What in the World Has God Been Doing through the Volkhardts DURING THE LOCKDOWN?

Being confined to home has challenged me to be creative and transparent in reaching out. It is not unusual for me to have an average of 4 long Zoom meetings and/or phone calls each day.  I find that I'm worn out afterwards--Glen says it's because I'm trying so hard to reach through the screen and virtually "touch" people!

Invitation to a virtual meeting on Living Hope

Our friends in Colombia and Ecuador are in much tighter lockdown conditions than we are. Because women have been starving for spiritual input, a small church in Colombia asked me to do a women's meeting via Zoom.  The poster (at right) of "Esperanza Viva" is the invitation the church sent out.  We had many from outside the church also accept the invite.  216 women watched on Zoom, others (we don't know how many) watched via Facebook Live.  Glen produced the meeting, managed the camera and interfaced with the host of the program so I could focus on teaching and answering questions that women sent at the end of the message.  It felt very different to try and share deep truths while looking at a camera, rather than being able to interact with people! We've talked about doing more of these.  It takes a lot out of me and adds more to Glen's workload, so we'll see!

Volkhardt Webinar "Studio"

One of my friends sent this shot
as proof of her attendance!

Between virtual meetings and phone calls, I'm slowly trying to beat down piles.  The picture shows one job started but yet to be completed!  It seemed it was a mile high, but it only came to about a foot!

Trusting in His Goodness, a book I wrote with Mimi Wilson a number of years ago, has recently been printed in Spanish. Mimi and I offered free copies to Radio HCJB in Ecuador (where Glen and I worked for many years).  The morning show team (shown below when I was there several years ago) interviewed me live (in Spanish!) for an hour.  I also answered questions on the Goodness of God sent in by listeners.  It was not an easy assignment and I pray that our Lord used my feeble words to touch hurting hearts with the assurance of His love and goodness!

Another fun ministry opportunity was participating in a country wide (with some attending from other parts of Latin America) prayer meeting via Zoom.  I was privileged to be assigned a topic to pray over.  Seven other Latin women leaders and pastor's wives led sections of the powerful prayer time.  One woman who "attended" came to Christ through my sister's and my testimony.  She has had little opportunity to go to church and grow.  She LOVED hearing the Scriptures we read and quoted as we prayed. She was profoundly touched to hear her own needs lifted up to her Heavenly Father!  If no one else was blessed by that effort, it was worth it for her!

Glen's days are filled with keeping in touch with our associates, managing the many facets of a growing mission.  One particular delight has been a virtual gathering of associates.  It's early in the morning for those on the West Coast of the US, but it has to be that way in order for our associate in Indonesia to be able to join us at the same time but late at night on her clock!  We have a short devotional, some mission news, reports from various ones, and then we go into small groups where we share and pray together!  What an encouragement!  How Glen and I love the wonderful people of Paraclete!

The pandemic brought a whole series of challenges.  Paraclete associates travel a lot.  Or they did.  We've all had to be creative in coming alongside while keeping our distance.  One of the challenges/opportunities that Glen had to negotiate was the Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loans set up by Congress for small businesses and nonprofits.  It was a roller coaster that seemed good for us, then bad for us, through several rounds.  In the end, Paraclete took the loan, and it's looking good for having it forgiven later this summer.

2020 Growth at Paraclete

Interest in joining Paraclete continued at a fast clip for the first three months of the year. Just this week we finalized the last applicant in the pipeline.  Glen and I have spent a lot of time interviewing references and candidates, as well as orienting those who joined Paraclete to our systems and programs.  We continue to be profoundly impressed with the caliber of people God brings to join us.  We feel deeply privileged to help facilitate the significant work our associates are doing for God's kingdom around the world!  We anticipate a lull in applications due to the uncertainty of the future for many missionaries.  During the slowdown, we are seeking to train and include more Paraclete associates in the process of handling candidates and on-boarding them. 

Virtual Jazzercize

My doctor prescribes regular exercise for several of my "underlying conditions".  That's been a challenge during cooler weather and staying at home.  So even my exercise class has gone virtual!  It feels a little strange doing it in our family room, but I'm grateful to be able to do it!  Sometimes on warm, still days, I make a phone call and walk in our neighborhood while praying and encouraging.  We do what we must!

Manuela (middle) with some of her family

From time to time, we have shared about the ministry of our dear friend and mentee Manuela Grefa (above, center).  She continues to live in the jungles of Ecuador, ministering at a church that she founded and sharing the gospel.  You may recall our story of her being bitten by a poisonous snake as a young child and being kept alive by Elisabeth Elliot.  Manuela has gotten a cell phone and recently sent pictures!  (Glen and I are amazed that technology has penetrated that deeply into the jungle!  They STILL don't have access to regular phone lines!)  It's deeply moving to see how God continues to use her to point the way to Jesus with a group of people where we could have no impact!