Monday, November 20, 2006

WOOOOHOOOOO!!!!

Yesterday we set up our display, showed our presentation, and answered questions for the last time on deputation. Allow me to quote a friend, “WOOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!” The meeting was good and the Pastor very encouraging. Believe it or not, on this side of deputation there are so many things we are thankful for and some things we will even miss.

For instance, we will miss getting to meet believers who have a heart for missions. We will miss the opportunity of ministering, though we have gained a new one with our departure for the field. We will miss the fellowship with North Americans around the dinner table. I will miss eating out. Bethany will miss hunting me down and finding me in the mission closets of churches.

On the other hand, we will not miss the hours of driving, or riding, as the case may be, and the mechanical problems and failures of older vans. Scott will not miss eating out. The kids will not miss the first day of school every Sunday. Though our kids travel really well we will not miss the bathroom stops or changing a baby’s diaper on the van seat. Believe me; anything is better than some changing tables. Finally, we won’t miss being constantly tired.

I don’t want to end on the negative so I want to praise God that He has protected us in the over 80,000 miles of travel. That He has raised all of our financial support and brought us along the path of tremendous prayer warriors. I praise Him for the many new friends we have, and for the deeper burden to reach the lost in Uruguay with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For the many lessons we learned which strengthened us for the task ahead we praise the Lord. This is a very exciting time in our lives and we are honored and thrilled that God has chosen to use us.

Did I already mention that deputation is over? WOOOOHOOOOO!!!

Friday, November 17, 2006

Container Packing





If you've never helped a missionary pack a container, we would highly recommend it for the experience alone. I can't begin to tell you the amount of hours that went into the preparation of getting our earthly belongings ready to be packed into the container. What I can tell you is that it must have felt like the end of a long day's work for South Park Baptist as they are the ones who did much of the staging and prep work. Scott and Brandon were able to help while we were in town but the church still had work days while we were in meetings.

A prayer request for everything to go smoothly was certainly answered. It was amazing to be a part of the sweet spirit of the many men, ladies and teens who showed up to help load the container. There were times when we were all working so well with eachother to get things passed up to the men in the container they had to slow us down. The day was wet and cold yet no one complained. One of the families even brought their video and still cameras to capture the morning's events. I'm glad for that as both our video and still cameras didn't have charged batteries. All in all it was a great experience shared with wonderful friends!

Monday, November 06, 2006

Satan is a Vulture

Yesterday marked our final deputation missions conference. Since I have been writing about the conferences we've been in, I thought the illustration Pastor Rouse of Mountain View Baptist used was very powerful and must be passed on.

The Pulitzer Prize winning photo at left was taken by a South African photojournalist. http://picturenet.co.za/photographers/kc/ The story is told that once he took this photo he got back in his vehicle and left the dying child to the vulture. Seeing only a photo opportunity he never thought to spare the child of the impending death. Some months later he was asked what happened to the child and later took his own life for the reality of what he had done was too much to bear.

How often do we walk into a store, or spend time with our friends and family, feel the pricking of the Holy Spirit to share Christ, yet we go on with our lives, never seeing beyond ourselves? All the while the vulture waits to consume them!

Oh, Lord, help us to see that those around us are dying and in need of salvation thorugh Jesus Christ. Help us not to forget that there is indeed a cause. May we shine forth your light so the world may know you.

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

October 2006 Borrmann Beacon

Prayer Requests:
· Our house must RENT.
· The remainder of our support $57.00/month and O&P funds of $8,500.
Praises:
· We have 98.91% of our support
· Departure date set for December 4th
· Adeline was cleared of all possible lung diseases, allergic asthma is the culprit.
· God giving us knowledge through Adeline’s allergies which protected Isabel from a deadly allergic reaction

SHIFTING INTO HIGH GEAR
Have you ever had one of those days where nothing turned out quite like you expected? In a very good way, we are having one of those weeks. It all began after our commissioning service when our Pastor suggested Scott look into ticket prices. After being quoted an amount $5,000 less than our budget we were given the green light to buy our tickets!!! We get to leave for Uruguay from Chicago O’Hare on December 4th. WOW!
Earlier this month we were given the go ahead to rent the house. Ideally, we would love to sell but are content to rent. We have put ads in the local papers and have already had many inquiries. Since God has led us to take this step of faith we know He will take care of this need.

COMMISSIONING SERVICE
It is hard to believe that our day of commissioning has already come and gone and now we have set a departure date. Scott’s Dad, Step Mom and brother and Debbie’s adopted Mom were able to make it for the day. In addition, there were several visitors from supporting churches.
Scott preached Sunday School and then the evening service. Our Pastor preached the morning service and the deacons laid hands on Scott and commissioned us for missionary service. We were given various gifts and presented with $11,000 for our outfit and passage. Debbie made a multimedia presentation about our time on deputation; please email us if you would like a copy.
At the end of the day everyone took hold of a rope that encircled the first several pews. Attached to the main rope were smaller ropes that our family held. This was to be a visual reminder of how they hold the ropes for us. We trust God was at work in the hearts and lives of all who was there. And we praise Him for the privilege of being His ambassadors to Uruguay.

ABUNDANT ALLERGIES
Adeline is allergic to nearly everything in Michigan. Hopefully, our move will help relieve many of her symptoms. The other tests cleared her of any lung diseases including Cystic Fibrosis, Praise God! So we are dealing with allergic asthma. We are now using a peak flow meter which helps us “see” the condition of her lungs. Already we have been able to catch a couple of flare ups before they occurred.
Deputation weekend got off to a rough start when Isabel, our 3 year old, had an anaphylactic reaction. We were on our way home from getting Debbie’s adopted Mom at the airport and stuck in rush hour traffic. Thankfully, Scott was taking a different route home which “happened” to take us right by a hospital. If it hadn’t have been for Adeline’s allergies we never would have known what was happening with Isabel. Isabel now has an appointment on October 31st for allergy testing.


-Over-
We were asked for specific prayer requests as we prepare to leave and the list is below. Please know that we still are not done, we still need support and outfit and passage money. As well as money for other expenses, not included in O&P, needed to get us to the field. For example, the house rental ad costs us $53.00 per week and paperwork expenses. God will provide! Thank you for praying!

1. We need a renter for the house.

2. We need $8,500 O&P

3. We need 1.2% or $57/month support

4. There is a lot of paper work - insurance forms, packing lists, container shipping, and legal stuff to get filled out really fast. Pray we will be efficient and correct.

5. There are a few more things that need to be packed.

6. There are some things we still need to purchase - sofa, chair, 4 full size mattresses, bedding, and wardobes/armoirs. Pray God would provide the funds or the items needed.

7. Everything for our container must be to Indiana around the first of November. Pray for help to load and unload the moving truck.

8. We still have some meetings through the middle of November. Pray that we will be able to set aside the rush of the move to be a blessing to the people in the churches we will be ministering in.

9. We need to get a years supply of all the medicines we need for Adeline and Brandon. Pray the insurance company we have now will let this go through without any problems. Pray especially for the Xopenex (zo-pen-ex) to go through as this is a very expensive asthma drug and they always give us a hard time for a one month supply.

10. We found out we will be taxed on the “Big Tent” it could be up to 50% of the value pray for the tax to be minimal.

11. Overall, we see how much God has already done for us and He has ALWAYS proven Himself faithful. Pray we will keep our focus on Him. Pray for all of us as the reality that we are really moving sinks in.

This all really is so exciting and we are so thankful to God for our prayer warriors. We look forward to updating you soon on all the answers to prayer.

Uruguay Bound on December 4th,

Scott and Debbie Borrmann
BWM Missionaries to Uruguay

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Borrmann Commissioning Service

It's hard to believe that our commissioning service has already come and gone. It was a good day spent with family and friends. Since we have a prayer letter coming out soon with an article on the service I thought I'd post pictures here with some different details.

Top Picture - The kids really enjoyed the surprise of receiving gifts in the evening service - We received a Spanish version of O' Love Divine and the Spanish Majesty Hymnal, Brandon got a Wilds Spanish Music CD, guitar book and personalized pencils, Kaitlin a set of piano books, Bethany a scrapbooking kit, Adeline a Suzuki Violin book and tape, Nehemiah a James train (Thomas' friend), Isabel an art kit (she declared it to be candy), and Simeon a shape sorter/hammer toy. In the am service we were given a check for $11,000 that has been accumulating throughout deputation to go towards our outfit and passage. The WMF gave Debbie $200.

Second Picture - Holding the ropes illustration. This was the most memorable time for us. At the end of our deputation presentation, shown in the PM service, we said, "You hold the ropes for us, and we pray you will never let them go." Our hearts were touched as everyone took hold of the rope. We sang and then prayed for our sending church to keep in contact with us, and to remember us in prayer.

Third Picture - The fellowship after the evening service. It was a special blessing for us to have sixteen friends from supporting churches come for the day. We also had Scott's Dad, Step Mom and Brother and Debbie's adopted mom. (clockwise from left) Debbie, Sandy Hagan (hidden by Debbie), Mia and John Vinson, Scott and Simeon.

Final Picture - Probably the most important part of the day. The Bible says in Acts 13:3, "And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away." Our family was brought forward to the platform for the deacons to lay hands on Scott while two of them prayed for our family.

Thank you to Macomb Baptist (our sending church) for praying and giving sacrificially over the past few years. Thank you, Marilyn, for singing a difficult song on such short notice. And thanks also to Joel and Dawn for the duet in the eveing service. Thank you to Frank Newman for taking photos all day, and then going above and beyond to make a scrapbook for us! Thanks also to our videographer for capturing the services on film! Thanks to everyone who brought food for the fellowship on Sunday night, it sure was yummy! Thank you to all our family and friends for spending your Sunday with us! Thank you, God, for the many blessings you have bestowed on us.

It is our prayer that we will bring honor and glory to the name of God as we serve Him in Uruguay. Our praise goes solely to God for all He has done in our lives. What a GREAT God we serve!

Borrmann Commissioning Service Photos




Thursday, October 05, 2006

Borrmann Update October 2, 2006

Adeline had her appointment with the pediatric Pulmonologist and was given a thumb up. The test for cystic fibrosis came back negative, meaning she is clear of that disease. Praise God! The next step is to see an allergy specialist on October 10th, to see if her pneumonia and asthma is directly related to allergic reactions. This appears to be the situation. We would appreciate your continued prayers for wisdom for the doctors in determining what is happening with Adeline and an appropriate course of treatment.

Brandon’s protein levels are back within the normal range. It’s difficult to understand the reason behind the high reading was actually normal; it seems a high reading would be bad no matter the cause. But evidently when it is high after walking around in the morning it is caused by the body excreting the extra protein stored up from the night before, as was the case with Brandon.

Our commissioning service on October 15th edges ever closer. Our intention was to send out personal invitations but we had some problems with our printer locking up. Many have inquired about coming and we wanted to let you know, in case you don’t get the invitation in time that the commissioning will occur in the morning service at 10:45 am. In Sunday school, we plan to show a brief multi-media presentation about our time on deputation. Scott will be preaching in the PM Service. If you are interested in attending, and need housing or have questions, please call us, 704-473-0602 (Scott’s Cell) or 704-473-3950 (Deb’s Cell)

Green Meadow Bible Baptist in Kalamazoo, MI just took us on for support which puts us at 95%. We are praying the Lord would allow us to be at 100% by October 15th, our commissioning day.
Outfit and passage money is steadily coming in and we are now over 53% of our needed amount. It would be difficult to list many gifts, ranging from $100 to $5,000, which we have received towards this need. Not as difficult though as it is to find the right words to express our gratitude for the financial sacrifice of others in a desire to help us arrive in Uruguay. God bless you all for your generosity and heart for world-wide missions.

Thank you to all who emailed to let us know you were praying with us about the house. Sadly, nothing came of the showings so the house still needs to sell. We are waiting to hear back from some companies we contacted that specialize in real estate investment. It sure would be nice if they would buy the house.

Mission's Conference Season

Donning our best attire, smiles, and having prayed that God would enable us to be a blessing we have started our third missions conference season. As you know we hoped we would be in Uruguay by now. But you also know that we are surrendered to God's will and He has blessed us so much already this season.

After coming home from our first conference, for doctors and dentist appointments, we headed back to West Virginia for a conference in Old Kanawha Baptist Church. Neal Cadwell was the keynote preacher. I wish I could tell you more about this meeting but I ended up with an infected dry socket, after my wisdom tooth was pulled, and was in bed for most of it. I can tell you that the people were so sweet and giving. When I did make it back for the last night so many told me how they prayed. Just the people we need in our corner.

We just finished a conference at Faith Baptist of Warren. This is our co-workers sending church. It was thrilling for us to talk with people so familiar with the ministry we are joining. We enjoyed the fellwoship with the other missionaries. And the music was absolutely incredible! And the preaching, by the missionaries, was just as challenging. In short, this has been one of the best meetings the Lord has given us the priviledge of presenting in.

Monday, September 18, 2006

All I Need is Jesus

After sitting in one place on the freeway for almost an hour we are finally on our way back to Michigan from Nitro, West Virginia. We were here this week for Twin City Bible Church's 2006 missions conference. This week has been remarkable.

We were privileged to stay in the White House. Ok, so it wasn't THE White House but the home of Bob and Nikki White. But I'll tell you we were treated like honored guests. The children had a fun time playing with the Whites. And we thoroughly enjoyed their fellowship.

Twin City is a supporting church and so it was nice to reconnect with people and make new friends. We have really enjoyed the opportunities to "report" in our supporting churches and TCBC is no exception. We enjoyed the fellowship with church members and other missionaries at Pastor Bill and Mrs. Egerdahls home last night. And we believe we have gained some dear new friends.

The theme of the conference was All That I Need is Jesus, the music and preaching all directed our hearts towards this fact. But the final service was especially used of God to challenge our hearts. Tom Huckel, missionary to the Jewish People, was the preacher and he has the ability to share truths from the Word that shed new light on our relationship with God.

Right now, as we finish deputation, we have many pressures and concerns. When will our house sell? Will we receive all we need for our outfit and passage? How long will it be before we have 100% support? Our house sale, O&P, and support are all genuine needs; but do they supercede our need for a relationship with Jesus? I admit I have been looking at life solely through my "field goggles" and lost sight of the Joy of my salvation. I have allowed the circumstances of life to discourage me. Forgetting that my true need is a growing dependance upon God. God will work out all the details in His good pleasure, and won't it be wonderful when He does?!

Can you truly say, "All I need is Jesus!"? If not, why not? Is your hope for salvation fixed upon the finished work of the cross? Or are you still trying to work out your salvation through good works? Will you allow God to give you the Joy of Salvation through Jesus Christ?

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Labor Day Weekend

This past Labor Day weekend was quite remarkable for us. Our family walked in a Labor Day parade and helped pass out over 1800 John and Romans packets. It was exciting for us to be able to put the Word of God into hands of men and women with the prayer that they will read it and God will show them their need for salvation. A glimpse for us of our future work in Uruguay.

Sunday was spent at South Park Baptist Church in Crown Point, Indiana. They have supported us now for over a year and will be packing our container, as well as mailing our Borrmann Beacon while we are on the field. A couple from this church, The B's, will be flying down to Uruguay with us. We stay with them when we are in Crown Point and the kids especially enjoyed this weekend with them. It's such a relief to have good friends flying with us and helping us to get settled in our new home. Of course we're thrilled to be able to show them the work in Uruguay. Pray for them they have a BIG job!

Some friends took the girls shopping at the American Girl Place in Chicago. It was a lot of fun for them to get something special for their dolls. Isabel was so happy to get a Bitty Baby doll, an early birthday present from her Grandma Jay. The guys got to go to the Chicago Fire pro soccer game where they were caught on camera for the local news. Wish I had a picture of it!

As we prepare to leave for Uruguay we have made several lists of all different categories. The longest has been our container list which includes everything we are shipping into the country. Friday we were able to take our needed furniture list to an overstock/damaged goods warehouse and tick some things off. I'll not bore you in listing all we bought but God was so good to give us great deals. Everything we purchased should have cost us over $15,000 retail and $7,000 on sale. The manager was very generous and sold us everything for $2,400. We still have a few things on our list that we are hoping to get from the same place.