March 2024

Dear Friends

Our monthly trip to Palomas is March 8-9. If you would like to come, please contact Emiliano or me and we can explain details about the van going down and returning from The Light. We are looking for volunteers to teach. We have 5 groups: Elementary, Jr. High, High school, college/tech school, and adults. If you would like to help teach, please come and help us! Our goal is to encourage as many as possible in their faith!

Right now, we are planning a big Family Day in Palomas with the Pastors. It will be the first week-end in May, May 4. These family times are always a lot of fun for everyone, as we hold worship, encouragement, food, fun, and games. One of the things that happens in these events is a great sense of community among the Christian churches of Palomas. We need volunteers, to serve in many ways, and this is a great time for a newcomer to experience the ministry. Come and join us!

We continue to work with the families in our scholarship program to help them discover their individual purposes in life. I heard a great illustration of a person who had discovered his purpose recently in a Tony Evans teaching. A Pastor was greeting people who had come to church one day, and met a man he did not know. He asked the man what he did for a living. The man smiled, and said, “I am a disciple of Christ disguised as an auto mechanic.” This man understood his calling in life. How do we show that we are disciples of Christ? First of all, of course, by spending time talking (praying) to Him! Then, of course, we need to listen to what He has to tell us (usually by reading the Bible). Then, we share the Good News that He has to offer: A life of eternal purpose and value bringing glory to God and expanding His Kingdom.

We have so many opportunities to do this when we are disguised as people working in a business, disguised as professionals, disguised as computer geeks! Or, you can be disguised as a retired rancher, like me! Our disguises simply offer us a platform to help others obtain and maintain a relationship with the King of Kings (Jesus)!

This month, we are working with families to consider the things they are passionate about. What are you passionate about? Here are some hints:

1. What do you like to talk about?

2. What stirs you up and makes you feel alive?

3. What activities get you so involved you lose track of time?

4. What makes you cry?

What are you passionate about? _________________

Once you know what things you are passionate about, then your next question is how to use your passions for the glory of God? Now, you are on a treasure hunt that will lead you to finding and fulfilling your God-given purposes in life. Don’t ever settle for a ho-hum, tedious, boring life of just following the same routines day after day. Ignite your passions and use them to bring glory to God! You will find nothing more fulfilling in life than finding and acting on God’s purposes for your life!

The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.

Jim and Pat