This past October El Jordan celebrated 15 years!! In many Latin cultures, 15 is the “sweet 16” of North America, and here in Bolivia it is celebrated by going all out. For us at El Jordan it was a day to celebrate, but not because of the number but because of remembering God’s faithfulness through out those years. We invited just about everyone we could, who had had a part in bringing El Jordan to where it is today. Between adults and children there was over 350 of us!! What a testimony to God’s hand, mercy, love and grace for us. (we do have a wonderful PowerPoint showing El Jordan’s journey but due to third world tech problems, we haven’t been able to upload it yet!)
Joy and Sorrow...
Many times in El Jordan, we have the joy of celebrating milestones with our students and many times we also are the ones to walk along side them in their heartaches.
On November 13 2015, Lorena (featured on the right) with her family welcomed a teeny, tiny, baby boy born at 8mths! Lorena’s pregnancy had been filled with complications and so when she was finally able to hold him in her arms, she was relieved that he was finally here… Sadly, though on November 29th , God called him home, his little body just wasn’t ready for this world and so he went to be with his heavenly father… That day was long and heartbreaking, they were being accused of abuse, the police treating them unfairly and rudely, the news cameras trying to catch a story and in the end they were cleared. Lorena asked for prayer, that she wouldn’t be angry with God… We prayed that this would only draw them closer to Him (they hadn’t really shown a deep understanding of Christ Jesus before). As Lorena and Miguel (dad) laid their little baby to rest, they decided to name him Juan Jahaziel meaning: Beheld by God…. What a name and what a comfort… Since this time there has been little signs of Lorena’s faith growing, baby steps being taken. We pray that these steps would be a continually growth in her and her family!Christmas on the Streets
This year we cooked just over 2700 meals!! Each year the Christmas meal gets a little easier and as we go through the day we rejoice with Him at the work that is being done. With this we are seeing more and more groups joining and/or more awareness for those normally forgotten… an encouragement and also a time to pursue even more… pray with us as we slowly let go of those who are being reached by others, to focus on those who have yet to be reached!
A Bend In the Road
For every twist and bend, comes change… inwardly, outwardly, sometimes good, sometimes bad, sometimes easy and sometimes hard. I am calling this year, the year of change… many things are changing (staff, schedules, bigger, smaller, stricter, second chances, new roles). All these things are good if we look to God for the guidance, discernment and wisdom… pray for us and praise with us as we drive this road and seek Him for our directions!