Hey everyone,
I wanted to give a quick update that we are using more and more social media to update people. If you have not already follow us Alli on Instagram and find both of us on facebook. You can also like 6:8 ministries facebook page.
Click the link below to find the latest video update. There is a lot of stuff happening and we are thrilled to be a part of it.
McArthur Family video update
Please free to email me as well.
Josh@68ministries.com
Josh
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Thursday, January 3, 2019
Highlights of 2018
"Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."
Romans 5: 2-5
We have a lot to look forward to in this upcoming year; hopefully being placed with two kids, the next family house being started, learning more Spanish and growing in Jesus.
It is also fun to look back on what has happened, right? These are some of the highlights of the year. Of course, there were hard moments and seasons, but that is when we grow the most. And we will choose to be joyful and grateful.
In January Josh and I completed the first step in the adoption process. We met with P.A.N.I. (Children's protection service of Costa Rica) where they informed us about the whole adoption process.
As our ministries have grown there was a need for more staff. So we prayed to have the ranch grow with staff. Mema, Alayna and Chris became full time staff. Glory to God!
When we moved into the first family house, it was livable but needed more work done. So for the time being, we closed up a hallway and let it sit for over a year. Little by little, with teams and free time, the school room, hall closet, bathroom, two bedrooms, were completed from floor to ceiling and the first family home was officially finished.
El Pozo was moved to a bigger location. We are amazed by the growth and what God is doing there. El Pozo is the community outreach center in Horquetas "where we conduct community ministry programs that allow people to drink the living waters found in the gospel of Jesus Christ." It is exciting to see it grow and impact so many children.
We had a fun but a very busy year with 15 interns and 24 church that came to minister along side of us. They were also instrumental in helping us build a new fence lines, lay new water lines, and complete several building projects one which was a playground for all the kids to enjoy. There were many lives changed and new friendships built.
In May a social worker and a psychologist came out to interview and built a portfolio on us for the adoption. That was an incredibly emotional weekend that we were happy to do but also very happy to have it completed. We were grateful for the opportunity to learn more about each other and to move another step forward in the adoption.
Adoption fundraising was a complete success. We are so grateful for everyone who was involved in the purchasing of a shirt or financial donation.
On July 13th, we made it a family day to pick up and drop off our portfolio. We met our paralegal in San Jose to pick it up. It was a lot bigger than I thought it would be. We then drove it to the P.A.N.I office. The rest of the day was spent together dreaming, praying and being excited for our future. We hope it is something the boys will remember.
In October after a long 3.5 months of waiting for the official approval to be adoptive parents we received notice of our approval. We took another step forward. We were invited to the last seminar class at the end of November. We completed that class and received notice in mid December that the matching process had begun. Now we wait for a phone call.
Josh and I celebrated 10 amazing years of marriage. God is so good! Those 10 years went by really fast. A lot has happened.
We flew to the states for two weeks and soaked up time with grandparents. It was a refreshing time to get away where we enjoyed, simple foods, fishing, throwing the toilet paper in to the toilet, swimming, Micah learning how to play chess, Judah swimming with more confidence, exploring Saint Augustine, celebrating our 10th and my parents 32rd anniversary.
Caleb’s public profession of faith where Josh and I baptism him in the river. That was pretty special!
We are grateful to see the change and all that God has done this year. It makes us even more excited to see what God is going to in 2019.
Please pray with us that we would be matched quickly
We thank you for your prayers, financial partnership and your friendship.
We are Blessed to be a blessing.
Monday, April 16, 2018
T-Shirt Fund Raiser
Alli and I are excited to announce that we have begun to fundraise for our adoption. We have decided to sell t-shirts to help with the fundraising.
We loved the idea of selling a t-shirt because it raises awareness, celebrates adoption, and helps fund the safe arrival of our little ones. We have designed the t-shirt to reflect our heart but not to preach (or be overly preachy).
Here is the story of how we designed the t-shirt and what God has been teaching us these past months.
Here is the story of how we designed the t-shirt and what God has been teaching us these past months.
I first heard the song Reckless Love a few months ago. It quickly became a favorite of mine. I believe the song does a great job highlighting the pursuing love of God that isn't thwarted or slowed down. In the eyes of the world the love is reckless and does not follow the guide lines of our conditional human love. If you have not heard the song please listen here. The chorus goes like this
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ‘til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn’t earn it, I don’t deserve it, still You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
As I listened to the song it would amp me up. The gospel truths penetrate my heart and call me to fight for my children until they are found. In all honesty, adopting is not easy and in fact is very hard. There are many hard, discouraging and difficult moments. However, it calls me to remember that God would leave the ninety-nine to find the one. His pursuit for His children is relentless and unfailing. This gospel truth has inspired us to pursue, fight and be relentless in our search until our kids are found. The quiver of arrows on the shirt represent a successful warrior going into battle full of arrows (Psalm 127:3-5)
We have crew neck and v neck for sale. Both are ultra soft and comfortable t-shirts. If you are between a size we recommend going for the larger. The cost is $20 plus $5 shipping. It is super simple to order all you do is:
1. Click the button for v or crew neck below
2. Put the correct cost amount (including shipping) ex. 2 x 20= 40 + 5= $45
3. Click Donate with paypal or credit card
4. In the Memo put sizes and shipping address. Click pay and you are done
If you would like to help us sell shirts and can be a distributor we are giving away 1 free shirt if you order 10 or more. What we would need is an order with sizes and your shipping address. You can do this by clicking the button below and in the notes put the sizes. Please email joshmc6@gmail.com or message us if you are interested in doing this.
These shirts are being pre ordered and we hope to have them shipped out by the end of May.
Sizes: S,M,L,XL (XXL $2 MORE)
1. Click the button for v or crew neck below
2. Put the correct cost amount (including shipping) ex. 2 x 20= 40 + 5= $45
3. Click Donate with paypal or credit card
4. In the Memo put sizes and shipping address. Click pay and you are done
If you would like to help us sell shirts and can be a distributor we are giving away 1 free shirt if you order 10 or more. What we would need is an order with sizes and your shipping address. You can do this by clicking the button below and in the notes put the sizes. Please email joshmc6@gmail.com or message us if you are interested in doing this.
These shirts are being pre ordered and we hope to have them shipped out by the end of May.
Sizes: S,M,L,XL (XXL $2 MORE)
V-Neck
Crew Neck
If you would like to make a 501-3c tax deductible donation to the McArthur Family to help them fight until they find their kids, Click Here.
Thursday, March 22, 2018
That we make much of Jesus
As a mom, I generally know where my children are. One loves being next to me, stepping on my feet, sitting in my lap or running laps around the house. The other two are currently into wrestling, swinging on vines like Tarzan, playing or chasing baby goats. It's wonderful! However, for a while now I have felt like I don't know where some of my kids are. I am not talking about the boys but the children yet to be adopted into our family. Since getting our residency our hearts and efforts immediately went to figuring out the next steps for us to adopt locally in Costa Rica. I have at least two more kids that are not in my home yet, they are somewhere in Costa Rica but I don't know where they are and that is hard because this Momma wants her kids to be together! For right now, God has asked me to wait on Him.
We have two more rooms in our house that are empty. They have paint, tile, a fan and the trim is done. We were calling them the new rooms because no one is living in them. One night Josh and I were sitting down at the table talking about light switch covers and out came the words, "The girls room need some." We looked at each other and teared up. They are now referred to as our daughters rooms. Or as Judah likes to say, "This is my sisters room. Now let's go to my room."
Currently we are still waiting. We are have completed the first of many steps in the process. However; there are still so many unknowns and uncontrollable things. It is easy to get frustrated and overwhelmed just waiting for an email or phone call. Yet, I know that God is teaching us something, and it is worth it. We have seen so many answered prayers already, from meetings arranged, friends translating, kids being watched, our marriage becoming stronger, the boys begging us to get their sisters home, encouraging words, and the lists goes on. Adoption is not about us. Adoption is a beautiful picture of the Gospel.
Over 4 years ago Josh wrote a blog on adoption and the gospel. He also has the opportunity to teach on adoption when teams come down to help. He talks about the earthly struggles that come with adopting; paperwork, time, tears, the unknown, the letdown either pre-adoption or during the adoption process and the financial cost. The cost is something that we had a hard time swallowing. Why was it so expensive? Why was there so much waiting? Why doesn't God allow it to be easier? And then God....(always, right?) gently reminded us, "Do you realize how much it cost me? It cost me my Son." (For more on this check this blog out The cost of adoption )
Josh ends the message by encouraging the students, adults, teachers, doctors, lawyers, construction workers, and retiree's to actively be a part of adoption. Whether that means to physically adopt, financially give, or sacrifice time for families that are adopting, we all have the opportunity to take part. Adoption is not about us. It is a beautiful picture of the Gospel.
We would like to share with you a few things that we are praying for in the adoption.
1. Sibling set of 2
2. At least one girl
3. Timely meetings, paper work and so forth.
4. God prepares us and our kids hearts for this big family
5. That we make much of Jesus
6. Provision of finances
Since we are adopting as Costa Rican residence we are able to adopt domestically. This comes with a much cheaper price tag. However, we are in need of some additional funds. We project that it will cost around $10,000 to complete the process. It may be a little more or less. We are also looking for additional monthly financial partners as our monthly support has dropped in the past 3 months. If you would like to partner with us in this kingdom building/ family building opportunity please visit the link below to give a tax deductible gift. If you have any questions or would like to reach out to us please email me and Josh at allimcarthur@gmail.com and joshmc6@gmail.com.
For a one time gift click HERE
You can visit 68ministries.com and select McArthur family to find how you can give monthly.
Turn our eyes upon Jesus, look full into his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.
We have two more rooms in our house that are empty. They have paint, tile, a fan and the trim is done. We were calling them the new rooms because no one is living in them. One night Josh and I were sitting down at the table talking about light switch covers and out came the words, "The girls room need some." We looked at each other and teared up. They are now referred to as our daughters rooms. Or as Judah likes to say, "This is my sisters room. Now let's go to my room."
Currently we are still waiting. We are have completed the first of many steps in the process. However; there are still so many unknowns and uncontrollable things. It is easy to get frustrated and overwhelmed just waiting for an email or phone call. Yet, I know that God is teaching us something, and it is worth it. We have seen so many answered prayers already, from meetings arranged, friends translating, kids being watched, our marriage becoming stronger, the boys begging us to get their sisters home, encouraging words, and the lists goes on. Adoption is not about us. Adoption is a beautiful picture of the Gospel.
Over 4 years ago Josh wrote a blog on adoption and the gospel. He also has the opportunity to teach on adoption when teams come down to help. He talks about the earthly struggles that come with adopting; paperwork, time, tears, the unknown, the letdown either pre-adoption or during the adoption process and the financial cost. The cost is something that we had a hard time swallowing. Why was it so expensive? Why was there so much waiting? Why doesn't God allow it to be easier? And then God....(always, right?) gently reminded us, "Do you realize how much it cost me? It cost me my Son." (For more on this check this blog out The cost of adoption )
Josh ends the message by encouraging the students, adults, teachers, doctors, lawyers, construction workers, and retiree's to actively be a part of adoption. Whether that means to physically adopt, financially give, or sacrifice time for families that are adopting, we all have the opportunity to take part. Adoption is not about us. It is a beautiful picture of the Gospel.
We would like to share with you a few things that we are praying for in the adoption.
1. Sibling set of 2
2. At least one girl
3. Timely meetings, paper work and so forth.
4. God prepares us and our kids hearts for this big family
5. That we make much of Jesus
6. Provision of finances
Since we are adopting as Costa Rican residence we are able to adopt domestically. This comes with a much cheaper price tag. However, we are in need of some additional funds. We project that it will cost around $10,000 to complete the process. It may be a little more or less. We are also looking for additional monthly financial partners as our monthly support has dropped in the past 3 months. If you would like to partner with us in this kingdom building/ family building opportunity please visit the link below to give a tax deductible gift. If you have any questions or would like to reach out to us please email me and Josh at allimcarthur@gmail.com and joshmc6@gmail.com.
For a one time gift click HERE
You can visit 68ministries.com and select McArthur family to find how you can give monthly.
Turn our eyes upon Jesus, look full into his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.
Monday, October 16, 2017
We want to tell you something
It’s been over two months since we got our residency. And there are days that we still can’t believe that it happened! A week after we heard the news we had a smile that just wouldn’t go away. So grateful!
Last week we picked up our cédulas, basically cards saying that we are here.
Thank you for praying with us as we waited for the news. Thank you for rejoicing with us. Thank you for partnering with us and giving finically to us as we travel over Costa Rica getting important paperwork filled out and filed.
Having residency opens a couple of doors for us. Living Waters Children’s Ranch can begin the process of being approved by the government to be a suitable foster care facility.
There is something else...we should be able to now adopt a child from Costa Rica! We have always wanted to adopt and feel very strongly that God is calling us to do so. We have been encouraged by PANI (Child care services) officials to pursue one of the two options at a time. So with a lot of prayer and considerations we have decided to dive into the process of adoption. We are beyond thrilled and excited about this opportunity. There are many hurdles to overcome but they are nothing for God. He has been preparing us for this for a very long time.
We have a meeting next week to meet with a lawyer to get some more details. We need prayer for clarity, wisdom and guidance as we work through this.
The boys are very excited! We are very excited for all that God has planned for this family and the children that will one day be here and can join in the chaos.
Last week we picked up our cédulas, basically cards saying that we are here.
Thank you for praying with us as we waited for the news. Thank you for rejoicing with us. Thank you for partnering with us and giving finically to us as we travel over Costa Rica getting important paperwork filled out and filed.
Having residency opens a couple of doors for us. Living Waters Children’s Ranch can begin the process of being approved by the government to be a suitable foster care facility.
There is something else...we should be able to now adopt a child from Costa Rica! We have always wanted to adopt and feel very strongly that God is calling us to do so. We have been encouraged by PANI (Child care services) officials to pursue one of the two options at a time. So with a lot of prayer and considerations we have decided to dive into the process of adoption. We are beyond thrilled and excited about this opportunity. There are many hurdles to overcome but they are nothing for God. He has been preparing us for this for a very long time.
We have a meeting next week to meet with a lawyer to get some more details. We need prayer for clarity, wisdom and guidance as we work through this.
The boys are very excited! We are very excited for all that God has planned for this family and the children that will one day be here and can join in the chaos.
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Good news
So much has happened since the last blog update, sorry about that, we are trying to fix that. If you aren't on the email list please let us know and we can add you. Thanks!
Wanna hear some great news?
The first house is move in ready and we move in today!
Praise God! We can't thank you enough for your prayers, finical gifts, for coming down and working in the rain and humidity to work on the house. What an amazing way to see the body of Christ come together! There is a team here from Georgia who is finishing the final touches and cleaning it from top to bottom. God knew that we needed people with energy, strength, and bringing down someone to install lights and doorknobs. It's those little things of seeing God's fingerprints.
Hopefully, we can sit down and write out a little more detail on the past couple of months. God continues to work in amazing ways!
Prayer requests:
Wanna hear some great news?
The first house is move in ready and we move in today!
Praise God! We can't thank you enough for your prayers, finical gifts, for coming down and working in the rain and humidity to work on the house. What an amazing way to see the body of Christ come together! There is a team here from Georgia who is finishing the final touches and cleaning it from top to bottom. God knew that we needed people with energy, strength, and bringing down someone to install lights and doorknobs. It's those little things of seeing God's fingerprints.
Hopefully, we can sit down and write out a little more detail on the past couple of months. God continues to work in amazing ways!
Prayer requests:
- We are still waiting on our residency but I know that God has that taken care of too. We need that approved before we can move forward with PANI.
- The busy summer starts at the end of this month. Pray for the teams that are coming down and that God would work wonders in their hearts and life.
- The interns that are coming to work alongside the teams, Josh and I, Colleen, Charles, Spencer and Neil. Pray for endurance, strength, grace and safety.
We are so thankful for you all. Praying that God continues to work in your life as well.
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
The beginning
I grew up in a Christian home. I had awesome parents who served the Lord with their life. My Dad was a pastor of a local Florida PCA church. I learned what it was like to be a Christian and how a Christian was supposed to act and I became a master of it. All the mean while my self-righteousness was the leading cause of the chasm between God and I. When I was 18 God severely shook my world and began to reveal to me my hypocrisy and self-righteous life that I lived. In the summer of 2006 I had opportunity to serve God in Costa Rica for a few months. This was an amazing time for me but I knew that God wanted me to further my education of Him. When I came back my Dad mentioned checking out Eternity Bible College. Even though it was across the country I got excited about the adventure of leaving the nest and pursuing God on my own. At the time EBC wasn't accredited, friends told me that I should go to a school that was accredited. My desire was to pursue God and His call on my life even if credits were not officially recognized.
The life changing adventure
Within my first week of attending Eternity Bible College I knew God was going to rock my world. God used the professors to quickly break down what I knew about the Bible from years of Sunday school classes and began to rebuild my foundation with His story. The more I learned about Him my relationship with God became more intimate. The professors were intentional with their lectures and even more intentional with their relationships. I not only learned more about God but what it was like to be intentional with God given relationships. I was surrounded by a group of leaders who were passionate about following God and telling His story. The leaders of EBC knew that God was calling them to do something crazy by giving students an affordable life changing education. Even though many doubted the sustainability of such an idea, they went full steam ahead preparing students for a lifetime of ministry. Unintentionally, the leaders of EBC faithfully pursuing their mission from God, even with known difficulties, helped build in me a faith that is not based off things that are safe and secure but rather dependent on God. This has helped me tremendously as I lead my family into many unknowns in the mission field.
The Adventure continues
I am currently writing this from Horqueatas de Sarapiqui in Costa Rica. Over two years ago God called me, my wife Allison and our three children to help start a family based orphanage for boys with 6:8 Ministries. We are currently in the construction phase of the first family house. My wife and I hope to be moving into this home early this year and receive the first child by then end of 2017. The vision is to have ten family homes that can host four to eight orphaned boys. Our vision is to raise these young boys into godly men who will go out into their communities and raise a family in light of the family life modeled for them. This is a huge project that will take many years. These children that will be coming to us will not only get a family, but a mom and dad that models grace, forgiveness, love, an understanding of sacrifice, and English (great for future employment) and Spanish education.
By God's grace He has called us to build and maintain relationships with local Christians in the community as well. We have been able to support a local church ran feeding center. Throughout the year we have short term mission teams and a group of interns come from the United States to help with the various projects. My wife and I are able to model and use the things that we learned at EBC for them like living intentionally, trusting God in His projects that are way bigger than ourselves and devoting our lives to God without hesitation. I also use the bible education that I received not only for personal edification but also in teaching others of His glorious grace during our chapel times when teams are here.
It has almost been 10 years since I first began my education at EBC. Alli and I feel so blessed to have had the season of learning and growing. The time spent at EBC was a key factor for who and where we are today.
The life changing adventure
Within my first week of attending Eternity Bible College I knew God was going to rock my world. God used the professors to quickly break down what I knew about the Bible from years of Sunday school classes and began to rebuild my foundation with His story. The more I learned about Him my relationship with God became more intimate. The professors were intentional with their lectures and even more intentional with their relationships. I not only learned more about God but what it was like to be intentional with God given relationships. I was surrounded by a group of leaders who were passionate about following God and telling His story. The leaders of EBC knew that God was calling them to do something crazy by giving students an affordable life changing education. Even though many doubted the sustainability of such an idea, they went full steam ahead preparing students for a lifetime of ministry. Unintentionally, the leaders of EBC faithfully pursuing their mission from God, even with known difficulties, helped build in me a faith that is not based off things that are safe and secure but rather dependent on God. This has helped me tremendously as I lead my family into many unknowns in the mission field.
The Adventure continues
I am currently writing this from Horqueatas de Sarapiqui in Costa Rica. Over two years ago God called me, my wife Allison and our three children to help start a family based orphanage for boys with 6:8 Ministries. We are currently in the construction phase of the first family house. My wife and I hope to be moving into this home early this year and receive the first child by then end of 2017. The vision is to have ten family homes that can host four to eight orphaned boys. Our vision is to raise these young boys into godly men who will go out into their communities and raise a family in light of the family life modeled for them. This is a huge project that will take many years. These children that will be coming to us will not only get a family, but a mom and dad that models grace, forgiveness, love, an understanding of sacrifice, and English (great for future employment) and Spanish education.
By God's grace He has called us to build and maintain relationships with local Christians in the community as well. We have been able to support a local church ran feeding center. Throughout the year we have short term mission teams and a group of interns come from the United States to help with the various projects. My wife and I are able to model and use the things that we learned at EBC for them like living intentionally, trusting God in His projects that are way bigger than ourselves and devoting our lives to God without hesitation. I also use the bible education that I received not only for personal edification but also in teaching others of His glorious grace during our chapel times when teams are here.
It has almost been 10 years since I first began my education at EBC. Alli and I feel so blessed to have had the season of learning and growing. The time spent at EBC was a key factor for who and where we are today.
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