After reading George Barna’s Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions, I had many goals for our children’s ministry in the new year.  The first (and most important) was giving an invitation to accept Christ more frequently in our 8-11 year old classes.  In the series of lessons for Thursday night, there was a lesson about Nicodemus, focused on seeing children saved.  The two teachers, Karen and Roberto, worked hard preparing the lesson and we prayed over it.  Karen was so nervous giving the invitation!  At first it seemed like no one would raise a hand.  One by one they came until we had 12 children!  We had to send for more counselors!  Praise God!  What a great way to start a new year!  

I will be coming back to the States on furlough this year and would love to be a blessing to you (just like you have been to me!).  I am scheduling dates for August to November, 2005 and February to May, 2006. Please let me know as soon as possible so I can make plans to share all the excitement of the Flagship Project with you! I look forward to being with you!

   February 6 was our Friend Day and I challenged each Sunday School class to bring as many friends as possible.  The child who brought the most friends would win a Bible and those who were in second and third place would win a Bible story book.  They were so excited!  Jorge Luis, who had accepted Christ back in November, was determined that he would win a Bible.  He went out day after day asking his friends and everyone he knew to come to church with him.  Many said no, but he didn’t give up.  Sunday came finally and Jorge Luis went out to pick up his friends for church.  He, his cousin Anita and his grandmother came in with 11 visitors from age 4 all the way up to 14!  His grin stretched from ear to ear as he received his new Bible.