Do you look forward to the beginning of a new year?  I enjoy the time of reflection, considering the many blessings of the previous year and looking forward to what God will do in the year to come.  In our reflection on 2008, we were reminded of your faithful support of the ministry God has called us to in Guadalajara.  Thank you.  Your prayer, your interest in the ministry, your commitment financially encourage us to move into 2009 with hope and enthusiasm.

On January 25th, our church, La Gracia de Dios,  hosted a conference sponsored by Grace Walk Ministries of Latin America.   The church, along with guests from other churches heard testimonies and preaching by Mike Zenker and friends of Grace Walk Ministries of Canada.  We were challenged and encouraged to proclaim the message of grace.

Plans for La Gracia de Dios for the new year include bringing together the cells of the church more frequently for a variety of activities, including in-depth doctrinal teaching.    We thought we had the location worked out when things got bogged down.  Please pray for a resolution between two Christian groups so that the location can be freed up for ministry!

Barbara  will begin a  new book study with several women of the church.  We will be reading a book written by Paul Young entitled “Kid CEO” (in Spanish: “Niño Dominante”).  The author discusses the difficulties that result in a family where children rule.  She is anticipating lively interaction between the women.

Through the Marriage and Family Training Center, Lynn will be offering a course to pastors and church leaders beginning in February.   The title of the course is  “Family Counselors” and will cover themes such as: Theological Basis for Marriage and Family, The Family in Today´s World, The Life Cycle of the Family, Marriage and Family Communication, The Bible, Church, Sexuality and Family.  Upon completion of the 18 month course, the participants will receive credit from EIRENE International and the University of the Americas in San Antonio.  Please pray for the logistics of obtaining the materials for the course, for 20 students,  and for Lynn´s preparation of the course work.

Because of the confidential nature of Lynn´s work, we do not have the freedom to share openly with you concerning the people he is seeing.  May I just say that in the past couple of weeks he has been encouraged by seeing some major steps taken by some of his counselees.  Please remember him in prayer as he seeks God´s direction and wisdom in helping people who have come to him looking for positive change in their relationships.

Saturday, January  31st, MeLinda Nelson and Barb will be hosting the 4th breakfast for Wives of Pastors.  Our desire is to encourage them in their significant role in ministry.  We hope to give them an opportunity to share honestly, to be accepted openly and loved extravagantly.  Please join us praying that we can meet our goal.

Early in the month we welcomed Jami Strandberg (Converge Worldwide missionary to Mexico, currently on home assignment) and Tim Nash (Converge Worldwide missionary in Tecate, Mexico).  We enjoyed time together as a team.