We're heading south. Costa Rica 2013!

Dear friends and family:

We're heading south.  And Costa Rica's not a bad place to be in the winter.  But you may want to know why we're doing what we're doing.  

That's a great question.  This will be our third lengthy mission trip to Costa Rica.  We have always considered it a true privilege to go to another country on behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ as an entire family, not piecemeal.

So why?  Vickie and I have been very active in every church we've attended. Sometimes hyperactive. We like teaching, helping, cleaning, preaching, moving furniture, blowing up balloons, praying, singing, and loving on the those far from God. In the middle of everything, we've always felt a yearning to go overseas to further the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We really believe there are three things that are compelling us to serve in Costa Rica, and then consider further overseas ministry in the coming years.

First, we believe that God has specifically called our entire family to minister in this way. Not just one of us going to Mexico, or all of us working with kids in our church, but also "going unto all nations."  We take Jesus literally.

Second, we feel God has given us an opportunity to serve Him in an educational setting. Vickie and I both have taught in various settings for over 25 years and we are excited about putting our experience to use at La Palabra de Vida.

Third, we believe that going and serving is the best way for our children to understand the sacrifice that the Lord speaks so prominently about in scripture. We want to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Jesus, even if it is only for a short time.

So, on November 18, we'll board our flight and head south.  We'll be working to restore a missionary house, developing curriculum to broaden the school's ability to make the Bible come to life, teaching ESL classes, and financing and helping to install improvements in the school's infrastructure.

We can't wait.

We would like to ask you to partner with us. Please commit to pray for this year's adventure, and consider supporting this worthy work financially.  We need to raise $17,000 to help offset the costs of the mission activities.  Here's how:

·     Make checks payable to Sieben Family Ministries

·     Mail checks to Markham Family, 113 Frostwood Drive, Lake Jackson, Texas 77566

·     Donate via PayPal (credit card or checking account) www.paypal.com.  Send money directly via PayPal to siebenfamily@yahoo.com

God's richest blessings,

Bill