Come to the waters...the healing waters...
We are always so profoundly impacted when we witness a baptism, especially here when so many times "we go down to the river" for this sacred event. Above is a picture of a group of over 50 who were baptized recently. As we say this season--JOY TO THE WORLD!!!
MEN'S MINISTRY UPDATE---we celebrated another graduation from our 24 week Authentic Manhood class---Below is the graduation class from Puerta Plata--20 men with their wives during the celebration at our home.
Of course, we started the event with food---pastor William's wife prepared a delicious meal...
Here Pastor William Gomez and Pastor Felix Abreu award diploma and medallion to one of the graduates. Pastor Felix plans to begin a class next year in his community, one that desperately needs men whose hearts have been healed so they can serve their families and their community!!
The latest men's group to start is in the community of Cienfuegos (100 fires---near a landfill!!) Below are the men breaking into small groups for prayer and accountability---see the young boy in the last photo----precious!!
This is Pastor William presenting an introduction to the program at a church in the village of Moca--Pastor Felix is waiting on the side to share his testimony--women always come to the intro class!!! Then they work on getting the men in their lives to actually attend the course!!
MENTORING UPDATE---Pastor Wilby Romain and wife Lisa just had their first baby, Ruben--they were the first couple we started mentoring here and Pastor Wilby is a "graduate" from the Authentic Manhood course---he says he is putting much of what he learned in practice now as a husband and father and able to share this with his congregation as well---Congrats Wilby and Lisa---we love you all!!!!
Another couple we have mentored, Alan and Jackie Perez, recently found out that they are pregnant, expecting twins!!! What sweet fruit of all of our labors!! Please join us in praying for this precious family of four!!
MENDING BROKEN HEARTS MINISTRY UPDATE---like all of you, we run across people everyday with some type of broken heart--this past month we have been reading the book "The Transformation of the Inner Man" by John and Paula Sanford---this book was a gift to us from a dear friend and it truly has been a gift as we personally continue on our journey of healing and as we have been able to share what we are learning with others. We highly recommend this book for those of you discipling as well as for your own healing journey.
We are also witnessing God use our daughters to share His love in many ways---Below they are singing at church--a song that they composed and wrote the music for, "Be Real to Me"--Rachael on piano and Beka on guitar!!! Thank you Lord for caring so well for our children!!
We wanted to share a couple of photos from our precious community too...
Here's the bridge decorated for Christmas---the teens of the community used plastic bags that you get at the grocery store to make the decorations!!
Rachael and Beka with our little tree!!!
A little grocery store in our community---what a view!!!
Many of you know that Dave had knee replacement surgery here about three weeks ago--What a blessing Dr. Garcia has been to us---here's Dave and the doctor at Homs Hospital in Santiago...
And...as I was finishing this blogspot Dave actually came down with Dengue Fever!! Fortunately the doctors caught this, Dave had to return to the hospital overnight but now he is home recuperating. God does watch over us!!! And we sure don't take your prayers for granted either!!
So this past month has been one of much healing for us ---in all aspects--body, mind and soul---may we continue to be open to let our loving Father work in and through us so that "His Kingdom Comes".
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and look forward to 2010 with great expectations!!
With Christ's love,
The Dave Schwulst Family