Carpe Diem Argentina

Our newest blessing!

2010-10-20T00:16:00.003-03:00

Gianna Lynne Diem was born August 24. We have been so blessed by the joy she has brought to our family. They boys are doing great with her, and have shown no signs of being jealous at all. Gianna can't cry for more then a minute without one of the boys running and telling me that "Gianna is crying, she needs milk" I don't even need baby monitors with the two of them watching out for her. We were told that going from two to three would be hard, we have our fun moments, but really we have been adjusting well. Praise the Lord she is healthy, sleeping and eating well. My parents where able to come and visit us shortly after her birth, they stayed for two weeks. We had a great time, and they enjoyed there only granddaughter out of (soon to be) five grandsons. God has provided all of our needs, people sent clothing down with my parents, it is very expensive here for babies. My best friend bought me a stroller for all three kiddos, and sent it down with my parents, HUGE BLESSING, with all the walking I have to do here. Some people have increased our support a little without us asking,just because the Lord laid it on there heart to do so, which is a blessing with the extra costs of another child. God is so Gracious to us! Thank you for taking the time to read our blog! Finally updated it a little. Serving Him with great JOY! The Diems

A trip out of the city!

2010-07-27T16:35:00.004-03:00

Josiah is on winter break right now from kindergarten. We are enjoying are time with him at home, and trying to soak in every moment together while it is still just the four of us. We decided to go visit some friends that we went to language school with in Salta, Argentina, about an eight hour car ride west. We really enjoyed our time with them of sharing our hearts with them about ministry and encouraging one another. They are also working with church planting in the Andes mountains, so Steve was able to go with Joe out to one of the little villages where he is thinking of starting a bible study to do some research. We really felt sharpened and ready to come back to ministry here after our time with them. The boys really enjoyed playing with there three year old son. We hardly saw the boys all day they just kept to themselves in the play room or out side making "soup".
This week Steve is right back into the swing of ministry here, I am trying to relax a little more to keep my contractions down to a minimum. Steve has been getting the food for the family this week so I don't have to do any walking, which really seems to be helping with the contractions. I have been trying to do a little more preschool work with Elliott at home, he loves doing it! He loves to follow instructions, and loves learning.
Please continue to uphold the ministry here in your prayers, for the growth of the believers in the church. And for seeds to planted in the hearts of others in and around the city, that they may come to an understanding and true relationship with Christ. Pray for Steve as he continues faithfully the different ministries here. Pray that the Lord would provide someone that he can disciple and bring along to the different ministries that he is envolved in.
Steve is hoping to go to Mercedes which is a small town about three hours from here to spend some time encouraging, praying, and teaching a group of people out there that have started a Bible study together. They have such a desire to study The Word and follow His will. He will just go out there for the day, and come back that night. It is a small group of believers, but very vibrent, and growing. Very encouraging to be around.
Three weeks left till the due date of our fifth team memeber joining us. We are very excited to see how the Lord will work out all the many details. Pray for safety of the baby, and me while in labour in a different country. Praise the Lord He is in control, in the States, or in South America. Thank you for taking the time to check out our blog! Serving Him in Argentina, The Diem Family

Fishing for Men & Eating Fish...

2010-04-04T15:47:00.005-03:00

We have been enjoying having Joel Willoughby work along side Steve for the past month. He is an intern working with our mission, and he will be here for 3 months total. It has been an encouragment to have his enthusiasam for the Gods Word, and different out look on the ministry here. It has been nice for Steve to have someone be able to work along side of him.
Josiah is doing well in his school. He loves it when he has days off, and so do I. We enjoy having him around the whole day, even though it's only three hours, we miss his presence while at school. Although, Elliott does tend to take a little longer nap while he is away. He is adjusting well with the language, the teacher was surprised how fast he picked it up. We had our first parent teacher confrence last week, good practice with spanish for an hour. End result, he's doing well.
Looking foward to another Doctors apointment this week, hoping to see our baby again, I think the boys will love it. They do an ultrasound every apointment here, which I love. I can feel the baby moving all of the time now. I'm due August 17! Continue to pray for the health and delivary of the baby. I have been feeling well, natious and tired...but I don't think I could call it a pregnancy with out those symptoms.
Elliott turned three March 16, we were able to celebrate with our co-workers and Joel and pastor Henry Johnson who was visiting from the states. We had a nice little celabration. Josiah is excited, because now his birthday is next!

Steve learned the art of the Argentine grill we had some friends over that brought dinner with them, best kind of company to have! We enjoyed grilled fish with a wonderful homemade salsa, and cheese on top. They have the costom of eating the head as well, I'm not quite ready for that yet.
Steve will be co-teaching now at the church while Bob is gone on furlough. Steve, Pépe and Joel are really excited about working on a vision statement with the church here. Steve will be teaching Wednesday evenings through Nehemiah, with the underlying theme being vision/values. And on Sundays they will be taking turns preaching through the book of Acts, to learn from the model of the early church. Saturdays while Joel is here, he is teaching through the book of Éxodos.
Thank you for checking in with us!!!

Big News!

2010-03-10T14:53:00.003-03:00

Steve and I are excited to finally share with you all the news that we are expecting our third child in August! We were excited last month to be able to see the Baby in an ultrasound, I think I was even more emotional this time around, knowing the treasure that life is after having our two energy filled boys. We are praising the Lord, please pray for a healthy baby. We will not be finding out the gender, so it will be a surprise.

We were so grateful this week to receive our monthly income statement from our mission. We were excited to see the love gift that had been added to our car fund. What an encouragement that was to us. We are continuing waiting on the Lord for the rest of the funds to come in for us to be able to put down at least half of the cost, which is what they require at all the car dealerships here.

Josiah Started school Monday of last week. He is excited about it, yet a little shy still. He is really doing well with the language for just being in school for a couple of days. We had the first parent teacher meeting and we are praying for opportunities to meet parents and share our purpose of being here. Time went to fast with Josiah, I can't believe he is already in school.

Thank you for checking in our blog! Sorry for the delay in the update! Continue to pray for our family as we are serving the Lord here in Argentina.

Settling In & Reaching Out

2010-01-26T16:25:00.011-03:00

Well we are finally getting settled in our own home after being here for about two months! We have been here for two weeks now. Unlike the home we rented in Costa Rica, this house was absolutely empty inside. We had to purchase light fixtures, furniture, refrigerator, stove, etc...

We are praising God for the different opportunities we have had meeting our neighbors. There is a family that lives on the same street as we do that has a little boy that Josiah and Elliott have been enjoying playing with. We try to on a walk at least once a day as a family.

The culture here is very different from the states in respect to food shopping. The women go out every day and by the meat they vegtables, fruit and whatever else they might need for the day, so I have been trying to do the same thing with the boys,and it has been a good way to meet our other neighbors aswell.

Steve has been enjoying the the different ministries that he is involved in. And also enjoying the freedom to walk around and make new contacts and also had been talking with the different guys that have been coming to work on our house as well. There is one guy (Walter) that said he would like to start a bible study with Steve, he did the cement work on our house for a couple of weeks. There is also a couple other guys that he met yesterday (Hector & Caesar) that would like to study the Bible as well. We know it is God that brings the fruit, and so we pray that we would just be the instrument in His hand, willing to be used whenever and however.

There is also a young lady at the grocery store that Steve gave a tract to about a month ago, we went back there last week as a family, and she asked Steve for another one for her friend, (we actually didn't have one!) but asked her if she had a Bible, she said she didn't, but she would like one. We are planning on going back there this week to bring her the Bible, and we are going to ask her if she and her co-worker would like to study it together. Pray that she would be open to that, her name is Noelia.

Please be in prayer for these various contacts, that they would be sensitive to the things of the Lord and they would come to the saving truth of gospel.

In Christ,
Becky for the Diems

Enjoy some photos of our new home!!
Our Address:
Steve & Becky Diem
San Roque 393
3500 Resistencia
Chaco, Argentina

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!

2010-01-03T12:43:00.002-03:00

Wow, we have officially been in Resistencia for one month! We are still living in the Depue's home, but Lord willing we will be able to move into our own place this week. The house we hope to rent is a three bedroom, one floor house that is about 15 blocks from the church. We also have not found a good deal on a car yet so we have been doing alot of walking and taking taxi's. The house is not furnished, so along with exploring the city we have been finding out where we will need to buy things and have made some purchases and friends along the way. We are excited about getting settled in our own home and routine. We've been doing a lot of praying and talking about what our weekly schedule will look like. Steve has a lot of great ideas of different ways to get involved with the community to make more contacts. Today I was able to go with Karen, and see where the fruit stand is near us, and the closest grocery store as well. They both will be within walking distance, which will be great since we are still waiting to purchase a car. Thanks for checking in on our blog!

You might be wondering, how does Argentina celebrate Christmas and new years? So I (Steve) put together this video to give you a taste of Christmas in Argentina.

WE'RE HERE!!

2009-11-30T16:09:00.003-03:00

"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:6

Thank you so much for your prayers. After three long days of travel we have arrived safely to Resistencia, Argentina. We left our home at about 4 in the afternoon on Friday evening and arrived at the Depue's home on Sunday night at 10pm. We have spent so much time talking about Argentina and the ministry here, we can't believe the day has finally come!

We are excited to get settled in here and get to know our surroundings. Our last time here was in March of 2006.

Hoping to get a prayer letter out soon, but at least wanted to get out the basic details of our trip. We were blessed to have our friends see us off at the airport!! What an unexpected blessing. Still processing thoughts, so when we have some more to communicate we will.

Here is a video, to update you on where we have been to this point on the journey.

Making memories!

2009-10-25T22:30:00.003-03:00

So here we are waiting for the final word from NY city before we purchase our tickets again, to avoid having to cancel them another time if there is a hang up. We do know that our letter from Argentina that was holding us up is now on the way via snail mail to NY city. Once it arrives in NY it will be about five days to process the documents to finalize the visas. So please be in prayer that the letter arrives on time, and the processing will go quickly and smoothly without any other paper work needed.

In the mean time we are making the most of our time at home. Fall is our favorite season, so we were able to enjoy some special time with friends, family, and visiting churches. We were able to go a pumpkin festival, another birthday party for one of our niece and a local fair. We are content with being here and excited to know when our departure date is at the same time. Steve is enjoying finishing some projects for his mom, and working on remodeling a house with my Dad. I'm enjoying learning how to quilt from my friend Jen while spending time with her.

Thanks for checking in with us! Becky for the Diems

Are we there yet?

2009-10-20T22:56:00.003-03:00

For those of you who have not heard, we could not leave for Argentina as planned on October 13th due to problems getting our visa. We had our tickets purchased, our things to ready, and a send off service at our home church. We are waiting for a letter of invitation from the mission in Argentina to be processed by the government authorities in Argentina and then to be sent off to the consulate's office in New York City. This process we were told will take 10 business days. Day 10 is this Friday October 23rd. If the letter is ready to be sent to New York, in the consulate's office, the processing can take 5 business days. Which puts our departure date the first week of November, Lord willing.

What makes this a little frustrating is the BMW missionary who presented the letter of invitation to the foreign ministry department in Argentina, was told that this letter was not necessary, therefore did not sent it to us. But when we had our interview in New York, we were told that in fact we did need it. Also, we were hoping, if for some reason we could not enter into Argentina with a religious visa, we could go in on a tourist visa while the other was being processed. However, the consulate informed us that we couldn't go about it that way.

So, we feel that we have done all that we can do on our end, and all we can do is wait.

Psalm 52:8-9
But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.

In spite our confusion, and asking the obvious questions, we are not discouraged. Although frustrated at times, we been home for good preaching and fellowship. We are anxious to be on the field in Argentina, but perhaps God is using this time to sharpen and encourage our faith and cause us to lean on Him more.

Leaving Cost Rica

2009-09-09T16:12:00.002-03:00

Leaving Costa Rica was difficult for all involved. We had made a lot of contacts there through language school and in our neighborhood. Graduation was very difficult to say good by to our friends and the teachers who had given us a wonderful gift of being able to bring the gospel in another language to a lost and dying world. If we could be in ten places at once serving effectively we would love for one of those places to be Costa Rica. We know that is not where God has called us for now, but we grew to love the country, people, and church that we attended while there. We made some wonderful friends and memories. We also thank God for all the difficult things that he brought us through while we were there to strengthen our character, and help our understanding of the latin America culture. We were thankful and saw the wisdom in learning the language well before starting in on ministry full time.
Now that we are back in the states, I can’t really put all of our emotions acuratly into words. I am now with the boys day and night, which I love. But that has been a big adjustment on Josiahs end after being around kids in preschool for a whole year, half of the day while we were studying. On our end, not having to study every spare minute gives us more free time. So we are praying that we manage our time home and that we would finish all that God has give us to do while we are here for only a couple more weeks. We are realizing that life goes on for everyone around us, and we are just passing through quickly before the next stage for our family. Finding once again our purpose in who we are through Christ, not in our daily schedule of living in another country and learning the languge.
Thanks again for checking out our blog! Sorry that I have been a little slow the past couple of weeks with the updates. I finally feel like my feet have touched the ground, now that our stay is more then half way done. God bless! Have a great day in Him!
Becky for the Diems

A Testimony of His Faithfulness

2009-08-09T12:19:00.003-03:00

One week left of classes and graduation from the Spanish Language Institute is just around the corner (Friday, August 14). We received back our final exams and we did well, Praise the Lord! Becky especially ranked especially high in her oral exam, and received a higher qualification that I did!!

But what is especially exciting about this for me is that the story really begins when Becky and I were engaged. She was particularly self-conscious about her ability to learn a second language, and didn't think she could. One day, she could hold it in any longer and blurted out, "You'd be better off with someone else, I'll never be able to learn Spanish, I could never be a missionary's wife." She assumed because I already "knew" Spanish at the time, that I wouldn't have to go to language school. I remember assuring her to trust in God, and that He would help her.

As she began to her studies at the language institute she felt as though her worst fears were becoming a reality. The academic director discovered through a pattern of her tests, that she was dyslexic. Which made conjugating verbs and knowing where to put pronouns nearly impossible. She was then put in a lower level grammar class. But she didn't give up. God put some great teachers in her that didn't give up on her and pushed her as well, saying "!Si se puede!" (Yes you can!). She found a way that helped her learn, talking and practicing with friends and neighbors and always finding a way to reinforce things orally. She went from barely passing grammar tests in basic concepts, to receiving A's and even a 100% in the more complex mood of the language, the subjunctive! Does he call the equipped, or equip the called? Isn't just like God to take something that looks impossible by human standards and turn it around for His glory?

Oh God, great is your faithfulness!

Another affirmation that Becky is not a missionary's wife nor called to be one, but a missionary, now equipped to share the saving gospel of Jesus in Spanish.

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me (II Corinthians 12:9)."

Can I phone a friend?

2009-07-31T22:18:00.001-03:00

Steve and I finished our final exams! Now we just have to wait for the results. Our grammer exam consisted fourteen pages over three hundred questions, and over three hours long. Needless to say Steve and I are excited to have the weekend to relax. Our oral exams were yesterday, and we feel like they went well. Praise God for what Steve and I were able to learn through our time here, much more then another language. We are looking forawrd with anticapation to coming home and touching base with our family and friends and our supporters. We will be home for a little bit over a month. Pray that God will use us to encourage those who need to be encouraged, and that God will use our time in the states as he sees fit.
(We will be arrivng August 18th.)

Praise God for what he has done through us, and what he will do in our future!

Becky for the Diems

Is that your final answer?

2009-07-26T18:56:00.000-03:00

Please be in prayer for Steve and I this week as we take our FINALS. We have an oral exam, and a grammar exam (13 pages) Thursday and Friday of this week. Pray that we will be diligent in preparing for these exams. Also we have home work, and regular tests in our other classes as well. We are happy to be drawing to close here with our language learning, yet sad to have to say good by to our church here, our neighbors and friends.

Cute story, Our nanny who watches Elliott during the week was watching both of the boys because the schools were shut down in CR for the swine flue. Adina was talking to Josiah about how she wanted to come see his Grandma, and Josiah said " you can come on the plane with us, we'll all go see her together" Adina explained to him that she couldn't because she doesn't have the paper work that she needs. Josiah ran and found some old plain ticket stubs that he had been saving and wrote her name on it so that she could go. When she was retelling us the story, she was crying.

Many emotions! Some of great joy as this chapter comes to a close, and others of sadness anticipation of more changes, and saying good by and starting over again in another country and culture. We are excited about this new chapter in our life! Please be in prayer for the adjustments that we will all be going through individually. Pray that he will give us exactly what we need to adjust quickly to the new chapter in Argentina.

Thank you for your prayers!!

Becky for the Diems

All to the Glory of God!

2009-07-18T00:11:00.005-03:00

By Gods Grace alone we made it through the week without too many complications while Steve has been gone in Panama on a missions trip. Of coarse there's always fun stories to tell, like when I discovered that Elliott can open doors, and found him typing at the computer while I had been making dinner. All I saw was a blue screen that basically said, if you see this good luck, call your computer agent. God is good, and my friend was able to help me fix it over the phone after trouble shooting for a while.

Next week the school is closing the day care part of the school because of the swine flue out break. The whole country is shutting down there schools for a week to take time to clean them,and try to minimize the contact between children, who are very likely to catch and contain this deadly virus. The Adult section will go on as scheduled.

My language class ate out today, and I think something I ate did not settle with me well. I have a very sharp pain in my stomach, and full body sweat. Pray that God will give me the strength to finish out strong tomorrow until Steve comes home. Thanks!

The boys have been great, we've made lots of fun memories together! I've enjoyed the extra time with them by myself, but we are ready for our Daddy to come back from "nanama."

I look forward to hearing in more detail all about the opportunity's that Steve had to share the gospel. He said they have been very busy, and have had to turn people away, because there was only so many they could help in one day. It's sounds like he's really enjoying it. Look forward to sharing more details with you all soon! Thank you for uplifting the boys and I while Steve has been gone. Thank you also for praying for Steve's safety and the team in Panama.

God Bless, Becky for the Diems

Daddy is in "nanama"

2009-07-13T23:08:00.004-03:00

Steve is in Panama for a week with Jack and Jenifer Mitchel (Grace Dental Mission), Steve went to help translate for them, and to share The Gospel to people who will be waiting to have there teeth worked on. Steve thrives in situations like this, I'm so glad that he has the opportunity to use what he has been learning this past year. The boys and I are staying here in San Jose for the week that he is gone, going about life as normal as possible without Daddy around. Josiah and I are still going to school during the day, which is helping us stick to a daily schedule. We are praying for Daddy at night and at meal times that he is safe in "nanama" as Elliott and Josiah have renamed Panama, very cute.

Please do be in prayer for us. There have been several robberies of nationals, and students around our neighborhood. Six that I know of within the past two weeks. We are just trusting for God in our safety, especially while Steve is gone. We are taking steps of safety and walking with people to school and back. God is good all the time!

I wanted to blog a little bit about a book that I have been reading called "NO GRAVEN IMAGE" written by Elizabeth Elliot
In the first chapter she talked about her journey by train to the mission field, and she encounters a women selling little toy suitcases with her children in toe, and no one was buying them from her, so Elizabeth bought one from her for five cents, later she sees her get of the train without having sold any more suitcases. She talks about how the women's eyes pierced her heart, and she thought she should have bought all of them. Later She sees a poor man on the street with no eyes, but head gazing in her direction, and there was a little girl sitting on his lap who looked worn out and unhealthy. At the end of the day she was reflecting over what she could have done for them besides giving them a little bit of money, should she have done something more "If only I could give the man his sight, the child her health" she later comes to the conclusion that all she can do of lasting value is share the Gospel with them. This book has been such an encouragement to me, because she is a Godly women who is experiencing culture shock, learning another language, separating from friends and family, and she is just very open with her thoughts of working through different situations that she has to encounter. Great read!

When Steve comes back we will send out our more formal prayer update! Thanks for checking in with us! Becky for the Diems

Happy Fathers Day!

2009-06-21T17:44:00.003-03:00

I am so thankful for my Dad! Happy fathers day Dad! We miss you! Thanks for everything you do for us! I am also thankful for the father that God has blessed my children to have! His day started out with receiving drawings one by one that Josiah made for him. Family breakfast, and off to church. It was really neat at the end of the service today they called all the fathers up and prayed over them. It was really touching to me to hear them praying in Spanish.
We had the pleasure of sharing at our church today,our testimonies, our call to missions and what we are planning to do after language school. It was really great to be able communicate for the first time in front of a group together, in the language that God has called us to serve in. What a blessing that God has brought us to this point, to be able to share our thoughts and emotions in this language.
We are going to spend the other part of our day having a little gathering with one of our Friends because her parents our in town.
Hope that you all have a wonderful day! May we remember that we are here because of the sacrifice that was made by our Father the Savior! And for that reason alone we are able to live the life that he has so blessed us have. May we do all for the Glory of God!
Serving Him, The Diems

Time flies...or Time of flies?

2009-06-04T19:46:00.007-03:00

The rainy season is here again, and as we have been told, is the reason behind the fly infestation in our house. But in the meanwhile of swatting our noisy visitors, we've been so blessed by some visitors from the states. Becky's sister Audrey and her husband Ryan came to visit us for a week. It was like old times again when they were here, it was only a year ago that we lived 2 minutes apart in Raymond, NH. They were able to celebrate with us Josiah's 4th Birthday! It was really special for him to have family here on his day and we were all so blessed that they came. My mom has come for another visit this week and is in grandma bliss with the boys and enjoying every minute. She was woken up the first night here by a roar of soccer fans as Costa Rica swept the United States in an eliminatory final....

The beginning of the rainy season also means the last trimester for us. In just three months we will be going back to the states and Lord willing be in Argentina by late September/early October. We have been hard at work in our classes and there is a definite note in the increase of intensity of our learning. We really can't say enough about the quality of our grammar teachers this tri, who display consistently a passion to teach us. At times feeling overwhelmed, but knowing and trusting in God's grace to enable us to finish strong.

Thank you for your prayers for us!
Please continue to pray for:
- Skill to learn
- Our language learning would be a joy
- Safety and good health
- Opportunities to minister to the saints and to share Christ.

San Vito - Where Barbed Wire is For Cattle

2009-05-04T15:34:00.008-03:00

After a 6 hour bus ride, we arrived in an old Italian colony. San Vito Costa Rica is altogether a different place. Located on the eastern border of Costa Rica and Panama where the air is fresh, cool and clean. The lush green mountains feed grazing the cattle and bumpy dirt and stone roads lead to homes and ranches on the hillsides. It is here where our nanny Adina bought a home. She plans on retiring this August when Becky and I leave for Argentina and desires very much to escape from city life and be surrounded by her family. Becky and I had a week off from school between trimesters, so we both really felt that the Lord wanted us to help fix up her new house. The house didn't have windows nor doors with good security and was generally in rough condition. It was amazing to think that it had not been abandoned, but actually a family had recently been renting it. When we walked into the house for the first time my head started to spin as I wondered how we could get this all fixed up in one week. Also, not having anymore tools than a small utility bag with the basics. As everyone left the house I prayed and asked God for his provision and wisdom. Realizing the job was too big for one week, we decided to focus on what we could do which was to clean up the land, redo the kitchen by installing windows and a door, and replace the siding in the back of the house. Adina's nephew who works 2 hrs away was happy to loan me the electric tools needed and her brother in law who is a retired security guard said he would help in any way he could. Praise God! Along with working long days trying to get everything done, we had a week of practicing Spanish. Also we were indulged by the Costa Rican cuisine, rice and beans three meals a day. We also tried some new foods that I had never had, a salad from a white flower, cow liver, boiled green bananas, unpasteurized milk, cheese and yogurt, and fried pig skin. We returned back to San Jose, behind our barbed wire. By God's grace we completed everything on our punch list. It was a little discouraging however realizing that there was still much to do. We pray that Adina would be encouraged, a woman who has been serving missionaries for more than 20 years.

Learning a New Tongue While Eating a Tongue

2009-03-29T21:37:00.005-03:00

I had heard that before leaving Costa Rica I would have to try "lengua en salsa", so my neighbor offered to teach me how to make it. I had a great time learning but I can't say that I would make it weekly.

We went to our friends house this weekend Steve fixed her washing machine for her, and we met almost her whole family. I learned how to make donuts with her daughter-in-law. She sells them for (15 cents each)extra income for the family. It was really fun seeing how she does everything by eye and by feeling the texture. Our boys our getting so big, so we put some pictures for everyone to enjoy of some of our fun times together as a family. Elliott is potty training, we just started this week. Steve is wonderful with the boys, Elliott went potty first for Steve, and Josiah did the same when he was being potty trained. It's a Daddy thing. Hope you all had a wonderful day!! Becky, for the Diems

Elliott is 2!

2009-03-20T21:35:00.005-03:00

We are so thankful for our little guy Elliott! It is really fun to watch Josiah and him grow up together, Josiah loves the "job" of being a big brother. Here is a video for you all to enjoy of his big day! There are some pictures of us making the pinata together, and painting it! And then of the party we had with some of our friends from language school! Thanks for taking the time to look at our blog! Becky, for the Diems

overwelmed by needs

2009-03-03T23:14:00.003-02:00

Steve and I have run into lots of opportunities to help people this week. Pray that the Lord would teach us discernment through these situations.

Steve is at a prayer meeting right now at our church, and he has invited the man that he met yesterday, and gave him the bus fair (50 cents) and directions to the meeting. Pray that this man will be a man of his word and meet Steve there tonight.

I met a lady at the library today with her little girl, and she is about to have another baby. She was asking me for a carriage and cloths, when I started asking her about her spiritual journey, she changed the subject back again to the shoes that I had told her Elliott had outgrown. I told her I would meet her at the library again to give her the items. Pray that she would be open to things of the Lord.

As anyone can tell you that has been outside the bubble of the USA the needs of people are overwhelming. Our purpose needs to be to help them for the long term, there eternal destination. How easy it would be just to pass out food, and clothes, and money, but that will not change peoples lives. Only Gods word has the power to change peoples hearts. And of coarse there is the book of James where it tells us to give to those who need food and clothing.

I know that God is growing both of us through our first cross cultural experience. I know that we will experience the same situations in Argentina. So pray that God will give us wisdom in these and many other situations that come our way on a daily basis of living in a different country. Thank you! Becky, for the Diems

That's s-not a fruit...or is it?

2009-02-21T23:43:00.006-02:00

This fruit is called - "Guanadilla" but also called "snot fruit". It has a hard outer shell that is yellowish/tan about the size of a tennis ball. The when broken open soft white pulp surrounds a transparent sac of black seeds which are eaten. The typical fashion of eating a guandadilla is by making a small hole, and then quickly slurping as much of the seeds into your mouth as you can. It tastes sweet almost like grapes. If you can get past the texture, they are really health, the fruit contains vitamins A, C, and K, phosphorus, iron, and calcium.

Our other favorite fruits include: mango, white-pineapple, and of course bananas!

Grandma Diem Visits Costa Rica

2009-02-21T01:35:00.003-02:00

2009-02-21T01:17:00.001-02:00

Thank you for your prayers!

2009-02-16T00:55:00.004-02:00

Our family is on the mend now. Elliott was still having some loose BM (day #5) the poor little guy. Josiah still does not have his apatite back, but is loving the fact that he is getting soda, and juice to drink. Steve is feeling much better, we had our first real dinner together since the sickness struck Tuesday night. We had been eating random things for dinner, like oat meal, or crackers, or fruit. We had an adventure today! The key broke when Steve went to lock the front gate, and we were just going to go to the park near our house. We ended up playing at the park for a little bit, going to get another key made, buying our water for the week, and paying our bills. We are the only ones in this city with keys to our house, so we just made an "adventure" out of it, and the kids thought it was great! We were thankful the key shop was open! Hope you all had a wonderful Sunday afternoon, praising God!

Becky, for the Diems

Please pray!

2009-02-13T23:46:00.002-02:00

Hello everyone!
Thank you for taking the time to read our blog, I know a lot of people read this and pray for us often. I am posting this to ask you for your prayers for our family. I was sick Tuesday and Wednesday, and now it is going through our family very quickly. Elliott was up all Tuesday night vomiting and has had the "big D" for three days now. Steve and Josiah were up all night last night vomiting, and have not eaten very much of anything to day. I did lots of laundry and disinfecting today. I called the Doctor and he gave me some Spanish names for common things like pidialite is "swadol" and Dramamine is "gravol". I walked to the pharmacy with my friend Leanne and Elliott. The people there were so helpful as I am sure I was butchering the pronunciation of these medicines. Sorry this is not a fun post with pictures! I need Steve's help for that, and right now him and Josiah are snuggling on the couch, as they should be given the situation! Thank you for your prayers!
Becky, for the Diems

Parque de la Paz

2009-02-05T22:36:00.008-02:00

Last weekend we went with some friends to a park near us. The boys enjoyed sledding down the hill together in a cardboard box. They love flying kites there too or just watching all the others fill the sky. Elliott enjoyed his first horse ride. Half way through he was talking to the horse as if he could understand everthing he said. Classes are going well, this trimester is a lot more work. The concepts are growing one on top of the other. We trully love the language and enjoy speaking with anyone who has time to. Steve's mom is here for a visit for a week! She just got in late last night, we have tomorow off of school so we are hoping to show her around the city a little and let her see what life is like here. This morning we put some old bananas in the avacado tree to atract different kinds of birds. Josiah said "hey mom, look our avacado tree is growing bananas now too" I think he still thinks that this is the case! Oh to be three again! Thank you for your prayers! Becky, for the Diems

On Sunday afternoon we...

2009-01-21T00:50:00.004-02:00

Second Trimester - Here we go!

2009-01-16T23:37:00.008-02:00

Becky:
I had to have hernia surgery done January 9 the day after we returned from the States. It went well, the Doctors here are wonderful. I had heard that the nurses speak English, but this is not true. It really helped me get back into Spanish quickly. Steve had the boys for three days by himself while I was in the hospital. I had to stay an extra night there to recover a little more before going home. We have been blessed by our friends at the language school helping out with a couple of meals, and running to the store for us. Our friends Steve and Diane watched the boys while Steve stayed at the hospital during my surgery and to be able to visit me.
I stayed home to rest the first two days of school, but could not stay in the house any longer. I started my classes Wednesday. I am looking forward to the assignments that our language teacher has given us to interview Ticos. This week our topic in language is The Church. I will be giving a 15 minute devotional in Spanish this Thursday. How exciting to be teaching Gods word in Spanish.
Continue to pray for my recovery. I desire to be doing more then I should. Steve has been wonderful, he is doing everything for me. Through sickness and health. I am so thankful for him. Pray that God would give him the strength he needs for the next couple of weeks before things are back to normal.

The Boys:
School started Monday. Josiah was excited to go back, and Elliott is just a love. He is generally the only one not crying when we drop him off, he brings great joy to his teachers and anyone he is around.

Steve:
I started a class this trimester called FARO. It is an alliteration, translated it means: Facilitator, Helper, Route, and Listening. I meet with my teacher once a week one on one to discuss progress, the route and questions I want to ask. The helper is a bi-lingual Costa Rican who checks over my questions and helps me express my thoughts in Spanish. My route consists of 7-10 people that I meet with 2x's a week to discuss the questions I came up with. And the "Listening" is really what it is all about - being able to listen and use the grammar I'm learning in class. I still have 2 hours of grammar each day and then spend the rest of the time I would be in school doing my FARO route. It has been fun creating my own topics and activities to better understand Latin Culture and the Spanish language. It is not really an option for Becky, I'm not entirely comfortable with her out in the city alone.
My friend Brian, who went through the course the last two trimesters (now in Guatemala) reminding me that this course is more than learning the culture and language but provides some incredible opportunities to minister. Pray to that end!

To see Becky's stitches: click here

Do you really think we would post pictures of that? Thank you for participating in our sociological experiment...

A Closer Look at Life and Language School in Costa Rica

2009-01-01T14:53:00.005-02:00

This is a video that we showed at our home church for the missions conference in November. We hope that it helps explain a little bit of what our daily life looks like in Costa Rica learning the language. Steve and I were talking today about how when we are around the Latin American culture we truly feel a sense that this is where we need to be. The joy that God has given us, and the love for the people and the language just brings us conformation that this is where God has placed our family. Argentina is going to come sooner than we think as we have put into the works the beginning stages of getting our residential visas! May God bless you all this new year! Becky, for the Diems

Electricity + Water ?

2008-11-25T20:34:00.004-02:00

Normally you wouldn't mix water and electricity, but here they do. These devices are affectionately called "widow makers."
We have hot water again in bathroom! Many of the homes here including ours do not have hot water, including our kitchen etc. But so that we can have a hot shower we have an electric hot water producing shower head that is hard wired. Well ours burned out and I was able to purchase a new one at the hardware store and install it. Our landlord was pretty excited that he didn't need to call someone to do it and agreed to deduct the cost of materials from our next months rent.

Becky asked me when I could fix it...and I told her "manana."

El Mono Azul

2008-11-23T15:13:00.005-02:00

We have our internet connection back! I hadn't received a bill to pay for the internet (which is typically thrown over our gate in the form of a ball) so I was suprised when they cut our service. I thought it could have been a problem with the server or something. Then the other day I received the bill with a deliquent notice. Bills can't be paid with check or with credit card, they must be paid in cash in a variety of stores. But not all stores or banks process the same bills. So...with some patience and a little determination the bill was paid and they finally reconnected us!

El mono azul!

Becky: We were able to take adavantage of a long weekend and spent it with our friends the Dennetts in Manuel Antonio. We found a great place to stay for low cost called "El Mono Azul" (The Blue Monkey). We took the public bus (about 4 hours) and were the entertainment for all the passengers sure. Abby (our friends 13 year old daughter) pointed out to us that we were the only ones talking, laughing, and with little kids.

The beach was alot of fun and Josiah was like a fish in water with his friend Brody. We even got serenaded by a meriachi band. The second day we went to the national park and saw a bunch of white faced monkeys. Elliott was determined to catch one. His eyes were so big the whole time we were watching them. Steve's fantasy is to have a pet monkey one day, so he was really enjoying being this close to them (he is still trying to convince me of all the housework it could help out with.). On the way back I got off the bus to use the rest room, while running back I slipped and fell flat on my face. To add to it, it was poring rain, and I fell in a mud puddle. I just stood up and laughed because there was nothing else I could do. The only thing that I have is a scrape on my knee. And the memory of traveling three hours soaked in mud...

We will so miss the Dennett's when they leave for Guatemala at the end of this trimester!

Feliz cumplianos!
It was fun to surprise Becky in class with flowers for her birthday. She turned 24 on November 12!

Continue to pray for us:

-That we would finish this trimester off strong. We only have 3 weeks left and we will be having finals etc... We are up to our cejas (eyebrows) in flashcards.

- More opportunities to make contacts, practice spanish and share Christ.

!Dios es bueno siempre!

2008-10-19T21:54:00.005-02:00

BECKY: I went a week and a half ago to a specialist for the eczema on my hands. What an answer to prayer! Within a day my hands where in the least amount of pain that they had been in for previous month. I go this Wednesday for a fellow up appointment. The dermatologist really knew just what to do for me, and took pictures of my hands to document them to be able to compare the progress in the following weeks. She was the best dermatologist I have been to.

THE BOYS: We thought that Josiah had chicken pocks last week. So we kept him away from kids, and didn’t go to church last week, we were a little perplexed because they have both had the vaccine. We were praying about what to do with the possibility of missing school for a week. But, Dios es bueno! But the spots didn't do much and went away as quick as they came. We had a doctor friend of ours look at it, he has been a blessing to have on the campus.
We have a long weekend this week. Yesterday we went and enjoyed the children’s museum in down town San Jose. It used to be an old prison that looks like a castle. The boys really enjoyed it there! Their favorite things were the pretend banana plantation, coffee shop, live animals, and flying a decommissioned plane. Elliott liked the animals until a big bird came over and pecked at his little finger. He didn’t get hurt, just frightened.

STEVE: As I think back at Spanish at UNH, it was for 1 hour three times a week; on top of 3-4 other classes. Here we are getting 4 hours of Spanish 5 days a week! I have always enjoyed studying spanish in the past but could never put the time into it. The teachers are fantastic, certainly the best I've had. We had been praying for opportunities to use Spanish more. We were talking to our neighbors and they offered to practice Spanish with us teaching us common phrases, and helping us with home work. We are going to have them over for dinner this week, and hopefully set up a time to meet with them that would work out best for both of us. Pray that God would use us in any way that he would have regarding the relationship with our neighbors. This would be a wonderful opportunity for us to learn the language, build a relationship and share Christ with them too. We had a great time with some fellow students here from Korea who are going to Mexico (Elias and Joy). They live a couple houses down. They don't speak english entirely and I don't speak Korean, so we've met half way and converse in Spanish! They are a great example of hospitality.

I had the chance finally to play soccer the other night, I felt like a fish in water. I have to admit my walk to school the next day was a little belabored....

Thank you for your continued prayers!
The Diems

Mucho Agua!

2008-10-07T21:57:00.003-03:00

On Monday Morning at 4:00 am I thought that I heard our neighbor taking a shower. The walls are not very sound proof here, and we share walls with each of our neighbors. When I went down stairs around 5:45 this morning I found out that it was not our neighbor who was taking a shower. ..A pipe in under the kitchen sink came apart and our entire first floor was covered with over an inch of water. Steve and I spent the morning sweeping the water out the door. Thankfully the only thing that really got ruined was Steve’s grammar book ( he can get a new one easily). The floor is dry now and Steve replaced the flex pipe that broke off at the nut (he got good practice using plumming vocabulary at the hardware store). Josiah came down the stairs this morning and said “ Dad, why is there a big puddle in our house” It was very funny! We are thankful that we were here when it happened, and thankful that there was not a lot of damage done. I should have shot a little video of it, but was not thinking of that at the time, we had to get to school! A “memory making" morning!

Dental Floss - $5

2008-09-22T23:03:00.003-03:00

Please be praying for Josiah. He has a sore on the bottom of his foot that is infected. He had a hard time walking today. One of our friends at school is a doctor and took a look at it and told us what antibiotic to put him on. One of the great things about living here is that you can walk into a pharmacy and tell them what prescription you would like without even having anything written from a doctor. So now he is on antibiotics, and I have another appointment scheduled for Thursday with the Doctor that comes to our school.
Also be praying for my hands. I have had exima for the past 13 years. Some times it is worse then others. My hands have been swelling, and blistering. I was in pain today just holding a pen and trying to write for two hours in grammar class. Mary Dennett gave me a name of a really great dermatologist in the area and I’m going to try to get in there as soon as possible. It has been such a blessing having the Dennettes here and the help of our big brother and sister Steve & Diane.
Update on our date! We had a wonderful time! We went to an Argentine restaurant. For those of you who know us well, we loved Portsmouth NH, and this restaurant reminded us of a restaurant that would be in Portsmouth. The food was great, and about half price of what we would have paid in the states.
We are enjoying the food here very much. We are addicted to pineapple salsa that I make. And these wonderful all natural popsicles that you see the boys eating in the pictures. (The pineapple is less then a dollar and the popsicles are twenty five cents a each). We are learning our way around and trying to learn from the ticos of where to shop for different things etc. We have our grocery bill down a lot after taking some tips. I think a have learned my lesson after paying $5 for dental floss, $4 for Q-tips, and $3 for a role of scotch tape. It is about 550 colonies to one American dollar. Sometimes American products are cheap and sometimes they are 2x as much. Also, it is hard to figure out the price sometimes…until you get home and whip out a calculator with the receipt.
Thank you for taking the time to read our blog! We enjoy hearing from people! Thanks for the posts! The Diems

Who is Oscar Arias Sanchez?

2008-09-20T16:43:00.012-03:00

Last Monday was the Costa Rican independence day. Which ment we had a long weekend off from school. Steve brought Josiah to the little parade by our house put on by a local school. They make lanterns out of paper, lit a tea light, and marched around following a marching band. Kids as young as Elliott where walking around with little lanterns too.
Monday we went down town to the park with a group from our school. We saw the president of Costa Rica (Óscar Arias Sánchez - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%93scar_Arias_S%C3%A1nchez) and their were ambassadors from around the world. It was neat to be that close to them. We had TV cameras on us almost the whole time, because it was unusual to see “gringos” there. There were also people taking pictures of our kids to put into newspapers etc. When we went back to school Elliott’s teacher said that she saw him on TV that night. And this morning the guy that we buy coffee from in the open market said that his daughter saw me and Elliott on TV! It would have been neat to see it, but we don’t have a TV yet.
Tonight Steve and I get to go out on the town without the kids! There are three single girls that are teachers at the grade school on campus for the year. They called us up this week and asked if they could watch our kids for us Saturday. Josiah is excited about playing superman with them. God has provided so many great people to encourage us in different ways.
Last night we had pizza with the Dennett’s and their kids at our house. We really enjoyed getting to know them better, and just encouraging one another with what the Lord has been teaching us along this journey of serving the Lord. Josiah loves there son Brody, they are the same age and very much alike. It’s sad that they are only here for one trimester with us…. But we are excited for them to move on to where the Lord has called them to serve. They have been a great source of encouragement to us in the first month here, and before we came too. Today I’m going out with my big sister Diane, and a couple other women from the school to a little thrift store near by. It will be nice to get out for a little while.
The boys are adjusting well to there school. Josiah surprised me with how much Spanish he can comprehend, he is doing great! Elliott is doing wonderful in his class as well. He loves his teachers, and is taking his regular morning nap there too. Praise the Lord!
Continue to pray for our health, this week no one was sick! We know that is because of answered prayers by all of you. Also pray for our safety, it is a very real issue here, pray that the Lords shield of protection would just continue to surround us. Thank you for your prayers! Also pray for our time management that we would continue to spend the amount of time needed each day to learn this language well to convey Gods love to others.
Thank you for taking the time to read our blog!!! We love getting responses and hearing what you think about it. If you read it, let us know! We enjoy seeing who took the time to check it out!!!

P.S. We have updated our mailing information. Click on the "contact" tab at the top of the page.

Queque con Carne

2008-09-13T22:34:00.000-03:00

We have been learning more about the culture, learning to love the food, and learning to love the language. We are enjoying, and looking forward to learning more about the “Ticos” (What Costa Ricans call themselves).
This was our second week of school third week in Costa Rica, time has gone by fast. This week I missed two days of school because Josiah was sick this week. Almost everyone we have talked to in school has gotten some sort of virus within the first month of being here. Then Steve got sick. He was up all night, poor guy. So the next morning I got the two kids breakfast, lunches made ready and packed for the day, and off to school we went. I had a test in grammar, which I think went well. Some of our friends from school walked me home on Friday, so that I didn’t have to be alone. Safety is a big thing here, please be in prayer for our family as we walk every where we need to go. God is gracious and has protected us in ways that we have seen, and in many ways we probably will never know.
I went to the fruit market this morning with my big sister and her friends (our big brother had his appendix out this week). God provided so much help yesterday and today. Last night Brian Dennett brought over a couple of things for us that we needed. It was a blessing that I didn’t have to try to go out on my own with the two boys to the corner store with what little Spanish I know.
This is a long weekend for us! Praise God, because we all need a little extra rest and relaxation. This Monday is Costa Rican independence day. The children have been practicing for the parade all week right in front of our house. It was fun to go out of our gate and watch it with Josiah. Friday Josiah and Elliott where in a little parade at our school. It was really cute!
Back to adjusting to the culture... I made some banana bread this week, left it on the stove covered in tin foil. The next morning I came down excited that breakfast was done, took off the tin foil and saw a million little bugs no bigger then a speck of sand all over the banana bread. We have a sweet little lady one day a week to come help teach me Spanish who also teaches me to cook a Costa Rican meal with her. She came that morning, I showed her the bread, and she said “No problem.” She put it in the oven for a couple of minutes, took it out and all the bugs were gone. She proceded to eat it and enjoy it. Later that afternoon after school I came back and we cooked dinner together, and then we were working on my home work, and she offered me a piece of the bread. I said “no thanks,” and she asked “ Do you trust the Tico way of doing things?” I paused and thought that this is going to be the first time amongst many that I will set aside my fear of getting sick to show that I trust there ways too. I ate it, and we made jokes and had a great time. We called it “Queque con carne (Cake with meat).” I didn’t get sick either!
Adjusting to culture has taught me a lot about my own spiritual life. We can read all about it in books…like learning how to become a great Christian but we continually need to take that step of faith and trust that God will meet us there. God is there, whatever situation God has placed you in, God is there, and has equipped you to handle it. Pray for us as we put these thoughts into action. We know this and have been taught this and we are called to live it.

Back to school!

2008-09-05T19:38:00.002-03:00

It has been a week filled with experiences in and out of the class room. As I’m sure for most of you this time of year you are all going back to school or have children that are. It has been a little bit of an adjustment getting back into the swing of the academic life. Now we have two children, meals to cook, and a house to run.
We got off to a little bit of a rocky start the beginning of the school week. The first day I stayed home with the boys Elliott had a temp of 104. Josiah was getting over whatever it was that he so kindly passed on to his brother . Steve had a good first day of classes and that night Steve decided to give me break off from cooking and he ordered pizza. Firstly, because streets do not have names and houses do not have numbers the pizza guy just drives around the neighborhood beeping his horn for you to come out. It took over an hour and was really expensive. Basically we had crackers with a little sauce and cheese. Please don’t let this be a reflection of Costa Rican food! The food here is delicious! Muy Rico!
The second day of classes the boys went to childcare on campus, and I had my first day of classes. I had a quiz to take in one class and a lot of information to catch up on in Grammar class. We both have wonderful teachers, and there desire is to serve us so that we can better communicate Gods love to Spanish speaking people.
Later that night Steve went outside to go rinse the trash can out, he stood up to fast and hit his had on a low hanging metal pole. Josiah was actually the one that saw him first laying on the ground in the pouring rain. He said he wanted to go out and pray with his Daddy. I went out to go talk to him, and that was when I saw the blood dripping down his face. He was in a lot of pain. God was gracious. I called up our friends and they came over right away with one of my class mates that is a Doctor. He looked at his head for us and said he could probably have two or three stitches but thought he could go without them. He is doing fine now, just a little sore.
It was awesome to know one of my class mates was praying for me without knowing everything that was going to happen that night. Although we can not say for sure why these different situations came about, we are thankful for the Lords protection and provision of good friends while we are here.
Costa Rica is a fun challenge. We enjoy learning the language. The mountains are so beautiful here. The people are very friendly. Tomorrow will be our second time to the open market that they have on Saturdays. We enjoy the fresh fruits and vegetables and we love eating new food. Pray for us that we will make good use of the time that we are given to study Spanish, and also not neglecting our personal walk with God.
!Adios! The Diem Family

Packin' Up

2008-05-23T13:48:00.003-03:00

May has been busy.

We were at Fellowship Bible Church, Methuen for their missions conference. Paul Segar, the director of our mission, was the key note speaker. We were thankful for the opportunities to minister by sharing our ministry, preaching in an elementary school chapel, and giving a lesson our Motivation for Missions in a high school Bible class.

The other missions conference this month was at Calvary Bible Baptist Church in Whitefield, ME. The couple we stayed with was such a blessing. They had five kids and they themselves were missionaries on their way to China. They gave us alot of great advice, any where from raising your kids on the field to international travel and told some amazing stories.

Home from the conference for a day and moving day is just around the corner.

We are schedule to move out of our mobile home in on Boxwood lane in Raymond, NH this Monday (5/26). This was our first place and have been here since we have been married (4 yrs). We will miss our neighbors and will continue to pray earnestly for them that the seeds we have planted would be watered and that God would give the increase.

In the middle of chaos, Josiah's 3rd birthday is this Saturday the 24th!!!

I spent the better part of the morning cancelling services and updating our new address on everything I could think of. So here it is:

Steve & Becky Diem
15 Lilac Lane
Sandown, NH 03873

Lord willing, I get to do this again in August!

Living Unplugged

2008-04-30T22:08:00.006-03:00

A friend gave me an ipod and it has been great listening to sermons and music (in Spanish!). Studying in a coffee shop or working out at the gym I can just be in my own world. It helps me also redeem the time at work, able to listen to some good preaching.

However, if I never took off the headphones what does that say to anyone around me? I had a friend in college who used to purposely where a pair of ear plugs around his neck, but not plugged in, just to tell people “Hey, I’m listening.” An interesting fashion statement... As a Christian however, zoning out and letting the world go by is self-focused. By living a life "unplugged" our eyes begin to be opened to those around us, a brother/sister in Christ, someone lost, or even our own family.

This has to begin committing our day with prayer, setting our affections on things above. Then committing to making ministry our life. Rather than fitting in "God-stuff" in our schedule, but giving God our date books.

Two examples of men who lived “unplugged”

Philip - (ready, willing, obedient, eager, apt)
“Then the Spirit said unto Philip, go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Isaiah, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest (Acts 8:29-30)?”

Timothy - (Christ focused)
For I have no man likeminded who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s (Philippians 2:20-21).”

Here is next months itinerary:
May 1-4 - Faithful Five Gathering – N.Y.
May 7-11 – Missions Conference – Fellowship Bible Church, Methuen, MA
May 18-21 – Missions Conference – Calvary Baptist Church, Whitefield, ME
May 24 – Josiah’s 3rd Birthday!!

The Spanish Institute

2008-04-04T21:32:00.005-03:00

I had a great conversation with someone already at the language institute. He and his wife (Brian and Mary Dennett; http://www.thedennetts.blogspot.com/) are missionaries to Guatemala who are currently attending the Spanish Institute along their five kids. His positive attitude and encouragement really got us excited to get there and begin our studies and show us that many of our fears were misguided.

The Fear: Classes would take up the entire day, ending at five, who will watch our kids?
The Reality: Classes end either at noon or one. Our kids will stay in a nursery on campus who we can see during our breaks. I'll see my kids more there and I do now.

The Fears: What will we bring? What do we pack? What can we get there?
The Reality: Most everything is available there. However, electronics, small appliances, and some grocery items are more expensive. There is also a place owned by Wal-mart ...enough said.

The Fear: The class work is intense.
The Reality: Learning a language is a challenge and everyone is at a different level. The teachers want you to succeed and most pressures are self-induced.

The Fear: What if our kids get sick?
The Reality: There is an American doctor who who is on campus a couple days during the week and there is also state of the art hospital that also happens also to be evangelical Christian.

The Reality: It is a great school with quality committed teachers, surrounded by good fellowship and student camaraderie, in a picture perfect climate.

Have you had any Spanish?
Steve: I took about 4 semesters of Spanish in college, but at the same time was taking 3-4 other classes. It will be good to focus on the language and put the time into it?
Becky: I have had no formal Spanish. All I have had is one month in Argentina living with a national couple who didn't speak English.

When do you hope to be in language school?
We continue to pray to be at language school in Costa Rica at the end of this August. Our mission requires us to be at 90% of our monthly support, currently we are at 78%.

How can you be praying?
Please pray that our support level will be what it needs to so we can get there. We are refreshed and excited about embarking on this endeavor to learn Spanish in Costa Rica.

"So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air." - I Corinthians 14:9

Pray that we could learn Spanish well, that we could clearly preach the saving gospel of Christ, and that He would be glorified!

Welcome to the NY Interstate

2008-02-20T16:34:00.007-02:00

We aare excited about things coming into place. April 1st- We are going to be moving in with Steve's mom in Sandown, NH. Please pray for the transaction of our home to go smoothly. This is one more transition closer to getting to Argentina.

We had asked you to pray for us back in December about future meetings and our schedule has been filling up for the rest of the winter and spring time: mission conferences, vacation bible schools, and oportunities to share the ministry and preach God's word. We are hoping to be at 90% of our required monthly support by August and begin language training in September. Right now we are at 77%!

Here is where we have been in February:

February 3rd - Nashua Baptist Church, Nashua NH

February 17th - Centereach Bible Church, Centereach NY

Next month we have a couple more meetings in New York. But Both of which are closer than our longest drive, Mars Hill ME (8hrs!). We cannot complain, we are so thankful that God has kept our meetings close by.

The above photo was on our way to Long Island this last weekend (Our stay there was as good as the bagels!). We are getting eager to have more interaction with this bridge which spans the Parana River and connects the cities of Resistencia and Corrientes.

This Elliott getting way to confident with the cruise control

and Josiah eating his weight in snow.

A Winter Review

2008-01-10T17:20:00.000-02:00

Christmas was a blast with the two boys this year. We had a quiet holiday season at home spending lots of time with our families, making many memories which we will cherish in the years to come.

There was a little girl at a church in Maine who saved up all her change with the help of her grandma. She showered the boys with new gifts and gave Becky and I a gift certificate to the grocery store, we were so humbled.

January 3rd marked our 4 year wedding anniversary! We enjoyed a quiet night out while the boys stayed at home with grandma.

Thank you for your prayers for us concerning meetings! The Lord has been opening up doors of opportunities to preach the word and present our ministry. Here is our January itinerary:

January 6 - Haven of Rest Baptist Church, West Haven CT

January 10 - Calvary Christian School (K-5) chapel, Derry NH

January 23 - Clinton Baptist Church, Clinton ME
January 25 - Calvary Christian School (6-12) chapel, Derry NH

January 26 - Men's Breakfast - Fellowship Bible Church, Chester NH

January 27 - Calvary Baptist Church, Woodsville NH

Our meeting at Haven of Rest is Becky's best friend Becky's church. We were able to spend the afternoon at her parents house and our Josiah was able to play with Becky's little brother Josiah. (Confused? me too...). This was our 3rd attempt to be at this church. The first time there a parade came though town which closed the main streets and 2nd time we had been snowed out (back in December). The pastor there is really right on the front lines of ministry and has a real zeal for reaching the lost.

Thank you for your faithful prayers!

The Diem Decemberly

2007-12-14T16:40:00.000-03:00

A few teens from a church youth rally I spoke at really wanted me to come and preach at the chapel of their Christian school. Teens want to be challenged and I believe are capable of grasping and applying deeper things of the faith. Not so much as giving them the "benefit of the doubt" but believing that the Spirit that is in me has taken permanent residence in them. Not by pushing them into a place where they don't want to be, but talking about pursuing God, reaching for your full potential in Christ and knowing both the consequence of sin and the joy of obedience. I really enjoy the high school age group, but because of the snow we will have to wait until April.

- The beginning of this month Steve was able to spend a Saturday in the white mountains with his brother in law Ryan. The air temperature was frigid but the views at the top of Mt. Hancock were spectacular.

- We chopped down a tree, strapped it to the top of our van and put it in our living room.

- On December 9th we went to Free Baptist Church, Waterboro ME. This is the second time I have had the opportunity to share God's Word with the saints in Waterboro during the Sunday school and Sunday morning hour. It was a great to see familiar faces and to encourage and be encouraged. Someone left this verse on my seat : Psalm 138:7 "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me.."

- On the way home we liked Maine so much Steve took us 1/2 hr north on the turnpike instead of south.

- On December 15-16 we are going to Haven of Rest Baptist Church, West Haven CT. We look forward to spending time with the Pastor and his wife on Saturday night, but there may or may not be a church service in the morning depending on the weather. This is Becky's best friend's church, who also is Becky. Our last meeting in November we were at the church of Becky's parents old pastor from RI who now serves in ME. Every weekend I ask Becky, "So let's see who you know this week."

- Dad and Josiah built a snow man and a fort with a tunnel.

- Becky just finished her class on Theology Proper and sent in her take home final today!

Thanks for taking the time to check out our blog!

Please continue to pray for us:

- That our walk with the Lord would be abiding and growing

- For meetings in January and February

- Endurance

- Faithfulness to opportunities to minister around us.

- For our support to come in - PRAISE: WE ARE AT 58%

Fall Happenings

2007-11-18T23:42:00.001-03:00

Our required monthly support total has been increasing! Watching the Lord at work has been awesome. The next couple months our meeting schedule begins to slow down after a busy fall with every Sunday having a meeting. We are praying that this is an indication that perhaps we will hear that our support will be at 100% by January. However, this is all up to the Lord and His perfect timing. Although we enjoy going to new churches, meeting to new people, and ministering to the saints, our heart longs to be on the field. The Lord has taught us much during this time.

Fellowship Bible Church now has a new Pastor, Terry Wragg. What a joy to begin to get to know him and he and his wife has already put his arms around our family in friendship and in prayer. Rebecca, his wife is a great encouragement to Becky, reminding her that this time of deputation all happens for a reason. Terry and Rebecca both show genuine hearts to serve Christ and the flock ministering with zeal the Word of God. It has been a blessing to begin this relationship with them in person, verses a 21 hour plane ride separating us.

Steve: I have been able to devote more time to preparation of messages, studying Spanish, keeping up with email, making phone calls, and minister to people. It has been amazing to see the Lord provide for our family as I work less hours every week. It was certainly a step of faith that the Lord helped me to over come. Largely overcoming my own pride, fearing what others would think of me if I were to work less and devote more time to deputation. Instead, we have received greater encouragement and understanding hearts.

Becky: My class with NSTM is drawing to an end (Theology Proper) . I have enjoyed it so much! Thankfully I am feeling better, after fighting a sinus infection for two weeks, just in time for the final and a paper. Steve got me a gym membership and I am excited to work out, but it will also be a great opportunity to meet new people in town. I have begun to think about what we will be bringing Argentina, especially with the Christmas coming up. Basically, what sort of things will make our home feel like home down there.

Where we've been:

14-17 - Oct S.Hope Community Church, S.Hope ME
21-Oct - Faith Bible Church, Littleton NH
28-Oct - Emmaunel Baptist Church, Oakland ME
2-4 - Nov - Fellowship Bible Church, Chester NH
11-Nov - Nepaug Bible Church, New Hartford CT (Steve's B-day!)
12-Nov - Becky's B-day!
14-Nov - Calvary Baptist Church, Windsor Locks CT
25-Nov - Belgrade Bible Church, Belgrade ME

Thank you so much for your prayers and taking the time to check out our blog!

Catching Up ~

2007-09-26T11:14:00.000-03:00

Thank you Jay Bennett, for making our blog look great!

Answer to Prayer!

Becky and I have been amazed by the Lord at work. As we mentioned in our prayer letter, the prayer concerning a new van has been answered. It has been running great and certainly has been well used. It certainly makes 4 hour car rides more comfortable.

The timing of this gift was incredible. We received an email about the van on a Monday night, so I called and made arrangements to pick it up. But that day my truck had been over heating so I brought it into the shop. On Tuesday we we received news that my truck wasn't worth fixing (it was going to require about $1200 in parts, yikes!). So the family that gave us the van, knew that we wanted a van, but little did they know that we really needed it, but God knew!

Work during the week has been steady, and we praise God for that. Steve has been able to work with Becky's Dad, learning construction skills and while paying bills.

Morning Perks:

The summer has been busy with meetings but we really enjoyed our family vacation. It was what we need as things picked up quick this fall. We have been guilty of burning the candle at both ends on Sunday mornings, waking up real early and getting in real late. Somehow that morning cup of coffee never tasted better!

A Wedding to Remember:

We have also celebrated the marriage of our good friends Jon (Guppy) and Kristen in Portsmouth, NH. It was a great time of deep sea fishing and solid fellowship. Jon was the last of the Faithful Five to tie the knot, it was exciting to see him and his bride drive off into the sunset on his boat.

A Word on Endurance:

As I think of deputation one word keeps coming to mind, ENDURANCE.

Numbers 21:5-6 says that the "soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way, And the people spoke against God, and against Moses. Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread." Being hungry, thirsty, or tired is not a sin. But it was the attitude that lacked faith (Hebrews 11:6).

This is a quality that marks the character of a faithful Christian. To endure temptation, trials, hardships, persecution, etc. To keep going, never stopping.

Let us look unto Jesus, who endured the cross, despising the shame (Hebrews 12:2). And hungering after a forty day fast, He did not grumble, nor settle for a morsel of bread neither for the riches of the world (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus didn't sell out, but endured it all, faithful to the end, being called the author and finisher of our faith. "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (II Timothy 2:3)."

Here is a look at where we have been and where we have been going:

September 8th - Youth Rally; Cambridgeport,VT
September 9th -Bucksport, ME
September 15th - Guppy's Wedding!
September 16th - West Haven, CT
September 23rd - Hampden, ME
September 27-29 - Missions Conference; Dover-Foxcroft, ME
October 7th - Mars Hill, ME

We are currently at 50% of our required monthly support.

KEEPING PERSPECTIVE

2007-07-21T21:17:00.000-03:00

Becky and I just spent the day visiting with old college friends enjoying BBQ and fellowship on a scenic lake front. The weather was perfect, sunny and a calm breeze. My friend Martin let Josiah and I take his kayak for a spin. Josiah played captain as he frequently directed me what island or boat he wanted to get close to. What was different about this kayak then any other I had been in was that there was a pedal for the right and left foot that controlled a rudder. I felt like such a slave to it after a while, constantly pushing one or the other trying to get us going straight. As we pulled up on shore I asked Martin, "The rudder was a battle to keep it straight." He replied, "You have to stop thinking about the rudder and the pedal, you will drive yourself crazy trying to keep it straight. Fix your eyes on where you want to go, and go!"

What a great lesson, as I think of us going to Argentina. We need to remember why we are going and who we are serving, and not get caught up in pushing pedals. If I was told while I was a college student that for a year and a half God would use Becky and I to get churches excited about missions and challenge saints in New England with the Word of God, and teach Bible studies during the week, what an exciting opportunity!!

The things of this world can certainly change our perspective on where we are in life and keep us from being effective for Christ. Colossians 3:1-2 remind us "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." With our affection set on Christ, our eyes fixed on Him, we can travel straight.

Here where we have been and where we are going next:
July 8th - Free Baptist Church, Waterboro ME
July 9-13 - Vacation Bible School, Fellowship Bible Church, Chester NH
July 15 - Church of the Open Bible, Burlington MA
July 22- Lighthouse Baptist Church, Gardiner ME
July 29 - Community Christian Church, Cambridgeport VT

Do Thy Diligence

2007-06-20T17:44:00.000-03:00

Steve's Perspective:
It was at the end of May 2006 that we had our very first meeting. So officially we have been on deputation for one year and we are at exactly 50% of our required monthly support. Praise God! Last year however we only had 4 meetings the entire summer.
People ask, "When do you want to get to the field?" I tell them, "yesterday." Paul told Timothy in II Timothy 4:9 "Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me" and repeats this again in verse 21 "Do thy diligence to come before winter..." Obviously, Paul knew of God's sovereign control over all circumstances and it is only if the Lord will can we do this or that (James 4:13-15). And Paul knew that although "all forsook" him (II Tim 4:16) that "the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear...(II Timothy 4:17)" At the same time, Paul urged Timothy to do his absolute best to get to Paul. The phrase "Do thy diligence" is all one word in the Greek, it means "to use speed"."to make effort," or "with eagerness." Paul wanted Timothy there and didn't want him to dilly dally.
As believer's in Christ, diligence ought to be descriptive of our attitude toward living a godly life (See II Peter 1:5-10).

Pray for us, that we would do our diligence, to get down to the Depue's in Resistencia and God would continue to strengthen them "that the preaching might be fully known."

Becky's Perspective:
We continue to prepare our house to sell and get rid of "stuff." Right now it seems in someways surreal that we are going to Argentina, and it has been over a year since we were there. I need to keep my focus on the Lord, and keep my mind "stayed on Him (Isaiah 26:3-4)" and His calling for us to Argentina. It is easy to get distracted by the "here and now" culture of the U.S.A. One of my friends told me, when leaving my first missions trip in Guatemala, to "keep the fire burning." That has been my focus this month: To think of Why? For Who? For What?
I don't ever want to forget how I felt leaving Resistencia on our survey trip, that "This is where we are supposed to be, and I can't wait to get back A.S.A.P!"

Here's a Look at Our Schedule:

June 3rd - Grace Bible Church, Sangerville ME
June 7th -Berean Baptist Church, Brunswick ME
June 8th-Calvary Christian School, Derry NH
June 17th - Church of Bethel, Bethel CT
June 24th - Kennebunk Baptist Church, Kennebunk ME
June 30th - Wedding - Audrery Crabb & Ryan Prout - Chester, NH
July 1st - Calvary Baptist Church, Westport MA

Thank you for checking in on our blog and for your continued faithful prayers!
Would you take a few moments now and pray for Argentina?

Day by Day

2007-04-18T15:26:00.000-03:00

"Moreover brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea...And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that Spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ..Now these things were our examples..." I Corinthians 10:1,4,6.

Firstly, thank you all who faithfully pray for us!

A conversation with a supporting pastor has really stuck out at me. He said to me

"Our Christian walk is day by day. Trusting in the LORD, every step.

Like the Israelites getting up every morning going to the tabernacle to see

if the cloud lifted or if it remained. They waited on God daily, and watched.

In the event the the cloud moved, they followed."
It made me think also of how they gathered the manna. The Lord provided enough for each day. They had to work for it and gather it, but all they needed was given. Likewise we pray, give us this day our daily bread. Day by day we wait for the Lord's leading for work and for ministry opportunities. Day by day we contact more churches, send out packets, wait for replies. Week by week we travel to new churches, wait and watch.

Here is where we have been and what May looks like:

April 8 - Emmanuel Baptist Church, Old Saybrook, CT

April 15 - Calvary Baptist Church, Whitefield ME

April 22- Plainville Baptist Church, Plainville MA

April 29 - West Sidney Baptist Church, Sidney ME

April 30-May 2 - Farmington Avenue Baptist Church, West Hartford CT

May 4-6 - Salem Bible Church, Salem NH

May 6 - Christian Fellowship Church, Scotland CT

May 13 - Fellowship Bible Church, Chester NH

May 16-22 - Becky's Brother Steve is getting married, VA Beach
May 25 - Calvary Christian School, Derry NH

May 27 - Enfield Baptist Church, Enfield ME

Please pray:

- That the Lord would raise up the support we need to go Argentina.
- For our spiritual and physical health as we travel and prepare.

- For our home church as they search for a Pastor

- To be bold witnesses and faithful Bible teachers

What do you think of the new prayer card? Is it a keeper? (notice Elliott's smirk!)

(Photo taken by Ryan Prout Photo Plus - our future brother in law)

It's a BOY!

2007-03-20T17:27:00.000-03:00

Elliot Edward Diem was born!

Friday March 16, 2007 at 11:43pm. Becky was correct on her baby prediction. Elliot was born with a full head of dark hair. However she was a little shy on her weight guess, he was 7lbs 9oz. We praise God for a safe delivery and a healthy boy!

Doesn't Becky look great! (Fortunatley you can't tell that I lived in those close for a couple of days). Saturday morning Steve picked Josiah up from his sisters house, and after having special daddy time, brought him to the hospital. Josiah was his first visitor! You can see how much he enjoyed his new tools that were presents from his little brother.

On Sunday the 18th Becky and Elliot were able to come home from the hospital. Just when you thought we could not fit anything else in our car...

In His Time

2007-03-02T22:10:00.000-03:00

Becky's due date is officially one week from today: March 9th. Everything is ready to go. Suitcases are packed and in the trunk, cell phone fully charged, video camera (with new tape), names picked out, care for Josiah figured out and now we are just waiting patiently for Baby #2.

Here is where we have been this month:
February 11 - rescheduled for June
February 18 - Hill Village Bible Church, Hill NH
February 25 - Epping Bible Baptist Church, Epping NH
~~Our support is at 33%!!

Thoughts from Becky:
I'm trying to look at each day that the baby doesn't come as a gift from God knowing Baby will come IN HIS TIME. For at least a couple weeks I won't have the energy to keep up with him Josiah, so I've been trying to spend extra special time with him. We have had lots of fun playing in the snow, painting, going on walks, taking trips to the library, reading books, watching special movies, and extra snuggles. Yesterday I had an ultra sound and the baby's weight was normal. My doctor had talked about inducing me early if the baby was going to be larger than 8lbs. I have been reading a book on intercessory prayer and the book of Job. I have come to realize what tough times really means and how often I through that phrase around too loosely.
It was neat to see the Lord work out our deputation schedule this month. Our one meeting out of state my doctor didn't give me the clearance to go to. But it ended up getting rescheduled for June. Our meetings this month have been in NH, which has been nice because car rides are a little uncomfortable these days.

Thoughts from Steve:
Our thoughts and attention have been directed toward the arrival of our new Baby. We still don't know if it is a boy or girl so we are anxious to meet our new little one. Thank you all for praying for Becky. She has been gaining weight steadily and so has Baby.
The class this semester at NSTM on Church planting was excellent. Our final was this last Thursday. The last two weeks of March I begin a two week class the principles and practice of missions taught by Henry Heijermans. I am thankful for the opportunity to take advantage of the teaching. If you have interest in missions and church planting these would be worth picking up.
The book list includes:
"Spontaneous Expansion of the Church" - Roland Allen
"Missionary Methods" - Roland Allen
"Communicating Christ Cross Culturally"
"A People for His Name" - Paul A. Beals

Last week I led music in our home church. It has been almost a year since the last time I had done that. Becky and I have enjoyed the preaching of our interim Pastor very much. Currently he is going through Philippians. And it was one of those messages that I felt was just for me and it was the first time in a while that a message made me emotional. It was on Philippians 1:6
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." Sometimes deputation feels heavy and what a rest we have knowing that God will get us there IN HIS TIME.

Baby Predictions:
Dark Hair and eyebrows
8.5 lbs.
Boy/Girl?? (Everyone seems to think it is a girl)

Isaiah 26:3-4

2007-01-24T17:25:00.000-03:00

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength."
Isaiah 26:3-4

God's peace is:
1.) guarded - "Thou wilt keep him.."
2.) complete - by nature of the word used for peace - shalom encompasses a wide range uses regarding safety and wellness; health, prosperity,peace, rest, wholeness.
3.) unending - "the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength."

Our response then must be of:
1.) a mind stayed - literally "propped up by" or leaning on
2.) on God alone - "Whose mind is stayed on thee."
3.) that continually trusts. "Trust ye in the LORD forever."

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made know unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7

The new year has begun!
January 1 - Happy New Year
January 3 - Our three year anniversary!!
January 7 - Collinsville Bible Church, Dracut MA
January 14 - Baker River Bible Church, Wentworth NH
January 17 - Mountain View Bible Church, Dublin NH
January 21 - South Hope Community Church, South Hope ME
January 24 - Faith Baptist Church, Palmer MA
January 28 - Center Barnstead Christian Church, Barnstead NH

However, time in the car is starting to get a little more uncomfortable for Becky as her due date with the new baby Diem approaches (March 9th!). She is measuring up what she should and is at a healthy weight. We are praying for a safe delivery and a healthy baby.

Steve has recently been in the emergency room. An infection on his leg went out of control and the redness was soon the size of his hand. From his knee down was entirely inflamed and swollen. They let him go that night from the ER but he had to return for 3 more visits to receive more of the IV antibiotic regiment. Under doctor's order he is took it easy for a few days. After which the swelling and redness is virtually gone they are confident he is going to be fine.

We Praise God for:
Steve is back to normal
A full schedule of meetings
We have heard from two churches: we are at 20%!
God's abundant provision

Please Pray for:
Good health
Becky's pregnancy
Our ministry to churches to challenge and bring about lasting impact
Our walk with the LORD to growing and abiding

No More Jelly Donuts and Welcome to Mexico

2006-12-22T13:19:00.000-03:00

It is hard to believe that Christmas is Monday!
Here is where we have been this last month:

December 3rd – New Hartford, CT
December 10th – Litchfield, ME
December 14th – Missions Night: Mexico, ME
December 16-18 – Brewer, ME

We are looking forward to the next couple weeks home side to rest and reconnect with family and friends.

Becky’s Deputation Perspective:

I only have 10 weeks left before the new baby comes! Where we are going to put it in the car when we are on the road… I do not know. Josiah’s new thing is wanting to be held like a baby when he drinks from his sippy cup, he wants to be the baby. Josiah is handling nursery’s and over nights in new houses very well. The car seat is a different story. Our neighbors let us borrow their DVD player for our four hour ride to Maine last weekend. That was a blessing. The first hour I thought it was on and Josiah starred at the “play” menu. The music really was repetitive so I checked the screen and sure enough, I didn’t hit play yet! After this he learned to say “on.”

Dad’s Deputation Perspective:
I really thought Josiah would enjoy a jelly donut. I don’t need to finish this story it’s kind of self explanatory, you’d think I’d have some foresight. Anyways 10 wipes later we had him cleaned up and after 10 more wipes we had most of the car seat and his shoes somewhat less sticky.

January is going to be a big month for us. Many churches have their annual business meetings and we are going to be voted on by several churches. Please pray that the Lord would lead.

A verse that I have been clinging to is:

Psalm 62:5
“My soul, wait thou only upon GOD; for my expectation is from HIM.”

David’s confidence, defense, and deliverance came only from God. He knew that God alone was in control. Though man seemingly plans and proceeds, it is God whom David clung to. The unchangeable, all powerful, all wise God. David didn’t wait on man to come to his aid, David’s one expectation was that God would show up and take care of him. He waited only for God.

As men pursued David and planned mischief against him their plans were in vain because an Almighty God was on David’s side. In this chapter David calls God his rock three times and also his defense, salvation and refuge, He declares that power and mercy belongeth to God.

With this view of God David then exhorts:
“Trust in him at all times; ye people”

On deputation and in daily life many times we feel like we have to wait on man for things to happen and for things to get done. I am encouraged by this verse to:
1.) STOP being anxious
2.) PRAY without ceasing
3.) WAIT only on GOD
4.) EXPECT nothing from man and everything from GOD.
5.) PRAISE God as we see Him answer.

If we expect everything from man and nothing from God we will always be let down.
and Missionary William Carey said:
“Attempt great things for God, and expect great things from God.”

Where We've Been

2006-11-16T11:28:00.000-03:00

As Becky and I laid Josiah in his crib at about 10:30pm, he whispered "...Nigh, Nigh..." "You said it!" I told him. The last few weeks have been real busy but profitable! We took part in three back to back missions conferences:

October 28-29th Raymond Baptist Church
November 1-5th Calvary Bible Church, Derry
November 6-12th Merrimack Valley Baptist Church

We did everything from visiting Spanish and grade school classes, preaching in chapel times, and sharing our presentation. A lot of time was spent just getting to know people which was great.

Last night (Nov. 15th) I went on a solo mission to Twin Mountain Baptist Church, in Twin Mountain NH. It was about a 2 hour car ride. I raced home from work at about 4:00, showered, shaved and hit the road at 4:20. I got there at about 6:15 and set everything up for prayer meeting at 7pm.

November 18-20th - Old Saybrook, CT

Praises:
God's Provision: We are overwhelmed by the generosity of God's people. It is really humbling, knowing that the King of Kings never leaves us hanging but provides abundantly.

Many Meetings: A full fall and winter schedule in New England!

Prayer Requests:
A neighbor in our park lost her home in a devastating fire. Pray for her, that God would work out all things together for good.

That we would abide in Christ and our ministry in churches would challenge and bring about change.

A friend's mother who is battling cancer, pray for healing.

Thanks for your faithful prayers!
-Steve, for the Diem Family

On the random side of life:
-Josiah discovered the moon - very cute.
-In a blog entry I boasted, "toll booths take pennies!" - please note: some toll booths take pennies (story to follow)

Becoming Christ Conscious and Avoiding Traps

2006-10-12T12:51:00.000-03:00

“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.” Proverbs 29:25

To fear man is to fall into a trap. I struggle with this during meetings with Pastors or presenting our work to congregations. It is easy to become self-conscious. We question ourselves “Does the display look okay,” “Did I remember to mention,” and my personal favorite “What do you think that they thought of…” Wanting to know what people think of me is pride and makes me fall into a trap. In this trap nerves are rattled, burdens are felt, imperfections are overwhelming and mistakes become terrifying. A trap keeps something from moving and immobilizes and may eventually kill it. It’s possible to be so fearful of man that we do and say nothing. (Ever not shared your faith?)

Avoiding the trap – TRUST IN GOD
The opposite of falling into the trap of fearing man is found in this verse – "but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD…” We must turn our self-consciousness to Christ- consciousness! We can be aware of His presence and have confidence in His Word. We can put trust in CHRIST, His Word and His Power. What REST there is in His strength and grace. Those who do so are, as this verse says, “safe.” They are free from traps, free from ulcers and stress! They are free to walk close after Christ unhindered. A walk that seeks to bring Glory to Him and not compliments to ourselves.

Here are some practical steps that I use in avoiding the fear of man trap:
1.) Pray for all things and for all activities.
2.) Leave the consequences and outcome to God.
3.) Be committed to doing what is right and saying what is true.
4.) Rest in Christ - don't replay conversations and events in your mind. We can always overthink something, but we can never over pray!!

Itinerary Update

Please be in prayer for Becky and me during this fall season. God has been so faithful in giving us meetings, please pray for our support to come in. Here is our updated itinerary:
Oct 15 - Castleton, VT
Oct 21 - Wedding in NH
Oct 22 - Surry, NH
Oct 23 - New England Bible College
Oct 25 - Burlington, MA
Oct 26 - Durham, NH
Oct 28-29 - Missions Conf. Raymond, NH

Stay clear of traps!
- Steve

Whirlwind Tour of New England

2006-09-21T11:59:00.000-03:00

In New York City last summer, as I stood up to preach the gospel in the subway, I opened my mouth and everyones eyes were on me. My mind was racing – is this crazy? will people listen? And sure enough, people listened, people believed, and people accepted Christ! The same feeling sweeps over me on Thursday morning as I begin to make phone calls. Will we get a meeting this week? Is this crazy? – God is faithful! And does not let us down! Nor will He ever!
Praise God! We’ve had some good meetings this last month. And to God’s glory have started to into 2007. September has been a tour of New England. We think of our “road trips” and that meaning 6+ hours a day on the road, but this does not compare with some of our colleagues at BMW who have been around the country and back! But here has where we have been:

August 27th – (PM) - Heritage Baptist Church, Hooksett NH

September 1st – (FRI) We visited Haven of Rest Baptist Church, West Haven CT
Calvary Bible Church, Plainville CT

September 2nd – (SAT) Family Reunion – Wakefield, RI

September 10th – (AM/PM) Calvary Bible Church, Narragansett RI

September 17th – (AM) - We visited Free Baptist Church, Waterboro ME
Pastor Charlie Storey and his wife fed us lunch, Josiah took a nap
and we were on our way to a meeting at (PM) South Gardiner Baptist
Church, S. Gardiner ME

September 24th - (AM) Walnut Grove Baptist Church, Rochester NH
(PM) FELLOWSHIP BIBLE CHURCH, CHESTER NH!!

Things We’ve Learned:
- Toll booths do take pennies (first take them out of the roll!)
- I don’t think Hudson Taylor had a laptop with a DVD player to keep his kids entertained,
nor a bottle of bubbles projected by a an AC vent.
- I learned not to be controlled by my notes when preaching

A Time of Transition

2006-08-23T21:03:00.000-03:00

No, we are not in Argentina yet. We still live in Raymond NH. If you don't see us on Sunday morning, we are still living in Raymond 6 days a week!

So... What has deputation been like?

Becky:
The Negatives. It has been lonely sometimes visiting new churches. It takes time to build relationships with people. Steve and I are starting to get used to not being at Fellowship ever week and having start building friendships from the ground up. Josiah too has been feeling the transition. Holding him in my arms and keeping him well behaved and having an intelligent conversation with people we meet is a challenge.
The Positives: It has been neat to see how other churches do things differently. Even with order of service, worship times, etc. Every chance we get to talk about our ministry it renews the passion that my have to serve the Lord in South America.
Prayer Request: I'm feeling nauseous from this pregnancy and still on my toes with Josiah. Pray for long naps and calm stomachs. Pray that I can prioritize my time so that I can be giving out to the people around me (especially Josiah).

Steve:
The Negatives: I feel a bit David did. He was anointed by Samuel as king of the nation of Israel, but he did not immediately serve as king. So positionally he was king, but conditionally he was still a shepherd boy who had an ear for music. So this transition point for me, Positionally: we have been commissioned to Argentina. Conditionally: I still draft septic designs during the day. Pray that I can be diligent and faithful at work and trusting in God and patient.
These last few weeks I cut back my time at work to three days a week. Hoping to make more phone calls and make more contacts. Pray for open doors and this time to be used wisely.
Positives: The summer has been slow making contacts but these last few weeks the Lord has been opening up doors and our schedule is getting filled up! Praise the Lord. I praise God for putting some real gem of pastors in our path along the way that have been real encouragements to us, in prayer and in example. I am thankful too for friends who have been acting as our "agents" and helping us get some more meetings to present our work.

Josiah:
Negatives: car seats, bullies in nurseries, late nights
Positives: munchkins at D&D and new buddies along the way

Deputation underway

2006-08-04T12:57:00.000-03:00

We are currently at 10% of the support needed to go to Argentina!! I have recieved emails from some of our national friends we made in Argentina. They remind us to that they are praying for us to return quickly.

Returning from the 2nd part of our canidate orientation at BMW in Atlanta GA, Becky and I were faced with some new and exciting challenges which require steps of faith. 1.) When do we sell our house? 2.) When do I quit my job and take deputation to the next level? The answer to both of these questions is: in God's perfect timing. When is that? I was encouraged in my devotions the other day in reading about King Hezekiah. The passage in II Kings 18 descibes him as a man who trusted God, in fact more than any other king before or after him. That is quite the statement! But as you continue to read this passage you see this word "trust" come up again and again, as this trust in God was being challenged. Trials came, the winds blew and the rain poured, Hezekiah held on to God. He stayed so close to God that he was in God's shadow (Psalm 91:1). Might we be characterized by this same trust as we take steps of faith to fulfill His call in our lives!

Becky and I are so encouraged and blessed to have a sending church that has been standing behind us: with prayer, fellowship, encouragement, and financial support.
You can learn more about our sending church at:
www.fellowshipbiblechester.org

Support

2006-07-04T23:23:00.001-03:00

Support for the Diem family can be done in one of the following two methods:

Online - To learn about this option go to the Biblical Ministries Worldwide website and read more Click Here.

Mail - For a downloadable pdf form that can be filled out and mailed in Click Here.

Contact

2006-07-03T23:17:00.005-03:00

If you wish to contact us, please do so either by mail or email:

***NEW***

Steven & Becky Diem

San Roque 393

3500 Resistencia

Chaco, Argentina

Email Address: sdiem@biblicalministries.org

To contact Biblical Ministries Worldwide:

Biblical Ministries Worldwide

1595 Herrington Road

Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043-5616

Phone: 770-339-3500

http://www.biblicalministries.org/

Vision

2006-07-02T23:16:00.000-03:00

We are so excited to be apart of NordEste 2010.

A strategy for northern Argentina began in 2003 called NordEste 2010. The plan is to start nine new churches by 2010 in a circle of cities within a 250-km radius between Resistencia and Corrientes. Due to the shortage of personnel, however, this plan has not taken shape. We desire to help and encourage the church plant that is in Resistencia and to move into new surrounding cities.

By using Biblical methods of:

Evangelism: Knowing Christ
Building relationships, home bible studies, open air meetings, and street evangelism.

Discipleship: Growing in Christ
Biblical grounding, Theological & evangelistic training and prayer partnership.

Leadership Training: Preaching Christ
Committing the word to faithful men to lead evangelistic efforts, bible studies and churches.

The team still needs more missionaries and trained, committed Argentine believers involved in order to realize these aggressive goals. The strategy will use career missionaries, national workers, short-term teams, and short-term individual missionaries reach the region for Christ. With the goal to planting new churches that have with the vision to reach out in evangelism, commit to the discipleship of new believers, and to train and send out to start new church plants.

How do you believe the Lord wants you to get involved?

To learn more about the ministry in Argentina please go to:

http://www.biblicalministries.org/countries/argentina.html

Bio

2006-07-01T23:10:00.000-03:00

“Who gave Himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
Titus 2:14

I grew up in a Roman Catholic home in the town of Windham NH. At the age of 14, my oldest sister Maria bought me my first Bible and began to have Bible studies with me. It was at the end of one of these Bible studies that God opened my eyes and I prayed to accept Christ as my Savior. My relationship with God turned from fear to friendship. Two years later my mother and father got saved and all three of us were baptized at Fellowship Bible Church of Chester, where we became members.

During the summer of my freshman year at the University of New Hampshire, I had the opportunity to go on a short-term missions trip to Honduras. God showed me in His word what it meant to truly have compassion for the lost. The truths of John 5:1-9 & II Corinthians 4:18 were firmly planted in my mind and I felt God call me to missions fulltime.
Becky grew up in a Christian home and accepted the Lord as her Savior at age 7. Her pastor gave a message on a Sunday morning and the thought of not being saved and going to hell frightened Becky. Later that day she talked with her mother who explained to her how to be saved and that is when Becky called out to God to save her.

I knew it would take a special woman to want to be a career missionary. Becky's parents owned and operated a Christian camp on the foothills of the White Mountains (Camp Victory, Wentworth NH). There she had the opportunity to hear God's word preached by many different guest speakers. This touched her heart and she dedicated her life to missions as a teenager (II Corinthians 5:15). It is awesome to see how God called us both separately to missions. And it is to God's glory that He brought us together to better serve Him as a family. We met on the same path and began to walk together. We were married January 3, 2004. On May 24, 2005 we were blessed with the birth of our first child, Josiah. And our second son Elliott was born March 16, 2007.

After graduating from the University of New Hampshire in 2003 with a degree in Anthropology, I attended the Northeastern School of Theology and Missions in Dracut MA (formerly the Burlington Bible Institute) for 3 years and earned a Foundation of Ministry Certificate in 2004. God also opened up a door for a one-year pastoral internship at the Fellowship Bible Church of Chester in March of 2005. After much prayer and seeking wisdom from our Elders we applied and were accepted into Biblical Ministries Worldwide in January 2006.