January Highlights (Photo Blog)

     We spent the first half of January full of teams and visitors. The first part was several friends of the mission visiting including Kelly Young (pictured right), Evan Dixon, and Julia DeLozier. They have all spent a ton of time pouring into the ministry and into our youth. It was great to have them back with us, even if it is for a short time. We had a great time catching up and hanging out with them (and their friends) and they were able to reconnect with the youth that they love so much. After they left, we were blessed to have two short-term teams: one from Concordia University and another from Calvary Chapel. Both of these teams with wonderful. The Concordia team helped with some manual labor needs on the New Song property and hosted a sport’s day for our children. The Calvary Chapel team (pictured left) came with an evangelistic focus and set up activities that included dramas, messages, and music sharing the love of Christ. They did these outreaches in Candelaria, Chichigalpa, La Isla and Nuevo Amanecer.

     This month I had the opportunity to spend more time in Nuevo Amanecer. This is a neighboring barrio where we began ministering in August as several gang members came to Christ (To read the story, check out my blog: Riots, Gangs, the Church & Redemption). Several of the ex-gang members have been coming to the church really regularly and have even started getting involved with our youth group. It’s been so wonderful to see them so hungry for the Lord. I have really enjoyed becoming friends with them. Also, this month I was able to come to some Bible studies and outreaches in the community. I really enjoyed meeting some of the families, teenagers, and children in the village. I fell in love with a couple of the children who are absolutely precious! I’m looking forward to spending more time in Nuevo Amanecer and seeing what the Lord does there. Hopefully in time we will have another church plant in Nuevo Amanecer.

     I have continued spending time with the family from the corner house. I enjoy spending time with them and building a friendship with the family. I also am falling more and more in love with little Junieth (pictured right)! The Lord has really placed this little girl in my heart and am excited to see what the Lord is going to do in her life as she grows. One of my favorite moments of the month was cradling her in my arms praying and worshipping before her dedication. (If you haven’t read this story, read my blog: Dedication). I really believe that the Lord has placed this precious little girl in my life for a reason, although I don’t know yet what it is. Please keep praying for Junieth and her family.

     One of my teenagers, Laura, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Genesis Belen. I loved getting to go and see Laura at the hospital, pray with her and support her, and then begin getting to know beautiful Genesis once Laura returned home. (If you haven’t read her story, check out my blog: Abundant Beginnings). Pray for Laura as she steps into life as a single mom.

     We also spent a couple weekends at my favorite beach getaway. I love lounging on the beach, reading, hanging out with our New Song team, and enjoying the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen. One night as Barb an I sat out watching the sunset the waves were CRAZY! Giant waves came crashing in high enough to block out the sunset and flood the restaurant where we were seated. It was INCREDIBLE!! What beauty and power our God has created!!

     Next, I was talking to Anthony one day. We were just sitting in the house chatting about life. It was the first time we had time to talk just the two of us in quite awhile. All of the sudden he looks at me really seriously and says, “Lisa I’ve really missed hanging out with my sister. Could we hang out sometime soon?” So, a couple days later we made an afternoon trip to the beach, ate at my favorite new taco restaurant, and swam. I loved getting to have some time just to hang out with my little brother, laugh with him, and talk about his schooling and what the Lord is doing in his life.