Serving with Cadence International

TheCaudles

OCT/NOV 2019

Dear Friends and Family,

It has been way too long since you heard from us in this format. If you are interested in the details behind why, please feel free to call, text, or email and we’ll fill you in. We would enjoy the chance to chat. Also, please hear us when we say YOU are vital to what God is doing in the lives of the military and their families involved with us here at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson. We know we could not do what God has called us to without you!

HOME ASSIGNMENTI reminisced today. Strolling through pictures of our six-month home assignment, I wish I could share the whole album with you—all the places and people whose lives God has intersected with ours. Bob and I are humbled by the opportunity to see God show up and show out in and through them (you), their circumstances, and churches all over the country.

To be a small part of His huge family; to get to journey together for short seasons, and then reconnect to hear and see what God has been up to in the in-between times. To sit with people and hear their (your) stories of victories, hopes, dreams, doubts, fears, struggles, and pain.

We were reminded again that to choose Jesus means to choose a life of faith, no matter how hard the circumstance or dark the road; that just because we follow Him does not mean we get to have all the answers or that life will be easy or free from pain and suffering.

As a matter of fact, Jesus told us, “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33.) We repeatedly saw our friends (many of you) clinging to and shining for Jesus through tremendous heartache: sickness, disease, broken bodies and minds; fractured relationships and errant beliefs of family members; life

WHAT IS HOME ASSIGNMENT?Cadence, like many mission agencies, encourages (strongly) their missionaries to step aside for a season every four to six years to: Rest, Rejuvenate, and Reconnect—for the purpose of returning to the mission field healthy and for the long haul. This time away is vital, especially as our ministry specifically involves life-on-life, counseling, mentoring, discipling, and being actively involved in community. Bob and I will admit that we were very tired when we began our Home Assignment—physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. It had been six years.

So, what were our goals for these three R’s, and how did we do?

REST: Goal: To slow down, spend extended time with Jesus, each other, and family. We did that! And Bob got to fish and hunt! Salmon or Moose anyone?

REJUVENATE: Goals: 1. To get additional training for ministry. 2. To debrief with Cadence Member Care and spend time with other Cadence missionaries and staff.

We attended two conferences and worked through two books: The Emotionally Healthy Leader by Peter Scazzero and Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton; both very encouraging and challenging. We would highly recommend either or both. And did I say, “worked through?” What I meant was, God is still working on us through them. And yes, we feel rejuvenated.

RECONNECT: Goals: 1. To spend time with family, friends, and partners, sharing our stories, lives, and updating about the ministry. 2. To raise $6,000 a month through new and current partners to replace the military contract that ended September 30 and be at 100% in financial support.

We believe we did Goal #1 well. We however, we did not meet Goal #2. Now, because this second goal is so important both for our health and the health of the ministry, Cadence has released us to return to JBER under the condition that Bob split his work week 50/50 with local ministry and Partnership Development, looking to God and His people to supply the remaining needed funds. I (Stephanie) am back on full-time with our partner Becky, and all three of us are excited about what God has in store. We are praying that this season of splitting time for Bob will not last long.

Bob and Stephanie at Member Care retreat

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*Please do not write a missionary’s name or information anywhere on the check. Instead, include this slip with your donation.

Contributions to Cadence International are tax-deductible so far as the law allows. While we attempt to honor the specific wishes of all donors, Cadence maintains complete discretion and control over the use of the donated funds and is authorized to redirect funds within the ministry.

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Bob and Stephanie Caudle17607 Almdale Ave, Eagle River AK 99577 Bob’s Cell: 907.748.1860 • Stephanie’s Cell: 907.748.1865 Robert.Caudle@Cadence.org • Stephanie.Caudle@Cadence.orgCadence.org/Caudle

800.396.6680PO Box 1268 Englewood, CO 80150Cadence.org

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTSThe ministry remained healthy during our absence, and even grew, which we praise God for and feel set-up for the season ahead. This month (October) we will farewell last year’s ministry team and initiate the 2019/20 team. This group of mostly military people actively gives of themselves to help us fulfill our mission of “Confidently following Christ and leading others to Him.”

We praise God for His provision of workers and are excited about what

God has in store in the coming months and years. Bob and I have renewed our commitment to Cadence and to the JBER ministry, specifically for another four to six-year term. Again, thank you for standing with us and for loving the military men, women, and children of JBER through your prayers and dollars. The kingdom of God has more people in it because of your investments.

Serving together,Stephanie Caudle for Bob too!

P.S. Please contact us if you’d like to hear more details about our financial needs. Also, we have included a response slip if you’d like to receive our emails, adjust your giving, or join our financial team.

MINISTRY WITHOUT A CONTRACT WITH THE CHAPELSince our arrival at JBER in August of 2012 we have had a contract with the chapel and a defined ministry to the singles on base through that contract. Due to the ever-changing climate of working with the government and our Christian values, we will not have a contract this year. This affects us financially as mentioned above, and we are not sure what working with the chaplains will look like (which is very important to us). With that said, we believe this is of God and are looking forward to the freedom in terms of ministry and focus we will gain.

We still have a heart to come alongside the chaplains to reach the singles on base and to minister to all those God brings to the house. Currently, we are averaging 40–50 on any given Friday with probably a 60/40 split between families and singles. We appreciate your praising God and praying with us for His direction and supply as we go forward.

taking turns never expected or wanted, and death itself.

As we sat with you in your pain, we also saw your hope, and His peace. The rest of John 16:33 says, “But take heart! I (Jesus) have overcome the world.” And Paul says, “For this light and momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:17–18.)

This Summer we saw many of you living in this reality. It was a real privilege and encouragement to our faith.

Sarah, Bob, Stephanie, Tara, Nathan & Erin

Bob commissioning Ministry team prior to our Home Assignment

HOME ASSIGNMENT CONT.