Fabrics and Beads

Today our friend and helper Ana accompanied us to downtown Barquisimeto to buy fabric for curtains for the Seminary dorms, plus beads to use in teaching ladies how to make jewelry. We had a great time, and we are thankful to know that Nancy's sewing and craft abilities will be able to be used in the ministry here. Thank you for your continued prayers. Much Love, Dan and Nancy

Busy but Blessed

We have been very busy the past 10 days, but it has been a blessed time. As you may recall, David and Carol left last Tuesday, late morning. We spent Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday, and Thursday getting the house set up the way it will work best for us. David and Carol left it in great shape, so we were able to start right away on re-arranging furniture, unpacking our suitcases, etc., in order to set up housekeeping. Friday was a work day for both of us. I chipped away at a couple projects related to Seminary administration, and Nancy began the process of setting up the financial administration in a way that will best match her gifts and the ministry's needs. Then we actually took the entire weekend OFF. Two whole days of rest and reading novels. It was wonderful. This week we've been doing more of the same. I made more progress with administrative tasks, and I also did some dissertation-related work. I read an academic, theological book in Spanish (aye papa!) plus 3 articles in English. Nancy made great headway with setting up her accounting system, and together we worked to bring everything up to date. She also got to start setting up her sewing room! First on the agenda for sewing will be to make curtains for the women's dorm at the Seminary. Thank you so much for your prayers: we definitely discern your prayer support and it is making a world of difference. We both sense a strong confirmation that we have accurately heard God's call to be here during this year, and we can see the ways He might be able to use us, and more importantly, to teach/guide/form us. His grace continues to amaze! Much Love, Dan and Nancy

Transition

It's a little more real now! This morning David and Carol and Warren and Jane headed to Caracas prior to flying back to the States. So we are now alone in the house, with the exception of regular visits from our dear friend and helper, Anna, who is pictured with us above. The other pictures shows me walking to the end of the street to open the gate so that the van could leave, and then close the gate behind them. What a mixture of emotions we have: excited, scared, curious, trusting, wondering, anticipatory, cautious - but we know that God is faithful and will bring about His plan in our lives, as long as we continue to trust, discern, and follow. Thank you so much for your continued prayers. Much Love, Dan and Nancy

2010 Graduation, Wesleyan Seminary of Venezuela

Today we had the great joy of being a part of Sam's and Laura's wedding here in Venezuela. Sam is the right-hand-man in the ministry here, and we love him dearly. It was such a blessing to be able to share this occasion with them. While they are on their honeymoon, we will continue the transitioning process. Tomorrow, Nancy meets with Carol one final time to help finalize the transition related to ministry finances, and I will meet with David to help finalize the transition regarding Seminary records, classes, grades, etc. We can't believe that we've already been here 11 days. So far, things are going very well, and we are thankful to God for the opportunity to be a small part of what He is up to in Venezuela. Much Love, Dan and Nancy

Seminary Week, Graduation Banquet

We enjoyed a good week in the Wesleyan Seminary of Venezuela. Dan had fun translating for part 2 of Warren's course on the Mission of the Church. The students responded well to his insights, especially concerning how to engage in strategic planning, so that when they dream God's dreams for how they can reach lost people, they can partner with God to bring those dreams to reality. Tonight we celebrated the graduation banquet for the 11 graduates and their families. It was great to see so many smiling faces and hear testimonies from the students about the impact the Seminary has had on their lives and ministries. Nancy has been working diligently with Carol to make the transition concerning administrative issues with the ministry here. We appreciate all that Carol and David have been doing here, and hope that we can fill their shoes at least halfway! Thank you for your continued prayers. Much Love, Dan and Nancy

Powerful Worship at Ondas de Paz UMC

Today we were privileged to participate in a joyful and powerful worship experience at Ondas de Paz UMC. Musical worship helped us focus on celebrating God's love in our lives and giving Him thanks and glory, with an exuberant spirit of gratitude and glee. The preaching was strongly based in Biblical truth, with an emphasis upon the full life which God intends for each of us, in conjunction with an emphasis upon honoring God as God rather than attempting to use God for our own ends. Several people made first-time decisions to become Christ-followers (pictured on the left), and there was also a 20-minute time of prayer for married couples focusing on restoration, reconciliation, or renewed commitment. This was a special work of the Spirit for many couples (some of whom are pictured at the right). This local congregation has just recently moved the setting of its worship experiences because it outgrew the former facilities. It is exciting to see how the pastors and lay ministers of this congregation have been impacted by some of the training they have shared in the Wesleyan Seminary of Venezuela. God is amazing! Please continue to pray for the UMC of Venezuela (and for all other churches too). There is a great need here for a strong move of the Spirit. Much Love, Dan and Nancy

Safely in Cabudare

We arrived safely in Cabudare yesterday afternoon, following a 7-hour drive. It is normally a 5-hour drive, but we encountered a lot of delays, including a closed tunnel (due to a water pipe bursting), 2 closed lanes due to a landslide, and several traffic checkpoints. But we made it safely, had a pleasant evening with David and Carol and Warren and Jane. Today we begin the Annual Conference of the UMC of Venezuela. Pictured above is the view from the mountainous highway that we had to take to get around the closed tunnel. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Have Arrived Safely in Venezuela

We arrived safely in Venezuela last night - made it to our guest quarters close to the Caracas airport around 11:30 - this morning we drive to Cabudare, about 5 or 6 hours - this will be our home for the next 12 months. Tomorrow begins a whirlwind schedule for 10 days - Friday/Saturday, Annual Conference of the UMC of VZ; Sunday, either preach or translate for Warren to preach; Monday-Friday, translate for Warren to teach in the Semnary; Friday night, graduation dinner; Saturday, graduation (the 2nd graduating class of the Wesleyan Seminary of Venezuela!); Sunday, church and then Sam and Laura's wedding. Please pray for wisdom, strength, health, and guidance during this busy time. Thank you for your partnership with us in the gospel.