Two of our biggest prayer warriors

We want to end the year with this last post - honoring two of our biggest prayer warriors whom I caught in action when we were there last at their house.  I thank God for parents who have backed us in every way, especially through their prayers.  We know we have many others who pray regularly for us, but I wanted to honor these - especially since Dad just had a birthday on Dec. 25!  Happy Birthday Dad, and thanks for all you have done and do for us.  (You too, Mom)

Pastor Kenede starts a group

Part of the idea of the mentoring groups is that new groups be formed.  Pastor Kenede from my group just started a group a few months ago to bless other pastors in his area.  Here we are shooting the breeze at the fellowship time last week.  Kenede is getting married in early January to his sweetheart. 

Pastors' End of the Year fellowship

We had a great time with the pastors from the various mentoring groups out at Camp Paradise this past Monday.  A group of around 100 came out.  Some braver ones went on the kayak adventure, but all had good fellowship.  My group is known as the rowdy group... Can't explain why!

Couples' Christmas Banquet

Friday we had a great event for the couples put on by that ministry's leadership.  All did a great job for the event to be a success.  It was held in a Hotel on Piedade's beach front.  Pastor Claudio brought a neat message on keeping the romance in our marriages.  Some couples presented a special moment to their spouses like singing a song or reciting a poem.  Others wrote cards or brought gifts to each other.  Again we were glad to have visitors present.  

Youth Talent Night

We had a great youth talent night Saturday.  Lots of fun with 85 out to the event. The special speaker brought a message and testimony from the parable of the talents.  He is a twenty-something young man who just underwent heart surgery a few months ago.  Our niece Patricia was celebrating her 15th Birthday too on the occasion so that added a special flavor to the evening as well.

Outback Children's Day

Thanks to all who prayed for Koinonia's trip to the Outback city of Ingazeira.  It was our tenth year to do this special program for the children of the city.  Many believe it was the best trip yet. The road to the city is now paved from the main road in, so that helped a lot.  God has plans for many of these young lives in this needy city.  Pray that fruit will remain.

Children's Day at Koinonia

A great day for the children at Koinonia.  Two big inflatable toys were lots of fun.  The trampoline type one was a donation to church, so we will have it for other events.  It also gets to go to the Outback next week.  We had a good number of visitors with their kids, which is always an encouragement because of all the work that goes into these events.  Thanks for praying!