April 2022 | Smith Family Newsletter

Mission Work

Seven people went down to Mexico to help prepare for the Equip Mission Trip in April 2023. What an amazing journey it was in Monterrey. Our team followed God’s calling to present the “Celebrate Recovery” program, work with local churches, work with the children’s programs, and build relationships for future trips. Thank you for your prayers and support.

While there, we:

witnessed at least 6 people give their life to the Lord
provided a trailer filled with supplies to aid a local church and outreach ministry
connected local ministries that will continue to work together all year long
made lifetime relationships with other missionaries and encouraged them
were encouraged by the people in Mexico.

Plans for the EQUIP program are really coming along. Funds were raised to redo the apartment rooms upstairs which will be used for the housing of the EQUIP students. We were also able to renovate one of the cottages for Hannah Noecker who has been our secretary for about 6 months now. She has been a real blessing and a great addition to the ministry. A second home on the property has been renovated for our newest couple Nolan and Jenny Lapp. Nolan has taken on the role of Maintenance Supervisor. Jenny works as a nurse full-time, however, they are both on the Equip Staff as dorm parents.

In March, the ministry was able to provide supplies to a local rescue mission. We were able to get brand new clothing to Lebanon County Christian Ministries to help their ministry. The Lord also used CMTS to help a ministry that serves orphanages in Uganda with supplies and an entire truckload of stacking chairs. We sent a tractor-trailer and RV to Belize for the ministry team there. At this time, we are working on raising funds to ship a bus to a ministry in Haiti called “Emmaus University”. They need this bus to be able to transport students to the Christian college and to transport people to and from church.

Home Life

Jase had a birthday this month! He turned 7 this year. He wanted a homemade ice cream cake with both chocolate and vanilla ice cream with peanut butter cookies, chocolate cake, and brownies as the layers in between. They love that they can choose whatever cake or dessert they want, no matter how many ingredients! HA HA HA

Peyton got to go on his first mission trip with Joel. He loved it and is ready to go back! He did a great job playing with the kids during game time of the childrens’ ministry and just playing ball, basketball, or soccer with the local kids. He also got to witness quite a few people accepting Jesus!

Kylie had her braces appointment and she has a few more teeth to loose before they begin. We go back in 6 months. She has started going to Hannah’s house, one of our neighbors, for books. She loves a lot of what Hannah reads.

Ace has completed most of his school work and is slowly starting to work more days. He loves working at the horse farm, so he is really enjoying it. Doug, another neighbor, has been riding bikes with him to help him get to work more days. Ace is saving up for a car and already studying for his permit.

We really have a great community here at CMTS. I love the bond my children are building with everyone here. Us too! The way we bear each other’s burdens and care for one another; I could not ask for a better place to raise my children. We got to spend time with family for Easter and have an Easter egg hunt! I would add another picture because this month was full of fun, but I am running out of room. Joel and I were able to get away for a weekend, just the two of us. We got to go hiking and take our first long bike ride for the season!

Homeschool Corner

This month we had a field trip to see a reptile show. Jett has been working on his science fair project, a marble run. We got to sew our own pillows in co-op And everyone is excited to be wrapping up the year soon! Not too much more to go!

Kylie really wanted to hold a snake! Well, she got her wish!

Jase’s favorite part was the turtle. He took up close and personal photos while the turtle was eating lunch.

Parker loved sewing, she helped 2-3 other preschoolers with their pillows too.

Prayer Requests

Support, we are still not fully supported and are actively raising support.

Housing, CMTS is looking into building more housing and one will be for us. We are living in a small apartment above the office currently. With 8 people, it can get a little tight! LOL

Homeschool, that is an ever going prayer Guidance, wisdom, and discernment as God leads us as we lead the ministry.

ANSWERED PRAYER

While our monthly commitment has not increased, we have been receiving many one time gifts that have helped so so much! Thank you for your continued prayers and support!

Family Needs

Support

We are currently at $775 monthly and where we need to be is $3,570. It has been by the grace and provision of God that we are making it. We could really use your help. Prayers and awareness of this need to others are much appreciated!

We also need 2 new bikes. A bike for Ace, 28″ and Parker, 24″. Ace will be riding his bike to work and we use our bicycles for family time.

Here is a further breakdown in each category:

Retirement: We are saving up to retire one day and being a good steward with our time in the future.

Misc.: Savings for emergencies and medical expenses like braces and casts. Education and field trips. Fun days with the kids as a family out, date nights with Joel & I (Danielle), and saving each month for vacations.

Transportation: gas, car insurance, maintenance, and repairs.

Living expenses: electricity, propane, internet, cell phones, clothing, food, and household items.

Would you like to join our team? We need your help to continue to accomplish God’s vision for us at the ministry. Would you join us as a monthly supporter so we can continue the work God has started? We want to take you along for the journey and we would be honored to be able to share the experience with you. You would become part of the team and we would share how God is working and the impact it is having on His Kingdom. Please pray and ask God if you should join us.