Mission Work
The ministry was able to provide supplies to local rescue missions this past month. We were able to help a ministry that serves orphanages in Uganda with supplies and an entire truckload of stacking chairs. We are also praying and 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 college students to the Christian College and transport people to and from church. The total cost with the bus included is over $8,000. If you would like to partner with us on this shipment please mail support to CMTS or make a donation here:
We also were packing for a mission trip to Mexico. This was a multiple-legged operation. We had 3 of our team driving down our old food trailer along with chairs for a church and as many supplies as we could pack in. This food trailer will be used to reach villages in the mountains surrounding Monterrey, Mexico. This will allow them to attract people with yummy food and also share the good news of Jesus Christ. Another 4 of the team flew down and they all met up at a YWAM ministry in the city. We were able to pack 2 extra bags per person for free on this flight and we packed 2 more per person full of supplies for the local communities, making an additional 8 bags of supplies we were able to bring. Rose and Nate Lapp were going down to help drive the food trailer down, but to also help a local ministry director, Adrian, start Celebrate Recovery in his rescue missions. Nolan, Joel, Peyton, Juanis, and Michael were looking for ways the Equip students will be able to serve next April. More on this next month.
Home Life
Peyton was getting ready for his first mission trip this month. It’s great for Joel to be able to spend one on one time with each child in this way. We do not get much of this as a big family, so being intentional by spending time with each child is so important. Kylie got her shoe inserts this month. She hates them, but she will break them in! Ace just got the news that he will be going to a horse ministry 3 hours north of our home for 10 days this summer. His love of horses and Jesus will collide! Now if he could lasso cows on the horse while talking about Jesus, he would be in bliss! LOL He is training under a man that uses his horses and horse riding lessons to help spread the gospel. Ace was all for it. I LOVE how God uses everyone’s passion for Him and things on earth to expand His Kingdom. Jett will be joining Joel for a mission trip in May down to Belize! We applied for his passport this month. Joel got to speak at Fellowship Christian High School during their chapel time and challenge them on how they are living for Christ with their mind, body, time, etc. Danielle turned 37 this month and we received a gift card for Outback Steakhouse to have a date night! Woohoo!
Homeschool Corner
We ordered a STEM kit online for the kids to build and use. They picked wooden transportation this time. They got to put the wooden cars, planes, etc. together, and the vehicles move using solar or battery power.
Parker did another round of testing for her rocket. We tried Alka Seltzers and Water this time. Ace dissected a crawfish, sea star, and clam, and Peyton made clouds.
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.
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.
If you are interested in furthering God’s Kingdom by financially supporting the Smith family, please see their Staff Page for more info on how to do that!