In Christ Alone

Back in 2012, I did something that is not common for a granddaughter to do. I was a photographer for my grandfather’s wedding. My grandfather had loved and cherished my grandmother well throughout her life and sickness. I admired how my grandfather took care of my grandmother. Losing her was not easy on anyone in the family, especially for my grandfather. The day he met Joanne, I knew she was something special. She had a big heart and loved the Lord with it. Both my grandfather and Joanne’s desire was to serve the Lord until they were called home. They found joy in serving the Lord together. I remember the wedding march playing and the church doors opening. Everyone stood up and looked at the bride. I didn’t, not at first, I looked at my grandfather. His face was beaming with the biggest smile. As many of you know, my grandfather, passed away 3 years ago. This last week, my step grandmother, passed away. I imagine as Joanne was entering heaven, my grandfather was standing there waiting for her with that same expression that he had on his wedding day, while the Lord greeted her with, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Although those of us on earth grieve, it is not without hope. I am thankful for the example that my grandparents set for me. They knew and proudly declared that their hope was in Christ alone: the only hope that saves.

Each time I go to the school and am greeted by the children, my heart is burdened. I am reminded that they do not have the same hope that my grandparents and I have. I pray that someday they too will understand that there is a God who loves them and that they can have a hope that will never disappoint.

School is going well. I am encouraged by how much growth I have seen from the students in this last year. I remember at the beginning of the year that some of the younger students were afraid of Ariana and me. But now, they are the first ones to run over and give me a hug. Also at the beginning of the year, most of the students did not know how to read or write their name, but now, most of them can! I have so much to be thankful for and praise the Lord for. He is working!

This last month, I celebrated my birthday in Togo. My family has tradition of having a dairy queen ice cream cake on birthdays. This was tradition that I knew I couldn’t continue in Togo, or so I thought. My friend, Hannah, looked up a copycat DQ ice cream cake recipe and made one for me! It was total surprise! It tasted just like the real thing. I am thankful for the friends that the Lord has surrounded me here in Togo and also for all my friends and family around the world.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I appreciate all of your encouragements, prayers, and support. I look forward to what the Lord has ahead for us.

God bless,

Liz Ortiz

Prayer Requests:

●      I am in the process of renewing my resident card. I am waiting for a couple of documents to be processed before I can renew. Please pray that I can get them quickly.

●      Deaf camp will be July 24-27! Please pray for the preparations for camp and also for the hearts of the campers who will come.

●      I have a friend coming to help assist with the camp and some other projects. Please pray that all the details come together so she can buy her tickets.

●      Hannah and her intern will be leaving for a project in South Africa in a couple of weeks. Please pray for the preparations as they prepare to go. While Hannah is gone I will be leading the Monday night Bible study with the blind school girls. Please for wisdom as I prepare and share. Pray also for the hearts of the girls.

●      Andrea and Emma (the mother and daughter short term missionaries) have been a big help at the school. They leave Togo on May 12th. Please pray for them as they prepare to return to the States. Pray also for clarity in how God is leading in their lives.

●      After Andrea and Emma leave, I will have about 4 weeks left of school. Please pray that I can find someone to help me at the schools for those 4 weeks.

Praise:

●      Praise God that I have dates for the Deaf camp! It is July 24-27!

●      Praise God for the relationships being developed at the school!

●      Praise God for the progress at the school!

●      Praise God that the Bible study with the blind students is going well!

●      Praise God for my progress in the language

●      Praise God for all my wonderful partners!