Friday, December 4, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Victor
Pray for Victor.
Victor is a 13 year old boy, the great-nephew of Estela, one of the sisters in the Ixtlan church. Today while at school (not ours, because I know that some will wonder), Victor climbed into a tree to get a ball that had gotten stuck and fell out.
While I am not sure of the exact injuries, I know that he has fractured vertabrea and possible a fracture in the skull. He also has some internal injuries in his head that is causing some bleeding. His case is still very delicate, and the doctors are transferring him t Guadalajara, a hospital about 2 hours away.
Pray that Victor would heal completel from this injury and that he could return to a normal life quickly. God is the Great Physician and we can trust His diagnosis and treatment more than any man's.
Pray also that this would make Victor think more about Jesus and what he really wants and needs in his life. Victor has come to some church events like Jovenes on Saturday night and he was pretty regular back when we used to play soccer. Pray that through this time God would start greater, spiritual healing in all of Victor's family.
Thanks for all who pray. Prayer is the one thing we can do no matter where we are at and no matter how helpless we feel. It is the single most powerful force of our world. Please pray for Victor, his family and this whole community of Ixtlan and its surrounding towns.
Victor is a 13 year old boy, the great-nephew of Estela, one of the sisters in the Ixtlan church. Today while at school (not ours, because I know that some will wonder), Victor climbed into a tree to get a ball that had gotten stuck and fell out.
While I am not sure of the exact injuries, I know that he has fractured vertabrea and possible a fracture in the skull. He also has some internal injuries in his head that is causing some bleeding. His case is still very delicate, and the doctors are transferring him t Guadalajara, a hospital about 2 hours away.
Pray that Victor would heal completel from this injury and that he could return to a normal life quickly. God is the Great Physician and we can trust His diagnosis and treatment more than any man's.
Pray also that this would make Victor think more about Jesus and what he really wants and needs in his life. Victor has come to some church events like Jovenes on Saturday night and he was pretty regular back when we used to play soccer. Pray that through this time God would start greater, spiritual healing in all of Victor's family.
Thanks for all who pray. Prayer is the one thing we can do no matter where we are at and no matter how helpless we feel. It is the single most powerful force of our world. Please pray for Victor, his family and this whole community of Ixtlan and its surrounding towns.
Friday, November 6, 2009
November
Yes, it is November and it has been way too long since I sat down to blog. Internet Explorer didn't even recognize the web address when I typed it in. I have to sincerely apologize to everyone who has been faithfully checking for updates and to everyone who has given up and just doesn't check anymore. I would promise to do better, but I don't know if that would be letting my yes be yes.
There hasn't been a lot of action in the past couple of months. Mike and Deb Leman were here for a visit in October. It was very good to have them around the guest house some. We always have some very good conversations. The chruch really appreciates Mike because he can speak Spanish and there is no langauge barrier. We look forward to their return sometime in the spring.
Last weekend we had a full guest house. Daniel and Tami Coughlin who are studying Spanish in Morelia were here for the extended weekend (some of us had Monday off). Dwayne and Ann Wulf were also here Saturday and Sunday with their kids, Cassidy, Axel, Zach, Garret, and Marshall. They are studying Spanish in Guadalajara. Both families are planning to go to Magdalena from here. It was a very different environment with four little boys around, but it was a fun change. It sounds like everyone will be back for a Thanksgivng celebration on the 21st. So we will enjoy their presence again soon.
School has been going well. The eight kids in first grade are much more adjusted now and are doing well. They have improved a lot. They just recently learned animals in English as well as some important adjectives like big, little, fast, and slow. They were acting out the animals in class the other day and, wow, it got crazy fast. We've had a lot of fun though and next week they are going to learn some foods, I think. The other classes are going well as well. All the classes exxcept 1st grade are going to end at the end of November, Thanksgiving Day is actually the last day of class. So, I will have a little more time in December to get some more things done before I come home on the 22nd.
Here are some pictures from the bondfire we had last Sunday evening. With the time change it is dark by about 7:00, so there was plenty of time for a bonfire.
It was a very nice evening and the hotdogs tasted pretty good considering I probably haven't had on since I was home in July. Besides bonfires are always good reminders of all the good times I've had back in the states with all my family and friends. Just don't have to much fun at campfires without me (of course, maybe it's getting too cold up there. I haven't heard any reports lately, so I don't know).
Here is a picture of a sunset a couple weeks ago. The sunsets have been pretty lately and you can conveniently see them very well from my bedroom window. I did doctor it up a little to get back the true color so I might have made the contrasts a little strong, but it looks pretty cool.
The past months have been a great challenge to further find my identity nd fulfillment in Christ alone. Living alone in the guest house gives me a lot of alone time whether I want it or not. Solitude can teach you a lot and the past months have been no exception. I understand so much better the journey that is being a follower of Christ. What I thought I once knew turned out to be just the smallest beginning of the truth. What I am learning, while new and deep and challenging tells me that there is so much more to learn. The more I learn the more I understand the difficulty of giving up myself for God, the more I take joy in leaving behind the world and walking with the Spirit. There is an incredile joy in this journey in the world and it only comes from coming into the presence of God. Please join with me and many, many others who are praying for God's powerful name to be heard and accepted by unbelievers in Ixtlan,in Mexico, and in every part of the world so that more can come to know this joy and hope that we have in Jesus Christ.
There hasn't been a lot of action in the past couple of months. Mike and Deb Leman were here for a visit in October. It was very good to have them around the guest house some. We always have some very good conversations. The chruch really appreciates Mike because he can speak Spanish and there is no langauge barrier. We look forward to their return sometime in the spring.
Last weekend we had a full guest house. Daniel and Tami Coughlin who are studying Spanish in Morelia were here for the extended weekend (some of us had Monday off). Dwayne and Ann Wulf were also here Saturday and Sunday with their kids, Cassidy, Axel, Zach, Garret, and Marshall. They are studying Spanish in Guadalajara. Both families are planning to go to Magdalena from here. It was a very different environment with four little boys around, but it was a fun change. It sounds like everyone will be back for a Thanksgivng celebration on the 21st. So we will enjoy their presence again soon.
School has been going well. The eight kids in first grade are much more adjusted now and are doing well. They have improved a lot. They just recently learned animals in English as well as some important adjectives like big, little, fast, and slow. They were acting out the animals in class the other day and, wow, it got crazy fast. We've had a lot of fun though and next week they are going to learn some foods, I think. The other classes are going well as well. All the classes exxcept 1st grade are going to end at the end of November, Thanksgiving Day is actually the last day of class. So, I will have a little more time in December to get some more things done before I come home on the 22nd.
Here are some pictures from the bondfire we had last Sunday evening. With the time change it is dark by about 7:00, so there was plenty of time for a bonfire.
It was a very nice evening and the hotdogs tasted pretty good considering I probably haven't had on since I was home in July. Besides bonfires are always good reminders of all the good times I've had back in the states with all my family and friends. Just don't have to much fun at campfires without me (of course, maybe it's getting too cold up there. I haven't heard any reports lately, so I don't know).
Here is a picture of a sunset a couple weeks ago. The sunsets have been pretty lately and you can conveniently see them very well from my bedroom window. I did doctor it up a little to get back the true color so I might have made the contrasts a little strong, but it looks pretty cool.
The past months have been a great challenge to further find my identity nd fulfillment in Christ alone. Living alone in the guest house gives me a lot of alone time whether I want it or not. Solitude can teach you a lot and the past months have been no exception. I understand so much better the journey that is being a follower of Christ. What I thought I once knew turned out to be just the smallest beginning of the truth. What I am learning, while new and deep and challenging tells me that there is so much more to learn. The more I learn the more I understand the difficulty of giving up myself for God, the more I take joy in leaving behind the world and walking with the Spirit. There is an incredile joy in this journey in the world and it only comes from coming into the presence of God. Please join with me and many, many others who are praying for God's powerful name to be heard and accepted by unbelievers in Ixtlan,in Mexico, and in every part of the world so that more can come to know this joy and hope that we have in Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
To parade or not to parade....
Yes, that was the question this morning.
Today is the 16th of September, the Mexican Independence Day. It is tradition that the schools all gather and parade through the town after a civil presentation in the plaza. So, the kids have been busy learning how to march in formation, learning the different commands, and staying in good order. They have improved a lot actually. Today we all met at the school and went to the plaza, the kids all excited about the parade. But....
The parade was cancelled. Last year in the parade in Morelia, the capital of Michoacan (our state), there were some bombs, or grenades thrown which killed several people. It was the result of fighting drug cartels from what I have understood. So, as a matter of safety, the parades this year were cancelled. So, here in Ixtlan, we just had an Acto Civico, as they are called and then, for the kids, and Lizet, their teacher (who was very sad not to march), we paraded back to the school. The kids did very well and even got some confetti (a parade must around here) thrown on them by the Gonzalezes as we passes their store.
So all in all, it was a good day. And much to your excitement, maybe, I have some pictures for you.
This isn't the parade, just me with the kids.
Here are the kids at the Acto Civico in the plaza. They were a little disinterested, but it all went well.
Here the kids are parading back to the school. It was a little confusing at first because we had to get out of all the people in the plaza.
Here are the kids again, just a little closer so that you can see them better.
Prayer:
Pray for these families. They are being introduced to Jesus and the hope that He gives the world maybe for the first time. They also face a level of persecution form the community about putting their children in a Christian school. Pray that, above all, they respond to the gospel of Jesus.
Today is the 16th of September, the Mexican Independence Day. It is tradition that the schools all gather and parade through the town after a civil presentation in the plaza. So, the kids have been busy learning how to march in formation, learning the different commands, and staying in good order. They have improved a lot actually. Today we all met at the school and went to the plaza, the kids all excited about the parade. But....
The parade was cancelled. Last year in the parade in Morelia, the capital of Michoacan (our state), there were some bombs, or grenades thrown which killed several people. It was the result of fighting drug cartels from what I have understood. So, as a matter of safety, the parades this year were cancelled. So, here in Ixtlan, we just had an Acto Civico, as they are called and then, for the kids, and Lizet, their teacher (who was very sad not to march), we paraded back to the school. The kids did very well and even got some confetti (a parade must around here) thrown on them by the Gonzalezes as we passes their store.
So all in all, it was a good day. And much to your excitement, maybe, I have some pictures for you.
This isn't the parade, just me with the kids.
Here are the kids at the Acto Civico in the plaza. They were a little disinterested, but it all went well.
Here the kids are parading back to the school. It was a little confusing at first because we had to get out of all the people in the plaza.
Here are the kids again, just a little closer so that you can see them better.
Prayer:
Pray for these families. They are being introduced to Jesus and the hope that He gives the world maybe for the first time. They also face a level of persecution form the community about putting their children in a Christian school. Pray that, above all, they respond to the gospel of Jesus.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Back to School
Today was the first official day of school. We have nine students currently enrolled in first grade. We are starting with only first grade and planning on adding further grades as the years go by.
Thank you for all the prayers for the school up to this point. We can really feel them, especially on days like this.
Keep praying for the school and all the kids that are here. Pray that the kids can learn academically, but also spiritually. Pray that they can grow into strong young people who can contribute to their society with wisdom and understanding. Pray that the seed of the gospel would be firmly planted in their lives.
Pray for the staff as well, that we would have understanding about how to teach and help these kids. It is a daunting task that has been taken on here, but God is faithful and has been faithful. Pray that we would continue to see His faithfulness and guidance.
And praise God for the work that he has done so far. Praise Him for his faithfulness and His work here in Ixtlan.
Thank you for all the prayers for the school up to this point. We can really feel them, especially on days like this.
Keep praying for the school and all the kids that are here. Pray that the kids can learn academically, but also spiritually. Pray that they can grow into strong young people who can contribute to their society with wisdom and understanding. Pray that the seed of the gospel would be firmly planted in their lives.
Pray for the staff as well, that we would have understanding about how to teach and help these kids. It is a daunting task that has been taken on here, but God is faithful and has been faithful. Pray that we would continue to see His faithfulness and guidance.
And praise God for the work that he has done so far. Praise Him for his faithfulness and His work here in Ixtlan.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Escuelita 2009
Just so you are aware, there are two new posts. I just couldn't put them in the same post.
It's been several weeks already, but Escuelita 2009 has come and gone. This would be VBS for those who aren't up on the Spanish lingo. It is always a crazy week. It starts at about 9:30 when the first truck leaves to pick up kids and we start at 11:00. We had an average of around 270 kids show up every day. Friday was the day we handed out the prizes and attendence was a little higher that day, probably around 300 kids. We had the theme of the Apostle Paul this year which was good, but a little hard to tell chapters 6-28 of Acts in five days. It was a good year. I taught 10-11 year old boys with Matt which was a lot of fun. We had thrity couple every day. They were a fun bunch.
Here are some pictures of the week, a lot more interesting that anything that I write.
One of the little kid classes in the church.
8-9 year old girls. The school helps out a lot for these big classes.
Matt and I with our boys working on the activity after the lesson.
Here is most of the crew that worked at VBS all week. This was taken Friday afternoon at our little 'celebration' for having survived the week.
Pray that the kids who came will remember the lessons that they heard and that the seeds that were planted during the week would sometime bring forth fruit. We place these kids in God's hands and know that He will work in them to bring up new believers (it's just hard to be patient sometimes).
It's been several weeks already, but Escuelita 2009 has come and gone. This would be VBS for those who aren't up on the Spanish lingo. It is always a crazy week. It starts at about 9:30 when the first truck leaves to pick up kids and we start at 11:00. We had an average of around 270 kids show up every day. Friday was the day we handed out the prizes and attendence was a little higher that day, probably around 300 kids. We had the theme of the Apostle Paul this year which was good, but a little hard to tell chapters 6-28 of Acts in five days. It was a good year. I taught 10-11 year old boys with Matt which was a lot of fun. We had thrity couple every day. They were a fun bunch.
Here are some pictures of the week, a lot more interesting that anything that I write.
One of the little kid classes in the church.
8-9 year old girls. The school helps out a lot for these big classes.
Matt and I with our boys working on the activity after the lesson.
Here is most of the crew that worked at VBS all week. This was taken Friday afternoon at our little 'celebration' for having survived the week.
Pray that the kids who came will remember the lessons that they heard and that the seeds that were planted during the week would sometime bring forth fruit. We place these kids in God's hands and know that He will work in them to bring up new believers (it's just hard to be patient sometimes).
Every once in a while our hearts break.
It has been a long silence here on La Vida Ixtlan.
I wish that the news wasn't so bitter sweet. Yesterday our brother Roberto went to be with God. He was such an amazing brother in the church and will be missed so much by all of us. I don't know how much I will miss hearing 'doscientos, hermano' when singing in the church. I can't describe his love for the body of Christ. I can't describe his love. We will miss him and his smiling face.
As much as we will miss him, his family will miss him more. His wife Rosa, daughter Ana Rosa (her husband Edgar), his grandchildren Roberto (7 or 8 years old) and Eric (seven months). Rosa has the joy of knowing that she will see him agian in heaven. Pray that she will take comfort and strength in that. The rest of the family doesn't have that hope. Pray that they would be comforted and strengthened, but above all else pray that they would see the light and hope that is in Christ through this. Pray that the veil would be lifted from their faces and that they would come humbly before God in repentence.
It is a bittersweet day. We will miss Roberto, for that we are sad. But, more, we rejoice knowing that he is healed completely through God's amazing grace. What a beautiful hope we have.
I wish that the news wasn't so bitter sweet. Yesterday our brother Roberto went to be with God. He was such an amazing brother in the church and will be missed so much by all of us. I don't know how much I will miss hearing 'doscientos, hermano' when singing in the church. I can't describe his love for the body of Christ. I can't describe his love. We will miss him and his smiling face.
As much as we will miss him, his family will miss him more. His wife Rosa, daughter Ana Rosa (her husband Edgar), his grandchildren Roberto (7 or 8 years old) and Eric (seven months). Rosa has the joy of knowing that she will see him agian in heaven. Pray that she will take comfort and strength in that. The rest of the family doesn't have that hope. Pray that they would be comforted and strengthened, but above all else pray that they would see the light and hope that is in Christ through this. Pray that the veil would be lifted from their faces and that they would come humbly before God in repentence.
It is a bittersweet day. We will miss Roberto, for that we are sad. But, more, we rejoice knowing that he is healed completely through God's amazing grace. What a beautiful hope we have.
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