Fall Newsletter 2010: We serve and EXTRAVAGANT God!

What word can sum up 2010 so far?

“EXTRAVAGANT” Webster defines as: “exceeding the limits of reason or necessity or to lavish”.
We serve an EXTRAVAGANT God who works in extravagant ways! Not only within our work here through Agua Viva Ministries in Mexico, but in our personal lives as well.

Wow! What a year! It is hard to believe that last year at this time we were bemoaning meager numbers of short-term missionary guests, Swine flu and border violence issues.

This year we are happy to report a substantial increase of US and Canadian guests and more importantly, a record number of Mexican nationals who were served and heard the Gospel (over an estimated 6,300)!
Churches, pastors, children and adults were served, equipped, fed, encouraged and trained. Houses were built, churches repaired and we had a record number of medical, dental and optometry clinics throughout the area.

“EXTRAVAGANT” is a word we can use to express God’s mercy on the Glavor family as we have watched Jeff’s health this year, how our children are growing up serving the Lord and how our needs have been met in miraculous and undeserved ways.
Despite seeing the Lord’s extravagance this year; we are compelled to inform you, our friends of our significant decrease in our donor giving due to the US economy.
Please pray for us as we are planning to spend our Christmas furlough hoping to raise our donor base so that we can remain on the mission field. We plan to re-assess in January. We will report back to you our status once we meet that crossroad.

We believe in an EXTRAVAGANT God and we will go anywhere He leads us! We hope He keeps us here in Mexico!

MUCHAS GRACIAS for your “EXTRAVAGANT” friendships, prayers, encouragement and financial support. We love and miss you MUCHO!

Jeff’s wild roller coaster ride

I, (Ineke) have never, ever liked roller coasters! They are unpredictable, they are scary, they jerk me around and they make me sick to my stomach! Needless to say, I hurled a few cookies this year!

Since November 2009 , Jeff has been diagnosed with having a stroke, seizure disorder and Multiple Sclerosis. In the heat of the summer ministry season, Jeff was told not to drive and not to work. The rollercoaster ride began...

I watched as Jeff struggled to formulate words (never has been a problem before).

I observed him become tentative in performing his usual tasks because of lack of coordination, weakness, numbness, memory loss and fatigue.

I watched as he became frustrated and fought depression because he desperately wanted to work and contribute.

We were given mixed diagnoses from doctors in Mexico. We needed factual, medical direction.We were wondering if we could stay on the mission field. Our hearts were breaking at the thought of having to leave Mexico. We needed to hear God’s clear voice and direction.

Through a series of unexpected and God-planned events, we ended up at the Mayo Clinic Neurology Department in Phoenix Arizona with a handful of Mexican MRI’s, EEGs, CT scans, echocardiograms, labs and botched spinal tap results.

Mayo Clinic ran every test over again, (and more) since the Mexican tests were sub-standard. Bottom line...Jeff does not have MS nor a seizure disorder. Jeff’s symptoms are residual to the stroke he had last November. He is allowed to work as his energy directs and he is allowed to drive again. We plan to stay in Mexico to serve!

We, as a family may have wobbled a bit (ok, a lot) on the roller coaster. Yet, we believe in a living God who always seems to steer us back into the center. Please continue to pray for direction for Jeff’s changing job description here at AVM.

Thank you all for you love a

Ineke

It has been quite a year! Besides watching the health saga with Jeff, this year has been extremely busy with programming groups.

I have enjoyed the increased number of medical, dental and optometry clinics. I am especially pleased with the streamlined protocols and improved functioning of the clinics. Even the Mexican national churches have stepped up and are more involved with triage and man the prayer and counseling stations at each of our clinics.

We have been at AVM for over 3 years, I look forward to the returning US (and Canadian) groups coming each year and the friendships that have developed as we serve together.

A personal highlight for me was seeing Hannah and Tim in Oregon. My heart was happy to spend a little time with them. It also was wonderful having Tim here for the summer!

I am so very happy with my new program assistant, Liz Stevahn! She has really helped lessen the workload. What a tremendous blessing she has been!

Hannah

I 'm in my last semester of undergrad and officially graduate from Multnomah University December 2010! I'm one of the rotating music leaders at Imago Dei Community (I just got my own copy of keys to the church!). I continue to play and write music often.

In December, I am hoping to go on a mission trip to Cambodia and Vietnam. My church in Portland is partnered with communities within each country and has asked us to come with a music and worship focus. As one of the music leaders, as well as my cross cultural experience and passion for missions, I have been specifically asked to come on the trip. Pray for the process of the trip and all that it takes to pull that together. Also, it takes place my last two weeks of school meaning I have to have everything done two weeks early.

Pray that I am on top of school this semester. I am in great need of a job, please pray that God provides a means of income that is flexible with my school and Vietnam/Cambodia schedule.

Tim

I’m so glad to be sharing about my life with you all once more. I am currently at Multnomah University and I’m loving all that I am doing. I've played drums at my church several times and I'm getting involved as much as possible. I've missed Mexico and Reno lately, but I’m content here. I hope you all are doing well! Love, Tim

We Pray that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!
Stay tuned for our Christmas Blog!
We love and miss you all!

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