This past weekend

This weekend we took Natalie to hear one of her friends do the opening act at a concert. Elizabeth did a wonderful job with her song!!! On Saturday we gave away our last puppy. It was a happy/sad time. We were sad to see "Wally" go but happy to give him to a very loving family!!! It is always easier to give when you know that the receivers appreciate the gift. This reminds me of "the gift", the greatest gift ever given. Oh, how we as a people so long ago didn't appreciate the birth of Christ. Even today, we can forget the sacrifice He made for us. God did it when we, the receivers, didn't have an ounce of appreciation. May we, this Christmas, be examples of God's love; giving without expecting anything in return. Are we willing to sacrifice everything for the cause of Christ? Pray that we here at Nueva Vida would remember the true meaning of Christmas as we work hard on our Christmas program.








Natalie with her friend Elizabeth before the concert.

Trying to Stay Warm

This week we spent one afternoon winterizing the "chicken coop" where we have two children's classes. "The coop" is very rustic. The window holes just have fencing over them. We needed to cut down on the draftiness of the rooms. The temps have gotten down into the 40s at night. Even frost has shown up on the car windshields. Fortunately, we don't use the rooms until around 12 on Sundays. By then, the sun has been up and warmed up to middle to upper 60s. Now the kids have to get used to the plastic blowing. The kids will appreciate even more when they get a real classroom. I do think however they will miss the goats, cows and horses that can be seen and heard while they are in class!

The Lord has been working on the lives of the groundkeepers where we meet. Franciso and Sonia. Sonia is expecting and has been restricted to bed rest and "light duty". The church has done an excellent job of providing food and visits during this difficult time. We had a good visit with Sonia this week when we went over to work at the church. Sonia has come a long way. She would come to church and then zip down to her house right when the service was over. She was staying and visiting up 'til her recent bed rest. Please pray for Francisco and Sonia. Pray for their salvation.


We use to put plastic on our apartment windows in Lafayette many moons ago!



Me all wrapped up!


Not pretty but should make it a bit warmer.

Baptisms at Peniel Baptist Church

The water heater didn't work so they had to heat up water and put into the baptismal tank. Yes, the water was cold!



Here is Alan's dad getting baptised! God used the kidnapping to bring Alan's dad to Himself.



Here is Alan, the boy that was kidnapped, tortured and then escaped!




This is what happens when you are in the car too long!!

Party!

Natalie turned 16 this past week! We invited the youth to Fun Center where they enjoyed bowling, ice skating and two indoor rides! Then they came to our house for pizza and video games. They all had a wonderful time!

Basketball Hoop!

Basketball has been apart of my life since I was nine. I started to love the game by shooting out on a hoop that was attached to our garage. All three of our kids have played basketball as well. We finally got a hoop so that we can enjoy the sport even more--at home!! This was Natalie's sixteenth bday present. I know it seems strange to get a girl this, but believe me, we gals here love our bball!!

Surprise Birthday Party!

Yesterday the church had a surprise birthday party for Sam!!! After the service folks hung around and ate a wonderful meal, cake and coffee! I wasn't able to take but a couple of photos since I was helping serve. We had a wonderful day! We had 87 in attendance and Maribel understood salvation and accepted Christ! Sam had the privilege of walking her through the gospel. What a perfect way to celebrate your birthday!

Two Down, One to Go!

Rafa, Ale, Ana and Valentina with their new puppy!


Nicole and Jennifer with her new puppy!