End of the Term Prayers

Is it possible it's been four months since my last update?!!? It seems to be. For that, I apologize. Here are some ministry highlights...

Javier has taken on his role as elder at Union Church with gusto. He has been helping lead different services, serving communion, as well as providing spiritual support to the widowed. His human resources programming for the government project continues to move ahead despite a few roadblocks, and so do his university-level software/programming seminars. I am always amazed at how many different groups of people he is able to serve with such a wide variety of skills and talents.

My literacy program, as always, has been my priority the second half of this school year. In preparation for my maternity leave, I have recently performed an end-of-term early literacy inventory with kids in grades K-2 and am so pleased with the results! God has been good in leading me to provide for the needs of these kids. I have/will be "graduating" six of my primary students from the program this year (a third of all the kids in the program!!). And the entire first grade has met all required benchmarks for the year!! In witnessing such results, I am affirmed that God is the true force behind my work.

My middle school Destination ImagiNation team did a great job at their recent national competition. It being their first trip to the tournament, I was proud not only of their great teamwork and attitude, but even more impressed with the wonderful witness for Christ that they provided the whole day long. I do not doubt that their presence touched hearts and minds that day. Their problem solving skills placed them in third place in the competition, but their love and dedication placed them first in my heart!

Prayers of Thanksgiving for both of these groups of amazing kids!!

And, alas, my seniors are full of senioritis and "ready" to move on, regardless of the support I (and their other sponsors) try to lend. Most are trying their best to finish strong, but all are understandably both tired and anxious. Please be in prayer for them as they reach this milestone of life.

And now Javier and I are home. The baby's room is ready. We have all the supplies we think we might need. And I've finally reached "term." So now we just wait for God to give the signal that the time has come. Having just been to the doctor yesterday, she reports that both the baby and I are healthy and almost ready for the delivery. The baby has dropped, but is, as they say, "sunny side up," meaning that it is facing out instead of back. In addition, the umbilical cord is presently in a bit of a precarious position. Both of these conditions are not currently a problem, but need to change before delivery day in order for us to go ahead with a natural birth. Please be in prayer with us that God will, in his perfect timing, correct both of these situations.

And one final prayer request...that both Javier and I will be able to build and sustain a new and successful ministry to the one who will be our first true disciple. We will let you know when s/he arrives!!

If you or someone you know is interested in helping support our work here in Guatemala, you can do so through our mission, Commission to Every Nation. Through their website, you can make a one-time donation or a monthly commitment to helping us serve others. All donations are tax deductible and greatly appreciated by both ourselves and those you help us to serve. If you have specific questions about our ministries or just our lives here, please do not hesitate to contact us here or through email at: slynnll@gmail.com