For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

Dear Fellow Redeemed in Christ,

This past month has been a challenging one for the Wildauer family. As many of you know, we returned to Belize in August after spending some time in the States for home service and congregational visits. Home school had started up and evangelization among Belizeans recommenced. Then on October 8, my wife Robin went to a clinic for yearly screenings and received the recommendation to seek further analysis. Within a week and a half, we received word that Robin was diagnosed with breast cancer.

The Belizean medical system is not fully equipped to treat cancer in the way more developed countries can. In conversation with our Latin American regional leadership, we made the decision to return to the United States as a family and enter the U.S. health care system. We have been in the States for three weeks and Robin has had her initial appointments. Due to the difference in medical systems (metrics, grading, etc.), it is almost like starting from scratch. We do not yet have a full diagnosis nor staging. However, the treatment center thus far has been very helpful in getting Robin into their system and along the right path. Indeed, patience is tested as it feels like we are often waiting for news. However, we know that a full diagnosis and a clear path forward take time. We rely on the Lord’s mercy each day. Please add Robin to your personal and congregational prayers. You are also welcome to follow our family updates at Robin’s CaringBridge site by searching for her name.

We returned to Bremen, Indiana, where my grandfather’s house remains vacant. We have family and wonderful Lutheran congregations nearby who are taking great care of us. I am reminded daily that this is a cross-cultural experience for the children, as a majority of their lives have been outside the United States. They have not truly experienced autumn or winter. They gladly raked leaves the first day they were here, leaves that changed colors! They attended an American high school football game. The kids anxiously awaited their first snow with plans for snow forts (literal, drawn-up designs!) and subsequently were rewarded with an extremely early snowfall of a few inches. Having brought their homeschool materials, they keep busy each day. At the same time, local Amish buggies remind us of Belize. Tortillas are a household staple, even here.

You are welcome to contact Robin or anyone in the family by mail: Wildauer Family, 515 Poplar Drive, Bremen, IN 46506

The Office of International Mission understands our situation and has given us this time of leave from the field. It is our intention to return to Belize as soon as the Lord allows. In the meantime, I will continue to teach online classes with our seminary in Santiago, Dominican Republic, so long as time allows. In our absence from the field, please remember the Belize mission in your prayers, those with whom I have had ongoing Bible studies and catechesis, and for our missionary families who are currently there (Burch, Groth, and Flores families).

I asked Robin the other day if I can say that we remain confident in Christ. She asked me why I wouldn’t say that. The way forward is not hopeless. There are days of waiting where we feel like we are sheep being led to the slaughter, led on a way which passes through death. But we do not despair or continue without direction. Christ Jesus promises to remain with us in life and death, and nothing can separate us from Him (Romans 8:35-39). Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. With the Psalmist (and the writer of Hebrews), we can confidently say, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6). We have nothing if not belief in Christ.

The hope of Christ’s resurrection be with you,

Rev. Micah Wildauer & Family