Winter camp....Here we come!....Yes, it is that time of year again. We are busily planning winter camp for our youth group. The dates have been set for July 3-5th, and we are expecting a good-size group of young people ages 10 and up to be in attendance. Camp will include special preachers from other churches, as well as several young people from sister churches. We are planning chapel times, Bible lessons, and of course (great!) camp food and special games and activities. Please pray with us in advance for this endeavor. Pray for God's wisdom and guidance in each preparation and plan. Pray for funds enough to cover the cost of camp rental, 3 days' stay, food, and other expenses. Our youth group has already having bake sales to raise money for this camp experience. We pray it will leave a lasting spiritual impression on each of their lives.
Baptisms in the River
Not only was this weekend an exciting one for us as a couple, but also for our church as a whole. We celebrated our 11th anninversary with cake on Saturday. And as we usually do, we had baptisms the same weekend. 14 new converts followed the Lord in believers' baptisms (in the river here in Colonia) on Sunday as the rest of the church (and some others) looked on. Gaby was able to baptize 8 of them, several youth and a few new Christians from the Annex in El Real. We were thrilled with the privilege of being part of this important step in their Christian lives. And we are even more excited about continuing to serve the Lord here in Colonia where He has placed us.
Kids' Activity
Saturday was a beautiful day both for its weather and for its activity. Near the church annex, we invited all the neighborhood children to join us for the afternoon. We had several sunday school teachers and helpers in charge of organized games. And we can't forget the trampoline! The Perezes graciously loaned us their giant trampoline - much to the kids' jumping pleasure. After a while of play time, we had songs and a Bible class for the 40 children in attendance. Many of them were new and we pray this will be an open door into their homes and the lives of these families here in the neighborhood. We finished the activity with cake and juice for everyone, before heading home.
4TH ANNIVERSARY SUNDAY 8/17/08
Incredible! Our church annex is praising the Lord for four wonderful years of existence. On Sunday, the 17th we celebrated our anniversary as a 'church' group. After a special service and church program, we enjoyed lunch together with the other pastors and staff families. What we have seen during the past years is much growth in the number of people, but more importantly spiritually. The Lord is blessing this church work, and we are extremely thankful for it.
New Record
Praise the Lord for record attendance in the Annex last Sunday! We are thankful for 60 people that decided to assemble in the Lord's house to worship Him. There was a good group of children as well since we had "The Olympic Games," a special activity of games specifically for them. Mark Perez had planned and set up all the races and competitions, and the kids loved the games. We are thankful for the great attendance, but at the same time we realize more and more the urgent need for our own church building. Please continue to pray for God's direction in finding and buying a property for our church annex.
