The Christmas outreach went much better than expected - and I always wonder, why are we surprised when God goes above and beyond?! It was such a blessing to watch as each team carried out their jobs to near perfection, and everything went off without a hitch! We were even blessed by EBC's resident photographer who came and donated his time and talents. The kitchen team served an amazing posole soup with all the fixings, the craft team was well prepared and each child got to make a Christmas foam ornament, there were two pinatas full of candy, a drama presented by the youth, worship time, lots of fun games with prizes, goody bags that included Gospel tracts, and a New Testament Bible went home with each family. This year we were also able to add a raffle for two baskets full of groceries - that provided for a lot of fun and excitement - and what a joy to see two families take the blessing-baskets home! In all, we estimate that there were close 200 people, 130 of those being children. Say it with me - AMEN!
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| The joy of the pinata |
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| Everybody wants candy! |
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| Worship |
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| Bibles going home |
(Click HERE to watch a video presentation of the Christmas outreach event. Jose worked really hard on it and I know you'll love it!)
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
Since the Christmas event, we have been blessed with new visitors every Sunday. We pray that God would equip us with what is needed to minister and bless these families according to their needs.
Jose continues to lead two in-home Bible studies every week, and Ruth continues meeting with the women every other week. We praise the Lord for two consistent, wonderful Sunday School teachers for the preschool class. Ruth is now teaching every other week in the children's church class, alternating with one other teacher. Please pray for these kids, as some are not familiar with the Bible and may not hear much of it at home!
Jose is now attending an 8-week leadership class, encouraging several men from the Spanish congregation to attend with him for leadership development. Participation has not been what we had hoped and we ask you to pray! If you were to ask us what is our greatest need in Spanish ministry, we would say "leadership!" without hesitation. Please pray that God would raise up men in the congregation, that God would send Jose the pastoral support that he so desperately needs. Pray that male leaders would come alongside Jose to support him and hold up his hands (see Exodus 17). The role of worship leader also remains available - prayers appreciated there too! Meanwhile we are so blessed with several talented musicians who are giving their hearts and service to the Lord every week. What a joy to see them serve.
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| Please pray for this talented teen - he loves to serve the Lord in leading worship and playing many instruments! |
We know that God listens when we cry out to Him, and we are so encouraged by your prayers and support. Our hearts are continually humbled by God's richest blessings poured on us through all of you, and we are grateful.
We would love to hear from you and know how we can pray for you! As always, feel free to comment here, send us an email, or drop us a line by any other means of communication. And if you are up in the Pacific Northwest, let us know! We'd be thrilled to have you visit a Spanish service, share a meal in our home, and even to take you on a waterfall/river/mountain/coastal tour!
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| We have to include a picture of our kids, just because they're so beautiful! |
God bless you as you serve Him right where you are!
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