Dear loved ones,
Sophia is looking forward to seeing Jesus in Heaven. Me too.
“I want to give Him a big hug…and then I want to draw Him a picture,” she said. “What would the picture be of?” I inquired. “Of Him.” Perfect. Sophia likes to draw and I think she’ll become very good at it (unlike Daddy). But my canvas is different. God has granted us a certain amount of time to draw on His land. This canvas. To be fruitful with what He has given us. What will hit the canvas of eternity in 2024? What will we present to Him with this breath that so quickly passes? And how can we present Him with something that reflects Him? The wise men fell down and worshipped Him. (Consider Matthew 2:11) A picture of Him through our lives and ministry in 2024. That’s the goal. That’s always the goal. Happy New Year to all of you. May we dwell and draw upon Him all throughout this year, this part of our journey home. And may we build something worthy to present to Him with childlike anticipation… Amen.
We finished strong in 2023!
Hosting several groups, along with a mission to Cuernavaca to spend Christmas. On this page are pictures from a visiting teen camp. They did a fantastic job with their camp and these are some of the photos they posted! They were so very thankful for the camp. “We have been wanting to do something like this for a long time, just were not able to do it financially.”
What a privilege we have to serve in that way. Providing their canvas! It’s fun to see the view of our facility through the many lenses that visit. Their joy and thankfulness was clear all throughout their camp and they have booked their next camp already! Thanks to you.
Praise Report!
This picture was also taken from the aforementioned camp. It’s probably my favorite picture from the month (because there is so much happening). My new friend Diego was helping me with some landscaping. He is married and they have a little baby. He’s married to Emily. She attended our very first kids camp in 2008! On the field (the now usable field!!) are the soccer goals, dormant for that moment as kids had one on one time together in the Word. The kids are scattered by the field and throughout the camp. Also, out front just beyond the trees, the backhoe was working, special background music!
We advanced the front wall about 70’ since our last update, and now we will concentrate on the new front entrance (featured 2 letters back). Let’s continue to work on God’s canvas in 2024!
Another joy while closing out ‘23…
In Cuernavaca, the Christmas play in Casa de Dios Church was just fantastic. This is the church that was all but destroyed in 2012 for those that may remember. I preached several times and we spent Christmas with them for the first time. It was a great dinner too! We support this great work along with the Children’s Home in Cuernavaca. Minnie and I also celebrated our 20th Anniversary in these days!
Pictured below is the special Christmas celebration at Milagro de Vida Children’s Home! It was a nice event in the courtyard of the Home and the kids enjoyed their participation.
Mission Possible II
February 17th-24th East Lincoln Alliance Church is sending a group (of 14!!) to help with some details in Cuernavaca. Some finish work on the 2nd floor, painting inside and out, some pouring and landscaping…We’ll have 20 total participating in this mission. Please pray for all our efforts regarding this mission.
Four-Fifths!…
Our still new to us van now has 29,000 miles on it! What a blessing it has been in so many ways. Through your generous giving, Minnie and I have been able to now pay $46k of the 55k so far! Just 9k to go. Please pray for the provision for this to be paid off in ’24.
I never feel like I have the words to thank you for all your warm wishes and greetings, giving, cards, prayers, this Christmas and always. Truly, the best is yet to come (like that hug). God bless you and keep you in 2024. The background sign behind Minnie and me says “gracias a Dios”
Keep smiling. And love from, Gary and Minnie and Sophia, along with all your family in Mexico.