Global Impact

Pastor Chris recently traveled with ministry partners Paul Sandberg and Rafael Restrepo to lead sessions at a regional leadership training event. He taught six sessions to a group of around 40 leaders, with participation growing throughout the week. One attendee even traveled over 100 miles to be part of the training. These leaders are deeply committed to learning and growing. Please keep them and their communities in your prayers.

January 2024

Our longtime ministry partners, Wilbert and Gloria, along with their family, are currently facing serious health and ministry challenges. While each of us is responsible for our own journey, Galatians 6:2 reminds us to carry one another’s burdens, fulfilling the law of Christ. Wilbert and Gloria are bearing more than a typical load right now and would deeply appreciate your prayers.

Please keep their family in prayer:

Health Needs:

• Clarity in diagnosis and treatment for Gloria, who is dealing with severe back pain

• Strength and care for Wilbert, who is managing multiple health conditions and limited mobility

• Continued recovery for Naomi following surgery, with focus on improved mobility and digestive function

• Support for Jacob as he navigates university life with developmental challenges

Ministry Needs:
Pray for renewed vision, resources, and partners to sustain and grow their outreach efforts:

• Programs supporting children and youth through education and mentorship

• Discipleship and sports-based initiatives for boys

• Students enrolled in the VIDA leadership development program

• Ongoing support for elderly care and programs for children with special needs

January 2025

Wishing all a great start to 2025.

On October 29th, Valencia, the capital of our state, was severely flooded. The images are fearful and 224 lives were lost, over 100,000 cars damaged and that is just a start. Cristina, a lady we led to Christ over 30 years ago said this, “It was daunting. When it started, we were in the supermarket with my grandson, Angelo, and thanks to him I was able to cross the street because the water was rising quickly. When we got to the door of our building, we were almost knee-deep in water but couldn't open the door because the pressure of the water wouldn't let it open.” Cristina went on to say that she feared for the many lives she witnessed get caught in the torrent of the water. Please pray for Valencia. They are still doing cleanup and assessment. Pray for the churches and communities effected.

In November, we had a 3-day conference with Answers in Genesis, expounding on the 7 days of creation. Some in attendance were challenged to rethink their creation views.

The International church is doing well with new families arriving. We had a very active December. During those days, I traveled to London to do the funeral of one of our previous Deacons who served God with love.

The Spanish church is meeting its challenges with the new youth that have become part of the meetings. They also had to deal with the death of a 28-year-old church member. Please pray for the family as they deal with their loss.

Thank you all for your support, prayer and love. We know we are blessed to have you all in our lives.

January 2025

Leadership Training Program:
We feel honored to be entrusted with the role of equipping and empowering local church leaders and pastors. To this end, we run a structured Bible training course designed to help participants grow into effective and fruitful ministry. Last year, 54 students graduated from the program, and currently 298 pastors and leaders are enrolled. There are now 19 training classes operating regionally, with plans and prayers to expand to 29 in the coming year.

Practical Outreach:
Many remote communities in our region still face significant challenges—both physical and spiritual. Some have yet to hear the Good News, and many lack access to basic resources like clean cooking methods and reliable lighting. Each year, we provide smokeless stoves and solar lights to improve quality of life and reduce environmental impact. Alongside these tools, we also share a message of hope. This year, we reached 200 households in two of the most remote districts with these resources.

Family Update:
As a family, we are doing well and grateful to be serving in this calling. Recently, a friend asked why we haven’t sought a more comfortable life elsewhere. I paused, then answered: I know why I was born, and I know my purpose. There is nothing more meaningful than serving the Lord where we are, and we feel blessed to be part of this mission.

Prayer Requests:

• For continued wisdom, clarity, and direction

• For fruitful and impactful ministry

• For the strength and resources to expand this work even further