Starting the Year off Right...

Although our financial ministry year technically starts again each year on August 1, this week is the first week of the ministry year for us in terms of the schedule. Club begins again this week on Thursday, and we are also kicking off our new times of prayer and worship. This year, we will have several open times of prayer throughout the week at various times in the hopes that these times of corporate prayer will not just be for our team, but for the whole church. We're looking forward to seeing how God uses these times. In Club, I'll be teaching seven and eight-year-old girls this year, and I'm really excited about it. In particular, I am thankful to be able to continue my relationships with many of my girls from last year that I taught in the five and six-year-olds class who are moving up this year.

In the past recent weeks, we have been preparing for this official start to the ministry year. One of my favorite aspects of CFCI is what a prayer-driven ministry it is, and this is certainly the case as we get ready to begin again. A few highlights:

• Individual half day of prayer: We went to some land just outside Fresnillo and all had time to just get away by ourselves and spend time with the Lord. It was a wonderful morning and one that was so refreshing to my soul. Not only did I enjoy listening to the Lord and delighting in Him, but I also loved being outside in nature in an area that was so pretty, it almost reminded me of the South. ;)
• Corporate half day of prayer: We gathered together at our main ministry building and took time to pray for each ministry in detail, including individuals by name who were involved in each ministry. What a great way to begin!
• Team commissioning: Every year, as missionaries we have a special team commissioning before the ministry year begins. This year was the first year we had the commissioning with our whole team--missionaries and national workers together. It was a special time of remembering our purpose, renewing our commitment as ministry leaders, taking communion together, and praying for each member of the team individually and at length. After this very encouraging service, we also went out to dinner to celebrate.

And now, let the "new year" begin! :)

2010-2011 Club Team

Top Row, L-R: Juan, Germán, Chicles

Bottom Row, L-R: me, Elizabeth, Becca, Ruth

Where we had our individual half day of prayer...

yay for the gentle stream and the green trees!