Tuesday Morning Evangelism in the Park

The photos speak for themselves.

Actual Christmas Eve Service

We didn't expect many people on Christmas Eve as most are with families as Christmas Eve dinner is traditionally eaten at midnight. But we had a time of sweet fellowship with those who came: Mike's teaching, along with egg salad sandwiches and chips by candlelight. How good can it get?

Christmas Dinner

We had a delightful Christmas dinner and time of fellowship after the Sunday evening service, December 21st. There were presents for all. Thank you, Mark Cahill - who wrote and donated the books we gave to all the adults and teens for Christmas. Thanks to Toby Erwin and David Dalkey who donated the toys and toothpaste and such that were given out as well. Thanks also to Maria Burbano organized the dinner.
After supper we had kind of a praise sing-along-kareoke time. In the photo you see Emanuel on electric guitar, Raphael playing guitar, and Johnny and Sue singing I've Got Peace Like a River.

Natalie Marin and Mike. Pray for the recuperation of her eye. So far, the treatments don't seem to be doing much to straighten it out.

Myriam and Maria serving dinner.

Bible Club Christmas Presentation

The Bible Club leaders - Gloria Barriga and Olimpia Dragu - planned a presentation for the parents of the children in Bible Club. Gladys and Rafael Marin worked with the children to present a Nativity scene and some choreographed Christmas music. (As you can see in the photo, the choreography was not exactly synchronized, but was joyfully danced!) We had never seen most of the parents before this night, but they came to the presentation. We rejoice that the church was full of first-time visitors and that many parents were moved by the Spirit of God to receive Christ as their Savior.

Youth Group Christmas Drama

Estefania Barriga, one of our young women, wrote and directed the Youth Group Christmas drama. It told the story of the creation of the world, the fall of Adam and Eve, the birth of Christ, and the salvation that comes through him - all through music and mime. They presented the drama twice: at the Bible Club presentation and at our Christmas service. In this photo they are getting ready for their first performance.

Ladies' and Men's Meetings

The Saturday before Christmas found us in our ladies' and men's meetings, and were such a respite in our busy holiday schedule! Eduardo Valle taught the men on characteristics of one who walks in the spirit. Sue is teaching a series on taking every thought captive.

Drug Rehab Center Ministry

Enrique Plaza and Mike, along with Raphael Marin and Eduardo Valle, have been going to a drug rehab center on Thursday mornings to minister the Word of God and encourage the clients in their battle for freedom in Christ. They present four short teachings after a time of praise and worship, and the clients rotate from one teaching to another.

Saturdays of Growth

Here are some photos from a few of Saturday's events: Evangelism, Youth Group, Lunch, Mike's class, and Bible Club.

Mike and Carlos giving a tract to a little boy.

Carlos and Enrique praying with two women to receive Christ.
Getting organized for Youth Group.
Lunch between sessions.

Mike's Saturday class.

Bible Club getting ready to practice for Christmas play.

And, the younger members of Bible Club finishing up their craft with Olimpia and Lucy.

Meeting of the Mission

The meeting of the mission went well, although there is still lots of work to be done before we register the mission with the government. We elected new officers by a unanimous vote: President, Pastor Juan Franco; Vice-President, Eduardo Valle, Secretary, Lorena Guerrero; Treasurer, Guillermo; First Vocal, Pastor Mike Stevens; Second Vocal, Susan Stevens; Third Vocal, Norma Franco. A vocal is something like a stand-in. If someone leaves the committee, these folks move up the list.