What's in a name?

Ten years ago, I started my journey with ABWE. I had recently graduated from university and was spending the summer at ABWE headquarters as an intern. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do after the summer. But I trusted that God would direct my steps. He did and He still does. I am grateful for where God has me.

The school year is ending, and it has been exciting to the see the growth in the students. I think back to a year ago when I first went to the school for the deaf. There were 25 children at the school, and most did not know how to write their own name. Now, they can write their name and so much more. However, there is still one name that they do not know the importance of –Jesus. My heart is burdened that these 25 students, do not know Jesus. There is still so much work to do. I am thankful for all the work the Lord has done. He is good and always faithful. I am thankful for His leading in my life. I know I can trust Him.

It is not easy being the only person in this ministry here. It can sometimes feel overwhelming and lonely. I am thankful for the year that Ariana was here with me in the ministry. Its hard to believe that she left 3 months ago. I am also thankful for a missionary family who helped me at the school. The kids and teachers always have the biggest smiles when we arrive. A few weeks ago, the family returned to the States. The first time I went to the school without any helpers, it felt strange. The students were sad I was alone, although they were happy that I was there. I was reminded in my quiet time that though I am physically alone, I am not truly alone, for God is with me. “If God sends you, he goes with you, and, if he calls you to a task, he will provide what you need to do.”

God raised up King Cyrus to provide everything needed to rebuild and furnish the temple, even things that Nebuchadnezzar had stolen from the temple and placed in his home. Who would have thought that the temple would be rebuilt because of the generosity of a Persian king? I love Ezra’s accounting of God’s provision: “And this was the number of them: 30 basins of gold, 1,000 basins of silver, 29 censers, 30 bowls of gold, 410 bowls of silver, and 1,000 other vessels; all the vessels of gold and of silver were 5,400.” (Ezra 1:9-11). How great was God’s provision!

God is faithful and generous and will provide just what His people need. You can trust that He will do that for you. Cry out to Him in need and then rest in His providing grace (Everyday Gospel by Paul David Tripp). I am thankful for how the Lord has provided for me during this first term on the field. Thank you everyone who has encouraged and supported me. Will you please pray for others to join me in the field? I am resting in His providing grace.

The school year is coming to an end. I am now getting ready to transition into camp preparations. Last year we hosted Bible deaf camp at the blind campus. We had 107 participants. It went well and we are praying that this year will go well too. I have a friend from Canada who is a deaf educator. She is coming in July to help with camp. We will also be doing a VBS and teacher training at the school for the deaf. Please pray for wisdom as we prepare for these events.

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, Kristin, coming to help assist with the camp and some other projects. She will flying to Togo July 4th-28th. Please pray for safety in her travels.

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!