New Year

For your faithful love is higher than the heavens, and your faithfulness reaches to the clouds!

Psalm 108:4

Alyssa, Suzi & Brittany came down to visit! 

Thanks to these lovely ladies, we had a great kick off to 2016!  It was so fun to see you girls and share the city with you! Thank you so much for coming!  

A few quick stats above from 2015 for you number people.   Praise God for His faithfulness!  Thanks to all of YOU - God has used you!  This month we continue praying, listening and planning for His vision in 2016.  

Super sweet to have family time this month (as three of us have January birthdays)! And, it was especially great to spend time with Yazna (Xau's sister) who was visiting from her missions work in Peru.

Below: If you've heard of the "quinceañera" tradition, here's some evidence! 

This young lady, Anahi, requested that Xaume share the Word of God at her "sweet 15."  It was an honor to encourage her to stand firm in her faith, share the gospel with guests, and direct this right of passage. 

And, this month we finished our 16-hour children's ministry training with "South Christian Center!"  In the fall, the pastor of this church had been praying specifically for support to fortify their children's ministry.  Then in September we sat at the same table at a breakfast event for ministers.  

When he heard about our ministry, he got in touch with us right away to organize a training seminar.  Turns out, the church is just a few miles away from our house!  He and the children's leaders have been so eager to learn these past weeks.  

Testimony 1:

"As the pastor's wife, I could see that the children's teachers now have more enthusiasm, more tools, and are excited to do more with the kids.  I can see it in their teaching: now they're more dynamic and interesting.  It's been a great blessing for me."  

Testimony 2: (teacher Veronica)
"It deeply touched my heart to see how important kids are and to give them the place they deserve.  Especially: to give them the time necessary that they deserve; how to be like a child; and to have that freshness to teach again." 

We were so excited to hear that they organized a children's outreach event first thing this January.  They had more tools to work with due to the training and had a great turn out!

"The Way- Family Restoration Church" is just beginning their children's ministry, and therefore invited us this month to lead a training.  

As we began, the children's leader, Christina, confessed that she was about at her wit's end.  But by the end of the session, she and the others told us that they had been built up - challenged in their calling and equipped with some tools to start with!   

Working with kids and encouraging others to value kids' ministry continues to bless us.  The Bible is so clear on Jesus' heart for children.  May we never underestimate the impact - starting even with one.  

We're expectant for this new year that's begun and all that God has for the months to come!  Please continue to pray with us for His glory to break through!