We are doing great as a family! The girls are growing up quickly. Mia will be finishing pre-K in November and Zoe will be entering preeschool next year. They both love to sing and dance and are both super sweet and crazy! Maria and I celebrate 6 1/2 years of marriage, Mia turned four in August and Zoe 2 in July!
Mia has recently stared to preach about Jesus on the cross and LOVES to sing worship songs. Zoe likes to sing, too, and is very eager to help/serve with whatever task.
Mia has recently stared to preach about Jesus on the cross and LOVES to sing worship songs. Zoe likes to sing, too, and is very eager to help/serve with whatever task.
One of the greatest recent highlights was being able to baptize 3 persons (my nephew, Maria's aunt, and another girl from the church) during our one-year anniversary celebration in May! It was my first time baptizing.
Some pics from the church's one-year anniversary
Church news
We have many testimonies of the growth of church members! God has also been raising up leaders and servants within the church. We are excited about the direction of the church and for what God will do in the future!
Back in August, I got to be a part of a mission team on a few occasions helping with translating and teaching for healing trainings here in Santa Marta!
Maria is currently studying Christian Church Leadership online with Manna University from North Carolina. There is a group studying in Santa Marta.
Fire School Update
The mission of the Fire School is to "Form integral missionaries who will take the Fire of God to the nations." We want to send these very kids as missionaries to the nations in the future!
This year we have started a teen leadership initiative where we allow profecitos ("little volunteers") to be a part of the adult staff team. The four teens below have earned the privilege of being part of this group! They have been given responsibilities and we have taken them to minister in certain ministry events, too. They certainly have been growing!
from left to right: Ricardo, Samuel, Sheila, and Faruth
from left to right: Ricardo, Samuel, Sheila, and Faruth
A few pics form our recent VBS that we had during a week of October vacation!
God has been expanding our ministry impact in the community!
Preaching and praying for healing in local health center on Friday mornings!
Ministering in the local school called Las Americas!
Evangelistic kids' event at a near-by church!
Testimonies
1. We have had two other girls from the church express their desire to be baptized!
2. A few months ago a was on a bus with Mia and a woman asked if I had recognized her. She was a leader of a kids group that we had done an activity for a few years back. As we talked she "randomly" asked if I remember the boy who had stained skin that I had prayed for to be restored. She told me that ALL of his skin stains are gone. I had no idea, and that was several years ago. So cool and glory to God!
3. My wife and others are helping a young lady with many family and personal problems be restored. She has begun to play piano in the church!
4. Sheila (14 yrs old) has been growing a TON. She is in her "first love" with God and is serving in many ways with the ministry. We hope she soon decides to get baptized, too.
2. A few months ago a was on a bus with Mia and a woman asked if I had recognized her. She was a leader of a kids group that we had done an activity for a few years back. As we talked she "randomly" asked if I remember the boy who had stained skin that I had prayed for to be restored. She told me that ALL of his skin stains are gone. I had no idea, and that was several years ago. So cool and glory to God!
3. My wife and others are helping a young lady with many family and personal problems be restored. She has begun to play piano in the church!
4. Sheila (14 yrs old) has been growing a TON. She is in her "first love" with God and is serving in many ways with the ministry. We hope she soon decides to get baptized, too.
Prayer requests
1. For the continued spiritual growth of the church members and the
kids of the Fire School
2. For us as a family as we will be moving in November and still don't know where to
3. For continued strength and focus to better fulfill the mission God has given us
4. For key persons to join our ministry next year to free us up to expand
5. For the repentance of the people of Santa Marta and that they turn to Jesus
6. That Mia and Zoe will have a love for the Lord and understand God's mission for them
kids of the Fire School
2. For us as a family as we will be moving in November and still don't know where to
3. For continued strength and focus to better fulfill the mission God has given us
4. For key persons to join our ministry next year to free us up to expand
5. For the repentance of the people of Santa Marta and that they turn to Jesus
6. That Mia and Zoe will have a love for the Lord and understand God's mission for them