Teens Involved 2011

This past Saturday we hosted the third annual Teens Involved here in Nicaragua.  Teens Involved is a full day, from 8am to 9pm of craziness, but the good kind!  We had youth participate in the various categories of singing in choir and solo, individual and group presentations of the gospel,  preaching, narration of bible stories, and Bible quizzing.  There were judges who evaluated the presentations and at the end of the day an awards presentation.  A local private school lent us their facilities and in 15 classrooms and the main auditorium there were presentations taking place from 8 to 4.  Youth who participated in many categories would finish their preaching and quickly throw off their dress shirt and tie and begin to put on their dress for Bible narration running to the appropriate classroom while accompanied by their friends who were supporting them on.  This is one of my favorite activities because youth discover gifts and talents they didn't know that they had and they can continue to use these presentations to minister inside and outside the church.  Here are some pictures and a video from the activity.  I'll be posting more pictures soon!

Decorations for Teens Involved

On November 19th we'll be hosting an activity called Teens Involved where youth from various churches compete in preaching, bible narrations, presentations of the gospel, bible quizzing, singing and more! The youth are excited and the majority of the churches are meeting various times a week to prepare for their presentations. Here are some pictures of youth working on the decorations for this activity. Caroline had her part in the decorations too.

Stepping out in Faith

We thank God for the way He has been burdening Nicaraguan youth to study the Bible and committ themselves to serving Him full time.  Over the past couple of years we've seen 9 youth head off to Argentina to study God's word and prepare themselves for full time service to Him.  They are all currently in Argentina and a few will be returning to Nicaragua next year upon completing their 3 years of study.  Here is a picture of them in Argentina.

Word of Life also has a bible institute in Mexico and there are currently 4 Nicaraguan youth who are ready to leave for Mexico anyday now.  They are just waiting on their visa paperwork.  Once they get news of their visa they will be off on a plane.  It's sad to see them go, but great to know they are being obedient to God's call and are right where He wants them to be.  Here's a picture of the four youth with Guillermo, Mayra, Jader and myself.

Birthday Celebrations!

September 21st Caroline turned 1 year old!!! I can't believe how fast this year went by! We are so thankful to God for the precious gift that she is to us and for the way she brings such joy to our lives. We decided to have two birthday celebrations for Caroline. :) We had one the day of her birthday (Wednesday) with Jader's aunts and cousins and then another the following Friday where we invited the friends who are closest to us.

Here we are celebrating with Jader's family...

Now these are pictures from our celebration with some close friends...