Very good news!

We are very glad to inform everyone that our computer was successfully saved as well as all of the information that was on it.  Apparently a virus corrupted the files and made it impossible to access them.  It took the better part of the day and we are so thankful for our friend, John, who worked hard to help us out.  God is good and we know that he has a plan for us and our computer.  We realize just how dependent we can be with technology.  We would like to thank everyone for praying for this situation.  Even though it is just a computer it represents a lot of work that Kylie has put into her ladies retreat sessions.

What? Our faithful computer died?

It is inevitable.  Things do not last forever.  However, we are totally surprised that our laptop that we bought before we went to Kenya in 2004 finally gave up the “good fight”.  Granted it was seven years old but it faithfully served us and we nursed along through the fluctuating Kenyan power grid.  Maybe Todd had a bond with it was they both experienced a great deal of input when they came back to Canada.  Todd with professional development and the computer with three years worth of updates. 

It is a very serious issue though as Kylie has been using it to prepare for a Ladies Retreat that she will be speaking at on June 18, just a week and a half away.  She has spent a very long time preparing and she was just getting to the point of having her sessions polished.  We had bought an external hard drive a couple of months ago to keep things from really disappearing from the computer but she had not yet saved the final product to that hard drive.  So she is in a very difficult position of not knowing how badly it crashed and if any of her work can be recovered.  We are hoping that a computer technician friend of ours will be available tomorrow to help but right now we have very little hope with the way the computer was behaving.  Please pray that all of Kylie’s sessions will be recovered.  She has been very diligent and for this to happen just a week before she is to speak has been a really huge shock for her. 

It is also serious as we were hoping that we would not have to face another purchase right now as we have been undersupported for this whole year and we do not have the funds to buy another computer to replace this one.  We would like to replace it however, as Kylie will be in a role that will require her to have access to a computer that would be hers to use with the sometimes sensitive and confidential material that she will be dealing with.  Please pray that God will provide for this need as well before we leave for Kenya. 

Itinerary for the next couple of months

Well, here it is.  At least what we are considering our last couple of months here in Canada.  Seats are booked on British Airway to leave from Calgary on August 13th.  Our few possessions here in Canada are starting to find their way to storage.  School is winding down.  The owners of the house we have been housesitting for are coming back.  Yet we are a long way from getting the final approval with our financial support but we are doing our best to be faithful and trust that God has us right were He wants us and where He wants us to go. 

We thought that it would be good to share where we are planning to be over the next few months so that our prayer supporters can pray for our times speaking and visiting with those interested in what we are doing.  The biggest thing would be that God will provide the finances necessary.  The next biggest item would be the safety that we do not want to take for granted driving many long kilometers.  We are so thankful that we have not had any problems and the vehicle we are using has been reliable.  What an answer to prayer that has been already.

This is where we plan to be over the next several weeks:

June 5 – Crossfield Baptist Church/wedding shower for Todd’s sister Jennine in Airdrie

 June 10-12 – Ladies Retreat at Whispering Pines Bible Camp

June 18 – Prayer Breakfast at Holy Nativity Anglican Church, Calgary

June 26 – Farewell at Stettler Baptist Church

July 2 – Wedding

July 3 – New Beginnings Baptist Church, Vancouver

July 10 – Squamish Baptist Church

July 17 – Westbank?  Not sure just yet but we plan to be in the area.

July 24 – Back in Stettler to get house ready for homeowners

July 25-Aug 13 – Last minute shopping for kids and pack up ready to go.

Awesome

Recently we purchased “The Book of Awesome“.  It is a compilation of things that are awesome.  Like, isn’t it awesome when you pick the fastest moving line at the grocery store check out?  Or isn’t is awesome when you correctly guess if the door is push or pull?  It is a really simple idea but we all have these experiences.  We have had a lot of “isn’t it awesome” moments this year.  Like driving through the Rocky Mountains on a beautiful clear day.  Or when a student in the public school asks if we are missionaries in front of the whole class.  Those are awesome moments that God gives for his glory.

We have done so much traveling over the course of our time that it may seem that we would not be able to find consistent spiritual nourishment.  The most amazing thing is that in all of the places that we have been there has been one constant and meaningful message for us.  The message is this: we not only need to let God work inside us but we that we also need to clothe ourselves with Christ on the outside.  This may seem to be a pretty elementary statement but it has been a profound thought for our time here in Canada.

Colossians 3:5-14  “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion. kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

We know that people have probably heard this passage so many times that it really does not mean anything.  Just what do these things look like?  Are these qualities that are desirable?  Do we even care?  God is in our hearts so why must we do anything?  Some people may see this passage as a negative one because it tells Christians to “put to death whatever belongs to our earthly nature.  It is so much easier to ignore that part of the rules for holy living.  The fact of the matter is that God does work in our hearts but if we do not clothe ourselves with those qualities listed we tend to defeat the work being done in our heart.  Our outward appearance looks just like the world then and the Christian witness is held suspect.

Romans 13:8-14  “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”

This passage is very similar to the one in Colossians but the difference is that it tells us what will happen when we put on the clothes.  We love our neighbour as ourself.  Imagine what this looks like.  Churches helping those in the community that need help.  Christians talking to their neighbours and caring about what they have to say.  Youth talking about Christ in their schools.  A co-worker coming to Christ because they see a difference in that person they work with.

That’s awesome.

Feel free to share with us how you or your church are making a difference for Christ in your community.

Graduation???

We do not write just about Ella very often but we thought that we would share this very important milestone in her life.  Graduation is not a word that we anticipates using to describe the end of playschool for Ella.  Wow, graduation.  Just what does this mean?  Thankfully Ella did not let it go to her head but she has definitely “grown up” during the year and we are do glad that she was able to participate in this program with other kids her age.  She was able to make some good relationships and in the end they all wanted her to come over to play.  The playschool teachers were also very glad to have her which, I am sure, is every parents desire.  During the “ceremony” her teacher said that even though she was shy at first she really came out of her shell and was a lot of fun in the class.  We can attest that she is a character and glad that she was able to feel comfortable to be herself with others.  So it is with honour that we present to you Ella Dubber of the graduating class from Sharebear Playschool 2011.

The cattle on a thousand hills

A year can be a long time and a lot can happen in a year.  However, the one thing that can really suffer is the financial support of a missionary.  We know that there are many things that can go through people’s minds regarding supporting a missionary while they are on home assignment.  However, the reality of it is that rarely do missionaries come back fully supported and even more rare is the fact that they can afford to live back in their home culture on the amount they receive a month even if they were 100% supported.  Right now we are in the deficit boat.  AIM is even giving us more than we are getting in a month just to keep us solvent.

With this being said though we are so confident that God will provide.  He has never let us down in the past and nor will He let us down now.  We feel so strongly that He has called us to work with the children of missionaries and we rest in the assurance that He will not let us down.

Recently, we have been reminded that God is in control.  Living in Alberta we inevitably pass many farms in our travels.  We sometimes comment on how many cows a farmer may have and all of the new calves that were born in the past few weeks.  Our car discussions sometimes go like this:

“Wow, look at all of the cows in that field.” says Todd

“And all of the cute calves.”  says Kylie

“Yeah, that’s cool.  I want to work on a ranch some day.” says Cassidy

“It stinks, make it go away.” says Ella

“I wonder what would happen if they all passed gas at the same time and I lit a match. ” says Titus with a giggle.

OK, it does not go like this all of the time, but what would it be like to own all the cows we would see on a trip.  First, it would be a lot of work but second it would only be a minute amount of what God says that he owns.  Psalm 50:10-11 says, “for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.  I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine.”  We are short $1, 690 per month.  If we put this in farming terms, and after some quick research, we really then only need six cows a month to make up our shortfall.  We know that God can and will provide that amount.

We are so thankful for those who support already in this way.  We have no way to thank you enough for the finanical giving that you have done with us.  We do pray that those who give of their time to pray and to give will be blessed.  However, if you are not giving at this time would you please consider what you can do and joining us in this way?

If you would like to support us financially – here are the options:

  1. e-mail Sharon at Africa Inland Mission at financeassist.can@aimint.net– Let her know that you would like to support Todd and Kylie Dubber and how much per month.  They will be able to help you out with the method that works best for you.
  2. call Africa Inland Mission at 1-877-407-6077 – Let them know that you would like to support Todd and Kylie Dubber and how much per month.  They will be able to help you out with the method that works best for you.
  3. website – follow the link to AIM Canada in the sidebar to the right to either make a credit card contribution, print off a financial pledge form, or contact AIM through their website about your intention to support us.

Thank you very much for considering this.  If you have any further questions please feel free to ask us by giving us a phone call or sending an email.

To infinity and beyond

What a whirlwind weekend.  We definitely felt that we were going to infinity as we embarked on our eleven hour trip to Prince George, BC.  We left immediately after school on Friday and started the trek.  After staying the night in Hinton, AB to see Kylie’s brother, wife and newborn baby we made it to Prince George Saturday afternoon where we stayed with our friends the Walkeys.  We have to admit that the novelty of being in the car that long long wears out by the second or third hour but we are so impressed with our children who are amazing troopers to do this with us.  What a priviledge it is to be together and see the scenic panoramas that make up our country of Canada.  We had to take a picture of Mt Robson – the tallest mountain in Canada.

We attended Central Fellowship Baptist Church where we spoke and updated people there about what we have been doing for the past four years.  We actually visited Prince George when Ella was only a few weeks old in 2007 so it was very good to be there again.  God continues to amaze us with how he works out His plan.  So much of what I had come prepared to say was reiterated in the worship and praise times.  The testimony of what we heard was so encouraging.  At a time when many of the congregations that we go to are asking “how” this congregation was putting feet on God’s love going into the community around them and doing the practical.  What a great way to reach out and we were blessed to hear the testimony of the events that even touched their lives.

The more we travel the more we realize that we do not want to take safety for granted.  This past trip was no exception.  We traveled just about 2,000 Km and we came upon a four car accident that had happened just seconds before we got there, a car that was behind us just went into the ditch for apparently no reason, and an icy section of road that even semi trucks were sliding all over and had us wondering if we should even go on.  God is good as He kept us safe through all of those situations.  Thank you to all of you who prayed for us during this trip as we really do see the hand of God guiding and directing us.

We are looking forward to a little more of a slower pace next weekend spending the weekend with Kylie’s parents in Three Hills.  We are anticipating the celebration of Easter.  As one person so aptly put it, “Christmas is good, but Easter is even better.”  May we all remember what Christ has done for each and every one us.

Hockey Night in Canada

Probably the most favorite thing that Titus and Todd have enjoyed about being back in Canada is the constant ice hockey available to us on the TV.  Especially during the playoffs.  One of the privileges that we have had is to be able to go to a few games as well.  Recently, Todd took his dad as a Christmas/birthday gift to the last regular season game between the Vancouver Canucks (their favorite team) and the Calgary Flames.  What a neat opportunity to go since his dad is not as mobile as he once was.  God knew though and he provided us with a van that could transport his scooter to the game and it was just perfect that Vancouver was in Calgary for the last game of the season.  What a fun time.  Vancouver won and the fans that came to cheer for Vancouver were giving high fives all around and having a great time.  Todd admits though that it was bitter sweet since Calgary is Titus’ favorite team so it was not without a litte ribbing that he left the stadium with a Calgary Flames bag and poster with items that were given to him by the concourse staff with whom he had talked about living in Kenya and that his son was a big fan.  It is all about loyalty – isn’t it?  Anyway, here are some pictures of us hanging out. 

 

 

 

 

March – in like a lion, out like a …

We are still not sure how March went out like.  In fact, we were surprised when it was over as it seemed to fly by.  Spring is still a long way off but we are starting to “experience” warmer temperatures – at least it is above zero for daytime highs and the snow is slowly disappearing.  We did not have any relief from cold temperatures and snow at the beginning of the month but that did not put a damper on the events of the month of March.  We were really busy but not too busy to enjoy the people we have met, fun events, and major milestones of our lives.

Titus finished skating earning his CanSkate badges.  He did really well for a kid that had never skated before.  It was neat to see him trying new things and accomplishing skating backwards, crossovers, and gliding.  He still could not stop like the professionals spraying snow but he really enjoyed the whole experience.

Todd and Cassidy also had birthdays this month reaching new milestones.  Cassidy is now in the pre-teen years.  We are so grateful for a daughter who is such an amazing person.  Many people comment on how well-rounded she is.  We can only think that her experience living overseas has given her the opportunity to be the way that she is.  Todd is one year closer to forty.  Enough said.

As well as having a birthday Cassidy had another significant event happen in her life.  In a previous post we had written about Cassidy doing a science fair project with a friend and not sure how we would be able to fit it in.  As it turns out they were one of about eight science fair projects that went from Stettler Elementary to the regional science fair held in Red Deer.  There they were one of thirty-six other grade 5-6 projects.  We were thinking that it was a great experience for her but little did we know that she and her friend were in for a big surprise.  The end of the fair found Cassidy and her friend not only receiving gold for their project but also the “Best of Fair”.  We were in shock.  To top it off Cassidy also performed in a competition with her ballet group and won silver.  What a great day it was seeing the hard work pay off.

Running with the Dubbers Vol 8 Issue 1d

Wonderful Opportunities

“Dad and mom, the best thing in the whole entire world has just happened to me.”  Titus – as he hands us a rugby sign-up sheet he was given at school

We just have to share with you all the cool things that we have been able to see and do during our time in Canada.

Around Christmas time some of our family took Cassidy and Kylie to see the ‘Nutcracker Ballet’ performed by the Royal Alberta Ballet.  Friends also took Cassidy and Kylie to see a production of ‘Anne of Green Gables’ performed by the local high school.  Those were wonderful experiences.

Todd and Titus were able to go to two NHL hockey games together – once to see Todd’s beloved Vancouver Canucks and once to see Titus’ beloved Calgary Flames.  On both occassions their teams saw victory – mainly because they were there to see them play.  Unfortunately only one team can win the Stanley Cup.  Go Canucks Go!

In addition, we have all learned how to snowmobile, skate, and sled.  Cassidy will even be skiing in March with her class.  Todd is the only one in our family that has skied before.  Winter has been a new, fun, and very cold experience for our children.  Even though it is good we are longing for green grass and warm air again.