December Happenings

(Pictured above: Our new building)

Dear praying friends,

There is so much to write about, that we hope to communicate all of the important events in just one letter. It is an exciting time to minister here in Santa Ana because of the Bible institute that is being developed in the church, we were able to find a much bigger (and nicer) building for the church, a missionary with a unique testimony came to preach for us, and more people than expected participated in the last Lord’s Supper of the year. Also, the Lord is bonding us closer together as we seek out to minister to Salvadorans as a family.

About six months ago, we were able to start a Bible institute in the church. Steve taught “Philosophy of Discipleship” to a group of four men. As a result, two of these men are currently discipling others. A few years ago, we prayed that the Lord would bless the church with several members who have a burden to evangelize and disciple. Although it has not been easy, and Satan has battled every step of the way, this prayer is becoming a reality. About one month ago, Steve started teaching another course (“How to Study the Bible”), and six men are now taking the course. Please pray that God will give us wisdom to develop leaders. If we continue to serve the Lord faithfully, I know He will allow the church to eventually train and send its own missionaries.

Speaking of missions, about a week ago we received an extra special blessing at the church. A Salvadoran missionary (Gilberto Orellana) came to preach at our church. Brother Orellana is now a missionary in Spain but, began as a missionary to Morocco. While in Morocco, he was imprisoned for leading Muslims to Christ. He shared his testimony with us, and it reinforced the importance of missions to the church. We are preparing to have our 3rd annual missions conference in February, and are looking to be able to support Bro. Orellana. God is burdening our church for missions, as we regularly pray for missionaries, and have faithfully supported 3 missionary families over the past year. We pray that the church realizes that if Bro. Orellana can be a missionary, many of them could be as well.

About one month ago we received a great answer to prayer. For our first three years we were having church services in a medium sized house (5 rooms). For over a year we had been praying to find a bigger house. Our options were limited, since we couldn’t move far away from the area, and it is not common to find a house for rent in our neighborhood. Thankfully, God led us to rent a house only 5 blocks away from the original house. This new house is much bigger (10 rooms), and will allow us to grow the church even further. Thankfully, we were able to celebrate the Lord’s Supper just days after moving. By God’s Grace, 18 church members participated. Some of the church members participated for the first time.

Our family is excited that Rosa graduated from school last week. In El Salvador, the children have an extra school year between Kindergarten and First grade, and it is called Preparatory. This is when the children graduate, instead of Kindergarten. The school year is also different and runs from January to the end of October. We were proud of her graduating with the highest honors, when just a year ago she was struggling to speak Spanish. Caleb desperately wanted to wear a cap and gown like his big sister, and we assured him that his time is coming! Joshua (seven months old) continues to grow and is interacting with his siblings. We have already had to break up little spats between him and Caleb! Thank you for your prayers for our family. May each of you have a wonderful Christmas, celebrating Jesus.