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In the song "Gratitude," Brandon Lake sings, "How could I express all my gratitude? ... except for a heart singing, ‘Hallelujah, hallelujah!’”
That is how we feel! Hallelujah to God and gratitude to all of you who have sacrificed to make this mission possible. Thank you! Your faithfulness in prayer and giving is advancing Christ's kingdom in the Land of the Incas!
It was a busy summer. In July, we hosted a team made up of four churches from Akron, Ohio. We built two classrooms for one of our ChildHope schools, did awesome children's ministry at two schools and preached in three churches. Thanks to Akron First Assembly, New Life Church (Stow), and Mountain of Hope Faith Church. Thanks, also, to Connection Church (Wooster) for a generous offering to pay for construction materials. Finally, thanks to Calvary Church (Toledo) who took up a huge offering to provide ChildHope sponsorships for two new projects in areas of extreme poverty.
University Outreach and Church Growth
Our church revitalization project is looking good! We received a special offering and used it to put in a new kitchen, which has blessed every ministry of the church. People regularly walk in off of the street because they hear the music and Lena has ramped up our children's ministry. As a result, attendance is up, people are receiving Christ, and we recently held our second baptismal service this year. Lena also continues to direct our outreach to university students through on-campus discipleship and monthly worship services.
The Nest is Empty
The last of our four offspring has left the nest! Abigail graduated last June and is now attending Kent State University with her brother, Will. Both are faithful members of XA at Kent. In August, we were in Ohio for General Council and to drop Abi off at school. She needed a refresher course on how to drive. As you can see in the photo, it was a relaxing and peaceful experience! We're grateful to the XA Campus Missionaries, Nicole and Haidar Shafie, for taking Abi into their home and helping her adjust to the U.S.
