Baptism highlights...

Last Sunday we had 10 people get baptized out at the Palacio family farm. 

Here are a few memories from that beautiful day!

Afterwards we had a barbecue and there was plenty of time for swimming in the creek.

Catching up...

I'm so far behind with giving updates on our work and life here. Please forgive me. It's been a bit hectic lately. Here are a few snapshots of what we've been up to!

Tom and I had a fun night celebrating with other couples at a dinner on Valentine's Day.

Our church is in it's new building and we're growing!

Tom and I are enjoying getting to know Pastor Han and Sarah. 

Sarah prepared a wonderful Korean dinner for us.

 Bulgogi, kimchi, potato pancakes, tofu, served with rice & veggies.

CDF had it's annual Women's Conference

A new counseling class is in session

We got to deliver shoes, socks, and underwear to needy kids

 

And all of that was just in the past few weeks!! 

HOPE under construction...

Bethel Disciples International Church

not all of the outside walls are finished but the doors are beautiful!

There is a cross in the front of the church and at the back...

Jeremy and Jose setting up a makeshift screen for powerpoint...

It takes all of us to get things set up for the service...

just had time to take a photo of one side before the service started!

Our pastor is still out of the country but members of the congregation stepped up to fill in while he was away.  We were blessed by a word from our brother, Lemuel, yesterday!

The first candle of Advent is Hope.  We felt the Hope of this season as our church gathered for Sunday worship in this unfinished building. The church is just a shell right now and there is much to do before we move in to the space permanently.  A short term mission team is here from the states to do some work on this project and it was a blessing to have them in the service with us.  

During this season of preparing room in our hearts for the coming of Christ may we each seek eagerly after Him.  I trust that this Christmas won't be all about the gifts or lack thereof under you tree because no matter how much or how little you have He is the reason we celebrate!!

feeling at home in His house...

 

 

 

Yesterday was Friendship Day here in India.  We were blessed to visit Naga Christian Fellowship and they used the holiday as the theme for the service.  As we entered the church we were greeted with a handshake and then had a friendship bracelet tied to our wrists.  All of the scriptures, songs, and the message revolved around various aspects of friendship.  One of the soloists blew us away and the sermon was very encouraging.  After the service there was a fellowship time and we got a chance to chat with several people.

One of the things that made our visit so special was seeing all of the women that I had met at the Bible study on Wednesday morning.  It truly made me feel at home to see so many familiar faces.  God has a way of allowing us to experience His loving presence just when we need it most!

the crack of a whip...

THU-WHACK!!  I cannot fully replicate the dreadful sound brought about by this young Hindu man cracking that whip across his flesh.  Each time a passerby gave him money he hit himself for that person's sin.  With each formidable blow my startle reflex kicked in and my body flinched.  

When I saw the amount of money he had in his pockets it caused me to think about the price paid for my sins.  My Redeemer endured a beating, being mocked, hanging on the cross, and ultimately death for my sin. 

And though it cost Him a great deal...my salvation was free.

He paid the price.

  He took the pain.  

My heart was impacted by the thought of how many are still looking in the wrong places for redemption. Pray with me for those who need to know the One True Savior.  And give Him thanks for all that He has already done for you...and all that He continues to do in your life. 

memories of a joyful weekend...

Our weekend fun began with a surprise birthday party for Jill and Toni! 

 Toni

 Toni & Jill

 Jill

And on Sunday we enjoyed a potluck after church for Father's Day!

We enjoy being able to celebrate with our Bethel Disciples International Church family!

an evening at Mount Hope...

Last night we were privileged to spend the evening with the congregation at Mount Hope Church in Unitedville.  The building was packed!  It was great to see so many young people and families out on a Sunday night for church.
 

We were blessed by the drama team...

Pastor Ron leading worship...

Tom speaking on Relationships...

The evening ended with a time for people to come forward and receive prayer for any relationship issues that they might be facing.  Tom, myself, Jadine, and Craig, spent time interceding for a number of men and women over various issues.  I listened to a lot of pain last night...so grateful there is hope in Him.  

We'll head back there next week for Tom to finish up this two part series.  If you're in town come on out and join us.  Service starts at 6:30pm.  If you're not able to make it, please lift Tom and the congregation up in your prayers!