Sorrow and Joy

Hey Everyone!

“Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” Have you ever noticed how grief and joy are most often mentioned together in the Bible? It’s odd, isn’t it, how we can experience both simultaneously, or nearly so. April began with the loss of four pillars of the eastern Colorado community where I have many friends, and ended with peace, rest, and a great deal of joy. Sorrow weighs us down and joy buoys us up. For Jesus followers, there is always a manifestation of the resurrection after we’ve suffered grief. In the midst of our sadness, may we catch glimpses of God’s redeeming, restorative, resurrection life!

The Netherlands

For months, I looked forward to a work/play trip to Europe and truly loved every minute of it! A few days in The Netherlands reconnected me with my dear friend, Corina. We became friends when I was teaching annually in YWAM Latvia and we’ve continued to stay connected. I miss seeing her regularly, so this year, I combined bucket list and friendship. 😊 I arrived just in time to see the stunningly beautiful and enormous tulip fields! I stayed in a place beside the sea, took long walks along the dike, and thoroughly enjoyed Corina and her sweet family.

The Cotswolds in England

Then I flew to England where I met a lifelong friend from the States. We took a train to The Cotswolds region of England and spent a few days wandering around picturesque postcard-like villages, little shops, and green fields. It was so relaxing, so beautiful, so peaceful, and just what I needed.

Southern France

The last leg of my journey was to the south of France where I stayed with cherished missionary friends and their precious girls. I arrived in time to visit their house church, and then we spent three days debriefing and going on prayer walks, eating delicious food, laughing, crying, and sorting through all that God had done in the past three years. The Spirit’s presence was real. He clarified, granted direction, healed, freed, and shared His perspective. Holy ground …

I could go on and on about the gift of those weeks in Europe. But for now, enjoy the photos!

What’s next?

Looking ahead, I’ll be facilitating a debrief in May, teaching about prayer in at least six church services, and moving back up to the YMCA in Estes Park for three months of ministry on the chaplaincy team! Stay tuned for more beautiful photos next month.

Many thanks for your prayers, your financial support, your friendship and love. It is such a privilege to serve Jesus, and an honor to witness His friendship with those who say Yes to Him each day. Thank you for rejoicing with me, mourning with me, and making it possible for me to say Yes to Jesus, too!

In sorrow and in joy, Mary Jean :)

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Ways to partner: Give online at getthewordout.cc/give · Venmo: @Mary Jean Powers / Get the Word Out · By check: Get the Word Out, 4210 Vulcan Creek Dr. Unit 208, Loveland, CO 80538.