Las Delicias Water Project...moving ahead in 2008
We met with the community leaders Saturday (January 12th) and began working through a fundraising plan for the completion of the project. We've calculated that we need $1.2 million to finish. ENLACE will continue to fundraise for the project (we were able to raise $200K over the Christmas holiday because of a donor challenge). We've estimated that the work will take 2 years to finish once we start, but the community does not want to wait to start the next stage. In the month of February they plan to do a survey of 1200-1500 families to see how much each family can pay towards the project. They hope to raise between $200K-$400K themselves. So we hope to begin the next phase in the March where we will start cutting, digging, and laying the first of 33 kilometers of piping. We'll keep you updated with photos of the construction.
50/50...it's a great idea
Last month I spoke at Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley. It was a great experience, and I really enjoyed getting to know the church and their vision. In 2007 this church reached their goal of giving 50% of their income out towards missions, church planting, and ministry to the poor. This equated to a rough total of $4 million. This is not only incredible when compared to the national average (2-5% * www.emptytomb.org ), but has done amazing things in their body as they've gained a vision of what it means to live as a disciple of Christ with their resources. You can hear Francis' sermon explaining their vision earlier this year by going to their website www.cornerstonesimi.com and looking for the sermon named "I'm in Love, Part II" under the media and sermon section.
MA Siss Story...A Church in a Chop Shop
I just read this story about an amazing church started in a rough area in Massachusetts. "MA Siss" started a church by purchasing an old chop shop and starting a thrift store. As a result, she and a group of believers are changing their neighborhood as they reach out to serve the least. The Boston Globe did an incredible job covering this story with plenty of photos and videos. Go here
One year anniversery...
If you can believe it this week will mark one year since the shooting in Abelines (Jan 18th). I can't say enough how much God has done to restore me, our family, and use this event to encourage many to trust in God's love (to hear me share the testimony visit here see media/sermon/"the cost of missional living"). Our first mission team of the year ventured up to Abelines last week to provide medical and dental care to hundreds. One dentist pulled over 180 rotten teeth. I wasn't able to join them because we were in the U.S., but I heard nothing but incredible stories of how the church continues to serve and transform their community through Christ. This year they will work to train three surrounding churches along with all the initiatives they have planned. See more great pics (these are incredible!) taken by David Mcgee (another ENLACE missionary) of last weeks trip. Go here.
