2nd Anniversary Celebration

This weekend was pretty intense, with a quinceaños celebration on Saturday and the celebration of our church's 2nd anniversary on Sunday. There's a lot I could write about the 15años, and will eventually, but I'll concentrate on the anniversary celebration.  I generally like intense weekends, a sentiment not always shared by others...although I am loathe to admit it, I do get a wee bit more tired than I used to!

Church anniversaries in Mexico are always special days, and it really doesn't matter if a church is 1 year old or 20 years old, the church's anniversary is likely to be celebrated, at least in my experience. It is even more special, however, when the church is young.

 Again, in my experience the birth of a church is similar to the birth of a child--the first two years are almost always years of explosive, exponential growth. In the case of the first Sendero church planted in this area, we began with 15 people, and during the second year grew to over 60. We saw a similar trend in the second church...the first year was marked by consistent growth, but the second year more than doubled the size of the congregation.

 Yesterday was a special day, with friend Toño Muñoz preaching a sermon on unity from Philippians. But before that there were special presentations from different ministry group in the church. The Sunday school groups sang several songs. The women also sang two praise songs. The youth group presented a drama. Becky Muñoz also ministered in music. We viewed a Powerpoint with over 220 photos, reminding us visually of all the God has done during these past two years.

Of course, afterward we enjoyed tasty tacos made from all sorts of different dishes, and a 10 kilo cake. All in all, a wonderful day, a day shared with our brothers and sisters from Sendero 1, the first church.  My wife said that she knows that the women bought at least 10 kilos (22 lbs.) of tortillas, but when I managed to get to the taco line, there were no more tortillas...they had to go buy more!  There were over 100 adults in attendance yesterday, plus probably 50 or so kids and young people.

There is something very special in being a part of a group of people who genuinely care for and enjoy one another, and who are bound together by Someone much greater than themselves, dedicated to a purpose much bigger than themselves.  People who, though not related, consider themselves family.

One of our goals for 2012 is to raise funds both in the church and from those of you who pray and support the ministry here, to be able to purchase a plot of land or suitable building for a church property for this young work.

Thanks to Tina and Tiffany for their photos that I've stolen (again)!  Check out Tina's report on yesterday on her blog.

Quote of the Day:  "A Christian's life is the world's Bible."  D. L. Moody