God's glory in our ordinary
How do we know God loves us?
Answer this question to yourself: “How do we know God loves us?” Now give another answer.
After studying the Father’s love for the Son in John’s gospel, along with our daily observations on life and mission, may we suggest some additional answers to this question. First, we know God’s love for us because He shows us what He is doing:
“For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He himself is doing…” (John 5:20; NASB) Read More
“There is so much joy on the margins!” This declaration from a pastor friend of ours expresses our reflection on the past couple of months that we shared in the USA with family, friends, and new friends. We had returned to the States with stories of hardships abounding with hope, and over and over again we were encouraged by the depth of the reception, interest, and commitment we encountered from our partners. For this and so much more, we give thanks to our Lord…
Life may be good, but is it great? What is our measure for greatness? We hope you can learn along with our family
from Jesus’ ministry and teaching on what truly makes for a great life…
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Over the past month, we have experienced the many blessings of relationship in mission, as family and friends have come alongside the work here in Peru to help us advance with some needed projects while deepening connections. Enjoy the pictures and highlights from this recent chapter of our storied lives together! Read More
Within the realm of time, January marked the beginning of a new chapter called 2016. Years are marked by holidays, seasons, and major events in life that are met with celebration or sorrow. These events give shape to the stories of families, communities, and even nations. In many ways, our identity is based on the occurrence of these events and our response to them. Though happy moments occur, as the years go by, there seems to be a general sense of “everything getting worse.”
Outside of this realm of time, “January” was full of eternal moments called the New Creation. Eternal life is marked by rescue and restoration that are met with gratitude and hope. Such dynamics create the stories of families, communities, and even nations. In every way, our identity is formed by these realities which compel our response toward others. Suffering occurs, and as His Story continues, there is an overall sense of “everything being made ne
w.” Read More
The tables in our homes are regularly set for meals, then cleared and cleaned, before being set again for the next meal. It is a constant and often ordinary routine. Perhaps for this reason, table fellowship remains one of the most formative contexts in the kingdom of God. Jesus focused on people through His table fellowship, and we are compelled by hope for that day when we will be seated with Him at His table in a new heaven and new earth. Kids Alive Peru, in the Andes Mountains (Andahuaylas), the Amazon Jungle (Pucallpa), and the Pacific Coast (Lima), continues to provide “table service” through its children’s homes, care centers, and educational programs…because of our hope in Him – all-year-long. Celebrate with us the faithfulness of God, whose presence makes it table “fellowship;” and whose mission provides places for “royalty” around His table, from “the least of these” who have no such place in a fallen world.
In November, the senior class choir from Lancaster County Christian School shared this message through a song, “Love Like This.” In this video (see lyrics below), they sang (under the direction of Mrs. Jenna Hege) in the new dining facility at the Kids Alive Care Center in Pucallpa, where God’s love is served all-year-long. Read More
View this video for an overview of our work with Kids Alive International as Missionaries of Discipleship and Development. Many thanks to Stephen Lewis, our new friend and long-time partner with Kids Alive Peru, who made this video possible. Enjoy!
cote final from Mark Cote on Vimeo.
Together for His glory,
Mark, Kristin, Caleb, Jacob, and Rachel Coté
Missionaries of Discipleship and Development based in Pucallpa, Peru
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Our mailing address:
Apartado 25
Pucallpa, Peru
After a period of adjustment, exploration, and confirmation, we are ready to share our defined roles and
responsibilities as Missionaries of Discipleship and Development with Kids Alive International. A new video featuring the ministry of our family here in Peru will provide an overview of our job in Part 2. For Part 1, we have approached many of our partners for input as to why, how, or what compelled them to partner with our family. Completely based on their feedback, we have synthesized a statement of being and doing for our family, “a job description” entrusted to us by those sending us. Read More
September 8 marks the completion of our first year in Peru. This picture of Jacob running into the sunset illustrates how our children have run freely into this new season of life. In a “play-full way,” they have received God’s grace to endure the pain and pleasure of good-byes and hellos among family and friends, new places and routines, and a new language. May their words encourage you as you chase the Son, as their testimony of God’s victory by His grace has encouraged us and others! Read More
Our dear friend, Wayne West, recently sent us a line from the song, “Guantanamera,” which says “El arroyo de la sierra me complace más que el mar.” In English it says, “The mountain stream is more pleasing to me than the sea.” Wayne commented, “You’re finding that out where you’re serving, I’m sure.” This expresses exactly what we have been learning. The waters around Pucallpa and throughout the Amazon have their head in the Andes Mountains in southern Peru. The streams of faithfulness flowing in and around this land and yours have their head in the mountain of the kingdom of God that is filling the earth… Read More