28-30).

Pray for wisdom and discernment as I partner with One Mission Society (OMS) – more information to come.

Donate Online! (Follow the prompts)
www.WorldOutreach.org/783

Mail Checks:

World Outreach Ministries, Inc.

P.O. Box B

Marietta, GA 30061

(Make a check out to WOM & in memo or in a note write Shannon Eaton #783)

Bill Pay: free option via your online banking

(Use the same information for checks)

Contact Information:

Shannon Eaton

5055 Stacey Drive Apt. 1604