Christmas Break

Last week we closed up the Social Work site for the year.  We’ll be on vacation for the next weeks, returning on January 9, 2012.  While we’re away, we continue to pray for the people of El Callejon.  We’re also continuing to work on our ideas and dreams for the new year, including our new building! 

Packed up and ready for 2012

As we look back on 2011, we are thankful for what God has done in the lives of those who came to the Site.  The women, teens and girls of El Callejon have been taught more of God’s Word, have had opportunity to learn crafts, share their lives, and see that in Jesus they are precious and loved. 

We are also thankful for the students, leaders, and other outreach participants who came and gave of their time, talents and treasure.  One outreach participant shared that before coming, all the people she knew looked like her.  “Now, when I think of Heaven, I’ll recognize people who don’t look anything like me!”  What a joy to hear how God is expanding our understanding of the vastness of our family in Christ Jesus. 

It was bittersweet to close up the Site.  We’re going to miss our time with the people who come.  We’re going to miss the hugs and the calls of “Daisy” as folks stop by to say Hello, ask for help, or share what’s going on.  We're going to miss opportunities to pour the love of Jesus into their lives, and see Him in them, too.

Jaimy (l) and Franklin (r) up to something...as usual! 
Please pray for these precious ones!

We've got to admit, we’re worried about this time of year, when partying quickly can become violent, with drinking and noise continuing all day and well into the night. 

We ask you to join us in praying for the safety of the people of El Callejon.  That those who claim Christ will be an example of self-control to their neighbors.  For protection for the little ones, who sometimes see and hear things no child should have to witness. 

We are worried, but we will pray and trust that God, who loves El Callejon, will continue to care for His people there.

We are also thankful for a time to rest and be refreshed.  A time to recall all that God has done for us in sending Jesus.  To celebrate with family and friends His work in our lives over the past year.  To plan and dream even more about what He would have us do in 2012.

We hope that as you prepare to celebrate the first coming of Emmanuel, God-with-us, you will join us in praising Him for His faithfulness.  We thank you for being a part of God’s plan to see some from all tribes, tongues, nations and languages before the throne and the Lamb (Revelation 7:9). 

Until Jesus returns, may we be faithful in sharing Him, in our own homes and communities, in El Callejon, and in the world beyond.