The Theological School

David has asked the Baptist pastors of La Paz if they would each teach a 2-week seminar on their various areas of expertise or knowledge.In January, Pastor Guillermo of El Mesias taught a class on the Ministry of Small Groups.He explained why they can be important to a church's growth and shared the practical steps to organizing them.His church has been implementing cell groups for over a year now.Cell groups, while not a new idea to our churches in the United States, are not widely practiced in Mexico.We have seen small groups transform a congregation, and thus are excited about how this model might work here in La Paz.

The Youth Institute

Statistics from the last census reveal that 43% of the Mexican population is 28 years old or younger.Because of this, David has long wanted to encourage the churches to have a greater emphasis on youth ministry.He has even advocated that 40% of their ministry efforts should be in this area to match the census data!There are few churches that have an official youth ministry program due to lack of resources.We have never even met a church that has an official youth pastor position.Most churches can barely pay their main pastor, let alone hire another staff member.But two of our churches in La Paz, La Primera and El Mesias, who have larger congregations and significant young adult groups, have expressed a desire to learn more about how to minister effectively to this age group.Therefore, two weeks ago, David began teaching a 2-hour class on Saturday mornings about the Theology of Youth Ministry.The class has attracted about 15 people comprised of pastors, adult advisers to the youth groups, and young adults who have felt a call to ministry.David is excited about all this potential!He has called them to the vision of how God could totally revolutionalize the Baja Peninsula if just one generation was won and discipled for Christ.Please pray for this fledgling class.

Toe-Tappin' Music

Crossroads Christian Fellowship truly does become a crossroads of people and their gifts during the winter months when more tourists and cruisers flock south of the border.Tim and Susan Forde sailed into La Paz about 2 months ago.Susan plays the guitar and Tim the banjo.They have an affinity to blue-grass music.We invited them to join our praise band for Sunday Worship, and also asked if they would give a special concert one Wednesday evening.We have been so blessed by their music!Many of the songs they play are old gospel favorites (I'll Fly Away, I've Been Redeemed, The Unclouded Day).Susan also had some "spoons" and "wooden sticks" and randomly invited people in the congregation to join in the fun.Last week another person brought a tambourine.The joy of the Lord is our strength!

The Cactus Sanctuary

What does a group of Christians do for an afternoon of fellowship on a Sunday afternoon?Well, those of us that live here year round think the water is way too cold for swimming in January, so a trip to the beach is out.But what about a visit to the Cactus Sanctuary?25 of the Crossroads group ventured about a ½ hour outside of La Paz last week to walk marked pathways through a variety of cacti.Then, afterwards, we had a picnic near a cemetery that dated back to the 1700s.We were near an old mining town called El Triunfo.Some of the graves were of the Chinese Miners that had immigrated to Baja and worked in the gold mine.We closed the afternoon with a prayer circle, asking God's travel mercies for several couples that were heading back to the states after a winter break in La Paz.They were headed back to snow—poor dears!

Our Family

The kids and Joyce have entered the Home school routine after a month off for Christmas & New Year's.Aaron and a friend from church co-purchased a hamster.Well, the first one died, so they're on number 2 now.This one is called Taffy and seems to be healthier than the first.He travels back and forth between the 2 homes.Ian is saving money to buy a snake.This idea came about after his best friend Joel got one.As long as it is not a tarantula, his mother will probably survive!We also hope it does not escape and eat the hamster.David has been cycling in his free time for exercise.Joyce just finished writing a 3rd Bible Study for the American Baptist Women.It should be printed by June.You can find out about the previous 2 on the ABW web site. (Women of the Word & Women of the Wild)

Thank You

We celebrate with you over the increased giving towards the WMO this past fall!Your sacrificial giving towards missions continues to awe and inspire us.Partnering together, we will see lives changed as people are enveloped by God's love and truth.Thank you for your passion for missions!

In Christ,

David, Joyce, Ian and Aaron Reed