A Note from the Planning Stages

Two reasons why I haven’t written a lot lately.

First, I know that many of our eyes and hearts have been focused on the terrible tragedy in Haiti.  And by the way, if you still don’t know where the quote comes from in my last post, look it up.  It comes from a time of complete hopelessness – a time when man saw death and God brought hope.  May Jesus’ words become real to many trying to survive – many trying to survive after losing so many friends and family – in Haiti.

You can read the perspectives of some people who are "on the ground" in Haiti here.

The other reason I haven’t written a lot is simply because we’ve been in a planning mode, and uncertain of exactly what was going to happen next here!  Well, we’re still in a planning mode, but some things are slowly coming together, so I’ll at least give you some hints.

We’ve been seeing God work in the housing development of Jesus Maria here in Ixtapaluca.  We’re praying that, by this spring, there will be a new group of believers meeting regularly there.

As God works in hearts, we still want to build friendships, help the community, and be faithful to teach His Word.

So Lord willing, here are some of the things that will be happening.

First, English classes will continue – and have already started as of this week.  In fact, I was there, just to be an example to all of how hard Spanish pronunciation is for us foreigners.  (Seriously, my good friend Allan was trying to point out how you need to use different muscles etc to speak English – for example, to pronounce the letter r.  And he needed someone to show that it worked in reverse – yes, Canadians have trouble with Spanish pronounciation too.  I’m sure those who already knew me didn’t need me to demonstrate again!) 😉

Second, Shari will continue to be involved in baking classes.  I think that starts in a few days here, but they’re still trying to figure out exactly what form it will take.  The women already taking the classes are gung-ho to continue, and we’d also like to expand to another class so more people can be involved.  This class is a hit!

Third, I will most likely be teaching a keyboard chording class.  I know, those of you who have heard me play are snickering, but there aren’t many people here who play much at all.

Several people from our church here in Santa Barbara (the housing development we live in) have requested to learn, which would be great because there may eventually be people to replace me here.  But I want to do the class in Jesus Maria so that we can also make friends there.  So if there’s interest, Lord willing I’ll be starting not this coming week but the week after.

I’m developing the course materials, and will probably start by teaching a 9 week class.  What in the world can you learn to do in 9 weeks?  Well, I guess you will have to take the class to see! 😉

Fourth, we’re hoping to start new Bible studies (not fourth in importance, of course – just fourth on my list!).  These will take a variety of forms – the study already going will continue, a women’s topical study will probably be starting shortly that Shari will attend.

But I’ve also felt the need to see us more intentionally teach the whole Bible.  One way to do this in the busy urban culture would be to offer a short term Bible study that goes through the Bible.  So I’ve started to develop one, hoping to be ready to begin in less than four weeks (if there’s anyone wanting to take it!).  That doesn’t mean I would be teaching it, or developing all the material myself, but I’ll be working with others on our team.

We’re also looking ahead to meeting together as believers in Jesus Maria (you know, like Heb 10:23-25).  I’m going to be helping with the planning of the direction we’ll take as we study God’s Word together.

So we would appreciate your prayers for all these things – a lot of new things are being created, and it’s a lot of fun, but it’s also a challenge to be wise in balancing our time.  And most importantly, it’s important to make sure we’re building on a firm foundation (1Cor 3:12-15).

I need to run – thanks for your prayers!  I’ll try to give you more details as things come together over the next few days.