dec

On November 29th, Honduras had its elections. Everything went really well. No major protests or problems and lots of people showed up to vote. Praise God for democracy and peace. I thought maybe that because of the current situation (with an interim president), the new president would enter office sooner, however they are following the regular January schedule.

December Trip to the States

This Saturday (December 12th) is Kjell and Mikaya’s turn to visit the United States (we changed their fall tickets to their December school break). We have mixed feelings since the rest of us feel like we just got back! We are glad they get a chance to go, but we will miss them. Kjell will also be attending an Advanced Placement (AP) workshop so that he can begin an AP English program at Discovery School. They will visit friends, family (with even a trip to VT), and churches. They will fly back on Christmas Eve, with an overnight stay in Texas (we have friends who live outside of Dallas who will see them), and fly home on Christmas. At least there will not be any traffic in the city when we pick them up!

Graduation

After teaching bible at the Rehabilitation Center for 7 months, I was finally invited to a graduation. Residents come in the ‘4 month program,’ but stay for various lengths of time. Some feel like they need an extra couple of months, some stay for a year to get solid in the word of God, and others continue on as staff. Sometimes I do not even get to say good-bye, but today I felt like I had a little bit of closure.

Three people graduated today. We had praise and worship, some preaching, some words over each graduate, and some praise. Some of the parents and all of the graduates had something to share – even through some tears. Then, I got to give them all hugs and bless them.

The sad thing is that I am not there day in and day out with the residents. I do not live with them, do not do chores and projects with them, disciple them one on one, or really get to have deep conversations on where they are at and where they are going. However, even seeing the residents for two hours a week, it is amazing to see the change in their lives (their countenance and how they carry themselves changes, they have a hunger and thirst for the word of God, and a desire to fulfill the purpose God has for their lives).

What I’m praying for is where the residents realize their need, not only for a Savior, but their need for a friend (relationship). If they have a relationship with God, then God’s got their heart. And if God’s got their heart, anything is possible.

Prayer Requests

As you are seeking God’s will for your life for the upcoming year, 2010 (can you believe it), please remember to pray for us!

Direction for the upcoming year (activities to stop, ministry to continue, other ways to reach the community and students, future schooling for our children, if/when to start AFCM Bible school, etc.).
Water (to stay full, plentiful) and electricity (to stay on).
Small car for Kjell to take to and from school in the city (to save on gas and wear and tear on the truck).
Teams for 2010 (the right teams at the right time, doing exactly what God wants them to do, finances, travel, health).
Rehabilitation Center:

Residents: Eyes, ears, hearts to be open to see the need for change, desire Jesus, realize their purpose and call in life, and answer that call.
Residents: Really understanding and developing a personal relationship with God.
Residents: Strength to resist temptation (when new residents come, in relationships, when they return home, etc.)
Pastors and staff: Wisdom, peace, clarity, patience

PICTURES