We have returned to Lajas and are settling in here, reconnecting with fellow believers here, friends and neighbors. The beauty here is striking as usual. Here is the view from our front balcony...
We are so pleased to report that so much good and progress has been made here in our absence these past six months. We feel that Pastor Jose Miguel and his group of young believers have really taken the next step to take ownership of God's work here and His vision for this community as well as the surrounding mountain villages. Jose Miguel has joined forces with a pastor from a neighboring community with the same heart for working together in unity for the good of the Gospel. This is so beautiful to see. Here is Pastor Jose Miguel with Pastor Clemente, his wife Yolanda and their three children. They are a beautiful example of a family serving the Lord in love...
They go back and forth between the neighboring communities worshiping in homes and churches. Here is our house church in Lajas.
Here is Chepe, the oldest member of the group, who opens his home weekly and also plays "la guirra", a local musical instrument. His loving, faithful example impacts us all!!!
We have always witnessed a lack of unity among the small communities here which has saddened us. It is so wonderful to see our young believers, who consider themselves "the new generation of believers", recognizing the power in unity and coming together for the cause of Christ. Here they are participating in the inauguration of of a new "templo" in Pedro Garcia, a nearby village...
We also returned to find that some of our earliest "disciples" are really growing in their faith, rebuilding their marriage and family and reaching out to serve the community. Here are Leonel and Carolina taking a "selfie" that really shows the joy they now both have...and the love for each other and their precious three sons. They are doing small group gatherings in their home on Wednesday and Sunday evenings. Pray that they continue to allow the Lord to shape their hearts more and more into His image...
As we reflect back on all the young people who God placed in our path in this community over six years ago, we are truly amazed at what God has done in their lives!!! They are ALL either going to college or have full-time employment!!! This is truly a transformation. Here is Joanna, who will graduate university this spring. She now has a job working at the local grade school in her community. Answered prayer!! Christ is evident in her!!!
Yeimi, another college graduate now employed as a teacher in a nearby community just had their third child. She and her husband Alex are another example of God redeeming and rebuilding lives!!
We have been able to check in on some of the other couples we have mentored and been privileged to go through marriage preparation with. Here are Gues and Katie with their new baby, Maya. So exciting to think about God's plans for this sweet family. Dave has also supported Gues in his restaurant business. Gues has demonstrated great determination and faithfulness as a businessman, husband and now father.
And we have been able to reconnect with some of the missionary community here. We had lunch with our dear friend Carol. She and her husband Paul served in Spain, Cuba and now the Dominican Republic. Paul is in Cuba right now. They have been our mentors for many years now and we are so very grateful to them.
We are looking forward to the holidays. Our two youngest daughters will arrive from college next week and we are so looking forward to being reunited here in Lajas.
Thank you again for all your prayers, love, encouragement and financial support. We are so very grateful for each of you and the part you play in our lives. Please take a look at the right hand panel for our new prayer requests and some words to encourage you along your way.
May God bless and keep you during this most sacred season,
Dave and Cherry