September 2009

Well, I guess that we have been so busy that we've been neglecting our blog updates.

The summer missionaries left in mid August. It was definitely a busy summer. Cooking for 10-12 folks and making sure Island Fellowship was kept clean and tidy. It was really two full time jobs. After they left, we sat down and began to strategize how we might start International ministry in Baldwin County.

First, we tried a volleyball outreach at a local RV park. Some churches came to help but the turnout was not really that great. So, we began to research and really think about how we could get in touch with Internationals. The answer came with one word - soccer. There are approximately 10,000 Hispanics in Baldwin County. The school system says that 26% of their students are Hispanic. So, Jarrod and I began to look around to see where Hispanics may be playing soccer.

At least twice a week, about 10-40 Hispanic guys play at a soccer field in Silverhill. We started showing up there and Jarrod would play with the guys. I made cookies and we brought kool-aid and it really started becoming a time where we could talk to the guys. Silverhill Baptist Church has been really interested in wanting to start a Hispanic ministry and we have been partnering with them to get theirs started. We even had a hotdog cookout for the guys and have handed 16 Spanish Bibles so far.

The guys are very friendly and seem receptive which is the opposite of what we expected and were told to expect. At least one of the guys has visited Silverhill BC and a few of the other ones have showed interest in attending a Spanish speaking service.

Alot of folks ask us about language barriers. Yes, this is a problem. But, the funny thing is -- it seems like God always sends someone to translate. Jarrod is learning through Rosetta Stone and I am trying to shake the dust off my brain from what I learned in highschool. It has been amazing to work alongside Silverhill Baptist Church.

Several other churches in the area are now showing interest in wanting to start a Hispanic ministry. Pray for us as we meet with these churches and strategize alongside them.

We are having a Hispanic Outreach Event on October 17th. Free food, games, giveaways, pinatas and a presentation of the Gospel in Spanish. Would you please pray that God will work out the details and that we will have enough volunteers for this event?

In four weeks, Jarrod and I are expecting our first child. We have been blessed by so many people already who have given us things for baby Charlie. We are amazed daily. And also a little nervous about his arrival. Pray for God to give us the wisdom in our everyday decisions and that God would continue to protect and grow baby Charlie.

Thank you for your continued prayers. God is blessing us so deeply here in Baldwin County, Alabama.