January 2025
The March
30/01/25 18:46
One of our neighborhoods organized a march against crime and violence. Our neighborhood accepted the invitation to join them. Then our town council added the police force and a band. In the end, the march crossed town with live music and about one hundred persons parading behind. The march ended in the park with a few brief speeches and a short concert. The result? Well… the town showed its unity and the police showed their loyalty. Hopefully it'll reduce some of the crime in the neighborhood. In the end we're getting to know each other better.
A Useful House
23/01/25 07:51
Tuesday evening this group of eight rolled in to our home to spend the night and the next day to make their yearly plan for the church. This is their third year to use our home for their annual planning. They finished around 4:30pm Wednesday, only to be followed by a meeting of our community safety committee. Our house is well located and still useful for retreats and meetings. (Not to mention that we held our weekly Bible study just before the group rolled in.)
Community Service
15/01/25 21:59
What started as community service became formal commitment. The local government has a program for forming comities with the goal that they serve to preserve the peace and safety of their neighborhoods. At the evening meeting in the park we were officially sworn in and will have to sign legal papers as the town safety committee. As president I have a good team of volunteers who take the initiative with new ideas and projects. I'm looking forward to see what God does with this committee.
New Year
10/01/25 08:15
After the holidays, we were able to start again our weekly Bible study. We switched to Tuesday nights so our housemates, Jorge and Vilma, can attend on Jorge's day off. Hernan and Nataly are regulars, and we hope to integrate Vicky, who lives nearby, and David Andres, who lives with us out back. The group members vary in their spiritual maturity, so I'm praying for guidance on how to lead the group.
2024 Year of Changes
02/01/25 14:16
This year I suffered a heart attack and my mother passed away. The children’s ministry faded and power outages cut off our weekly Bible study.
On the positive side we are striving to serve in our neighborhood and praying for ministry opportunities.
Security has been the major concern for the town and I have helped to install public alarms and cameras. Our concern is for the alcoholics in the park who now know us well.
The changes in both health and ministry do not discourage us but rather challenge us to pray and to seek God’s direction.
“The Sovereign Lord is my strength” Hab 3:19