September/October Update

Dear Friends,

Fall is in full swing here in Colorado! While I know many of you in AZ are still sweating, we are breaking out the sweatshirts! We are also thanking God for a full and wonderful summer of ministry with GEM. We had Candidate Orientations, Euroquest, Home Ministry Welcomes, missionaries in and out of our home as we counseled and encouraged them, and Rick continuing to do Lifeplans and leadership development. We also had some great family time with our boys and extended family.

On August 4th, I (Cathy) left for Europe for GEM's annual conference. Finances prevented us both from going this year. Rick had been to Europe several times in 2006. I had been invited to co-facilitate a 4 day leadership seminar for GEM leaders. SO, I represented the Roberts' family this year! I was blessed to be able to spend a few days in Slovenia with our dear friends Joze, Nada and Mirjam Casar. It was great to catch up with those dear Slovenes whose lives have entwined with ours over the years. I was also able to wear my "member care" hat and spend some time with a single GEM missionary who serves there. They put me to work right away - leading a study for young women less than 2 hours after I arrived! The rest of the time there was a whirlwind of coffees, picnics, church services, counseling, serving and just taking in the joy of seeing God work. After 4 full days, I boarded a train and was off to Hungary. The joy of seeing so many of the missionaries we have worked with over the years is indescribable. It was also an amazing blessing to be able to co-facilitate the leadership conference. I am thankful for all the amazing people that God has blessed GEM with - people who are smart, hardworking and love the Europeans whom they serve. For more details on the trip you can visit our blog at www.greatereuropemission.blogspot.com I have had trouble loading pics, but may have it figured out by the time you visit!

September and October hold Home Ministry Welcome, further training for Rick in the Birkman (which we use for a variety of counseling and training purposes), women's ministry at the church for me, and leading a women's retreat for a local church. Joel is settled in at Azusa and adjusting to his busy schedule - with 3 science classes and labs. Aaron decided not to play football this fall and we are loving having him around a little more! He is playing baseball and active in choir, as well as helping with AWANAS at church.

Please pray for my mother, Carol, who is experiencing some health problems. We are also dealing with missionaries who are struggling with depression and marital issues. The enemy is definitely at work, but God is also at work around the world. Your prayers DO make a difference. Many of you prayed last year for a family in Kosova who minister alongside our GEM missionaries there -- Shemisija and her daughter Rinessa. We are delighted to report that Rinessa will not have to have heart surgery after all - a real answer to prayer!! This Kosovar family barely survives the financial hardship of having a child with Downs Syndrome, so do keep praying for them. We appreciate you so very much!

Joyfully,

Rick and Cathy Roberts