The Countdown Begins

Instead of snow falling, it rained for several hours yesterday - it's been 10 years in Mexico, and probably for about 7 of those, I've spent Christmas in San Carlos - however, there's still something about not having snow at Christmas time that is hard to get used to! (No, I'm not complaining about not having snow, in case you're wondering! I know there's probably many who would gladly trade places with me...)

 Christmas time fast approaching does mean that our new school year is just around the corner as well with January 15 being the first day of classes. But before we get to that, I wanted to give a quick summary of the conference we had on November 25th. Close to 50 people, pastors and church leaders, gathered here from the area and other parts of the state of Sonora for a day of classes and fellowship as we explored the theme Adornos de un Siervo (Adornments of a Servant), looking at the list that Paul gave Timothy in 1 Timothy 3 about qualities that leaders need to have. We discussed each one of these qualities to get a greater understanding of what they ought to look like in our lives and how these will make us more effective as leaders: being changed first before being instruments of change in other people's lives. It is always a unique dynamic when people gather together from different Christian backgrounds and church denominations but it is also an encouraging and powerful experience, seeing the body of Christ fellowshipping in spite of the divisions that sometimes do exist between us. Thanks for your prayers as we had an excellent day and everyone when away encouraged.

Speaking of prayers, it would seem that there have been many who have been praying for the upcoming school year. I think we probably have a record of students all-but-confirmed for being one month out of classes starting. Often, at one month out, we are wondering "Is there going to be school this year?" as there are people interested but virtually no applications in. It's often not until the week before that we have a good idea of the students we will be working with. This year, we have 9 students pretty much confirmed, some having already filled in and sent their applications, others already having paid their tuition fees! We are super excited with the group that is forming, coming from 5 different states from the north to the south of Mexico.

Prospective students currently coming from these five states

Continue to pray with us as we make final preparations and confirm with students. There are a couple of details that need to fall into place with regards to teachers but almost everything is set to go. Thanks for your faithful prayers! We look forward to what God is putting together for this coming school year and I look forward to sharing it with you. ¡Dios les bendiga!