Throughout Scripture, God encourages spiritual growth.We are exhorted to mature in our faith.This is not always easy as we like to stay where we've become comfortable!But sometimes God places opportunities before us and we can seize the moment.

David recently had the opportunity to travel with 14 Baptist leaders from Southern Baja to a conference at the Theological School in Mexicali where our missionary colleagues the Barnes and Longs minister.Two intense workshops were offered;one on Family and the other on Preaching.So many leaders from Southern Baja were able to travel North because an ABC church in the states offered scholarships.(La Paz is almost 1000 miles south of the border)David said it was such a blessing to receive excellent teaching and training in two areas where he sees leaders struggle.Several of them came with their wives, so that was an additional blessing as the workshop leader shared about marriage.We praise God for everyone who united together to make this conference happen, and for the leaders who responded to an opportunity to grow.

Our son Aaron celebrated his 13th birthday on February 9th.Aaron was 5 years old when we left for Mexico in 1999.He is now transforming into a young man.It has been exciting to see him grow in his walk with Christ.Aaron was baptized in La Paz two years ago.He plays the drums in our English Worship Praise Band.And he is active in our small youth group.We praise God for your prayers as you lift us up on a daily basis, especially our children and their lives as cross-cultural kids.

Crossroads, our ministry to English-speaking people, is growing up too!She is preparing for her organizational service to be held on April 28th.This means that Crossroads will officially become a mission church of the Baptist Convention in Southern Baja.To prepare for this service, we are reviewing our statements of faith each month (God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Scripture, Sin, Salvation, etc.) in order to answer questions the pastors will ask us about our spiritual journey as a community of faith.It is an opportunity to model unity and bridge-building in the name of Christ.We praise God for the numerical and spiritual growth of this body of believers!

Missions is sharing God's story so that those far away will come near, and those already close will continue grow.How is God's Mission unfolding in your life?

In Christ's Love,

David and Joyce Reed

La Paz, Mexico