Tough Kids
We are thankful for the chance to work with an ever-growing number of children in Sunday school. But with that growing number comes more responsibility. There are a handful of 'bus kids' that have had a hard time adjusting to an orderly, disciplined environment on Sunday mornings. In the past months, they have made the SS teachers wonder if the class was learning anything, and wonder what else we could do to get their attention. We decided that we were not going to let them off the hook that easily. If we want them to learn about God, we must first be a good and constant example for them. Spending time with these handful of kids has been our goal, not just on Sundays, whether it's going to the park after school or Gaby taking them fishing on his day off. We have tried to show these children love, but firm love. And we have seen changes. While none of them seemed to be able to sit still during the song service, several of them do just that, and during the class time as well. Probably the most rewarding individual in the whole group has been Romina, a 9-year old girl that could barely get out 2 words because of her shyness when she first started coming to church. Now she is the first one to come up and greet Gaby and me on Sunday mornings. We are very encouraged to see the changes God is working in these lives, and hope to be a little example of Christ's love to these hurting souls.
We are an annex of the Fundamental Baptist Church in El General, Colonia, Uruguay. At the present time we meet Sunday mornings at Pastor Perez´s house. We are praying that the Lord will soon give us stability and our own property so that we may be a separate, sister church. Somos un anexo de la Iglesia Bautista Fundamental el General, en Colonia, Uruguay y ubicados en el Real de San Carlos. Oramos que pronto el Señor nos concede estabilidad y un terreno para ser nuestra propia iglesia.
Our Family
01 octubre 2008
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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.