Visit with Chris and Eleanor

We had a great visit with Chris and Eleanor this past weekend. It was fun to catch up with them and share Eleanor and Nancy's upcoming birthdays. We also visited with our nephew in Kansas. We were reminded how precious our families are to us, and we thank God for them. We are also thankful for our brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ around the world. Being part of God's family is a huge gift of God's grace. We invite you to give thanks today for folks in your life who are special to you, and tell them how much they mean to you. Many Blessings, Dan and Nancy

Fun Ministry and Engaging Learning

We've had an interesting few days. In addition to our usual schedule-filling studies, on Saturday morning we helped with a Sidewalk Ministry our church does with Hispanic kids in a local Nicholasville neighborhood. There were about 15 highly energetic children present. We played games, helped them with a Scripture memory verse, had a teaching time about Paul's conversion, and then took them to church for a free lunch. We were once again humbled by God's grace in our lives as we had the chance to share Jesus' loves with them. Sunday morning we worshipped at our home church at 9:30 and then went to St. Luke UMC in Lexington to support our friend Kent Reynolds who was preaching that day. Kent did a fabulous job as he talked about the River of Life from Ezekial. It was Mission Sunday and he invited the congregation to receive the new life that comes from God's Living Waters, but then to also be a conduit of that new life for others (he was singing our song!). Today (Wednesday) Dan heard two speakers who addressed the critical need for Christians to engage civil society. It is an unbiblical dichotomizing of the gospel to think that Christianity means we do our "God-stuff" in the church but have no impact in the world. Jesus talks about being the world's light and salt, and these speakers encouraged us to take His teachings seriously and commit ourselves to practicing collaborative engagement. An important question to ask is "What difference has it made to your COMMUNITY that your local church exists?" All in all, we continue to be taught, challenged, encouraged, and equipped. We are so thankful that God continues to patiently grow us. Much Love, Dan and Nancy

Seminary Funds Needed

The final payment for the VZ Seminary property is due in February, and funds are still needed. Additionally, the exchange rate is currently favorable, so we need to take advantage of this brief window of opportunity before the exchange goes back down again. We invite you to give generously to this vital ministry. The Seminary is equipping Christian leaders in Venezuela to have a missional mindset and lead their congregations in focusing outside themselves in order to reach their communities with holistic ministries. It is making an enormous difference. In addition to giving generously, please pray specifically that God would raise up many believers to support this effort. To give, make your check payable to VNI, write "Seminary property" on the memo line, and mail to VNI, PO Box 1655, Duluth, GA 30096. If you have any questions or want more information, please let us know. Much Love, Dan and Nancy

Great Time Hosting College Students

We have had a busy but blessed week. Last night was the highlight so far, as we hosted four Asbury College students in our home. Blair is the son of our missionary friends David and Carol who are serving in Venezuela, and he is a senior this year. He and his friend Kat came over. Additionally, Stuart is the nephew of our missionary friends Ray and Lidia who are serving in Costa Rica, and he and his roommate Caleb came over. They are both freshman. They enjoyed home cooked roast, carrots,mashed potatoes broccoli, cornbread, and chocolate chip cookies. We all enjoyed visiting with one another and sharing God's grace together. One of the most enlightening dimensions of our global participation with God's work is sharing stories of how the Spirit moves in different parts of the world. Go God!

Word and Deed

Dan returned yesterday from a 2-day conference in New Orleans that focused on the importance of understanding that evangelism involves both Word and Deed. This was a gathering of evangelism professors from seminaries and colleges throughout the country, as well as Canada. Dr. Ron Sider was the keynote speaker (pictured here), and he did a fabulous job talking about how we must remember that Word and Deed are not identical, but they are both essential in the evangelizing process. This was a wonderful reminder that Christians must "name the Name" of Jesus with people, but must also "love the neighbor" in specific, real, concrete, ways that help people in their lives. This week we encourage you to fulfill this vital understanding of Loving God and Loving Neighbor, based on Jesus' words in Matthew 22:37-39. Much Love, Dan and Nancy

Pray for Yolanda, Dan to New Orleans

For your prayer focus the next day or two, please pray for Pastora Yolanda in Venezuela. She operates six daycare centers, pastors a church, and sponsors children's outreach activities in two additional very poor communities. Dan is headed to New Orleans for a Conference focusing on the Gospel in the Place of Suffering. Please pray for safe travel, learning, and God to be glorified. Many Blessings, Dan and Nancy