The verdict is out! News from Mayo Clinic

Here is the news we all have been waiting for.... drum roll please...(this is the short version)

1. Jeff does not have MS!

2. Jeff does not have a seizure disorder!

3. Mayo clinic has determined that Jeff has continued vascular complications following his stroke he had in November. The most recent MRI of his head showed an increase in white matter lesions on his brain. Jeff's subsequent right sided numbness, weakness, cognitive changes and fatigue are a residual of his initial stroke.

The good news is that there are not any new active stroke areas on his brain! He has been given the green light to drive again and increase his activities as his energy dictates.

There is great reason to praise God!! No surgery! No MS! So watch out Mexico!...We are coming home!

Thank you all for your faithfulness in prayer, your encouragement, your support and for following this lengthy saga.

We love you! Ineke and Jeff

Mayo Clinic Update on Jeff

Mayo Clinic Update

Greetings from extremely hot Phoenix (111 degrees)

Here is the latest update on Jeff:

Monday: Appointment in the financial department at Mayo Clinic (always fun)

Tuesday: Appointment with the Neurologist. He reviewed all the studies which we obtained in Mexico After a very lengthy appointment, interview and exam; he determined that many of the Mexican studies were “sub-standard” and recommended a repeat and several other studies before he could make a diagnosis. Thereafter, we needed to wait on the financial committee to determine if we could qualify for financial assistance. The wait began…

Wednesday: We called the financial department and they informed us that our case was still in review. Late morning Mayo Clinic called us and told us that we didn't fit the criteria for financial assistance to cover the necessary tests and suggested we go elsewhere. We left discouraged. Two hours later...we got a call and they said that they reconsidered our case and the committee gave the green light. Mayo clinic is waiving all the costs of the tests and consultations... (estimated between $20-29,000.00)! WooHOO!

Thursday: (so far) Jeff has had a repeat MRI of his head, cervical and thoracic spine and a cerebral vascular MRI. He may see the Cerebro-Vascular Neurologist later today. Tomorrow he is scheduled for another EEG and a lumbar puncture. Monday he will have his final consultation with the original Neurologist to review all the findings.

Things we are learning:
1. God is awesome!
2. We have a lot to learn about faith.
3. The Lord has given us great friends (many new and unexpected) who have helped, encouraged and provided for our needs.
4. Regardless of the outcome, the process has been incredibly educational as to God’s grace and authority.
5. We are humbled and realize that the best place to be is on our knees.

Thank you everyone for your prayers! Keep praying! We aren’t done yet!

Love, Ineke and Jeff

We are on our way to Mayo Clinic!

What’s up with Jeff?

Here is what we know…

1. Jeff has a scheduled appointment with Mayo Clinic MS/Neurology Department Tuesday, August 24 in Scottsdale, Arizona

2. A brief history: Since November 2009, Jeff has had neurological symptoms that were evaluated in Ensenada, Mexico. Initially, we believed that Jeff had a minor stroke. In April 2010 he had new alarming neurological symptoms accompanied by extreme fatigue which have progressed to this date. Further studies were done and after a consultation and review by a visiting Mayo Clinic Medical-Mission Team in Ensenada, Mexico in July, 2010, it was determined that Jeff probably has MS. The Mayo Clinic medical mission team graciously set up an appointment in Scottsdale, Arixona.

3. We have recieved 2 conflicting diagnosis here in Mexico which included seizure disorder and multiple strokes.

4. We have obtained imaging and laboratory studies in Mexico. Through prior communication with the doctors at the Mayo Clinic, we have obtained many of the necessary tests done here in Mexico. We will be arriving with CT scans, MRI of the head, MRI of cervical and thoracic spine, EEG, cardiac echo, carotid ultrasound and lab work. Jeff also had a lumbar puncture; however, the incorrect tests were performed.

5. His recent MRI of his cervical and thoracic spine is also suggestive of MS and shows significant impingement on two areas of the cervical spine and lesions on the thoracic spine as well.

• 6. We need your prayers
  • Healing if it is God’s will
  • Clear answers
  • Affordable treatment strategies
  • Travel mercies
  • Minimal further testing
  • Finances for the trip
  • Peace about the process and results
  
  Updates soon! We will keep you posted throughout the process!
  
  Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers and assistance!
  

PS: The spring and summer season was booming with groups again this year! The Lord was at work changing lives here in Mexico! Our last group just left yesterday and we are now gearing up for MTI (Agua Viva Ministries seminary) to start on August 30!!

Please also be praying for Hannah and Tim as they both are starting Multnomah University on August 30. We love and miss them desperately!

We love you all!!! Ineke and Jeff

Please Pray for Jeff!

Please set aside Sunday, July 25th as a day of prayer for Jeff!

Ok…Here is the scoop….Most of you know already that Jeff has been battling some health issues since November. The last few weeks he has experienced several alarming, new neurological symptoms. The MRI of his brain reveals some troubling findings which point to a myriad of diagnosis. We have already been given 3 separate, conflicting diagnoses.

We are waiting for doctors in San Diego to review Jeff’s studies and we also are waiting for an appointment at Mayo Clinic in Arizona which may be in several weeks. Enough waiting!... Let’s pray for a miracle before we get the final diagnosis!

Please join us for a DAY OF PRAYER (fasting if you desire) for Jeff, THIS SUNDAY, July 25! We believe in an awesome God!

We love and miss you!

PS: The summer of ministry here at AVM has been awesome and crazy-busy! The Lord is doing great things here in Mexico! Many have made first time decisions for Christ, Mexician churches and pastors have been blessed, we have served over 1,000 patients in medical clinics and lives have been changed!

Stay tuned for details on Jeff and our summer review.

Summer 2010

Summer is Here!

Highlights so far this year!

1. This year we are mega-busy! We have many new groups serving this year!

2. Family and friends came to visit!

3. We have a wonderful summer staff!

4. A new addition (and providing a much needed help) to AVM programming department, Liz Stevahn

5. Milestone #1 3 years in Mexico!
6. Milestone #2 26 years of marriage on June 23!
7. Milestone #3 Jeff had 2 strokes in less that 6 months (I think he is trying to break a record)

8. Clinics are taking off!

Needless to say, it makes Ineke so happy to have medical clinics coming and serving. So far this year we have seen over 700 patients!

In the last few years through Agua Viva Ministries short-term missions program, there has been a transition into continuity of patient care with a holistic, educational and of course… with a missional twist.

We have 2 US groups which have committed to return the same time every year to reach 4 target medically underserved communities. We are still looking for more long-term partnerships so that we would be able to serve these same communities every 3- 4 months.

This partnership encourages building a lasting relationship with the patients and the churches, properly manage the continuity of chronic ill patients, provide a venue for patient health, dental and nutrition education, evaluation of children’s milestones, spiritual follow up and above all, provide a natural segue to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We now have a set formulary for our pharmacy, we purchase the medications here in Mexico and we have charts for the chronically ill patients.

We now actively involve the local churches in the management of the clinics and have a separate station, manned by the local Mexican church for counseling and prayer. The local churches help us with triage and contact and follow up with patients.

A by-product of this has been the establishment of partnerships of US churches and local US medical schools, dental schools and nursing schools with an additional ministry to share the gospel with students who wish to participate in the medical aspect.

9. How are the Glavors doing?
Between 2 worlds:
Setting priorities on the mission field can be challenging. We live in between two worlds.
Our physical bodies are in a culture where the pace is slower, technology and communication is not dependable, changes in schedules are to be expected, flexibility is the theme and the abundance of “need” is tenacious and sometimes smothering. However, most of our American interactions are dealing with people with turbo-charged, fast-paced expectations and agendas. We have our feet in 2 countries and we are both enamored and annoyed by both cultures.

It is easy to get caught up in the tasks at hand on the mission field; each with merit and purpose. However, staying glued into the “will of the Father” changes our focus, agendas and perspective back to what is really important…walking hand in hand with an almighty, loving God, listening to His voice moment by moment and responding to the needs of a hurting world by Reaching Mexico for Christ.

"Socrates said that a person should first understand oneself as a means of making a contribution to others. 'Know thyself' was his advice. Aristotle counseled his followers that 'to use one's talents to the utmost, one must have discretion and direction.' His advice was to 'control thyself.' But another great thinker changed history - and the hearts of people - with his unique approach to a meaningful life… 'Give thyself' were the words spoken by Jesus."
By: Bill Pollard Source: The Soul of The Firm, Harper Business / Zondervan, 1996, pg. 130

Jeff: Is working mostly construction with the groups. His physical endurance is improving because he has been working out 3 days a week. He is finding a better balance of work and rest.

Ineke: She is truly convinced that there aren’t enough hours in the day. She still enjoys programming groups. She missed her children a lot!

Hannah: Taking summer school at Multnomah University and was accepted in a full-time intern position working with the homeless in Portland. She is active in the music leadership at Imago Dei.

Tim: Is actively looking for a job in Reno and enjoying visiting with friends. He has been accepted into Multnomah University in Portland in the fall. Tim is driving! WooHOO!

10. Prayer Requests:
• Stamina and balance (physical, emotional and spiritually) for the entire family
• Some time, finances and a place to get together as a family before school starts
• Ministry at AVM, that lives would be changed
• Job for Tim
• Focus on the tasks at hand
• Finances have changed and seem to be even more of a distracting issue
• A sense of community for both Tim and Hannah

It's Spring time in Mexico!

It's Spring time in Mexico! The hills are brilliant green, the Rancho Agua Viva creek is gurgling, the toads are croaking at night, the wildflowers are blooming and we have unpacked the sunscreen and flip-flops… and so the busy season begins!
We are excited! This may be a record breaking year for AVM in the short-term missions department! What a stark contrast to last year when we had a substantial decrease in guests due to media reports of border violence, swine flu and the engulfing economic malaise in the USA.

We are up 288% guests from last year! This increase may have been attributed to the regained courage from groups that cancelled last year in light of great reports from those who came last year and also an aggressive promotional campaign. Bottom line... I believe this year’s increase is because of God’s abundant grace and love for Mexico!

Our busy season began early. We have already had a new group of college students from Idaho. They served in 4 medical clinics and a traveling VBS team and put a new roof on one of the staff houses. What an amazing group!

We also had a team from Concordia University in Wisconsin come with 46 NP students and faculty and served approximately 400 patients in 4 medical clinics and provided stellar health education classes for the community.

Over 200 students from Westmont College peppered our soccer field with tents and served throughout the Ensenada community in VBS, sports outreach, medical, dental and optometry clinics, they built 5 homes and one Desayunador (facility to feed children, tutor and share the gospel).

This year we are providing more medical, dental and optometry clinics than in years past. We believe that serving the physical needs of the rural communities and using the gift of medicine can be used to draw people in and open doors to share the gospel.

We set up clinics in remote evangelical churches. The pastors and leaders of these churches partner with us and set up their own counseling and prayer stations. It is amazing to see a patient come in to the clinic with a toothache and leave not only having his tooth repaired, but also walking away as a follower of Christ and follow up as well.

How is the Glavor family doing?
Jeff: He is still recovering from the stroke and figuring out his abilities and disabilities and understanding and accepting the difference. He has dramatically changed his lifestyle! No red meat, no sodas and lots of salads, exercise and rest. He has taken this wake up call very seriously! He is doing great!

Ineke: She is busy with programming all the groups. She still is working on balancing work, family, personal correspondence, rest, exercise and play time.

Hannah: She has a very busy semester at Multnomah University. She accepted a summer intern position at an outreach for the homeless in Portland. She is also increasing her involvement on the music team at her church, Imago Dei and is writing many beautiful songs.

Tim: He is loving Ecola Bible School this year. We enjoy hearing him talk about all that he is learning. We are proud that he has been accepted into Multnomah University next fall! Both Hannah and Tim are excited that they will be back together again. He also has become an excellent guitar player.

Prayer requests:•We want the Lord to use each of us in the Glavor Family to serve Him with all our might, gifts and abilities
•Stamina, health and wisdom for Jeff and Ineke during the busy Spring and Summer seasons here in Mexico
•Ongoing financial concerns for school funding for the kids and daily living
•Tim’s summer plans for work and accommodations
•Hannah’s safety, growth and endurance while working in the homeless ministry
•Time and resources for the family to get together more than just at Christmas time...we miss each other

We miss you all! Write us sometime! We love mail and e-mail!!

2009 revisited! December 2009

Recap of 2009:


















*Tim graduates from high school in Mexico and goes to college in Oregon *Hannah serves in Uganda *Empty Nest in Mexico
*Decrease in American short-term missionary guests
*25th Wedding Anniversary
*Jeff and Ineke teach at MTI seminary
*Illnesses
*Jeff has a minor stroke
*Life lessons in the short-lived “tunnel of chaos” renewed our conviction that we love working here in Mexico and that we serve an awesome God!

What a roller coaster year for the Glavors!

Jeff and Ineke update:
Professionally for Jeff and Ineke, 2009 was challenging. As Program Directors for short-term missions for Agua Viva Ministries we had our frustrations due to unrelenting media reports of border violence followed by the swine flu scare in Mexico. We daily addressed concerned American guest’s questions regarding the wisdom of bring down groups to serve.

Despite our efforts to allay fears, we had a 60% decrease in short-term missionary guests this year, even though the violence was nowhere to be seen in the communities we serve, nor did Ensenada have many cases of the swine flu. It made us sad to think that many of the pressing needs of the community would not be met, less people would hear the gospel and that American guests would miss out on broadening their world view. WE WERE SOOOO WRONG! It was a wonderful spring and summer!!

Here are just a few work victories for 2009!
*We had 5 times the number of first time commitments to Christ in the Mexican communities we served!

*33 American guests were prompted to go in full time missions! The Mexican churches stepped up and served alongside the American guests in unprecedented ways!

*We received a $25,000.00 grant for student scholarships for our seminary students which covered the loss from the American Short-term mission income.

*Jeff and I had the privilege to teach at the MTI seminary here at Agua Viva.

*Booking of American and Canadian groups for 2010 is already up! Even higher than in 2008! We already have 5 new groups that have signed up to come and serve!

Photos are courtesy of Project Resonate by John Yao who captured the heart of Agua Viva Ministries in Mexico. See his website and see his photography! Thank you John! You have an amazing gift with photography and a wonderful heart for missions.

The honeymoon phase of missionary work has passed and we were faced with a few *hiccups* here in Mexico. This year was peppered with bouts of typhoid, amoebas and various intestinal bacteria that are too difficult to pronounce. These infections were due to the occupational hazard of eating with the pastors in remote villages we serve, setting up future projects and ministries (Don’t worry! you don’t get this at Rancho Agua Viva).

The end of November, Jeff had a minor stroke (a big hiccup!). After being in the hospital, receiving clot-busters and many tests; He is doing great! He still misses a few words here and there but his humor is still intact!! Needless to say, this was a big wake up call! Life style changes and lots of medications are in order.

Many thanks to all of you for your prayers and your concern! E-mails and cards flooded in. We are blessed by having so many wonderful friends that sent words of encouragement!!

Here are some of our favorite quotes from our friends:

“Praying for you, Jeff! Life gets simpler when there are fewer foods to choose from.” BB

“Welcome to the stroke club!” After hearing that Jeff had to forgo the carne asada tacos, “Sorry about the tacos, though. I had to give up chicken fajitas. Thought I was really missing out so we went out one day for a farewell order - they weren't that good! Life is way better! LB

“Let me tell you there is nothing more frustrating or more "wierd" than something wrong with your mentation… Kinda like your cheese has slipped just a little off your cracker. ” GB

Our favorite quote: “We'll be praying for Jeff's full recovery, Lord willing. If that's not the Lord's plan, we will come down, get drunk, and slur along with him. OK.” SF

These series of events definitely put life back into perspective. Cultural and language difficulties and the long hours here in Mexico seem less monumental now and we have regained a new joy of serving here in Mexico.

As this year is ending, we stand amazed at God’s provision, His mercy and His love for us. We are grateful for the privilege of being here in Mexico! Thank you to all of you who have made our dreams come true! We are here because of your support and encouragement. Thank you!

Lessons we learned in 2009:
*The Lord’s heart hasn’t changed for the world.
*God is in control!
*We are not!
*We miss our family and friends
*Life is short

Pray for Mexico Pray for Agua Viva Ministries
Pray for renewed strength and passion as we prepare for the busy spring and summer groups.
Pray for health
Pray for finances

Hannah Update 2009:
If you thought living in Mexico was cool, try living in a third world country on a completely different continent for three months. Uganda has been an amazing trip. I've made life long friends, learned life lessons, and made a difference. It has been a tremendous time for growth. I cannot wait to share my adventures with my friends and family.

For a recap, check out my blog at: http://www.bananaflavor.wordpress.com/

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT: http://vimeo.com/8114274 (Hannah's trip to Uganda in pictoral form)

Pray for a good time of rest and renewal before I return back to Multnomah in January
Pray for the people I've left behind, that they grow in the lord, have continued patience and renewed faith
Pray that I am able to make enough money over the break to last me a semester
Pray that I focus in my last remaining semesters at Multnomah.

Tim Update 2009:
"Hello! hello everyone! I've been super busy with school at Ecola Bible College and work at the conference center, but I'm enjoying it all a ton. Right now I'm taking Philippians and Creation. It’s awesome! It’s amazing to see how these teachers can cram soooo much knowledge into one week. I'm feeling homesick for Reno and Mexico, but I know I'm supposed to be here! Sooo...... I'll see you all at Christmas! Zing!"

Pray for school this year and plans for next year
Pray for work
Pray for Christmas break in Reno

THE GLAVOR FAMILY is coming to town!
KEEP YOUR CALENDAR OPEN!
Let’’s Fiesta!
FELIZ NAVIDAD from sunny Mexico! The Holidays are upon us and we are dreaming of skiing (and snowboarding) down Mt. Rose and sipping hot, spiced apricot nectar while snuggling next to a fireplace with family and friends. We have 3 weeks in the States, and then we will return to Ensenada and gear up for the typical crazy-busy spring and summer seasons, programming and hosting American and Canadian guests with Agua Viva Ministries.

As much as we would love to meet with each of you individually, we realize because of our limited time and our need to pace ourselves this year; we will not be able to squeeze everyone into this whirlwind trip. Trust me…WE WISH WE COULD! We miss you all very much!

We plan on having 2 open houses: One in Reno and one in the Bay area (Those of you in Seattle will need to e-mail us if you would like to get together January 10-11). Please feel free to invite anyone that might be interested in hearing about the adventures of the crazy Glavor Family in Mexico, Uganda and Oregon.

Reno Fiesta:
January 2, 2009 at 4 PM
Greg and Nancy Latimer’s home
10067 E Desert Canyon Dr
Reno, NV 89511
Phone number: 775 853-6653
Please bring an appetizer to Share


Bay Area Fiesta:
January 8, 2009 at 6 PM
Russ and Sally Jan's home
36342 Bridgepointe Dr.
Newark, CA 94560
Phone number: 510 791-0345
Please bring an appetizer to share

We pray that during this holiday season that you will keep Christ front and center in all your time commitments, activities, gatherings, attitudes and giving.
We love and miss you all!
Feliz Navidad!
Jeff, Ineke, Hannah and Tim Glavor