Testimonies and more

This summer we saw the fruit of Blanca’s ministry with children in numerous ways and would like to share these encouraging affirmations with you:

Diana, 12, was invited to the movies on a Saturday, but turned down the invitation because she didn’t want to miss kids’ club! Diana told Blanca how she now prays at school

and her friends ask her what she is doing. Prayer is a foreign concept to her classmates. (Please pray for Diana, whose father doesn’t want her coming to kids’ club).

Blanca complimented a woman on the eager attention and participation of her granddaughter Vanesa (5). The grandmother was surprised, because Vanesa’s principal is constantly calling her mother because of Vanesa’s refusal to pay attention or do her work. Vanesa responds to Blanca’s Sunday school lessons in ways that she does not at school.

Julio, 13, started coming to kids’ club a year and a half ago with his sisters Wendy and Lidia. Their landlord told their parents that if they continued to attend, he would throw them out. The parents, though not Christians, told their kids they could continue attending,come what may. Late last year the landlord made good on his promise, and the family had to move out. This summer all of Julio’s family began to attend our church regularly. The church always sings and greets people for their birthdays, and when we did that for Julio’s mother, she said no one had ever done that for her before.

Some stories aren’t as pleasant. Samuelito’s parents allowed him to roam the streets and he was always getting into trouble. But then Samuelito, 9, began to attend kids’ club. He had a huge smile every week and always loved to help. After a lesson on sin, his mother told Blanca that when Samuelito started to tell her a lie, he covered his mouth and stopped himself because he realized what he was doing. About a year ago, Samuel’s father and two others were kidnapped. Ransom was paid, but the men were never returned and are presumed dead. The father’s family kicked Samuelito’s mother and the children out because ‘they weren’t family anymore.’ Sammy was forced to work at his young age, and Blanca hasn’t been able to track him down. Please pray Blanca will be able to find Samuelito, and that the Lord will give him grace in his difficult situation.

And it’s not only the kids…

Please pray for José and Carla. They are relatives of members of our church. They approached the church because they want to get married next year. They have lived together for over 20 years and have an adolescent son. Blanca and I shared the gospel with them and they accepted Christ. I confess we were skeptical at first. Because of their work, José can’t come to any of our services, and Carla can only come twice a month. Did they just want the church to marry them but had no real Christian commitment? Our skepticism was for nothing. They are faithfully attending discipleship classes with lay pastor Hernán each week, and attend church every chance they can. They have a visible hunger for God’s word, and share freely how surprised and excited they are by what they are learning. Please pray for the Lord to continue to work in their lives

In other news…

  • Our son Daniel returned safely from Spain this summer, where he took two courses toward his degree in digital animation. Alexandra is presently in Vancouver for two weeks to say goodbye to her best friend Winnie, who just moved there.
  • I (Dave) was able to prepare and teach a four day conference on missions in the Bible at an InterVarsity training camp for leaders. My eight students were eager to learn and it was an especially rewarding experience for me.
  • I start teaching at seminary tomorrow (August 25). I will teach Gospels to our six incoming freshmen, and Hebrews to Revelation to our three sophomores.
  • Next week (August 30 to September 2) about 50 people will descend upon Mexico City for two meetings: round table talks on ministries to families and migrants, and a regional meeting of World Missions to explain the direction and structure of our mission as it combines with Home Missions. I have been quite busy this summer organizing the logistics for these two meetings. Please pray the meetings are enjoyable and productive.
  • Praise the Lord and thanks to our supporters, that even though our 2015-16 support goal was a big jump from 2014-15, we ended up raising 82% (the mission had ambitiously asked us to raise 87%). Thanks to all who sent in support gifts in 2015-16!

Thank you all for your prayers, encouragement, and support. May the Lord bless you all richly as you shine with his light in Christ.

Dave, Blanca, Daniel and Alexandra