Another great Sunday in El Doradito...

Sunday we had an awesome church service in El Doradito. We've been talking with the people about changing their way of life "paso a paso", one step at a time and Sunday we got to see how some of them are taking that to heart. We've been encouraging them to step out of their comfort zone and to begin to take part in "their" church services!

Sunday we had two original songs performed by two different individuals, we had a new praise and worship leader (his first time), we had an ad lib "thank you" delivered for Will, and we had a skit performed by our youth to say good-bye to Will.

This was Will's last Sunday in the village and the people went to great lengths to let him know he'd made a difference in their lives, that they will never forget him, and that they will miss him. They even prepared snacks and drinks to help celebrate at the close of the service and that's no small effort for a village that is far below the poverty line.

God is growing His people and we are seeing fruit coming in bunches. Now it's our responsibility to see that the enemy doesn't 'pick' any of this fruit. Please join in prayer with us to set a hedge of protection around the people of El Doradito as they grow "paso a paso"!

Horrific report!

Yesterday during our prayer request time in church we were asked to pray for the children of the area who are attending schools. There have been reports of children being kidnapped so their organs can be harvested and sold! What kind of world is this???

Birthdays & '80s day at school...

February brings us two birthdays to celebrate:

Cesar turned 10 on Feb. 14

The candles are out; now it's time for presents!

A hydroboat for the pool!

The Spiderman watch brought big smiles!

There were many other presents, but the best were the 'shades' that make him look like Bono!!!

Joyce turned another year wiser on Feb. 17!

Mom's big day...

The kids wanted to buy the 'number' candles, but I told them this would be a better idea!

Made & decorated by Fabiola; the initials down the lefthand side stand for: Bob, Angel, Pedro, Cesar, Mauricio, Rosa, & Fabiola!

Good Seed Kids go '80s...

The "Hipsters" 

Right out of "Laverne & Shirley"

Goose pimples in the village...

Today was one of those days you suspect you will never forget! This was our first church service in our new building and it was electric! We had over 50 people in attendance which is mind-boggling when you know where this tiny village was just one year ago. They are learning how to live as a family and it's very neat to watch. Today, before service, they held two meetings that had the potential to be very explosive. They were talking about the monies available, or not available in the Patronato (village committee) and the Junto de Agua (the water committee). I was there simply as a adviser and observer and I can tell you they are a totally different group of people than they were one year ago...God has changed minds, hearts, and souls!

The church service got kicked off by Mauricio and his "back-up" singers creating an atmosphere of praise and worship that was filled with the Spirit! After the praise & worship time we went into our prayer and praise time and, again, it was electric. Great testimonies were given and prayer requests were received. One of the requests prompted one of the village leaders to ask me if we could take a love offering for a woman who was out a lot of money from taking care of a sick child. This was immediately after we had taken our usual offering. I explained tithes, gifts, and offerings and then ask them to allow the Lord to direct their hearts. This is a village that has had to fight for food and clothes all their lives...and now, they were participating in a "love offering"! It was amazing!

We have named our church "los Discipulos de Jesus"...the Disciples of Jesus...and that's exactly what they're becoming!

Gathering for our first service in our new building!

This is who we are!

A great turnout of more than 50 people!

What a thrill to work with Mauricio as my translator!

Mauricio and 'his women' get things cookin'!

Three Cheers for Rosa...

Rosa brought home her mid-term report card today and it was awesome! Her lowest mark is a  92% and her overall average is 96%!!!  This is from a girl who couldn't read or write Spanish or English 4 years ago and now these grades are coming from a fully bi-lingual school.

You go Rosa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great news!!!

Robin, our medical officer for Wellspring of Life, has undergone successful kidney transplant surgery. First reports are that things went so well she didn't even need to go to ICU after recovery; she went directly to her own room. Please continue to pray that her body does not attempt to reject the organ and that her recovery will be swift and complete.

Also, my biopsy reports came back and all are cancer-free! Thank you each for your prayers!

May God bless you for your faithfulness in lifting these two items unto Him!

The pieces are coming together....

Today I was blessed to baptize two of our converts from our new church in El Doradito. We've named the church Los Discipulos de Jesus. Maria Resinos and Julissa Lagos made public their declarations for Jesus when they were baptized today. It is such a blessing to see the countenance on their faces; they truly are 'new creations'!

Julissa is a single mother with two small children, who is one of the most reliable workers in the village. She already garnered respect from her neighbors because of her work ethic and now they respect her decision to step out in the Lord!

Maria is the mother of the 12 year old girl who was hung just last year. I can remember going to house on that day to try to console her and coming away with the thought that she was completely cold and callous. I got the impression that she just didn't care about anything, but now...   Now she is completely changed! She is never without a smile and this past Sunday she stood in church and gave a testimony to how Christ healed her of stomach pain at the Thursday afternoon prayer meeting. Her smile could chase away the darkness!

Maria is ready for the old to pass away!

Baptized into His resurrection, Maria praises the Lord!

Julissa tells us she's ready for a new beginning!

Julissa emerges ready to walk with Christ!

Happy new members of His flock!